UPDATE
Chaplain Derek Wadlington joined faculty, staff, and students who helped our newest Muskies move in during Welcome Weekend.
FALL 2023
UPDATE
Sliding into Welcome Weekend, students enjoyed a slip-n-slide on Patton hill
Editor: Michelle Shaver Contributors and Photography: Tom Caudill, Juan Dunlap, Annette Giovengo, Brianna Kasinecz, Paul Kotheimer, Michelle Shaver Online Archives: muskingum.edu/updatemag Comments and Questions: theupdate@muskingum.edu (740)826-8134 Address Changes: alumni@muskingum.edu (740)826-8131
@Muskingumalumni
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 4 8 14 2
From the president's Desk Class of 2027 Welcome Class of 2027 Their Journey Starts Here: How Two Freshmen Became Muskies
Making an impact
Khanna Career Connections Conference Finding Your Path
Around the quad
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Homecoming
Magenta Homecoming: A Catalyst for Reconnection Recognizing Alumni Impact
20 22
Welcome Provost Jennifer Dugan
Copyright © 2023 Muskingum UPDATE is published by Muskingum University, 260 Stadium Drive New Concord, Ohio 43762-1837
Athletics
Winning In and Out of the Classroom: Supporting the Success of our Student-Athletes
Sharing the legacy
Minute with Muskingum Society Members Giving Back Through Planned Giving
From the President's Desk Dear Muskingum Alumni and Friends, Fall on a university campus is a time like no other, as the arrival of new and returning students and the opening of the new academic year brings excitement and energy for the months to come. In all corners of the campus, in the community, and beyond, new connections are being forged among students, faculty and staff, alumni, and friends. This issue of Muskingum Update magazine focuses on stories of connection, ranging from the experience of new students arriving on campus, to the faculty-coach partnerships that support the success of our student-athletes, to alumni returning to campus and reconnecting to Muskingum through Magenta Homecoming. This fall included two inaugural initiatives designed to strengthen connections even more. New Concord Community Day, hosted by the Friends of New Concord, brought local and regional residents, current and prospective students, faculty and staff, and alumni together in the Village and on campus for a day of fun and discovery. The event was a great success, made possible by the collaboration of leaders from across the entire University. The Khanna Career Connections Conference (which you will read about on page 8) brought alumni from across the country back to campus to support current students in their career development journey. Muskingum’s Impact Center, which prepares students for their professional lives, partnered with the Alumni Council on creating this dynamic event. The Impact Center offers many opportunities throughout the year for alumni to volunteer and connect with students – I hope you will be inspired to become involved and help create even more Muskingum connections! With best wishes for the remainder of 2023 and continued gratitude for each one of you,
President Susan S. Hasseler
President Hasseler with the Men and Women's Soccer Teams
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Welcome
Class of 2027 We opened the Fall 2023 semester by welcoming our newest Muskies, the Class of 2027. They are enthusiastic, energetic, and already making their impact across campus and in the community!
Meet our
NEW MUSKIES!
375 First-Year Students
23 States 51% Female
49% male
3.51 18
29 175
average High school gpa Hgh school class officers
217 4
216 High schools
140
Student Athletes
National Honor Society members
58
Volunteer leaders
Legacies At least one family member also a muskie
First in their family to attend college
Their Journey Starts Here:
How Two Freshmen Became Muskies
August is an exciting time at Muskingum as the University welcomes students back to campus. Incoming students explore what it means to be a Muskie and faculty and staff are excited to get to know the newest members of our campus community. Part of that excitement is learning about our students – where they come from, how they found us, what their majors and interests are.
Samantha Hingston For Samantha Hingston, a native of South Vienna, Ohio, her journey started at a college fair in Springfield. She had already been on numerous college visits with plans to attend one of them. Having completed several college courses in high school, she had done her homework and came to the college fair with a list of questions. “I had three pages of questions, and I walked from school to school asking them. If they couldn’t answer one of the questions, I moved on,” Samantha recalled.
“I met Gary Atkins, and he answered all my questions. He also talked to me like I was a person and not a kid.” Gary, Assistant Director of Admission, recalls meeting Samantha at the college fair. “During a rare slow period that evening, she approached my table and asked the kinds of questions that come from a deeper place than what I typically hear. This young woman is going somewhere, I said to myself, and I’m going to do all I can to make that ‘somewhere’ Muskingum!” That meeting led to a college visit. It was during winter break, so Gary conducted the tour. Samantha reflected on how Gary knew everybody, including Dr. James Dooley, Bill and Martha Lovejoy Professor of Biology. “I met Jim Dooley, and he invited me to come to his bird internship. I was able to shadow for the day, and learn about the work they do,” Samantha said, who is majoring in Conservation Science. “Gary also encouraged me to apply for the International Fellows program, and I got in. I also was invited to be a part of the conversational study program in Spanish. There are just so many opportunities presented to us; I love that.” That visit resulted in Samantha’s application and deposit to the University. That was followed by her attending Scholarship Day and Muskie Preview. Her attending Muskingum was a no brainer for Samantha’s parents, Daniel and Joy, but they knew it had to be her decision.
“Safety was important to me, and the staff was able to answer all our questions about safety on campus,” Joy Hingston reflected. “As a parent, I like that scholarships are not designated just for academics. Samantha receives the GI Bill for her tuition, so the aid she received from Muskingum can be applied for her room and board. Most universities are not like that.” “Everyone at Muskingum has been responsive. They return phone calls, answer questions, and include parents in email communication. We were able to meet with Financial Aid during our visit, and they were so knowledgeable and able to walk us through the process,” Daniel Hingston commented. “And, for move-in, everyone is so nice, and Gary met us at the door. The check-in process was seamless, and the move-in crew was amazing.” “I love that everyone gets to know you; that is how I grew up, so I like that about Muskingum. I graduated with 63 students, so everyone knew everyone,” Samantha reflected as she started week two of classes. “I had so much fun at welcome weekend and have met so many people. I was surprised by how many things there are to do on campus; I am excited to join some clubs and organizations. “The experience has been overwhelming, but in a nice way. Everyone has been so nice. I don’t get the feeling they are judging me because I am a freshman. People are so helpful; they also help you with classes. I have already had someone in my World Religions class give me tips and tricks.”
Grant Mellerson For Grant Mellerson, a native of Randallstown, MD, his journey to Muskingum was quite different. Unlike Samantha who found Muskingum at a college fair, Muskingum found Grant. “You could say Muskingum found me. I was at a prospect camp at the University of Virginia for baseball and one of the former coaches recruited me,” Grant said.
“On my visit, compared to some of the other colleges I had seen, it is definitely smaller. It seemed like a family friendly environment, and that they care about their students.”
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While Muskingum made an impression on Grant, he made an impression on Muskingum. “Grant Mellerson was a standout applicant for the incoming Fall 2023 class. He demonstrated leadership skills through his involvement in the National Honor Society and athletics,” Admission Counselor Zoey Stenson ’21 commented. “He excelled in the classroom, taking rigorous courses including an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence coding class. These courses, as well as him being a part of the Mass Communications Magnet Program, have set him up for success in our Computer Science program. I could tell by Grant’s application alone that he was a bright and ambitious student.” During move-in weekend, he enjoyed convocation and finally meeting his roommate, a baseball player from California. In looking at colleges, Grant was looking for a home. “Going away for school isn’t easy for anybody, so I just wanted to find somewhere I can fit in. Muskingum is very welcoming. When I got here, everyone was nice.” While his major is Information Systems, his favorite class so far is Emergence in the Modern World taught by Professor of History Laura Hilton. “Dr. Hilton makes it fun. She makes learning easy and fun.” Grant is looking forward to getting the grades, but also being the best player he can become. “Ever since our first conversation with Grant in the recruiting process, we knew he was an extremely high character individual. Watching him play was a reflection of his personality: humble, respectful, competitive and a high internal motor,” Baseball Head Coach Jacob Krupar said. “Grant is a competitor and has a high-level work ethic, and when we got him on campus for his visit, there was zero doubt in my mind that he would be a great fit at Muskingum. In the short time he has been on campus, Grant has invested himself in academics, relationships, and his craft. There is no doubt that Grant truly resembles what it means to be a Muskie!” In reflecting on his first week as a student, Grant commented “Athletics wise it is pretty welcoming, and academic wise it is welcoming. Being an athlete, I can tell they look out for athletes.
“Classes are going pretty good; baseball is going pretty good; all around everything is good. I think I am going to be pushed a lot, and that is all I want – to be pushed to be the best I can.”
THEIR JOURNEY STARTed AT MUSKINGUM
Each student and their journey to Muskingum University are unique, and that is what creates the beautiful tapestry that is the University. Gary sums it up perfectly, “Our community grows stronger with every promising young person who decides to join us.”
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KHANNA CAREER
connections Conference Connecting Classroom Knowledge to the Real World The inaugural Khanna Career Connections Conference, presented by the Anuj Khanna ’86 family, was held on Muskingum’s campus on September 30, 2023. The conference brought together more than 120 students, 50 alumni volunteers, and support from faculty and staff members. Provided free of charge to Muskingum undergraduates, the conference delivered a platform for engagement for students, alumni, and prospective employers, to support current Muskies in developing and advancing their career interests and ambitions. Mary Hetrick Kaufmann ’87, presented the keynote address “Rise Up.” A consultant and speaker noted for her ability to help people and teams embrace the future with competence and confidence, Mary currently serves as Business Strategist at Augustwenty and co-hosts the “Business. Technology. Talk.” podcast.
The interactive breakout sessions included alumni panels, small group sessions, and workshops, with tracks for first-years/sophomores and juniors/seniors. A career and networking fair on the Quad featured local and regional employers, and was followed by a seated lunch that offered additional opportunities for students and alumni to make connections. For Julian Anderson ’24, the conference came at a perfect time, as he begins his post-graduation career search. “It was very inspiring,” Julian said. “The keynote speaker was so motivating, and I could relate everything she said to my personal and career goals. The quote ‘change the way you think, speak out loud what you want to be true, manifest your dreams, find something that fuels you to strive for greatness, and project the best image of yourself’ is incredibly meaningful to me. I met great people who gave me tips on what to look for and how to select the career option that is right for me.” Julian is majoring in business management and marketing with an economics minor, and he serves as president of Brotherhood of the Village.
Brad Geduldig ’97, Regional Service Director for Cintas, presented “On the Ball: Former Athletes in the Workplace and Benefits of Leveraging Your Athletic Experiences in Your Career,” for juniors and seniors. “I was impressed with how engaged the students were, taking notes and requesting my contact information for further follow-up questions,” he reflected. “I also had great interactions with them during the career and networking fair and lunch. I shared that while grades are important, I look to hire graduates who were active on campus, in athletics or other areas, and who are good communicators.” Brad earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Speech Communication, with minors in Spanish and Economics, and was a 4-year starter for the Fighting Muskies football team. Brad Geduldig and Michelle Brown
career area and with those who graduated in my new major. I also loved hearing alumni perspectives on coming back to campus.” Lainey is the vice president of the Muskingum Communication Association and active in Theta Phi Alpha and the Muskingum Christian Fellowship. Muskingum’s Impact Center, which offers a rich variety of experiences that expertly prepare students for the future, developed the conference in partnership with the University’s Advancement Division and Alumni Council. “We have a Long Magenta Line of alumni who are eager to give back,” notes Molly Dunn, Executive Director of the Impact Center. “Their willingness to share their time, experiences, and connections with our students was the central component of the Khanna Career Connections Conference. Our students had the chance to have rich and meaningful conversations with alumni, exploring career interests, values, and pathways with experts in a variety of fields, and they built networks for the future by meeting knowledgeable and experienced Muskies.”
GET CONNECTED! State Farm Insurance Agency owner Michelle Brown ’94 especially enjoyed the opportunity to mentor first years and sophomores. “My presentation was on ‘The Power of 1440: Making the Most of Your Time,’” she explained. “We talked about using scheduling and calendaring to avoid procrastination, which help reduce stress and anxiety, and I shared some tools for ‘Winning the Day’ and reflecting daily on what they accomplished and what lessons they learned. I also shared the importance of building relationships during their time at Muskingum – I am still closely connected today with the faculty, staff, and coaches who influenced my personal and professional life.” Michelle majored in Business and minored in Music and Communication. Lainey Westfall ’26 especially enjoyed meeting alumni who changed their major. “Hearing their experiences was so helpful for me,” Lainey said. “I came to Muskingum as a nursing major, but I recognized that it was not a good fit for me. I am now majoring in communication studies and sociology and considering a career in human resources. The conference enabled me to make connections with alumni in my new potential
Muskingum’s Impact Center invites alumni to partner in preparing students for their professional lives. Alumni volunteers have the chance to inspire and mentor students, and have a direct impact on shaping their future. The Impact Center is a resource for students that aids in career development through major and career exploration, high impact experiences, career planning, and coaching. Throughout the academic year, the Impact Center hosts job fairs, other job seeking opportunities, and career development programs for students. Areas for you to volunteer include: • The annual Khanna Career Connections Conference (Fall Semester) • Magenta Homecoming’s annual Student/Alumni Networking Event (Fall Semester) • Career Fairs (throughout the academic year) • Alumni Connection Campus Visits (throughout the academic year) • Monetary donations and sponsorships to support the Impact Center’s initiatives
Scan the QR code to complete the online volunteer form. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Participating students experienced every aspect of attending a professional conference, from pre-registration, to check-in, reviewing the conference packet, and selecting break-out sessions. Prior to the conference, The Impact Center and the Women’s Soccer Team partnered on a clothing drive and special give-away event from the Impact Center’s Campus Clothing Closet, to assist students in need of professional clothing. Following the conference, all participants were invited to attend the afternoon’s Fighting Muskies home football game and continue their networking conversations at the Heacock Hospitality Deck of the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex. Muskingum University is deeply grateful to conference sponsors Anuj Khanna ’86 family and conference supporters CINTAS, AMG Vanadium, Muskingum Valley Health Centers, Wendy's, Capital City Advisors, and Brad ’89 and Mary ’87 Kaufmann.
The Khanna Career Connections Conference is planned to become an annual event.
"This is my chance to give back" For Anuj Khanna ’86, the experiences, friendships, and opportunities he gained during his time at Muskingum had a life-changing impact. “When I came to Muskingum, I found a very welcoming environment – a supportive community of faculty, staff, fellow students, and New Concord residents,” he recalled. “This is my chance to give back,” he said, reflecting on his sponsorship of the Khanna Career Connections Conference, presented by the Anuj Khanna ’86 family. “My support is focused on preparing students for their professional lives after university. I especially want to create a platform to help bring together students, alumni, and prospective employers to help students make informed choices as they prepare for and transition to careers after graduating. The Midwest, especially Ohio, has a great number of opportunities across various industry sectors. My hope is that the Career Connections initiative will in time have a good representation from prospective employers, alumni, and of course motivated students, regardless of whether they are freshmen or seniors. “It is extremely important for students to stretch beyond their comfort zones. The world is increasingly more sophisticated and fast-changing, and with that comes opportunities. Those who are prepared to work hard, be proactive, and take risks will benefit. My advice to students is to take the initiative, be well prepared, and reach out to alumni and prospective employers to pursue their interests.” The Khanna Career Connections Conference is dedicated to Anuj’s brother, Ashwan Khanna ’84 (1961-2023), for his life and contributions as a student and as an active alumnus who supported several important initiatives at Muskingum. After graduating from Muskingum with a degree in Economics and Accounting, Anuj Khanna earned an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. During his career in investment banking, he served Bankers Trust as a Managing Director in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, helping build the firm’s Global Leveraged Finance business into one of the leading franchises on Wall Street. He later served as a Founding Partner, with former U.S. President William Jefferson Clinton, of the Yucaipa Global Partnership Fund and as Chief Investment Officer of QInvest. Anuj currently resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the CEO of Lagoon Advisory Partners and a Board Member of NMC Healthcare, the leading private sector healthcare group in the region. Anuj and his wife Susana are the proud parents of Arman and Sita.
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finding your
path
James Huggins '26
“When I first graduated from Meadowbrook High School in Byesville, Ohio, I enrolled at Muskingum without a clear idea of my direction in life,” sophomore James Huggins reflected. “I soon realized that I wasn’t yet ready for college, so I left Muskingum and entered the workforce. After two years of growing up and learning to live successfully on my own – with a steady job, an apartment, a car, and a dog and cat – I was ready to pursue my degree once again. “I re-enrolled at Muskingum in Fall 2022,” James recalled. “This time I was excited to be back in school and ready to take my studies seriously. I was determined to find my path by taking advantage of everything Muskingum has to offer, especially the hands-on learning opportunities.” Initially, James thought he would major in middle childhood education. For an elective course in his first semester, he chose the Introduction to Cinematography course taught by Assistant Professor of Media Communication Michael Carvaines.
“ I immediately found my
career passion when Professor Carvaines put a camera in my hands.
”
James recalled, “I didn’t know that this would be my calling and then suddenly I realized that it was. I discovered that the Media Production major was the perfect fit for me.” As he pursues his studies, James is also working as a part-time reporter for broadcast station WHIZ in Zanesville. “I took the Advanced Media Production course with Professor Carvaines in Spring 2023, where I had the opportunity to make short films and videos,” James said. “I continued to love being on the other side of the camera, and at the same time that course was especially helpful with my job at WHIZ.” Michael Carvaines is now James’ advisor. “In the Media Production major, we teach students to write, direct, edit, and produce short- and long-form narrative, documentary, and creative films,” he explained. “They develop their skills in camera work, story-telling, collaboration, and most importantly self-expression. The Introduction to Cinematography course that James enrolled in last fall was a brand-new course, which drew Muskies from disciplines across the campus. Many of them were new to film-making and new to Muskingum, and it was an exciting creative environment for teaching and learning.” James has also made strong connections with Associate Professor of Communication Lisa Marshall ’03, the WMCO Station Manager and Director of Broadcasting. “WMCO is a great place for me to learn additional new skills,” James noted. “I host a one-hour music show as an Orbit Media radio DJ and I’ve had the opportunity to do play-by-play sports broadcasts for Muskingum athletics.”
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“This fall semester, I’m excited to be taking a course in digital media design, which will also broaden my skills,” James said. Associate Professor of Digital Media Design Tom German ’93 leads Muskingum’s curriculum in that area, sharing his design expertise and his experience working in commercial television production. Outside of the classroom, James is a member of The M.A.C.E. Club, where he serves as Social Media Manager. James dedicated this past summer to further improving his video skills by also working for Kaleb Graham Productions, a professional media studio in
Cambridge. “I’ve been learning wedding, sports, and concert videography, each of which have their own techniques and provide unique opportunities to capture meaningful images and emotions,” James explained. “These new abilities are enhancing my work across all types of media productions. I’m also starting social media pages featuring my own creative videography and am involved in producing a music podcast. “I want to learn everything I can about my field, through the classes I take and the hands-on experiences I can acquire on and off campus,” James reflected.
“I say yes to every opportunity that comes my way and I am willing to do anything and everything during those experiences. Muskingum is the perfect place to find these opportunities and it is the perfect place for me!” Caldwell Hall is home to the Communication, Media, & Theatre Department
Muskingum’s Communication, Media, & Theatre Department
resides in the Division of Arts and Humanities.
Division Chair and Professor of English Jane Varley explained that “a critical component of the Arts and Humanities Division’s mission is teaching all Muskingum students how to communicate – to write well, to speak clearly, to talk with people, and look them in the eyes. We help students find their voices and themselves, through a balance of creative and critical thinking. Students mature in their communication abilities through individual and small group work, one-on-one consultations with professors, and multiple presentations. “Students seeking a career in communication have several choices,” Dr. Varley said. “Each one offers innovative experiential learning blended with strong liberal arts fundamentals. They are very project-based, as students work closely with faculty on individual and team assignments. Orbit Media – our student-run news and current events organization – along with our intercollegiate Forensics Team and live theatre productions all offer additional hands-on experience.” Students also complete internships and projects with regional organizations and businesses.
Communication Studies
Communication Studies majors develop an understanding of contemporary communication, an appreciation for communication’s history, technology, literary, and dramatic heritage, and skills in oral communication, communication technology, and production.
Digital Media Design
The Digital Media Design major develops students’ creative and analytical design skills for independent and collaborative work, connecting disciplines including art, business, electronic and print communication, music, theatre, and social sciences.
Journalism
Journalism majors prepare for careers in convergent media, learning to communicate news using multiple media across different audience platforms. They develop their reporting skills in writing, audio, video, photography, and web formats.
Media Production
The Media Production major focuses on audio and video production processes and theory, with one-on-one faculty mentoring in classroom and co-curricular settings. Students write, edit, and produce short- and long-form media work.
Sports Communication
The first of its kind in the region, the Sports Communication major offers hands-on learning within Muskingum’s NCAA Division III athletics environment. Students gain skills in sports media, promotion and publicity, leadership, broadcast production and performance, social media, and media relations.
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Welcome
Provost Jennifer Dugan
Following a nationwide search, Dr. Jennifer J. Dugan was selected as Muskingum’s new Provost, the University’s chief academic officer. She joined the Muskingum community in July 2023. Most recently, Jennifer served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pikeville, in Pikeville, Kentucky. Her previous posts included Director of Faculty Programs for the Associated Colleges of the South, an Atlanta, Georgia-based consortium of 16 private liberal arts colleges, and Professor, Assistant Dean, and First-Year Studies Director at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Originally from Lakewood, Ohio, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside. Jennifer and her husband, architect John Wood, recently purchased a home in Cambridge, Ohio, which they share with their rescue dog Beans. They are the parents of two daughters, AJ, who is a veterinarian in Evansville, Indiana, and Layla, who is a current senior at Randolph College.
Q&A
What attracted you to Muskingum?
“I’m excited by Muskingum’s mission and the way tradition combines with creative thinking and innovation. The University has a history of responding to the educational needs of students – residential undergraduates, adult learners, graduate students – and paying attention to the needs of the region. Muskingum encourages collaboration and creativity, which are important values for me.”
What were your impressions when you first visited? “The beauty of the campus, the cultural richness of the area, and the commitment to economic development and growing the region felt familiar to me from living and working in the Appalachian area of Eastern Kentucky. I knew right away that I could contribute the experiences and leadership lessons I gained there to help advance Muskingum and its surrounding communities.”
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your first academic year at Muskingum? “Muskingum recognizes that education needs to happen within the context of students’ lives and goals. Our immensely talented faculty work to provide every student with an exceptional educational experience and excellent preparation for their future career. I look forward to working with faculty to offer the very best educational programs possible.”
What had the most impact on you in your own undergraduate years? “I was a first-generation college student, like so many Muskingum students today, and I worked a lot of jobs to pay my bills. During my first year, I did well academically, but I felt weighed down by financial anxiety surrounding campus living costs. A staff member recognized that I was struggling with this issue and worked out a payment plan that helped me stay in school. Because that person saw me as a ‘whole student’ and cared about my success, I was able to graduate. I see a lot of that same care and attention at Muskingum.”
Magenta Homecoming: A Catalyst for reconnection Magenta
In October 2021, Jeff Gibbs ’78 planned to attend Magenta Homecoming on a trip to visit 2023 family in Ohio. “I hadn’t been back to the campus in 40 years, I was curious to see it again, and I wanted to introduce my partner – a native Texan who had never been to Ohio – to the places that were important and influential to me,” he recalled. “Muskingum never diminished in its importance to me, but, as a result of numerous moves and career adventures over the years, I had lost touch with Muskingum and Muskingum had lost touch with me. Yet I soon learned that my connections with the place and the people are still very deep, strong, and powerful.”
As Jeff was traveling to Ohio from New Mexico for the weekend, however, his travel was delayed, causing him to miss the scheduled homecoming events, including the football game. “I was disappointed because I hoped to connect with members of the Class of 1976 who would be celebrating their 45th Class Reunion. I was really close with a bunch of them including the RA in Patton Hall my freshman year who became my Kappa Sigma big brother. I stopped by campus to see if anything was still going on or if alums were still around. I did not see anyone, but I learned the location of the 45th reunion dinner. I just showed up and crashed the dinner. They were gracious, welcoming, and I had a wonderful time,” he related. The following year, Jeff returned – with no travel delays – for the dedication of the new Bullock Health and Wellness Complex and for Magenta Homecoming 2022.
“
I loved my time as a Muskingum student,” Jeff remembers. “It was the place that started me on the path to becoming who I am. There were so many people who influenced me – faculty, staff, administration, my Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers, and other fellow Muskies.
“
“I began my studies as a biology major on the path to medical school – my father was a physician and that was my family’s expectation for me – but through an internship experience at Mansfield General during an interterm, I learned that I was just not suited to the medical profession. “Instead, I transitioned my academic focus to the social sciences, where my faculty members provided the guidance I needed to find my own path. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and Political Science and Public Affairs, with a minor in Economics. I then completed my J.D. degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.”
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Jeff’s experiences outside of the classroom were even more important to him He discovered that Muskingum offered a “surprising range and variety of educational, but not purely academic, opportunities. I was an active student and participated in a diverse and disparate array of co-curricular activities – debate, sports, theatre, music, art, and intramurals – with varying levels of achievement.” For his junior year, he served as an RA in Thomas Hall. As he prepared for his senior year, Jeff was intent on becoming president of his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. He narrowly lost the election. “I was really disappointed, almost crushed. Professor Ron Mulder, who had taken an active part in helping on my path to the legal profession, encouraged me to seek the office of President of the Student Senate as a better step toward law school. I surprised myself by winning the election in a runoff. As president, I had the opportunity of working with all the elected student leaders as well as with the student leaders of the newspaper, the yearbook, the community council, and others in connection with the development of the budget for the student activity fund. I also served on the Board of Trustees as the student representative. I was extremely fortunate to interact with this group of national business and political leaders – people like Phillip Caldwell of Ford Motor Company and Senator John Glenn – who remained fully engaged and committed to Muskingum. I had an unexpected opportunity to collaborate closely with the Trustees in connection with the search for a president of Muskingum following the death of President John Brown. I also had the unique opportunity to assist with Ohio political campaigns for then-professor and later Muskingum President Sam Speck, which was a wonderfully enlightening and empowering experience.”
Through these experiences, Jeff developed his enterprising spirit at Muskingum. “It was an atmosphere where I was encouraged to try new things and had so much support from the faculty and staff for exploring any direction I thought I might like to try, that I never felt any particular risk or worry about what might happen if I changed my mind or was not as successful or proficient as I hoped. I also learned a valuable lesson that disappointment or setback can also be tools to get to your right path.”
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“
After reconnecting with Muskingum, I immediately knew that I wanted to give back. I recognize that Muskingum provided an amazing foundation for me and had a tremendous impact on my life. I want to help current and future students have the kinds of opportunities I did.
“
Jeff combined his career as a transactional corporate attorney with a variety of entrepreneurial ventures. Opportunities took him to Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, back to Atlanta and Kansas City, and then to Dallas, and involved him in fields ranging from partner in a law firm to the garment industry to real estate investing to limousine transportation for the 1996 Summer Olympics to the gas station canopy manufacturing business and finally to the position of the General Counsel for a private equity firm. “I was empowered to take non-linear and non-traditional professional, career, and personal paths.”
“In making a gift to the University, I chose to support the Impact Center. The Impact Center’s activities are tremendously important for Muskingum – it directly supports students in preparing for their careers, it connects alumni and students, and it provides alumni with many different opportunities to give back through volunteering.” By creating access to high-impact experiential learning opportunities and providing career education programming, the Impact Center ensures students are well-prepared with 21st-century skills for work and for life. Muskingum alumni volunteers play an integral role in the Impact Center’s work, sharing their experiences, networking with students, and helping to mentor and inspire them. By serving as a connector for employers, the Impact Center also enhances community partnerships and regional workforce and economic development initiatives. Jeff was recently back on campus to participate in the Impact Center’s September 30, 2023, Khanna Career Connections Conference, where he presented a talk and connected with students and fellow alumni (see page 8 for more on the Khanna Career Connections Conference). “Another important way to support Muskingum is by collaborating with other alumni. My reconnection with the University first began when my Kappa Sigma brothers reached out to me to participate in a group gift for the new Henry D. Bullock (’77) Health and Wellness Complex. I was happy to participate in honor of him. When I reconnected with Ken Fouts ’77, I was again happy to contribute to a scholarship fund he was creating in honor of Professor David Quinn, who was an influential teacher and mentor. “I am passionate about encouraging all alumni to reconnect, engage with, and give back to Muskingum at any level and in any way comfortable for each of them. As the Long Magenta Line, collectively, we have broad shoulders, and we can help to elevate the University and the student experience. We have the unique and rewarding opportunity to directly impact students’ lives, through giving our time and experiences and by sharing some good fortune. Every alum has something important they can offer!” Jeff shares his Long Magenta Line legacy with his sister, Brenda Gibbs Nelson ’80. He and his life partner Alex Zuniga reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Learn more about the Impact Center and make your plans now for the next Magenta Homecoming!
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Recognizing Alumni Impact: Distinguished Service Awards
Muskingum University Distinguished Service Awards honor those alumni who have attained the highest levels of achievement in their professions and whose service to others has had an extraordinary impact on the world.
John D. Fisher ’76 John’s 42-year career of serving others was capped by his 21 years as Executive Director of the Licking County Department of Job & Family Services, leading the community’s federal, state, and county programs for employment and training, social services, protective services for children and seniors, and self-sufficiency services. Upon his retirement, the Ohio JFS Directors Association created the annual John Fisher Service Medallion award, of which he was the first recipient, in honor of his exceptional leadership and compassion in serving residents and his dedication to continual program improvement. He earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Dayton. John and his wife Marcia have four children and nine grandchildren. His son Joseph ’12, daughter-in-law Brianna Burke Fisher ’12, step-grandson Jackson Hargraves ’23, niece Leeah Mahon ’18, and nephew John Mahon ’05 are all Muskies.
James A. McDonald ’73 President and Chief Executive Officer of Allwell Behavioral Health Services since 2013, James has served the organization for 50 years. He is Chair of the Board of Directors of Genesis Healthcare System, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Zane State College, the founder of Forever Dads, a founding board member of the Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families, the originator of Enterprise Muskingum, and an Ordained Elder with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Muskingum, a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Ohio University, and Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist licenses. He and his wife Lisa have two children, Sarah and Michael, and a grandson, Jordan.
Debra L. Clausing Sudan ’85 Division Chief of Abdominal Transplant in the Department of Surgery, Professor of Surgery, and Professor of Pediatrics at Duke University, Debra is a ground-breaking surgeon who completed North Carolina’s first-ever abdominal-wall transplant. Her clinical interests include all abdominal organ transplants. In 2020 she became the first woman to be honored with Duke’s Master Surgeon award. She earned her Muskingum Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry summa cum laude with minors in Biology and German and completed her M.D. degree at Wright State University. She previously served as Professor of Surgery and director of the living donor liver transplant program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
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2023 Distinguished Service and Emerging Alumni Awards
Emerging Alumni Awards
Muskingum University Emerging Alumni Awards recognize alumni who in their first 15 years of their careers have made significant contributions to their professions and their world.
Michael S. Klamo ’15 As Chief Assistant Prosecutor at the Madison County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office, Michael seeks justice for victims, families, and citizens. He is President of the Madison County Bar Association, on Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church (London), and coaches basketball at West Jefferson Middle School. Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in History and Political Science and his J.D. degree cum laude from Case Western Reserve University School of Law (Criminal Law concentration). He enjoys listening to baseball, golfing, and hiking with his dogs Toby and Marney.
Justin P. Kume ’06 The Associate Athletic Director for Football Compliance at The Ohio State University, Justin guides Division I student-athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders in NCAA rule compliance. While earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Affairs, he was a three-year football letter-winner, student representative to the Board of Trustees, and M.A.C.E. Club officer. He holds a Master of Science degree in Education (Sport Administration concentration) from Florida State University. Justin and his wife Lauren reside in New Albany, Ohio with their sons Mason and Nolan.
Taylor J. Loos-little ’16 As Manager of Onsite Education Experiences for COSI: Center of Science and Industry (Columbus), Taylor manages performances, curriculum, and experiences for guests of all ages, and ensures accessibility for people with special needs and underserved youth. He is a Board Member of Tuscarawas Valley Heritage and previously served the C&O Canal National Historical Park and the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum. Taylor earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in Applied History from Shippensburg University.
Jillian B. Von gunten ’09 An attorney with Allen & Baughman, Jillian champions the arts as President of the Zanesville Community Theatre Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. She helps meet the needs of marginalized individuals as President of the Board of Directors of the Zanesville Pride Group and through her service at Legal Aid Clinics. Jillian earned her Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude with majors in Political Science and Theatre and her J.D. degree from Capital University Law School.
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WINning in and out of the classroOm
Supporting the Success of our Student-Athletes
Student-athletes across Muskingum’s Athletic Department carry the challenging responsibility of balancing academics, sports, and cocurricular activities. Faculty, staff, and coaches work closely together to help support their success, creating an atmosphere that many say is unique among the institution’s peers. “Athletics at Muskingum is about what our coaches want for our student-athletes, not about what they want from our student-athletes,” observed Director of Athletics Kari Winters ’08, ’10G, who leads a staff of coaches that are fully engaged in the academic and personal success of their students. “Our coaches are educators – their goal is to help young men and women prepare for life after college,” she said. “They embrace the opportunity to mentor student-athletes, helping them develop in areas such as personal accountability, time management, and leadership, as well as in their sport.”
Mark stambush
Muskingum’s faculty plays a critical role in creating a supportive environment. Associate Professor of Psychology Mark Stambush is the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR). “My charter is to be a liaison between academics and athletics, and an advocate for student-athletes,” he noted. “Student-athletes, coaches, and faculty members can come to me if competing demands or concerns arise, and I can help bring everyone to the same page and develop strategies for success.” Mark is a regular attendee at Muskingum’s Athletic Department and Student-Athlete Advisory Council meetings, and he provides a faculty voice for the University in Ohio Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III meetings of his FAR peers. “I have been around sports all my life. I have a first-hand understanding of what it takes to be a student-athlete, as my wife and I were both collegiate athletes,” Mark said. “We have two sons who are actively involved in sports, so I also have some perspectives in common with our student-athletes’ families. We enjoy attending as many athletic events as we can.”
“A great strength of Muskingum is the way our coaches and faculty members work together at all stages of the student-athletes’ journeys,” Mark observed. “Many faculty and staff members regularly attend athletic events to cheer on the Muskies. The coaches make sure that student-athletes are attending class and taking their studies seriously. Faculty members often meet with prospective student-athletes, enabling them to make academic as well as athletic connections before they enroll. That is an incredibly important role, as 60 percent of our incoming students each year are student-athletes.”
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Assistant Professor of Economics Arjun Sondhi is another faculty member who has made special connections with a Muskie team. “I have gotten to know a group of baseball players who have taken my classes, and I want them to understand that I am there for them, academically and with their sport,” he said. “I go to as many of their games as I can. It’s important for faculty to be visible.”
Jim Dooley and Hallie Cruzen Jim Dooley, the Bill and Martha Lovejoy Professor of Biology, is well-known on campus for his active engagement with prospective and current students in all areas of academic and co-curricular interests. “When I meet with student-athlete recruits during their visits, I can give them a connection beyond their sport and help them feel that they are welcome here,” he said. Jim further explained that “I use that opportunity to let students and parents know that Muskingum values and reinforces all parts of the student experience. Athletics has a seat at the table when it comes to student development, alongside academics and co-curricular activities. Teamwork, putting others’ interests above your own, and dealing with adversity are all skills that student-athletes learn in my biology lab as well as in their sport. Our education is about building a life. It’s an integrated big picture. “For a student-athlete, their sport is an important part of their identity. They need to see that faculty members value athletics, that we come to the games, and that we work together with coaches,” Jim continued. “Our new Bullock Health and Wellness Complex is a symbol of our institutional belief that athletic experiences are an important part of their education. “My hobby is sports photography,” Jim said, “and I attend all of the volleyball games and take photos of the action on the court. We have a gallery of student photos in the Biology hallway – many of which are sports photos – and it sends a strong message to parents and prospective students who likely aren’t expecting that display in an academic building. I also use sports to help break the ice in the classroom. We spend a few minutes talking about what happened in the Muskie athletic contests, and it helps students build relationships with their classmates.”
“Professor Sondhi has helped make it possible for me to explore my career interests with hands-on experiences, while balancing those activities with my sport,” said Accounting, Economics, and Business major and baseball student-athlete Brock Pfister ’25. “I completed an internship with Park National Bank, am involved in leading the new Investment Club, and Professor Sondhi is even doing a directed study with me this fall on a topic of my interest that is not offered as a course.” Head Baseball Coach Jake Krupar noted that “Our players immediately notice when Arjun Sondhi is in the stands. They recognize and appreciate the time commitment that he makes to them, and they are always eager to take his classes and get to know him further.”
Jake Krupar and Arjun Sondhi “Muskingum is a very special place,” Jake continued. “The number of faculty and staff members who come out to our games to support us and the atmosphere of caring for student-athletes’ well-being goes way beyond what I experienced when I coached at other institutions. There is a partnership environment between academics and athletics that you just don’t find elsewhere.” Head Volleyball Coach Hallie Cruzen agrees with Jake’s assessment. “With so many faculty members from disciplines across the campus supporting athletics, it feels like the entire University is behind us, helping our student-athletes integrate their academics and their sports. Everyone is willing to do what it takes to ensure our student-athletes have a great experience while they are here and graduate well-prepared for their future. It is just ingrained in the culture here at Muskingum!”
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MINUTE
WITH A MUSKINGUM SOCIETY MEMBER
For Eric ’82 and Alicia Gratz ’83 Pohjala, “Muskingum is near and dear to our hearts,” Eric explained. “It played a fundamental role in our lives. We joined the Muskingum Society because of how much the University means to us. We want to support Muskingum and help ensure that it remains a great place for today’s students.” Alicia recalls that “Muskingum has always been part of my life. I grew up going to homecoming and other events on campus.” She is a third-generation Muskie, beginning with her maternal grandmother France Lyle Arter of the Class of 1924. Her Long Magenta Line legacy includes her father, Charles Gratz ’57, an Emeritus member of the Alumni Council, her late mother Carol Arter Gratz ’57, and her sisters Jane Gratz Miller ’86, and Elaine Gratz Tuel ’90. Her niece Riley Tuel is a current Muskingum junior. Eric and Alicia are both actively engaged volunteers with Muskingum. Eric is a member of the Muskingum University Alumni Council, where he serves on the Mentor subcommittee, focusing his efforts on opportunities to connect alumni with students. “The recent Khanna Career Connections Conference is a great example of how we can get involved as alumni to help current Muskies with their career pathways,” he noted. Alicia served as a Class Reunion Chair for the Class of 1983’s 40th Reunion at Magenta Homecoming 2023. “It’s exciting to be involved and to be in touch with so many classmates. This was the family that we had for four years on campus – we grew up together and that creates a lifelong bond.” Eric earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and his Master of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University. He serves as
the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Lima Memorial Health System. Alicia earned her Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in German. While at Muskingum, Eric was a 4-year basketball student-athlete under Coach Jim Burson and a member of Phi Kappa Tau. “Being on Coach Burson’s team had an important impact on my development. I applied the mental discipline I learned through that experience to my academics and throughout my career and personal life beyond Muskingum.” Alicia was a member of Delta Gamma Theta, on the yearbook staff, and was the basketball team’s statistician. “Basketball is how Eric and I met,” she recalls. “My sisters also served as basketball statisticians and Coach Burson became family to us.”
“Our Greek experiences were very important to both of us. We were especially happy to support the Greek Muskingum Fund Scholarships during the 2023 Day of Giving,” Eric said. “We were definitely “All In” with the challenge among Greek organizations to have the greatest participation in Day of Giving,” Alicia noted. “It was so much fun for us to reconnect with our fraternity and sorority brothers and sisters, and a great opportunity to remind them of how important it is to support Muskingum.” Eric and Alicia reside in Lima, Ohio. They are the parents of four children and the grandparents of two. Their family includes Jake and his wife Allie and their children Lucy and Owen, Luke and his wife Tiffany, Cole and his fiancé Thalia, and Bethany and her partner Clint.
GIVING BACK through planned giving Mary Ann McCormick enjoyed getting to know generations of Muskies as a 40-year staff member at the University. Her first assignment was helping to open the Quad Center in 1960, and she retired in 2000 as the Bookstore Manager. “I loved interacting with the students, faculty, and staff,” she recalled. “They all came into the Bookstore regularly, and I wanted the students to feel like they were visiting a home away from home. It was a joy when alumni would come back to visit, especially when they were there to enroll their children at Muskingum. “For my husband Lester and I, the New Concord area was a great place to live and raise a family,” Mary Ann reflected. Lester dedicated his career to the U.S. Postal Service, and they also owned several local apartment buildings, which housed many Muskingum community members over the years. Both Mary Ann and Lester held pilot’s licenses and they owned a private plane, and together they advised a Flying Club for Muskingum students during the 1960s-70s era.
Planned Giving News: Do you own an IRA? Would you like to give more to a charity but need the retirement income? Would you like to increase your retirement income and leave an impactful gift to Muskingum?
“Muskingum was so good to us,” Mary Ann said. “We chose to establish a Charitable Gift Annuity with the University as a way to say thank you. It was wonderful to raise our daughters within the campus community, from the Center for Child Development pre-school to the countless music performances and arts events that they attended. The campus atmosphere is truly an asset to the New Concord area community, and it is very important to us to support Muskingum. We want to see the University continue to grow and succeed.” The McCormicks were high school sweethearts and have been married for 66 and a half years. They retired to The Villages, Florida, and live near their two daughters. The McCormick family includes Lezlee McCormick Thaeler and her husband David and children Chloe Thaeler Baird and Claire Thaeler, and Betsy McCormick Griffin and her husband Brad and children Elise and Emma.
Impact the Muskingum of Tomorrow
Good news! With the recently enacted Secure 2.0 Act, you can now make a once-in-a-lifetime, tax-free distribution from your IRA to fund a gift annuity and receive income for life. With a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) agreement, you receive lifetime income and financial security with attractive payment rates, and the opportunity to support Muskingum. Through the CGA, you contribute cash from your IRA, and the CGA begins to make regular payments to you for your lifetime, at a payment rate based on your age. The Secure 2.0 Act provides a tax-free distribution from your IRA for a CGA, which lowers your taxable estate and yields lifetime income payments of 5 percent or greater. The maximum allowable distribution amount in 2023 is $50,000. Under the Act’s provisions, you must be 70 ½ or older to take advantage of this opportunity. The CGA may be set up to pay income to you, your spouse, or both.
For more information, contact Paul McClelland, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 740-826-8648 or paulm@muskingum.edu.
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260 Stadium drive New Concord, OH 43762-1837 Muskingum.edu
UPDATE
Students enjoy a colorful slime war on Patton hill during Welcome Weekend.
