SUMMER 2021
Congratulations Class of 2021! UPDATE
INSIDE: $1.25 MILLION RECEIVED FROM STRAKER FOUNDATION FOR HENRY D. BULLOCK HEALTH & WELLNESS COMPLEX
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UPDATE
Copyright © 2021 Muskingum Update is published by Muskingum University, 10 College Drive, P.O. Box 1837 New Concord, Ohio 43762-1837
Editor: Annette Giovengo Nolish Contributors and Photography: Michelle Ball, Jaclyn Pugh, Tom Caudill ’05G Online Archives: muskingum.edu/updatemag Comments and Questions: theupdate@muskingum.edu 740-826-8134 Address Changes: alumni@muskingum.edu 740-826-8131
Muskingum Legacy graduate Jocelyn McBurney-Buell ’21 with (from left) Jackie Buell, husband Nehemiah Bowie ’21, and Jamie McBurney ’82.
Contents From the President’s Desk
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Class of 2021 Welcome to the Long Magenta Line
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Learning A Passion for Learning Lives On: Henry S. & Katherine W. Evans
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Educational Excellence
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Thank You for Your Service
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Transformation
@muskingumalumni
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Straker Foundation Supports Bullock Health & Wellness Complex
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Quad Center Renovation Begins
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Athletics
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Sharing the Legacy
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From the President’s Desk Dear Muskingum Alumni and Friends, On July 1, 2021, I celebrated my five-year anniversary as President of Muskingum University. It has been, and continues to be, an honor and a privilege to lead this very special community of students, faculty and staff, alumni, and friends. I am grateful to each of you for your support, and eager to continue our ongoing work together as we build a solid foundation for Muskingum’s future. The results of our IMPACT 2025 strategic action plan initiatives in learning and innovation, transformative growth, visibility and distinction, and a thriving future become more evident each day. It is always a joy to celebrate commencement and extend our Long Magenta Line. It was especially meaningful this year to hold our undergraduate ceremonies in person, culminating a full academic year of in-person instruction made possible by the creativity and resilience of our campus community. We were delighted to award honorary doctorates to two exceptional alumni: coach, educator, and University Trustee Darrell Hazell ’86 and educational leader Tami Bowling Fitzgerald, ’81, ’98G. It is hard to believe that construction on the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex (BHWC) began just over a year ago. Today, much of the steel structure is in place as this amazing integrated athletic, academic, and recreational facility takes shape. We are thrilled to announce that we have received $1.25 million from the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, in support of the BHWC’s wellness corridor, which will include a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Hub and Fitness Center. Renovations to the Quad Center have begun, as we use the $2.2 million federal Strengthening Institutions grant to expand career readiness and academic success support for our students. When the work is complete, the Quad Center will be home to the new student Impact Center and will feature improved accessibility throughout the building and upgrades to the campus casual dining option, The Bait Shop. Throughout these pages, you will see just a few examples of the impact that our students, faculty, staff, and alumni have on the world around them. Honors and accomplishments in academics, athletics, and service remind us of our deep commitment to educating the whole learner for the whole world. I wish you all the best and hope to see many of you in person in the coming months, especially at Reunion Weekend @ Homecoming 2021. With warm regards, President Susan S. Hasseler
Keep up with President Hasseler through her monthly newsletter Magenta Lines. Email magentalines@muskingum.edu to subscribe.
Summer 2021 3
Class of 2021
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Congratulations and Welcome to the
LONG MAGENTA LINE!
Muskingum celebrated its 176th Undergraduate Commencement with three socially-distanced, in-person ceremonies on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, 2021. Graduates received their Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
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Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Kim Gage Rothermel ’71 presented the Trustees’ Charge to the graduates.
Muskingum legacy Zoey Stenson ’21 and Jennifer McKinney Stenson ’96. As Senior Class Representative, Zoey presented the Students’ Charge to her classmates.
Coach, educator, and University Trustee Darrell Hazell ’86 received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and addressed the graduates as principal speaker.
Dr. Hazell earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Speech Communication. He was inducted into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame, in recognition of his accomplishments as a varsity student-athlete. He held University records for the most receptions (132) and receiving yards (1,966) until 2013, earned multiple football All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors, served as the football team's captain, and won multi-year letters in track.
“I was you, 35 years ago, sitting in those same seats, thinking those same thoughts, and having those same feelings and emotions.” “You are ready.” “There is a greatness inside of you that you do not even know about until it is asked to be revealed.” Dr. Hazell encouraged the graduates to go out of their way to find value in people and to uplift and empower others. He highlighted the importance of being willing to ask for help from others and to extend opportunities to people who need second chances.
He has served Muskingum as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees since 2019. He and his wife Annemarie are the parents of a son, Kyle Hazell. To view Dr. Hazell’s remarks or the Undergraduate Ceremony, visit muskingum.edu/commencement.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hazell has had significant impact upon others as a football coach, mentor, educator, and student advocate. He served for more than three decades at the collegiate and professional levels, before retiring after the 2018 season as the Wide Receivers Coach for the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings. Prior to joining the NFL, he served as an NCAA Division I Head Football Coach for Purdue University and Kent State University. He held assistant football coaching positions at The Ohio State University, the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army), West Virginia University, Rutgers University, Western Michigan University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Darrell Hazell ’86
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Class of 2021
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Charge to the Class from the Faculty Dr. Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, Associate Professor of English, and the recipient of the University’s highest teaching honor, the William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching, delivered the Commencement ceremony’s Charge from the Faculty:
Class of 2021, At some point, you learned about the long magenta line: The roster of Muskingum graduates who went forth, Shined brightly, and made this University proud. In the visible spectrum, magenta exists midway between red and blue; It is the color of balance and opposite ends meeting halfway. But curiously, magenta has no wavelength; it’s a product of mind and imagination, The expression of the human desire to seek and to create beauty. Today you join that line, and so we gift you this colorful charge: Think of the long magenta line as a bright ribbon of energy, infinitely elastic Ablaze with the energy of this institution. One end of the line will forever anchor you to these hills and these halls. The other is a beacon to brighten the lives of those you serve, It is a badge that proclaims: “I am a Muskingum graduate; I am here to help.” Like magenta, let the title “Muskingum graduate” be a synonym for The spirit of balance and compromise, of imagination and finding beauty; May you “Muskingum-ize” the world, wherever you go and with whomever you meet, And may you wrap the globe in the enlightening glow of your magenta lines. We love you. We will miss you. Be good. Make us proud. – Dr. Kekoa Kaluhiokalani
Dr. Kekoa Kaluhiokalani
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Graduate Commencement Inaugural Master of Occupational Therapy Degrees Granted Muskingum’s 29th Graduate Commencement was held virtually on May 6, 2021. Educator and leader Tami Bowling Fitzgerald ’81, ’98G was the principal speaker. She was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. “Muskingum University positively influenced my life in many ways, setting me on the path of stepping forward and being a leader,” Dr. Fitzgerald said. She earned both her Bachelor of Science degree and her Master of Education degree from Muskingum. She challenged the Class of 2021 to step forward, to lead, and to abide by three guiding principals in serving others:
A National Board Certified Teacher and State of Ohio Master Teacher, Dr. Fitzgerald taught science for 34 years at West Muskingum High School. She has shared her knowledge with Muskingum students, teaching a variety of education courses as an adjunct professor for the University. She has served as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education, helped develop a STEM Mentoring Café program with the U.S. Departments of Education and Energy, and represented science teachers at the White House STEM Master Teacher Corps Roundtable. She is also active in her field’s professional organizations, currently serving as the Director of Engagement and Mobilization for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Her many honors include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
“How can I help?” “Stay thirsty – always strive to go higher.” “Fail forward and propel through challenges.” Dr. Fitzgerald shared that “I was really anxious about today because I have Bell’s Palsy. But I am here. I showed up and I am propelling forward through this challenge. I am owning it, I am growing from it, and I am not letting the palsy define me or own me.”
Dr. Fitzgerald and her husband Dave enjoy spending time with their family of five children – Adam (Shannon), Mark (Alex), Emily (Ryan), Sarah (Charlie), and Andrew – and six grandchildren. To watch the Graduate Ceremony, visit muskingum.edu/graduatecommencement.
Dr. Tami Bowling Fitzgerald ’81, ’98G with President Susan S. Hasseler.
The first Master of Occupational Therapy graduates in the University’s history received their degrees during the ceremony. The longstanding degrees of Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, and Master of Strategy, Systems and Technology programs were also granted to members of the Graduate Class of 2021.
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LEARNING
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A Passion for Learning Lives On: Henry S. & Katherine W. Evans ’41 University Receives Additional Support in Their Honor In 1998, Robert Evans established the Robert W. Evans Charitable Trust, providing substantial ongoing support to the Muskingum University library in honor of his mother’s Muskingum legacy and his father’s service as a Muskingum trustee. Sadly, Mr. Evans passed away in 2006 but his charitable legacy lives on through the generosity of the charitable trust, which recently made a significant gift to further provide for quality education at Muskingum. Katherine Wilkison Evans ’41 earned her Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She married Reverend Henry S. Evans, the pastor of College Drive Presbyterian Church, and a graduate of Westminster College and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The couple settled in New Concord, where they forged deep bonds with the Muskingum learning community, as Henry led College Drive Presbyterian for more than 31 years, retiring in 1967. He was a long-time Muskingum trustee and received an honorary Muskingum doctoral degree for his service to the community. Robert Evans, a graduate of the University of Chicago, led a distinguished career as a university librarian. He served Muskingum (1955-1961) and Oberlin College (1961-1968), before becoming the founding Director of the Library at SUNY-Purchase (1969-1989).
Katherine W. Evans ’41, Henry S. Evans, and Robert W. Evans
The Evans Distinguished Librarian chair, currently held by Director of the Library Dr. Nainsí Houston, recognizes the Evans family.
“We are extremely grateful to Robert, Henry, and Katherine Evans for their commitment to Muskingum. Their passion for learning, demonstrated through their service during their lifetimes, will continue to live on through their generosity, impacting current and future generations of The Long Magenta Line.” President Susan S. Hasseler
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Educational Excellence Muskies Receive Choose Ohio First Scholarship Awards
Muskingum University students received nearly $200,000 toward their education this year in Choose Ohio First Scholarship awards, as part of a 5-year $675,000 grant. These grants are designed to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines and STEM
education, as well as bolster Ohio’s economic strength by ensuring a ready workforce for STEM-related industries. Muskingum’s designated Choose Ohio First programs help meet regional and statewide economic needs with a wellprepared workforce of STEM graduates and STEM educators.
Lorene Kelley ’22 is University’s 4th Newman Civic Fellow History major Lorene Kelley ’22 has been named a Newman Civic Leadership Fellow for 2021-2022. Sponsored by Campus Compact, the year-long, nationally-competitive program recognizes and supports community-committed students who are change makers and public problem-solvers. Lorene is also a John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellow, participated in two state level programs – Propel Ohio 2018 and NEW Leadership Ohio 2019, and serves as an intern with New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle. This is the fourth year in a row that a Muskie has been selected for the prestigious Newman program. Previous participants include Nicholas Fulton ’21, Gary Kinney ’21, and Kayla Wilkerson ’19.
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LEARNING
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Blake Cooper ’21 Receives Coveted Master’s Scholarship Blake Cooper ’21 is the sole recipient of the Ralph E. Kent Distinguished Scholar Award for the Master of Accounting program at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. This award, granted only in years when the graduate school feels they have found a worthy candidate, covers the full tuition of the program. Blake earned his Muskingum degree Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, majors in public accounting, business management, and economics, and a minor in philosophy. He was a John Glenn Scholar, founded the Muskingum University Investment Club, and was active in the Ignition Program and Innovation Mania.
Dr. Dunak Delivers Talk for National First Ladies Library Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of History Karen Dunak delivered the Virtual Legacy Lecture “Jackie Kennedy and Presidential Image Making,” presented by the First Ladies National Library on April 7, 2021. Her talk focused on Jackie Kennedy’s first 100 days in the White House and how the First Lady played a fundamental role in the visual representation of President John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier. To view the talk, visit YouTube. Dr. Dunak is a historian of modern American life and culture. Currently writing a book about media responses to and representations of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, she is also the author of As Long as We Both Shall Love: The White Wedding in Postwar America and a contributing author to Of The People: A History of the United States.
Professor Sun Work Selected for National Exhibitions Professor of Art Yan Sun’s oil painting “Peaceful Harbor” was chosen for the 30th National Juried Exhibition of Oil Painters of America. The highly selective exhibition included works from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and was hosted by the California Center for the Arts Escondido Museum. The painting was also juried into the Oil Painters of America Salon exhibition in the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, Georgia. Professor Sun’s award-winning paintings have been shown in solo exhibitions, reside in museum collections, and have been selected for numerous regional, national, and international exhibitions. He also serves Muskingum as Chair of the Art Department and Director of the Palmer Gallery.
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THANK YOU for Your Service! At the close of the 2020-2021 academic year, six dedicated members of the faculty retired from their active teaching careers at Muskingum University. With gratitude, we recognize and congratulate them for the exceptional impact they have had in their professional fields and on the entire Muskingum community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
Associate Professor of Chemistry Deepamali Perera retired after 32 years of service.
Professor of Education Linda Rogness retired after 19 years of service.
Professor of Sociology David Tabachnick retired after 18 years of service.
Associate Professor of English Vivian Wagner retired after 18 years of service.
Professor of German Franz-Joseph Wehage retired after 30 years of service.
Associate Professor of Accounting Joseph Wilson retired after 34 years of service.
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TRANSFORMATION
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$1.25 Million Received from J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation for Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex As the new Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex continues to rise on our campus, we are delighted to announce that Muskingum was recently awarded $1.1 million in grant funding from the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation in support of the BHWC. This $1.1 million grant is in addition to last year’s $150,000 gift from the Straker Foundation, bringing their total commitment to the project to $1.25 million. The Straker Foundation grant will support the BHWC’s wellness corridor, which includes a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Hub and Fitness Center.
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The 3,000-square-foot Diagnostic Hub will support training, research, and development in health and wellness. It will serve as a center for learning, workforce development, innovative research, and diagnosis and treatment services for students and area residents, through collaborative partnerships with regional healthcare providers, educational institutions, business and industry, and technology entrepreneurs. The Diagnostic Hub will feature state-of-the-art equipment and technology that focus on range of motion, metabolics, and physical performance, including both diagnostic and fitness machines with virtual functioning.
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The 3,200-square-foot Fitness Center adjacent to the Diagnostic Hub will feature the latest equipment for diagnosis and treatment of injuries, as well as for general fitness use by Muskingum students, faculty, and staff. Fundraising for the BHWC has now surpassed $20 million and is continuing. To view the 24/7 BHWC construction webcam, visit conswebcam.muskingum.edu/#view. We hope you will consider joining with the many dedicated alumni and friends who are supporting the BHWC. To learn more, contact Paul McClelland, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 740-8268468 or paulm@muskingum.edu or visit muskingum.edu/bhwc.
A steel beam destined for the Bullock Health & Wellness Complex was on display in the Quad Center, where it was signed by campus community members, including President Hasseler.
“Through the generosity of the Straker Foundation, we will continue to develop community partnerships that enrich STEM and health sciences education and career opportunities for our students and adult learners, sustaining our region and enhancing our local economy for generations to come.” President Susan S. Hasseler
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TRANSFORMATION
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FUELING THE REGIONAL ECONOMY Muskingum awarded
Through the economic activity of the University and its students, faculty, staff, and visitors,
the regional economy in Muskingum and Guernsey counties benefits by
$50 million annually.
$11 million
in construction contracts to regional firms. The contracts yielded an additional
$1.3 million regional payroll
The BHWC project has added to that economic development by more than an additional
$12.3 million,
through sourcing with local businesses and construction companies.
in a labor force that has dedicated
more than 45,000 work hours to the BHWC project through Spring 2021. An Ohio University economic impact study found that
every two construction jobs due to Muskingum University
supported an additional job in the regional economy. THE BHWC PROJECT: BY THE NUMBERS
3.3 million
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6,600
pounds of steel and rebar
cubic yards of concrete
(Equal to 8 miles of railroad tracks)
(Equal to the weight of 100 school buses)
5 cranes in use: 1 100-ton capacity – could pick up a Boeing 737! 2 90-ton capacity 2 50-ton capacity
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Quad Center Renovations Begin An exciting renovation project is now underway in the campus Quad Center. When complete, the renovation will bring improved accessibility to the building, upgrades to the campus casual dining option, The Bait Shop, and the creation of the student Impact Center. The first phase of the project, begun in Summer 2021, is highlighted by the addition of an elevator to the north side of the Quad Center, providing full mobility access to the building’s lower and upper floors, known as the BOC (Bottom of the Center) and TOC (Top of the Center). Accessibility to The Bait Shop, located in the BOC, will be further enhanced with the addition of an accessible restroom facility and a stair chair lift connecting The Bait Shop and the campus Bookstore which opens onto The Quad. Through a partnership with the University’s dining service provider Aramark, the Bait Shop’s dining and kitchen areas will be expanded and renovated.
A “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks coffee stand will be among the new dining enhancements. During the second phase of the project, the upper level of the Quad Center will be renovated to create a physical location for the Impact Center. The Impact Center is part of the $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions grant the University received from the federal Department of Education. Muskingum is dedicating these funds to enhancing the programs, people, and facilities needed to provide comprehensive career preparation for students from their first day on campus through graduation. Through the Impact Center, students will explore and secure experiential learning and community partnerships, as they plan and prepare for meaningful employment, graduate study, and service.
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ATHLETICS
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BY THE NUMBERS: CONGRATULATIONS STUDENT-ATHLETES! Excellence in academics and athletics go hand in hand at Muskingum. Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches for their accomplishments and recognitions!
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Academic All-OAC Honors
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All-OAC Honors
OAC Player of the Year: Brooke Fatheree ’21, Volleyball
All-Region Honors:
OAC Coach of the Year: Head Coach Hallie Cruzen, Volleyball
OAC Players of the Week
Macy McAdams ’21, 4 Indoor Track 5K & 10K, Outdoor Track 5K & 10K Shaffer ’21, 1 Karsyn Softball
Learn more at www.fightingmuskies.com.
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National Championships: Esports ECAC Fortnite & Madden
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VOLLEYBALL RANKED 16TH NATIONALLY The Fighting Muskies volleyball team finished their season with a 16th place ranking in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 Poll. Division III head coaches representing the eight NCAA regions vote in the Top 25 poll. The volleyball team captured the OAC Regular Season Championship and posted an overall 18-3 record, earning the top seed and hosting rights for the OAC Tournament.
TWO SEASONS IN ONE: 2021 SPRING SEMESTER With both the spring and the postponed fall sports seasons taking place during the 2021 Spring semester, studentathletes and their supporters generated dynamic excitement and energy across campus. Go Muskies!
“This year was unlike any year that we have ever experienced in college athletics – but our student-athletes found a way to prevail. Academically we excelled, athletically we excelled, and I'm so proud of them and what we accomplished this year.” Steve Brockelbank, Vice President and Director of Athletics
Learn more at www.fightingmuskies.com.
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ATHLETICS
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ESPORTS WINS 2 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE FIGHTING MUSKIES ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! The Esports team captured two ECAC National Championships in Fortnite and Madden, the first in the program’s history. Kesten Taylor ’23 and Tre Boger ’22 led the team to the Fortnite title, and Doug Crawford ’23 was victorious in Madden. On their way to the titles, the team had a spectacular season, winning more than 100 games, including victories over Division I opponents Florida State University, Texas Christian University, and Akron University. Esports was established at Muskingum in 2019, and Head Coach Christopher Bilski joined the University in 2020. “To win two National Championships was beyond my wildest expectations, as I know many coaches wait their entire career for that type of opportunity,” Coach Bilski said. “Still, this is only the beginning. I am excited to continue to build and grow Muskingum University esports into a premier collegiate program, and I am so proud of my students and what they have accomplished this year!”
Learn more at www.fightingmuskies.com.
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ANNUAL GOLF OUTING A GREAT SUCCESS
A capacity field of 128 golfers in 32 teams enjoyed the Athletic Department’s annual Golf Outing on July 16 at the EagleSticks Golf Club in Zanesville, Ohio. Events included an 18-hole scramble, post-round dinner, raffles, and a golf ball drop fundraiser. Prizes were awarded for the top foursome and various hole contests. All proceeds benefit student-athletes of the University’s 26 varsity sports teams. “What a great day filled with lots of golf, laughs, and food with our alumni, friends, and supporters, while raising money for Athletic Department initiatives that enhance the experience of our student-athletes,” said Muskingum Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank. “The event continues to flourish, and we look forward to future outings at EagleSticks Golf Club, working with Dick ’60 and Joyce ’59 McClelland and Kelly ’92 and Tracy Morrow.”
SAVE THE DATE for next year’s golf outing:
Friday, July 15, 2022
THANK YOU
to all alumni, friends, and sponsors who made the outing a huge success! We are especially proud to recognize our top sponsors: MAGENTA LEVEL: BSN Sports RED LEVEL: Hylant Group Lincoln Construction Modern Office Methods BLACK LEVEL: Houston Plumbing & Heating Hub Marquis ’68 Jim and Amy Matesich Matesich Distributing Park National Bank
WHITE LEVEL: 1975 Football Team Allegra Printing BW3 Bill Ferris ’74 & Jeff Mathias ’79 Chapman's Coffee House Fairfield by Marriott Hummel Farms Ieuter Insurance Group Linn Engineering Inc. Allen Loomis ’69 Muskingum Football Parnell & Associates Rankin & Rankin Insurance Taylor Terrace Lawnscapes Triumph Material Testing Wally’s Pizza Xpressive GraphiX & Signs
Learn more at www.fightingmuskies.com.
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SHARING THE LEGACY
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Alumni Join Institutional Advancement In Spring 2021, Muskingum welcomed two members of The Long Magenta Line to the Institutional Advancement team
Tiffany Casimir Cipollone ’96 Senior Director of Philanthropy
“I’m honored to be able to return to Muskingum and have the opportunity to engage with our alumni, parents, and friends as we work to grow the relationships that members of our community have with the University and to support both current and future generations of Muskingum students,” said Tiffany. With more than two decades of experience in relationship building for the nonprofit sector, Tiffany most recently served Allegheny College as Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. She was part of two comprehensive capital campaigns at Allegheny, including a $200 million capital campaign which was completed a year ahead of schedule. During her 19 years with Allegheny’s institutional advancement and alumni team, her prior roles included Director of Donor Relations, Regional Advancement Officer, and Director of Development and Majors Gifts. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Business and English, and minors in Speech Communication and Economics. A native of Tuscarawas, Ohio, Tiffany is married to Tony Cipollone, a former football and wrestling coach for the Fighting Muskies. They are the parents of two sons, Casey, a sophomore at Baldwin Wallace University, and Cael, a junior at Westlake High School.
Alan Swank ’77
Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Alan comes to the University after a 34-year career serving Taylor/Balfour Yearbooks as a senior sales representative and regional sales vice president. He earned his Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and was a public high school history teacher and coach for five years before entering the school yearbook field. Alan is also the alumni advisor for the Ulster Club, and has recently been instrumental in leading a group of Ulster volunteers in raising funds for Muskingum’s new Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex. “I’m eager to help connect my fellow alumni with each other and with the University. There are so many ways for us to be involved, and to help make sure that today’s students have access to the terrific educational opportunities and experiences we enjoyed during our time on campus,” Alan said. Alan is a native of Akron, Ohio, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Terry Elgin Swank. They are the parents of daughter Lindsey Meili, a senior yearbook representative with Walsworth Yearbooks, and son Ryan Swank, an executive chef with True Food Kitchen, and are the grandparents of Ava, Emma, and Olivia Meili and Adeline Swank.
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Minute with a Muskingum Society Member:
John Parrott ’78
Muskingum holds a very special place in John Parrott’s family, friendships, and career as an educator. Now retired, John taught junior high science and coached junior high basketball for 35 years in the Clear Fork School District, located in northeastern Ohio’s Richland County. “My parents were educators, and they highly prized the value of a liberal arts education,” John recalls. “We lived in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, where my parents had a small farm. My older brother Edwin chose Muskingum, and the rest of my family fell in love with it too.” John and four of his siblings earned their degrees at Muskingum and became teachers: Dennis Parrott ’73 – who taught alongside John in junior high science for the Clear Fork School District, Edwin Parrott ’67, Polly Parrott Hill ’72, and Teresa Parrott Rhoads ’70. Their Muskingum family legacy also includes Polly’s husband Brenin Hill ’75, Teresa’s husband Jack Rhoads ’71, Becky Parrott Armrose ’97, and John Rhoads ’96. “I loved attending Muskingum, with its small class size and small campus, where my professors knew me well and were always caring and helpful,” John remembers. “I made wonderful, lifelong friendships with my fellow students.” The financial aid I received was important to our family,” John notes. “I held several jobs on campus, including as a Resident Assistant, and when I was working the desk at Moore Hall, I met my future wife, Carolyn.”
Dennis Parrott ’73, Teresa Parrott Rhoads ’70, Edwin Parrott ’67, Polly Parrott Hill ’72, John Parrott ’78, with mom Ruth Parrott (seated).
Carolyn Smith Parrott ’80 earned her degree in elementary education, and taught for 26 years at Clear Fork Elementary School before retiring. She and her sister, Ellen Smith Biegler ’76, were both members of Kianu. Ellen’s husband Chad Bigler ’76 also became a teacher. John was a member of the Ulster Club, serving as President during his senior year, and was active in intramurals and supporting the Fighting Muskie athletic teams, especially basketball and football. “I am very excited about the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, and I can’t wait to see it completed,” John said. “It will benefit so many students. I was happy to support it and to help reach out to my fellow Ulsters – we have a great group of alumni who are giving back to Muskingum by contributing to the building.” John and Carolyn enjoy volunteering and spending time with friends and family, especially sons Jeffrey and David and daughter-in-law Lauren. Muskingum Society members are alumni and friends who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more (or a monthly recurring gift of $84 or more) to the University. For more information on joining the Muskingum Society, visit muskingum.edu/society, email advancement@muskingum.edu, or call 740-826-8130.
John ’78 and Carolyn Smith Parrott ’80.
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SHARING THE LEGACY
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you
When you give through Muskingum, can change the world! Antasio Holley ’98 Assistant Principal, Paint Branch High School
“By giving back to Muskingum, we can be change agents for the University’s students now and in the future.”
Natalie Bobo Lucas ’04 Physical Education Teacher, Alexander Local Schools
“Muskingum gave me everything I needed to be successful in a job I love.”
Colleen Blair ’13 Special Education Teacher, Lab School of Washington (D.C.)
“I chose Muskingum specifically for the PLUS program, and it was the key to my success at the University and beyond.” Colleen Blair ’13 and fiancé Thomas Cluney.
Matt Dansby ’05 Building Principal, Pickerington Local School District
Matt Dansby ’05, wife Kristy Eigel ’05, and children Kamryn and Kooper.
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“I would not have been able to attend Muskingum without the scholarships and grants I received from the University. I am living proof of the value of investing in Muskingum.”
SHARING THE LEGACY
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Planned Giving News:
Good Giving News:
An Impact Now and Later
By making a planned gift to the University, you can access tax benefits now and ensure that your generosity will impact Muskingum students later. Effective giving strategies can include:
CARES Act Tax Incentives Extended Through December 31, 2021 Your gift to Muskingum can make an even greater impact this year! As you think about filing taxes for 2021, keep in mind that: • The Universal Charitable Deduction Has Been Increased
• An outright gift of appreciated assets such as securities or real estate. • A charitable life income plan such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust.
If you make a cash gift to charitable organizations such as Muskingum University and take the standard deduction, you can deduct up to $300 as a single filer or $600 as a married couple filing jointly.
• A charitable life estate.
• Cap on Deductions Has Been Lifted
• A qualified charitable distribution from an IRA for individuals over 70 1/2 years of age.
The CARES Act lifted the cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, increasing it from 60% to 100% of a taxpayer's adjusted gross income in 2021. Excess contributions can be carried over to the next five years.
• A life insurance gift.
For more information on planned giving, contact Paul McClelland, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at 740-826-8648 or paulm@muskingum.edu.
SAVE THE DATE!
Please be sure to discuss all strategies with your tax and financial advisers before acting.
Join us on campus October 15-17 for Reunion Weekend @ Homecoming 2021.
Our Apologies The following Muskingum Society members were inadvertently omitted from the Muskingum IMPACT Annual Report, due to a data processing error. We extend our apologies and thank you for your generous support of Muskingum University.
Marjie Burlingame Hancock ’91 and Tom Hancock Michael ’73 and Janette Leahey Tim ’68 and Suzanne Schiltz Valerie Yonker Smith ’00 and Andrew Smith ’19G
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On July 16-18, the cities of Cambridge and New Concord presented a three-day Centennial Celebration commemorating Muskingum alumnus John H. Glenn, Jr. ’43, whose 100th birthday would have been July 18.
John Glenn Centennial Celebration
The Centennial featured multiple presentations with keynotes from Ohio space shuttle astronaut Don Thomas, Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Connie Schultz; Living History Tours at the John & Annie Glenn Museum; Friendship 7-Miler Race; Friendship 7 Mile Parade; Historical New Concord walking tour; film screenings; John Glenn photo exhibit in the University’s Palmer Gallery; Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds Concert; and hands-on science activities for kids and families. The University was a sponsoring organization for the celebration, with campus community participants including President Sue Hasseler delivering remarks, John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellows students presenting their research at the John & Annie Glenn Museum, WMCO 90.7 FM faculty and students broadcasting events, and Associate Professor of Music David Turrill conducting the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds.