Muskingum Update Fall/Winter 2022

Editor: Annette Giovengo Nolish

Contributors and Photography: Michelle Shaver, Tom Caudill ’05G, Jim Dooley, Ryan Harvey, Brianna Kasinecz, Paul Kotheimer, Oscar Rzodkiewicz, Sandra Sanford ’01G, Derck & Edson

740-826-8134

Address Changes: alumni@muskingum.edu

740-826-8131

From the President’s Desk

Dear Muskingum Alumni and Friends,

As I stood on the field on September 17, looking at a stadium filled with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members, I was overwhelmed by the amazing energy and spirit of the Muskingum community.

The Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex directly resulted from that innovative and courageous spirit, evident throughout our history and especially during the pandemic. Despite that disruption and uncertainty, our Trustees voted to move this transformational project forward, and our faculty, staff, and students continued to creatively and safely engage in the meaningful educational experiences that define Muskingum.

Walking through the BHWC that day, I heard the word “wow” over and over again, as people entered and toured the building. It is an exceptionally beautiful facility and so very multifunctional at the same time. The talents of our students and our educators are showcased in its Signature and History walls, and in the design and use of its educational, athletic, and recreational spaces.

Coupled with our 100th Homecoming, the Grand Opening brought alumni back to campus who have not been here in years, along with those who return often. The interaction among the alums of all generations was truly electric!

I was thrilled to host the many state and regional leaders and community members who came to celebrate the Grand Opening with us as well. The BHWC has drawn visitors throughout the fall and will continue to do so long into the future.

We are grateful to all who supported the construction of the BHWC – it would not have become a reality without everyone’s contributions. Thank you for the many ways in which you are helping build “A Muskingum Like Always and A Muskingum Like Never Before.”

I wish you peace, joy, and well-being throughout the coming holiday season and always.

With gratitude, President Susan S. Hasseler

Keep up with President Hasseler through her email newsletter Magenta Lines Email magentalines@muskingum.edu to subscribe.

President Hasseler with Homecoming Queen Liz Vascura ’24 and King Jamar Hicks ’23 during halftime of Muskingum’s 100th Homecoming Game, a 37-7 victory over Capital.

Scan the QR code for more from President Hasseler on the BHWC.

a GranD Day anD an electric eveninG

A capacity crowd of 2,900 saw the Muskies overwhelm Capital 37-7 in the 100TH HOMECOMING GAME and the first game enjoyed by spectators in the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex.

The September 17, 2022 Grand Opening of the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex marked the beginning of a bright new chapter in Muskingum’s history. Truly a place for every Muskie, it embodies the University’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and support for the wider community.

The 119,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility supports academics, athletics, recreation, health, and well-being for the campus community and will benefit the surrounding regional community through powerful partnerships.

“The opening of the Bullock Complex resonates with a theme of transformation: transformation of our physical campus, transformation of our students’ lives, and the transformative impact of Muskingum upon our region,” President Sue Hasseler said during the Grand Opening ceremony.

The BHWC features an updated stadium for collegiate and high school athletic competitions, practices, youth camps, and other events. The first floor welcomes visitors to the building’s main entrance lobby and the outdoor concourse. The concourse offers hospitality facilities, including modern concessions and ample restrooms, for spectators.

Trustee Greg Adams ’81, Trustee Jim Gray ’74, Trustee Emeritus Al Loomis ’69, Trustee John Gardner ’68, Tim Maness of architectural and design firm Derck & Edson, Trustee Hal Burlingame ’62, Chair of the Board Cheryl Hetrick Carpenter ’86, President Sue Hasseler, Trustee Emerita Kim Gage Rothermel ’71, Trustee Jackie Dudek Woods ’69, Trustee and Professor of Psychology Dinah Meyer, Trustee and Alumni Council President Dave Cepek ’93, Andrea Schmitt of Lincoln Construction, Greg Schmitt of Lincoln Construction, and Trustee Dave Kratoville ’81.

The Grand Opening began at noon as President Sue Hasseler, trustees, and special guests cut the ribbon to officially open the BHWC:

The second-floor indoor field house, with a 200-meter regulation track surrounding a 60-yard turf field, will host collegiate and high school track and field competitions, practices for multiple sports, intramurals, and recreation.

Overlooking the outdoor field, the second-floor main corridor is the wellness wing, featuring the fitness center and diagnostic hub. The fitness center’s location allows seamless integration of workouts with the use of the track and turf field. The diagnostic hub is equipped with diagnostic and training equipment as well as connectivity for telehealth collaborations. Under the direction of Muskingum faculty and partner healthcare professionals, Exercise Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and other health science students will deliver diagnostic services and wellness programming to students, faculty, and staff, expanding the services over time to surrounding community residents.

The third-floor mezzanine overlooks the indoor field. It features multi-purpose classrooms for expanding interdisciplinary academic programs, including Exercise Science, Sports Communication, and Sport Administration, and for community education offerings. A sports communication lab provides hands-on learning experiences. On game days, the classrooms and lab areas serve as VIP spaces, media rooms, and coaches' boxes. Casual mezzanine seating and bleachers around the upper oval provide gathering spaces and spectator seating for fieldhouse events.

The Grand Opening celebration provided an opportunity for Muskingum to recognize and thank those who fueled the dream and made it a reality through their generosity.

More than 850 individual and organizational donors –alumni and friends, businesses and industries, foundations, government, and community organizations. Families and groups came together to make gifts honoring their Muskingum legacy and history.

A complete list of all donors is published online at www.muskingum.edu/bhwc/donors.

The BHWC’s lead benefactor, the late Henry D. Bullock ’77, is recognized with a plaque in the main entrance, along with plaques acknowledging donors who made significant gifts, including the Board of Trustees, whose initial leadership contributions began the project.

Muskingum was honored to host members of Henry’s family at the celebration. Sharing reflections from his family, President Hasseler noted that “Henry’s personal values of hard work, perseverance, and helping others are reflected in this, his legacy – which began here on this campus.” To read Henry’s biography, visit issuu.com/muskingumu/docs/mu2021-impact-digital_final.

“The Bullock Complex is the place everyone wants to be,” said Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Gavyn Freeland ’22, during the ceremony. “Whether we come for academics, athletics, intramurals, recreation, to work out, or to cheer on our teams, it will bring our campus community even closer together.”

To read more about the BHWC, visit www.muskingum.edu/ bhwc

Professor of History Bil Kerrigan and Donnie Wilkinson ’23 created the History Wall “Ingenuity, Resourcefulness and Community Support: A Muskingum Tradition.” To view the History Wall photos and stories, visit www.muskingum.edu/bhwc-history.

The Grand Opening ceremony featured remarks from U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Gavyn Freeland ’22, Chair of the Board Cheryl Carpenter ’86, President Sue Hasseler, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education Randy Gardner, Ohio State Senator Tim Schaffer, and Ohio State Representative Adam Holmes.

250 members of The Muskingum Society enjoyed a reception on the mezzanine above the track.

Camryn Woodley ’22 was a member of the Kratoville Innovation Fellows team who helped design the Welcome Wall. Visit www.muskingum.edu/ bhwc/welcome-wall to read about their project. The Fridley Selfie Station.

The DARI machine in the Adams Diagnostic Hub.

Master of Occupational Therapy students provided a self-care event for undergraduates in November.

Flexible netting enhances team practices on the Swit Turf Field.

The Rogge Foundation Fitness Center.

Faculty have received extensive training on the diagnostic hub’s equipment throughout the Fall 2022 semester, and Exercise Science and Health Science courses have been meeting in the hub to familiarize students with the equipment. Assistant Professor of Exercise and Health Science Derek Bennett ’18 is using the hub extensively in his orthopedic anatomy course and is offering motion assessment to studentathletes on the hub’s DARI machine. During the Spring 2023 semester, most courses in the Exercise Science program will be held in the BHWC’s classrooms. Assistant Professor of Health and Fitness and Director of Programming for the BHWC Meghan Lonsinger Green ’11, ’13G oversees the integration of the diagnostic hub, fitness center, and other aspects of the BHWC into academic programming.

Sports Communication classes are also holding individual course meetings in the BHWC, utilizing the equipment in the sports communication lab, and their scheduled classes in the BHWC will also begin during Spring 2023.

Students in the Master of Occupational Therapy program are planning and implementing health and wellness activities for undergraduate students in the BHWC. November’s “MOT –Take Time for Self-Care” event offered fun and restorative

activities including yoga, life size Jenga and other games, tips and tricks for good sleep, and a friendly competition grip strength contest.

Athletic team practices are fully scheduled for indoor track and field, lacrosse, baseball, and softball. The indoor track and field team is enthusiastically looking forward to its first season in its new home (see page 16).

Students are enjoying intramural and recreation activities that are no longer subject to the weather, and student groups have begun using BHWC spaces for meetings and activities. The track and fitness center are used throughout the day by students, faculty, and staff. Orientation sessions on the fitness equipment have been offered and will continue to be available for the campus community. Justin Linzy ’14G, Director of Athletic Facilities and Recreation Operations, oversees BHWC scheduling, intramurals, recreation, and campus community members’ use of the fitness center and track.

Prospective students and other campus visitors frequently tour the BHWC. Special events for high school students have been hosted by the Admission Office and by the Exercise Science department.

The BHWC is FULLY POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY, with the roof display arranged to form an M.

Muskingum students, faculty, and staff enthusiastically began using the BHWC as soon as it opened.

OPENING CONVOCATION 2022

The Class of 2026 and their families were welcomed into the Muskingum community with Opening Convocation on August 19, 2022. President Sue Hasseler led the ceremony.

Cheryl Hetrick Carpenter ’86, Chair of the Board of Trustees, delivered the keynote address. “This day is set aside to celebrate each of you and the story that brought you to Muskingum,” she said, as she related her Muskingum story and encouraged the newest Muskies to take action and to stretch out of their comfort zone. An Institutional Consulting Director with Graystone Consulting, Cheryl focuses on total enterprise consulting for institutional endowment, foundation, healthcare system, pension, and private wealth clients. She earned her Muskingum Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Business and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from The Ohio State University.

Mayor Jennifer Lyle of the Village of New Concord welcomed the class to their new surrounding community.

Student Senate President Gracie Andrews ’23, who also served as Senior Coordinator for Welcome Weekend, shared her tips for making the Muskingum experience all it can be. “Coming to Muskingum University has been the best decision of my life,” she said.

Gracie accepted the “Key of Knowledge” from Provost Nancy Evangelista on behalf of the student body. The wooden key dates back to the early 1900s; after being rediscovered during campus renovations, it has been a part of Opening Convocation ceremonies since 2018.

View Orbit Media’s broadcast of the ceremony at www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE4XCkDsqG8.

“Think of something you have been dreaming to make a reality in your life. Take out your phones. Take a selfie. Right here, right now, while you are thinking of that dream. Look at that selfie often, remember your dream, and look back at that picture when you graduate from Muskingum!”

New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle, Student Senate President Gracie Andrews ’23, Chair of the Board of Trustees Cheryl Hetrick Carpenter ’86, President Sue Hasseler, Provost Nancy Evangelista, Interim Pastor Timothy Pollock.

Cheryl Hetrick Carpenter ’86, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Welcome New Educators

FACULTY

First Row:

Ashley Williams, Assistant Professor of Education

Erin Bauer, Associate Professor of Music and Department Chair

Kristen DeBois, Assistant Professor of Public Health

Morgan Free, Assistant Professor of 3D Art

Daniel Goetz, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Derek Bennett ’18, Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Tang Ye, Visiting Instructor of Chemistry

Robert McManus, Executive Director of Applied Leadership

Second Row:

Ashley Zehner, Instructor of Education

Douglas Bird, Visiting Assistant Professor of Business

Wonju Lee, Assistant Professor of Sport Administration

Daniel Strychacz, Assistant Professor of Music

William Toombs, Assistant Professor of Political Science

Todd Comer, Visiting Associate Professor of English

Ken Siler, Visiting Instructor of Mathematics

COACHES

First Row:

Kylee Marcum, Assistant Softball Coach

John Bluem, Head Men’s Soccer Coach

Hayden Russell, Assistant Football Coach

Laina Connor ’16, Head Softball Coach

Kelly Broderick, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

LaTrell Davis, Assistant Wrestling Coach

Second Row:

Hannah Dobrinick, Assistant Softball Coach

Ty Hill, Assistant Football Coach

Andrew Tkach, Assistant Football Coach

Blake Hartford, Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach

Jake Krupar ’20G, Head Baseball Coach

Nathan Wahle, Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Not Pictured: Josh Bigrigg ’20, Assistant Baseball Coach; Steve Ervin, Assistant Football Coach; Doug Gorski ’22, Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach; Mike Hemming ’09G, Assistant Football Coach; Drew Iarussi ’22, Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach; Liam Joyce, Assistant Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Coach; Lucas Worrell, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach.

STUDENT LIFE STAFF

Stephen McGrath, Student Life Residential Area Coordinator

Ronald Oliver, Student Life Residential Area Coordinator

Karen Saft, Administrative Assistant for Student Life

Greg Elkins, Director of Community Standards

NEW PROGRAM IN DEVELOPMENT: Applied Leadership

Building on our strength in leadership programs for educators, Muskingum is developing a new and innovative program in Applied Leadership which will serve learners in any field and be available to both graduate and undergraduate learners.

Robert McManus joined the University in Fall 2022 as the Executive Director of Applied Leadership and Professor of Leadership.

“The applied aspect of our program is what makes it unique,” Dr. McManus explains. “Most leadership programs have a theoretical focus. Our program is grounded in theory, but every course has an applied component, so that learners are already putting the theory into practice while they earn their degree.”

The initial phase of the program is being offered at the graduate level through an Applied Leadership Track within the Master of Arts in Education degree program.

The University is currently seeking accreditation approval for new Master of Applied Leadership and Doctor of Applied Leadership degree programs, open to learners in any field. The programs are anticipated to open during the 2023-2024 academic year.

“These new programs will be attractive to learners from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, particularly education, athletics, healthcare, business, and non-profits. The course content will be immediately applicable to students’ work lives.” said Dr. McManus. “Both programs will be offered completely online and will include synchronous and asynchronous scheduling components. The Doctor of Applied Leadership program will provide a strong focus on research. ”

At the undergraduate level, a pilot initiative is currently taking place for 50 students involved in co-curricular leadership, including Muskie Fellows, Student-Athlete Advisory Council members, and Admission Tour Guides. At the beginning of the Fall semester, the students completed a 360-degree leadership evaluation, including a leadership practice inventory questionnaire and feedback from peers and supervisors. They are using the results to focus on areas of growth throughout the year and will repeat the evaluation at the end of the Spring semester.

Dr. McManus previously served the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business at Marietta College (Ohio) and chaired Organizational Leadership at Claremont Lincoln University (California). He is the co-author of Understanding Leadership: An Arts and Humanities Perspective (Routledge, 2020) and the lead editor of Ethical Leadership: A Primer (Edward Elgar, 2018). A trained leadership coach and consultant, and an active member of the International Leadership Association, he has traveled extensively teaching leadership in global contexts. Dr. McManus earned a Ph.D. degree in Communication from Regent University (Virginia), a Master of Business Administration degree from Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois), and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from Judson College (Illinois).

Robert McManus, Executive Director of Applied Leadership and Professor of Leadership.

Julia Swan ’54 Quilt Show Featured at Palmer Gallery

“The Julia Swan Quilt Show” opened Palmer Gallery’s Fall semester slate of exhibits and highlighted Magenta Homecoming, running from September 7-28, 2022.

The exhibit featured 18 quilts by Julia Krichbaum Swan ’54, as well as sculptures by her late husband, Dr. Thomas Swan ’51, and by the late Muskingum professor Louis O. Palmer in whose honor the Gallery is named. The artist’s book, Julia’s Quilts: Through the Eye of A Needle, was also on display. Julia was in residence for multiple opportunities to interact with students, faculty and staff, alumni, friends, and community

members, including an Opening Reception on September 7, a lecture on September 14, and a “Meet the Artist” event on September 16 during Magenta Homecoming. The Gallery was open throughout Homecoming Weekend.

Harsha Abeyaratne Performs Recital at Carnegie Hall, New York City

Associate Professor of Music Harsha Abeyaratne performed a piano recital in the Weil Recital Hall of New York City’s Carnegie Hall on October 30, 2022. The program featured Beethoven’s “Appassionata” Sonata and works by Chopin, Debussy, Liszt, and Granados.

Dr. Abeyaratne has performed in China, Sri Lanka, Italy, and England, as well as venues across the United States.

At Muskingum, he teaches piano, group piano, music theory, and aural skills; coordinates performance seminar; and performs with students and his faculty colleagues.

JOIN US for The Arts on Campus

Each semester, our campus comes alive with multiple musical and theatrical performances and gallery exhibits. Offerings include plays and musicals; choral, wind, orchestra, and rock ensemble concerts; and gallery exhibits featuring a variety of artistic media.

We invite you to join us and enjoy the creativity of our talented students, faculty, and staff.

Our new online community calendar features all the details for arts performances and exhibits, lectures and presentations, and special campus events, along with the full schedule of athletic contests. Visit events.yodel.today/muskingumuniversity/schedule-org/15106/ Muskingum.University and add them your calendar. We hope to see you soon!

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD HOSTS FIRST SEASON IN BHWC

With the opening of the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, Muskingum’s 2022-2023 indoor track & field season will feature home meets for the first time in the University’s history.

The BHWC features state-of-the-art track & field facilities, including a track with an OSST ProTraxxElite surface, two long jump and triple jump pits, two pole vault runways, an elevated high jump runway, two throwing areas, and a multi-purpose scoreboard.

“Our team is so excited to have a home of our own,” said Director of Track & Field Operations Jake Gleason. “It means so much to our student-athletes to have dedicated indoor practice space and locker rooms, and they can’t wait to

welcome their fellow collegiate teams and fans to the BHWC for our Muskingum Invitational meets.”

The first home meet will take place on January 14, 2023. To open the meet, the first-ever race in the BHWC will be an Alumni Mile. For information on participating, contact jgleason@muskingum.edu

The Muskies will host three additional home meets on January 21, January 28, and February 17, and will round out their season competing in five away meets.

The track & field program will also host three high school track & field meets this season, welcoming high-school studentathletes and their families and fans onto campus. “We’re excited that prospective future Muskies will also experience competing in the BHWC,” said Coach Gleason.

Graduate Senior Macy McAdams ’21 Makes History at NCAA Cross Country National Championships

Macy McAdams ’21 competed in the NCAA Division III Women’s Cross Country National Championships on November 19, 2022 finishing 157th in the field of 293 runners.

With a ninth place finish at the NCAA Regional Championships on November 12, she became the first student-athlete in Muskingum’s history to qualify for the NCAA National Cross Country Championships.

Macy also captured the individual OAC Women’s Cross Country Championship title in a meet hosted at Muskingum’s own Moorehead Farm on October 29, becoming the University’s first OAC Cross Country Champion since Harriett Scheid Hunter ’92, ’10G claimed the title in 1991.

Macy is a high school art teacher for the Massillon City Schools and is currently working toward her Educational Specialist degree and principal’s licensure at Muskingum. She retained her eligibility to compete in varsity cross country this year as a result of the pandemic.

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING SUPPORTS VARSITY TEAMS

Muskies and friends came together at EagleSticks Golf Club in Zanesville, Ohio on July 15, 2022 for the Athletic Department’s annual Golf Outing.

Alumni, friends, regional community leaders, faculty and staff, student-athletes, and Fighting Muskies fans enjoyed a wonderful day of friends, laughter, and storytelling in support of the University’s 25 varsity athletic teams.

The event featured an 18-hole scramble with a capacity field of 32 teams and 128 golfers. A post-round dinner, raffles, golf-ball drop fundraiser, and prizes for the top foursome and various hole contests added to the energy and excitement of the day.

Thank you to everyone who made the event a great success!

We are proud to recognize our top sponsors:

Muskie Level:

BSN Sports

Magenta Level:

Hylant Group

Lincoln Construction

Park National Bank

Wally's Pizza

Red Level:

Fairfield Insulation & Drywall LLC

Black Level:

Chapman's Coffee House

Houston Plumbing & Heating

Mike Hummel Farms

Matesich Distributing

Hub Marquis ’68

Modern Office Methods

Tim Schiltz ’68

White Level:

Allegra Printing

Barnes & Noble College

BW3

Fairfield by Marriott

Bill Ferris ’74 & Jeff Mathias ’79

Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Eric Grundfast – Women's Lacrosse

Ieuter Insurance Group

Allen Loomis ’69

Parnell & Associates

Dan Plumly ’75 – Muskingum Football

Rankin & Rankin Insurance

Taylor Terrace Lawnscapes

To read more and view additional photos, visit fightingmuskies.com/general/2021-22/ releases/20220719klwrlp

Muskies celebrated the past, present, and future throughout our 100th Homecoming Weekend.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us on campus

October 13-15, 2023!

John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellows Hannah Riggle ’23 and Emma Cepek ’24 presented Flashback Friday with the Class of 1972, sharing highlights from yearbooks and the archives on what was happening on campus, in the community, and around the world from 1968-1972. Both history majors, Hannah and Emma conceived of the project and completed their research through their History Field Experience course taught by Professor of History Karen Dunak.

The Class of 1962 celebrated their 60th Reunion.

Softball alumni played a Saturday afternoon game on Donna Newberry Field.

Alumni and current students formed a Pep Band to cheer on the Fighting Muskies for the first game in the new stadium and the 100th Homecoming Game.

Thank You!

The Class of 1972, co-chaired by Chris Tucker Leeper ’72 and Sylvia Rapp Sabia ’72, presented their Golden 50th Reunion gift of $590,985 during the Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday evening. All other Reunion classes joined together in a friendly competition during Homecoming weekend in a giving challenge, raising a total of $24,000 for student scholarships.

To view more photos from the 100th Homecoming, visit www.flickr.com/photos/194508108@N05/sets/72177720303503579

Football teammates Dick Gilmore ’52 and Bill Lovejoy ’51 enjoyed a reception in the BHWC.

Muskingum Legacy families enjoyed lunch with their current Muskies on Saturday, including Reunion Planning Committee Chair Matt McGregor ’92, Cull McGregor ’26, Diane Williams McGregor ’72, and Glenn McGregor ’71.

ALUMNI IMPACTHonoring

2022 Distinguished Service and Emerging Alumni Awards

Distinguished Service Awards

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.

Philip Davies ’71

His 40-year career in international humanitarian relief and development has taken him to a dozen countries in Africa, Asia, and the former Soviet Union and senior management field and headquarters positions with Save the Children, Feed the Children, American Near East Refugee Aid, Islamic Relief USA, and International Orthodox Christian Charities. He is a founding member of Bridge of Hope, Baltimore Affiliate. Philip earned his B.A. degree in Sociology and holds an M.A. degree in Anthropology and Near Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan. He and his wife Maha are the parents of Ramsey, Andrew, and Kareem.

Dan Hughes ’77

A two-time WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medal winning coach, his 21 WNBA seasons included Head Coach positions with the Seattle Storm, San Antonio Stars, Cleveland Rockers, and Charlotte Sting; 15 playoff appearances; two Coach of the Year awards; two stints as WNBA All-Star Team Head Coach; and the third-place ranking in WNBA career victories. Dan earned his B.A. degree in Physical Education and History and holds a Muskingum honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and a master's degree in Education from Miami University. He and his wife Mary Ann Regula Hughes ’78 are the parents of 2nd Lt. Bryce Hughes and Sara Hughes Bayer.

Linda Burlingame McElroy ’97

A foreign service officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) since 2006, her development and humanitarian posts have included Haiti, East Africa, and the Dominican Republic. She currently serves in the Washington Bureau for Resilience and Food Security and has also led operations addressing hurricane and natural disaster responses, early grade reading, youth opportunities, and global health programs. Linda earned her B.A. degree in International Affairs, French, and Speech Communication, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University. She and her husband Patrick McElroy ’95 are the parents of a daughter.

Gretchen Post Prichard ’58

For 37 years, she served Bath High School (Lima, Ohio) as a teacher of English, Health, and Physical Education. She established the girls’ basketball (1971), volleyball (1975), and softball (1974) programs. During her 26 years of coaching, her teams had six undefeated regular seasons, multiple championships, and a number one state poll ranking. She has been inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame and the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Gretchen earned her Muskingum B.A. degree in English and holds an M.A. degree from the University of Dayton. She and her late husband David raised three children, Clarke, Patrick, and Amy.

Emerging Alumni Awards

The Emerging Alumni Awards recognize and honor alumni who in the first 15 years of their careers have made significant contributions to their professions and their world.

Matthew

Hott ’07

A Speech Language Pathologist in the Sycamore City School District and a home healthcare Speech Language Pathologist in private practice, he is a co-author of Becoming an Exceptional SLP Leader and a founder and co-host of the podcast “Speech Science.” Matt earned his B.A. degree in Speech Communication with a minor in Theatre and holds an M.A. degree in Speech Language Pathology from Ohio University. He and his wife Kim Stevens Hott ’06 are the parents of Michael, Andrew, and Evelynn.

Luke Lloyd ’19

A Wealth Advisor and Investment Strategist with Strategic Wealth Partners and co-host of “The Capitalist Investor” podcast, he is a nationally recognized business commentator with appearances in media outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, Barron’s, Money, Kiplinger’s, Vox, U.S. News and World Report, CNBC, NBC News, Fox News, Yahoo Finance, TD Ameritrade Network, Bloomberg, and Cheddar. Luke earned B.A./B.S. degrees with a triple major in Mathematics, Economics, and Business Management and a minor in Marketing. He serves on Muskingum’s Alumni Council.

Bonnie Whitt Rusch ’08

An Early Intervention Developmental Specialist Registered Nurse with the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, she was previously Highland County Health Department Director of Nursing, leading her community’s nursing response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bonnie earned her B.S. degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Galen College of Nursing and a Master of Public Health degree from The Ohio State University. She and her husband Kevin are the parents of four children.

Bonnie Taylor ’05

As Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President at Spelman College, a top-20 liberal arts institution and the country’s top-ranked HBCU, she oversees Student Conduct, Student Life and Engagement, Ford First Generation Program, Student Emergency Fund, Parent and Family Association, and Civic Engagement. Bonnie earned her B.A. degree in Speech Communication and holds an M.A. degree from King University in Business Administration and a Ph.D. degree in Higher Education Administration from East Tennessee State University. She and her partner Donald Walton are the parents of Taylor Rae Walton.

Front Row: Gretchen Post Prichard ’58, Philip Davies ’71, President Sue Hasseler, Dan Hughes ’77, and Linda Burlingame McElroy ’97. Second Row: Bonnie Whitt Rusch ’08, Luke Lloyd ’19, Matthew Hott ’07, and Bonnie Taylor ’05.

Minute with a Muskingum Society Member: Gene Folden ’81

“I loved every minute of my Muskingum experience,” Gene Folden ’81 recalls. “Muskingum was a place where you were known, included, and celebrated. My professors took the time to know me, and they saw things in me that perhaps I didn’t see in myself.”

“I had wonderful professors – Drs. Elkins, Fisk, Stultz, Barrett, Porter, McClelland, to name just a few. They rapidly became mentors and friends. They provided their students with wonderful opportunities to be included and involved in campus community life, inviting us to many gatherings at their homes and introducing us to visiting speakers and other interesting people.”

Gene holds his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Philosophy, and Religion. He attended the Methodist Theological School in Ohio and became an ordained Methodist minister, and then earned his Master of Arts degree in Gerontology at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Gerontology at The Ohio State University.

Since 1990, Gene has served as Clinical Associate Professor in Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University, where he concentrates his efforts on teaching, advising, and mentoring students.

In 2021, he received the Distinguished Teaching Award, the top teaching honor presented by The Ohio State University Alumni Association. “He is a master of the craft of teaching and cares deeply for the best interest of his students,” one of his former students wrote in nominating him for the award.

He has also twice received the College of Education and Human Ecology’s Excellence in Teaching Award and has served as his department’s Associate Chair for Curriculum.

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mentor and friend, former Muskingum professor Joe Elkins,” Gene reflects. “He significantly shaped the kind of educator and advisor that I have become. He taught me to listen more and lecture less, to teach by example and not so much by words, to learn the names of students because it matters that you are known, to encourage spontaneity and humor in myself and my students, and to care about, respect, and celebrate differences. I try to make a positive difference in my students’ lives just as he made in mine. He was the best of professors, the best of friends, and the best of listeners.”

“The connection I had with Dr. Elkins and my other professors is why I became a Muskingum Society member,” Gene explains. “It’s very important to me to give back to Muskingum and to support scholarships for current students.”

“I am so committed to supporting Muskingum that my partner Dr. Bob Burns and I have already provided for the University in our estate. I hope that other alumni will join me in making planned gifts and ensuring that the University and its students will benefit well into the future.”

Gene Folden ’81 and his partner Robert Burns, M.D.

Annual Giving 2022-2023

Go All In For Muskingum

Webster’s defines “ALL IN” as being fully committed.

• Current Muskies are ALL IN inside the classroom and in their organizations.

• Student-Athletes are ALL IN on the field, on the court, on the track, and on the mat.

• Faculty and Staff are ALL IN for student success and a thriving University.

• Alumni are ALL IN representing the Long Magenta Line.

You can be ALL IN with your financial support:

• Make a gift of any amount to the Muskingum Fund, which supports students and their educational needs, including financial aid and scholarships.

• If you graduated in the past 10 years, join the Magnus Network with an annual gift of $250 or more (Classes of 2018-2022) or $500 or more (Classes of 2013-2017). Gifts to the Muskingum Fund, to Athletics, and to Reunion Giving all count toward your total.

• Join the Muskingum Society with an annual gift of $1,000 or more.

• If your company offers a matching gift program, increase the impact of your gift. Your employer’s match counts toward your membership in the Muskingum Society or the Magnus Network.

• Gifts can be made in monthly installments or as a single contribution.

Magnus Network and Muskingum Society members receive special invitations to University events, recognition on the Donor Wall in Caldwell Hall and in the IMPACT Annual Report, and University-branded swag (Magnus Network members) or a lapel pin (new Muskingum Society members).

Visit www.muskingum.edu/giving to make a gift online. For more information, contact Institutional Advancement at advancement@muskingum.edu or 740-826-8130. Thank You for your support!

Planned Giving –Impact the Muskingum of Tomorrow

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.

The Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex

The Marquis Plaza at the west entrance honors the memory of the 1925 McConagha Stadium. The plaza features a pair of concrete pillars from the original entrance, which for decades framed the Fighting Muskies as the team ran onto the field. Read more about the history of Muskingum’s first stadium at www.muskingum.edu/bhwc/marquis-plaza