Fall 2021
M
E
UPDATE
Muskingum on the Move A SEMESTER OF
OMENTUM
AND
NERGY
INSIDE: Welcome Class of 2025 • Magenta Homecoming 2021 Quad Center Renovations: Bait Shop • New Cross Country & Archery Courses Open
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UPDATE
Copyright © 2021 Muskingum Update is published by Muskingum University, 10 College Drive, P.O. Box 1837 New Concord, Ohio 43762-1837
Editor: Annette Giovengo Nolish Contributors and Photography: Michelle Ball, Oscar Rzodkiewicz, Tom Caudill ’05G Online Archives: muskingum.edu/updatemag Comments and Questions: theupdate@muskingum.edu 740-826-8134 Address Changes: alumni@muskingum.edu 740-826-8131
Contents From the President’s Desk
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Class of 2025: Welcoming our New Muskies
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Transformation Bait Shop 6
@muskingumalumni
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Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex
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New Athletics Courses: Agnes Moorehead Farm
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Learning
10
Athletics
14
Gatherings
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Grants
20
Sharing The Legacy
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From the President’s Desk Dear Muskingum Alumni and Friends, Muskingum on the Move describes the momentum and energy of this semester on our campus. That energy began in August as we welcomed the Class of 2025, our largest in a decade, along with a new group of faculty and staff. It is a privilege to watch their excitement about living and learning on our campus. Our dedicated faculty and staff are serving our undergraduate students with wonderful on-campus learning opportunities. The campus community continues to show amazing creativity and resilience as we all are learning new ways to connect and learn with and from one another. Momentum continues throughout the semester as improvements are made to our educational facilities. We are fortunate to have the engagement of faculty, staff, and students in these projects as we incorporate their vision for the future of this campus. An example of this vision came from our Senior Director of Facilities and Physical Plant Kevin Wagner, who outlined a plan for how the Agnes Moorehead farm could support our athletic programs. Many thanks to Kevin and the physical plant and athletics staff members who brought these new venues to life. It was a great joy to welcome our returning alumni for Magenta Homecoming 2021, in a mix of in-person and virtual events. Celebrating the 50-year reunions of our Classes of 1970 and 1971 and hosting a graduation celebration for the Class of 2020 provided a poignant reminder of the power of community in the face of the very unusual challenges of the past 18 months. The commitment of our alumni, friends, faculty, and staff makes it possible for us to extend the impact of the Long Magenta Line every day on campus, in our communities, and in the world around us. As always, thank you for your encouragement and support. With gratitude, President Susan S. Hasseler
Keep up with President Hasseler through her email newsletter Magenta Lines. Email magentalines@muskingum.edu to subscribe.
Listen to “Muskingum on the Move” with President Hasseler each month to learn about campus news, updates, and events. Episodes air every third Thursday at 9:00 a.m. on WMCO 90.7 and Orbit Media Online. Pictured: Will Ford ’21.
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CLASS OF 2025
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MEET THE CLASS OF 2025 Their dynamic energy and excitement was evident from the very first day of the Fall 2021 semester. We look forward to the impact they will continue to bring to our campus and Muskie community.
422
48%
52%
253
First-Year Students
Female
Male
High Schools
25
14
3.42
26
States
International
Average High
High School
Students
School GPA
Class Officers
5
6
148
63
Eagle Scouts
Gold Award
First in their Family
Legacies: at least
to attend College
one sibling, parent,
Welcome
Welcome NEW MUSKIES! Girl Scouts
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grandparent, or other family member is a Muskie!
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2021
Throughout Welcome Weekend, new students settled into their residences, met their classmates, explored the campus and New Concord, and chose from a variety of events and activities based on their interests.
OPENING
CONVOCATION The Muskingum community welcomed its new members with the traditional Opening Convocation ceremony on August 24, 2021. Matt Abbott ’05 was the featured speaker. As Executive Director of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority, he helps lead the region’s efforts in economic development and job creation, partnering with multiple government, public, and private organizations. “I was a first-generation college student,” he said. “Since graduating from Muskingum, I’ve been offered opportunities that I wouldn’t have dreamed of. Along the way, I’ve had many excellent people in my life, who have shaped me into the person I am today – many of whom taught and coached me during my University days.” He encouraged the students to get involved, chase their passions, step out of their comfort zones, learn to be a good teammate, and have fun! New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle and Student Senate President Sydni Trudo ’23 also offered special messages to the new students. To view the Opening Convocation ceremony, visit Muskingum University Opening Convocation 2021 on Vimeo.
“Everyone at Muskingum is so supportive and willing to help me be successful academically and in campus leadership.” Kennedy Borcoman ’25, Lebanon, Ohio. Kennedy is an early childhood and special education major, a PLUS Ambassador, and is helping lead the campus chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.
“The people are what I like best about Muskingum. Everyone is great – professors, coaches, teammates, and classmates.” Toleo Malone ’25, Nashville, Tennessee. A sport administration major, Toleo is a studentathlete on the football team. He is looking forward to being involved in campus activities during the upcoming semester.
“I love the sense of community at Muskingum. It is easy to meet and get to know people from across campus.” Grace Hamilton ’25, Steubenville, Ohio. A John and Annie Glenn Fellow, Grace is an early childhood and special education major, a student-athlete on the women’s tennis team, a Choir member, and performed in the first-year play.
“Muskingum’s size is perfect – I recognize most of the people I see. The campus is so beautiful, especially as the seasons change.” Wyatte Miller ’25, Plain City, Ohio. Wyatte will be majoring in athletics communication and sport administration. He is a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team, and especially enjoyed the Welcome Weekend campus events.
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Transformation
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QUAD CENTER RENOVATIONS:
Bait Shop
Campus community members returned to a new look and new menu in the Bait Shop this fall, complete with a Starbucks counter. Located in the Quad Center’s BOC (Bottom of the Center), the Bait Shop now features expanded and renovated dining and kitchen spaces. The upgrades were undertaken in partnership with Aramark, the University’s dining service provider. The renovations also feature an accessible entrance to the Bookstore and accessible restrooms on the BOC level. Construction of an elevator is underway, and when it is completed, the Top of the Center (TOC) will also be fully accessible to those with mobility impairments. These renovations mark the first phase of the Quad Center project. During future phases of the project, the building will receive a new roof and the TOC will be renovated to create a home for the new Impact Center. The Impact Center will provide comprehensive career preparation for students from their first day on campus through graduation, including exploring and securing experiential learning and community partnership opportunities. This innovative student success initiative is supported by the $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions grant Muskingum received in 2020 from the federal Department of Education.
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MOVING FORWARD:
The Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex STUDENTS HELP SHAPE FACILITY
Engineering students and faculty tour the site: Assistant Professor of Engineering Chandika Annasiwatta, Associate Professor of Physics Rob Wilson, Associate Professor of Physics Richard Taylor, Nicholas Proctor ’22, Christopher Hupp ’22, Camryn Woodley ’22, President Sue Hasseler, Maxwell Moffo ’22, Associate Professor of Engineering Sandra Soto-Caban, and Samuel Wilson ’22. Not pictured: John Yoder ’22.
As the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex (BHWC) continues to move forward, two groups of Muskingum students have been involved in special projects to help shape the new facility. THE KRATOVILLE INNOVATION FELLOWS are developing ideas for visual components of the main entrance of the BHWC, which will welcome visitors to the facility. Open to students from all majors who work in cohort to address a variety of interdisciplinary problems with creativity and innovation, the fellows program was made possible through the generosity of David ’81 and Karin Collins ’82 Kratoville. Associate Professor of Business Gary Golden and Associate Professor of Physics Rob Wilson advise the group. “The BHWC is such a great addition to Muskingum. For our project, we have been thinking about how it will benefit everyone on campus, community residents, and visitors.” Mattie Ruehrmund ’24, Columbus, Ohio. Mattie is majoring in communication and minoring in sport administration, is a Kratoville Innovation Fellow, a student-athlete on the softball team, and a member of the athletics communication team for Muskingum sporting events.
“With the Innovation Fellows, I have the chance to work with people outside of my major. It’s amazing that through this project I can help make a lasting impact at Muskingum.” Alexis Buchanan ’23, Zanesville, Ohio. Alexis is majoring in marketing and business and minoring in economics, is a Kratoville Innovation Fellow, and the student director of Muskingum’s Ignition Program.
SENIOR ENGINEERING MAJORS, guided by the physics and engineering faculty, are designing a special device to support flexible use of space within the building. By allowing a single person to safely move and store heavy exercise equipment to reconfigure a room’s layout, such a device enhances the multi-use purposes of BHWC spaces. “With these problem-based learning projects, we are gaining real-world experience while still in school. I’m excited to come back as an alumna and see the results in the BHWC.” Camryn Woodley ’22, Akron, Ohio. Camryn is majoring in engineering and minoring in mathematics, is a Kratoville Innovation Fellow, President of the Black Student Union, a member of FAD, and a student-athlete on the softball team.
Kratoville Innovation Fellows Mattie Ruehrmund ’24, Lia Buckley ’24, Aliyah Mills ’25, Alexandra Sheets ’24, Alexis Buchanan ’23, and Rayna Neszpaul ’25.
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Transformation
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New Cross Country and Archery Courses Created on Agnes Moorehead Farm Dedicated courses for Muskingum’s cross country and archery teams opened in fall 2021 on the University’s Agnes Moorehead Farm. Muskingum is one of only two universities in Ohio with a dedicated cross country course and one of only several in Ohio with a dedicated outdoor archery course. Located seven miles from campus in Rix Mills, the farm was acquired by the University in 2004. It had previously been held by generations of the Moorehead family, including Muskingum Class of 1923 graduate and award-winning film and television actor Agnes Moorehead.
CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach of Cross Country and Director of Track & Field Jake Gleason is enthusiastic about the opportunities the new course presents. “With our new course, we can create anything we need for our practices and competitions. We have three primary collegiate courses, for 5K, 6K, and 8K races, and can also configure a 4K collegiate short course. Our flexibility also allows us to create races that meet the needs of other segments of the running community, and we plan to host high school and middle school events in the future.” The new cross country course was inaugurated in August 2021 with the team’s annual Alumni Meet. The course also hosted two intercollegiate competition meets during the Fall 2021 semester, including a large invitational.
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Muskingum is scheduled to host the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Cross Country Championship meet in Fall 2022 on the new course, as well as the OAC Indoor Track Conference Championship in Spring 2023 in the new Bullock Health and Wellness Complex on campus.
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ARCHERY The Muskingum archery program began its inaugural season with the Fall 2021 semester. “It is fantastic to be starting our program with this dedicated course,” said Head Coach Craig Holycross ’09. “Archery runs for three seasons. 3D Outdoor is a fall sport, Indoor is a winter sport, and Outdoor Target is a spring sport. Our new course hosts our two outdoor seasons, and John Glenn Gym hosts our indoor season on campus.” “Archery is a fast-growing high school sport, and it is exciting to show our new facilities to prospective Muskingum students. They can see how they can join with our inaugural team and be part of building the program for the future.” “In this first year for our program, we have been practicing on our home course and traveling for USA Archery collegiate
Agnes Moorehead (1900-1974) graduated in the Muskingum Class of 1923 with a degree in biology. While on campus, she was active in drama, athletics, and Glee Club. After beginning her career as a teacher, she earned a master’s degree in English and public speaking from the University of Wisconsin and graduated with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Her drama career spanned stage, radio, film, and television. She made her film debut in the Orson Welles 1941 classic Citizen Kane, and ultimately received four Academy Award nominations. She won two Golden Globe awards and was a seven-time Emmy
tournaments, which are held throughout the country. We are looking forward to hosting an ASA (Archery Shooters Association) state qualifier tournament on our Moorehead Farm course in April 2022.” “We plan to host camps and clinics for multiple age groups in the future to help educate young students about the sport. We want the archery community to get to know Muskingum and all of the great opportunities we offer our student-athletes.” Muskingum’s archery program was recently awarded a Collegiate Archery Program grant from USA Archery, which will support the expansion of program equipment and resources for student-athletes. The University is the only OAC school to field an archery team and one of the only NCAA schools in Ohio to offer archery as a varsity sport.
nominee, winning for a 1967 guest-starring role on The Wild Wild West. She is best known for her 1964-1972 television role as Endora in Bewitched. She served Muskingum as a member of the Board of Trustees, established the Agnes Moorehead Scholarship Fund, and gifted a portion of her papers and memorabilia to the University, including her Emmy award. To learn more about Agnes Moorehead’s life and work, visit libguides.muskingum. edu/AgnesMoorehead.
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LEARNING
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Welcome New Educators
First Row (left to right):
Second Row (left to right):
Rebecca Finni, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
William Cooper, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Kathleen Jefferis, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Brian Bradshaw, Director of Master of Business Information Systems (MBIS)
Caroline Christoff, Assistant Professor of Philosophy James Fox, Assistant Professor of English Timothy Slekar, Director of the Educator Preparation Program
Christopher Hendley, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Beth Vaughn, Associate Professor of Accounting Natalie Mallis, Assistant Professor of Music Laura Reed, Assistant Professor of Education
Not Pictured: Natascha Toft Roelsgaard, Assistant Professor of Journalism
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Honoring Our Faculty Each year, Muskingum University presents faculty awards to recognize exceptional impact in teaching, scholarship, and service. Congratulations to the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 honorees! The William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching
Ana Kehrberg, Associate Professor of Psychology, 2021-2022
Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, Associate Professor of English, 2020-2021
The William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship
Laura Hilton, Professor of History, 2021-2022
Hallie Baker, Associate Professor of Health Science, 2020-2021
The Cora I. Orr Service Award
Danny Ingold, Homer A. Anderson Distinguished Professor of Natural Science, 2021-2022
Barbara Hansen, Dave Longaberger Professor of Teaching & Learning and Distinguished Professor of Education, 2020-2021
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LEARNING
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Inaugural MOT Graduates Receive Hoods On October 9, 2021, Muskingum’s first Master of Occupational Therapy graduates were honored in a Brown Chapel ceremony. The class members returned to campus to accept their master’s degree hoods in person, after graduating in the University’s May 6, 2021 virtual commencement ceremony. They are the first group in Muskingum’s history to earn Master of Occupational Therapy degrees. In addressing the class, President Sue Hasseler recognized their leadership and determination, as they enrolled as pioneers in a newly established program and then completed the majority of their studies under pandemic conditions. The two-year MOT program was established in Fall 2019 to meet critical healthcare workforce needs in the Southeastern Ohio region and beyond. Dr. Mary Arnold serves as the Program Director.
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2020 Alumni Cross the Platform Class of 2020 alumni gathered on campus during Magenta Homecoming for a special recognition ceremony on October 10, 2021. The class members, who graduated virtually on May 9, 2020, crossed the platform in person during the ceremony. They received congratulations from President Sue Hasseler and Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Kim Gage Rothermel ’71, and celebrated with family, friends, and Muskingum faculty and staff. Dr. Larry Normansell, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, was the featured speaker. Dr. Normansell served on the faculty from 1986 through 2020, holding the position of the Harry and Mary Evelyn Laurent Distinguished Professor of Psychology from 2008.
Professor Emeritus of Psychology Larry Normansell.
Reverend Dr. Rick Nutt, Professor Emeritus of Religion, offered the Invocation and the Benediction. A Muskingum faculty member from 1988 through 2018, he also served the University as Associate Provost. Hope Babbitt ’20 shared reflections with her classmates. Hope graduated with a major in animal studies and minors in Spanish, psychology, and sociology. In April 2020, Hope was recognized as the “Muskie of the Year” during the annual Magnus Awards. The Muskie of Year is presented to a student who demonstrates excellence in academic growth and achievement and in campus and community engagement and leadership.
Hope Babbitt ’20.
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ATHLETICS
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2001 SOFTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM SELECTED FOR HALL OF FAME a school-record 47th victory of the season, which still stands today. En route to the softball World Series, they won the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Regular-Season Championship, the OAC Tournament Championship, and the NCAA Central Region Championship. The Muskies ended the year winning 34 straight games to set the NCAA Division III record for the longest winning streak. The 2001 softball national championship team will be inducted into the Muskingum Athletic Hall of Fame during the Night of Impact on January 28, 2022. They will become the first-ever team to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
The Night of Impact, presented by Carol Goff & Associates Real Estate, will be hosted at EagleSticks Golf Club in Zanesville, Ohio beginning at 7:00 p.m. Muskingum’s Class of 2022 senior student-athletes will also be recognized during the event.
Under the leadership of legendary Coach Donna Newberry, the team won the University’s first NCAA Division III team national championship on May 20, 2001. Their 4-1 triumph captured the NCAA Division III softball national championship and set
On January 29, 2022 the championship softball team members will also be honored during the Muskingum men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Otterbein at the Anne C. Steele Center on campus.
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE Each year, Muskingum’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) works to enhance the total studentathlete experience at the University, extending the long tradition of involvement by Muskie student-athletes. SAAC members from each of Muskingum’s varsity sports dedicate themselves to supporting their fellow studentathletes, the University, and the community. Their initiatives are designed to: • Promote engagement and communication between the student-athletes and athletics administration. • Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues, including student-athlete welfare. • Generate a student-athlete voice within the Muskingum athletics department’s formulation of policies. • Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletic teams. • Organize community service efforts. • Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus and in the community.
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SAAC plans, organizes, and hosts a variety of events, including the Annual Golden Hook Awards, Hoops for Hunger food drive, and special promotions throughout the year at Muskingum athletic events. The group meets monthly and regularly discusses issues surrounding intercollegiate athletics and the lives of student-athletes both at Muskingum and across the country. The 2021-2022 SAAC Student Officers include President Gracie Andrews ’22 (women’s tennis), Vice President Kaylee Anstaett ’23 (women’s tennis), and Social Media/Promotions chairs Gavyn Freeland ’22 (football) and Tyler Reed ’23 (football). SAAC is advised by Tom Caudill ’05G, Assistant Athletic Director and Director/Assistant Professor of Athletics Communication.
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LINDSEY GRUNDFAST NAMED HEAD COACH OF WOMEN’S LACROSSE. Lindsey Grundfast joined Muskingum in Fall 2021, after serving three years as Head Coach of the Earlham College women’s lacrosse program, where she led the team to winning records and tournament berths. Her players excelled on the field, receiving multiple all-conference honors, and in the classroom, earning individual and team academic awards from the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA). She also served as a faculty leader for Earlham’s outdoor education program and taught a team-building class for athletics and wellness. In September 2021, Coach Grundfast was named a top-four finalist for the national NCAA Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Coach of the Year Award, which honors the service, leadership, and promotion of inclusion by a member of the LGBTQ community within college athletics. During her tenure
at Earlham, she collaborated with student-athletes to create the Queer Athlete & Allies Collective group, which serves as a safe space for LGBTQ studentathletes, and received Earlham’s Lavender Faculty/Staff Ally Award for her work. Coach Grundfast graduated from Dominican College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and earned a Master of Science degree in education from the State University of New York at New Paltz.
TRISTAN MURPHY ’19 NAMED DIRECTOR OF ESPORTS Tristan Murphy ’19 has been named Director of Esports for Muskingum. He previously served as an Assistant Coach for the University’s esports program, was lead coach and recruiter for the Muskie Rocket League team, assisted with six other esports competition squads, led film review and analysis sessions, and helped manage the academic progress of the program’s student-athletes. Prior to Muskingum, he served Twitch Interactive as a content creator and produced, edited, and posted content for TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. He also collaborated with professional esports players and professional content creators from organizations such as Spacestation Gaming,
NEED HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTO
G2 Esports, and Renault Vitality and freelanced as a video editor, creating materials for other content creators for their TikTok and YouTube channels. He began his esports playing career at an early age and transitioned to playing Fortnite competitively as a student at Muskingum. He also competes in Rocket League, where he is part of an amateur team that has had competitive success in tournaments such as the Intel World Open North American Qualifiers. He earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) degree at the University.
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GATHERINGS
Muskies reconnected, reminisced, and made new memories celebrating Magenta Homecoming 2021.
Class of 1970 alumni connect.
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Event highlights included the 50th Reunion Lunch for the Classes of 1971 and 1970, Alumni Award Panel, Awards Banquet, Collage Concert, President’s Update, men’s soccer and football games, Homecoming Court festivities, and Worship Service. Mark your calendar and plan to join us next year on September 16-18 for Magenta Homecoming 2022!
Go Muskies! Cheering on men’s soccer.
Visiting the BHWC “Under Construction” Open House.
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A 70th Reunion! Six members of the Class of 1951 gathered, with five attending in person and one attending virtually. They have already begun planning for their 75th Reunion.
Catching up on the Quad.
Celebrating the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 Homecoming Kings and Queens.
Cruising the campus.
Welcoming the Classes of 1971 and 1970.
To view a video recap and watch recorded events, visit www.muskingum.edu/alumni/magenta-homecoming.
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GATHERINGS
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Honoring
ALUMNI IMPACT 2021 Alumni Distinguished Service Awards
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Alumni Distinguished Service Awards honor those who have attained the highest levels of achievement in their professions and whose service to others has had an extraordinary impact on the world.
William L. (Bill) Baker ’57 Immediately after graduating with his B.S. degree in mathematics, Bill Baker founded Southeastern Equipment Company, now the world’s largest privately owned Case construction dealership, with 200 employees in 18 locations across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. A community leader, Bill is a Director of Quaker City Bank and a 33rd Degree Mason. He served for two terms as Mayor of Old Washington, and as President of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and of the Case Dealer Council. He created the William L. Baker Family Medical Center of the Genesis Health Systems to provide expanded cancer care in the region. Bill and his late wife Nancy are the parents of William L. Baker II and Susan L. Hess.
John Hoopingarner ’76 Currently Of Counsel with McMahon DeGulis LLP, John Hoopingarner served for 31 years as the Executive Director of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, overseeing more than $300 million in capital improvements to dams, reservoirs, and recreation facilities. He serves as a Director of Unified Bank and United Bancorp, Inc., as President of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation, and as the Ohio Commissioner of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. John earned his B.A. degree in history and his J.D. degree from Ohio Northern University Claude W. Petit School of Law. He and his wife Susan reside in Dover, Ohio. They are the parents of Scott and Katie, and the grandparents of Dylan, Blake, Jackson, and Cohen.
Kathleen Lee ’76 Kathleen Lee served as Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Central Indiana from 2012 until her retirement in 2021, leading the institution through significant growth in downtown campus facilities, satellite campus locations, educational programs, and enrollment. During her 36 years with Ivy Tech, her positions included Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dean of Health Sciences and Public Services, and Director of Clinical Education for the Respiratory Care Program. She began her career as a respiratory therapist. Kathleen earned her B.S. degree in biology, an A.S. degree in respiratory therapy and an M.S. degree in adult and community education from Indiana University, and an Ed.D. degree in adult and community education from Ball State University. She resides in Indianapolis.
2021 Emerging Alumni Awards The Emerging Alumni Awards recognize and honor alumni who in the first 15 years of their career have made significant contributions to their professions and their world, in the areas of Social Responsibility, Personal Initiative, and Vocational Achievement.
Vocational Achievement Dustin Eubanks ’07 Dustin Eubanks serves as the Senior Vice President of Partnerships for Parachute Health, where he focuses on integrating health care organizations, to help patients receive medical equipment as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Most recently, he was Vice President of Growth for Cohere Health and Director of Business Development for CoverMyMeds. He began his career in New Concord with Resource Systems. Dustin earned his B.A. degree in business with a minor in economics. He was a member and captain of the men’s track & field team. He and his wife Whitney reside in Upper Arlington, Ohio with their daughter Lila (6).
Social Responsibility Landel Shakespeare ’12 Landel Shakespeare is a Family Support Specialist with Say Yes Cleveland, a non-profit providing educational scholarships to public high school graduates. He focuses on helping students identify their strengths and partnering with families and educators to create attainable goals. He began his career working with Cleveland’s at-risk youth and previously served The Centers for Families and Children. Landel earned his Muskingum B.A. degree in sociology, with minors in Spanish, English, and gender studies, and his M.S. degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University. A Garfield, Ohio resident, he is the author of two poetry books, “Small Dose” and “Over Dose.”
Personal Initiative Madee Stones ’18 Since earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Muskingum, Madee Stones has served as a front-line Critical Care Unit registered nurse for Genesis Hospital-Zanesville. She was a primary nurse for the first surviving COVID patient in Muskingum County. Madee is a recipient of the Genesis DAISY of the Year Award, reflecting her dedication to her patients and the respect of her peers. DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide. She resides in Zanesville, Ohio, and enjoys reading, painting, traveling, and spending time with family.
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GRANTS
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GRANTS Support Student Scholarships and Educational Initiatives Over the past two years, Muskingum has received more than $7.1 million in grants from government and private foundations. These grants support a wide variety of key institutional initiatives, such as student success, student scholarships, educational programming, and campus transformation. Recent grants include:
Austin E. Knowlton Foundation Endowed Memorial Scholarship A generous grant from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation has established a new endowed memorial scholarship. The scholarship is designed to encourage and support Muskingum students choosing a major in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) discipline or related field. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Knowlton helped build and shape thriving communities as the owner and Chairman of Knowlton Construction Company. Inspired by the success his own education made possible, he established his namesake foundation to empower future generations of students and to support the institutions dedicated to educating them. His impact on communities throughout the Midwest continues today, as his support for education helps prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Muskingum received nearly $1 million from the United States Department of Labor for a Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative: Building Healthcare Pathways in Rural Appalachian Ohio. The WORC initiative provides resources for local and regional workforce development solutions and for community partnerships to promote new, sustainable job opportunities. As part of a consortium of 11 regional organizations, Muskingum will help address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals by creating and implementing industry-recognized healthcare credentials that are responsive to emerging skill needs in targeted healthcare careers. The credentials will serve dislocated workers, incumbent healthcare workers, and high school students in an eight-county region that includes Coshocton, Guernsey, Holmes, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Tuscarawas, and Washington counties.
Nurse Education Grant A grant from the Ohio Board of Nursing, through its Nurse Education Grant Program, will support expansion and enhancement of Muskingum’s nursing lab. New high-fidelity simulation equipment purchased through the grant will further support students’ hands-on laboratory experience, and expansion of the lab will allow the program to serve more students. Muskingum’s nursing program is ranked #1 in Ohio by RNCareers.org and registerednursing.org and #1 nationally by RNCareers for its exceptional National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) outcomes.
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SHARING THE LEGACY
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Minute with Muskingum Society Members:
Dave ’93 and Tanya McGregor ’94 Cepek For Dave and Tanya McGregor Cepek, Muskingum’s lifechanging impact is a daily influence. Dave is currently serving a two-year term as President of the Muskingum University Alumni Council and member of the University’s Board of Trustees. He and Tanya are frequently on campus attending events and activities, informally mentoring their respective Greek organizations, Phi Kappa Tau and Chi Alpha Nu, and visiting a favorite current Muskie – daughter Emma Cepek ’24. They are also the busy parents of high school senior Molly Cepek. “Attending Muskingum was a pivotal moment for me,” Dave recalls. “It is where I met the love of my life and where I made lifelong friends. My liberal arts education prepared me for a diverse career and has enabled me to succeed in multiple business areas. The strong writing and communication skills I developed at Muskingum have served me well.” Dave majored in international business and accounting. His career has spanned public accounting with KPMG, 20 years in multiple positions with industrial metals manufacturer Worthington Industries, serving as General Manager with Ohio Steel Industries, and currently supply chain consulting with KPMG. For Tanya, “the strength of my Muskingum education has allowed me to have a job that I love, helping students learn and grow. My Muskingum professors were everything I wanted as a learner, and everything I want to be as a teacher myself.”
Emma ’24, Dave ’93, Tanya ’94, and Molly Cepek After graduating with a major in elementary education and an English minor, she began her career in a sixth-grade classroom. She is now an English instructor for at-risk students in Lincoln High School of the Columbus-area Gahanna-Jefferson school district. During their time on campus, Dave and Tanya were both campus tour guides and office holders in their respective Greek organizations. Dave also served on the Student Senate. Tanya’s Muskingum legacy family members include her parents, Glenn ’71 and Diane Williams ’72 McGregor, her brother Matt McGregor ’92, and her cousin Bill Tereshko ’81. Emma is following the family tradition as an active Muskie leader. A John and Annie Glenn Fellow, she is pursuing majors in journalism and history, along with several minors. She is a member of Chi Alpha Nu, vice president of Greek Council, a member of Student Senate and the Women in Politics Club, and active in the Theatre Department. “We are happy to support the University as members of the Muskingum Society,” Dave reflects. “It is important to help today’s students – especially first-generation college students – attend Muskingum and benefit as we did from an excellent education.”
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SHARING THE LEGACY
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Your Gift. Her Story. Demeisha Ransom ’21 For Demeisha Ransom, attending Muskingum has been a lifechanging experience. “When I was a senior in high school in Columbus, Ohio, I was recruited to Muskingum to run cross country and compete in track & field,” Demeisha recalls. “The best advice I received about choosing a college was to look for a place where people would get to know me and be willing to help me when I needed it. That has absolutely been true of Muskingum!” “I love that I have met and become friends with so many new people, especially students from different states and backgrounds from mine. My professors, coaches, advisors, and friends have all supported and motivated me throughout my time here. It is great being on campus and in the town of New Concord where it feels like everyone knows you and wants the best for you.” “I would not have been able to attend Muskingum without the scholarships I have received, and I am so grateful to the alumni for the financial support they provide to the University.” “It also means a lot that so many alumni are willing to meet and talk with students. Having a chance to get to know the
22 MUSKINGUM UPDATE
cross country alumni who come back and run with us, as well as other alumni who have come to visit campus, has also been a great source of support for me.” “Soon, I will be one of those alumni, and I will be coming back to help! I am thankful for the help I received and excited that I will now be able to give back and help others.” Demeisha will graduate in December of 2021, with a major in digital media design and a minor in art, and she plans to become a graphic designer. In addition to being a student-athlete on the cross country and track & field teams, she is an active member of the Black Student Union and Sisters of Hue.
“I would not have been able to attend Muskingum without the scholarships I have received, and I am so grateful to the alumni for the financial support they provide to the University.” Demeisha Ransom
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2021 Giving and Planned Giving Good Giving News CARES Act Tax Incentives As you think about filing taxes for 2021, be sure to keep these things in mind:
Universal Charitable Deduction If you make a cash gift to charitable organizations such as Muskingum University and take the standard deduction, you can deduct up to $300 as a single filer or $600 as a married couple filing jointly.
Cap on Deductions The CARES Act lifted the cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, increasing it from 60% to 100% of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income in 2021. Excess contributions can be carried over to the next five years.
Be sure to discuss all strategies with your tax and financial advisors before acting.
Planned Giving –
Impact the Muskingum of Tomorrow With a planned gift, you can ensure that your generosity will impact Muskingum students in the future. Powerful planned giving strategies include: • An outright gift of appreciated assets such as securities or real estate. • A life insurance gift. • A charitable life income plan such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust. • A charitable life estate. • A qualified charitable distribution from an IRA for individuals over 70 1/2 years of age. For further information, contact Paul McClelland, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 740-826-8648 or paulm@muskingum.edu.
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Muskingum Ranks
2nd IN OHIO “Best Value Schools” and “Top Performers in Social Mobility” for
Muskingum is ranked second among Ohio universities in the Regional Midwest category in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2022 guidebook, reflecting the University’s commitment to higher education access and to student success.
