SUMMER 2022
Community UPDATE
CELEBRATING
The Delta Gamma Theta 5K Color Run for Charity
SAVE THE DATE: HENRY D. BULLOCK HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMPLEX GRAND OPENING SEPTEMBER 17, 2022
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UPDATE
Copyright © 2022 Muskingum UPDATE is published by Muskingum University, 260 Stadium Drive New Concord, Ohio 43762-1837
Editor: Annette Giovengo Nolish Contributors and Photography: Michelle Ball, Oscar Rzodkiewicz, Tom Caudill ’05G Online Archives: muskingum.edu/updatemag Comments and Questions: theupdate@muskingum.edu 740-826-8134 Address Changes: alumni@muskingum.edu 740-826-8131
Contents From the President’s Desk
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Class of 2022 Welcome to the Long Magenta Line
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Learning Information Technology Leadership: New MBIS
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New Undergraduate Fellows Programs
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Honoring Our Educators
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New Student Success and Engagement Initiatives
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Transformation Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex
@muskingumalumni
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Athletics
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Sharing the Legacy
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From the President’s Desk
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From the President’s Desk Dear Muskingum Alumni and Friends, The Spring 2022 semester provided many opportunities for Muskingum to celebrate and strengthen community. Students were once again able to gather freely on the Quad and across the campus for Muskingum spring traditions such as our Celebration of Excellence, Greek Week, and the Cardboard Boat Regatta. On May 5 and 7, we held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2022. We granted our first Master of Business Information Systems (MBIS) degree, the evolution of our MISST degree. Graduate Commencement speaker Edmund J. “Ed” Romito III ’11G shared how our innovative program led to success in his own career and for his national award-winning information technology team – many of whom are Muskies – at the Genesis HealthCare System, a significant employer in our region. Our undergraduate students heard an inspiring message from Dr. Kim Gage Rothermel, ’71, our retiring board chair, who also led an impactful career in healthcare. This fall, Muskingum students will benefit from two new high impact learning opportunities: the International Fellows and the Walter Humanitarian Fellows programs. The new Fellows will join the Kratoville Innovation Fellows and the John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellows in making their marks on the campus, the community, and the world. The Center for Teaching and Learning and the Impact Center provide new opportunities to invest in student success, supporting our faculty in developing effective teaching practices and broadening the career services and employer partnerships that help prepare our students for the workforce, graduate study, and service. Our campus community is eagerly awaiting the completion of the exceptional new Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, with our Grand Opening planned for September 17. I hope you enjoy learning more about community at Muskingum in these pages. I look forward to welcoming many of you back to campus for Magenta Homecoming on September 16-18, 2022. With warm regards, President Susan S. Hasseler
Keep up with President Hasseler through her email newsletter Magenta Lines. Email magentalines@muskingum.edu to subscribe.
President Sue Hasseler (front row, center), Provost Nancy Evangelista (front row, 3rd from right), and Professor of Political Science Walter Huber (back row, far right) join a group of students from China following the Celebration of Excellence recognition of academic and campus leadership awards.
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Class of 2022
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Welcome Long Magenta Line! to the
Muskingum’s 177th Undergraduate Commencement was held on May 7, 2022. Graduates received their Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
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Dr. Kim Gage Rothermel ’71, delivered the Commencement Address and the Charge from the Board of Trustees. She has served as Chair of the Board since 2019 and as a Muskingum trustee since 1997. A member of the State Medical Board of Ohio and a retired
pediatrician, her distinguished career includes private practice at the Ohio Center for Pediatrics, teaching as Clinical Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, and leadership as President of the Medical Staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
“The ability that you have to respond to the unexpected events in your life enhances your prospects for a lifetime of learning, achievement, leadership, service, and citizenship – and you have demonstrated this ability admirably during your time at Muskingum!” Dr. Kim Gage Rothermel ’71
View Undergraduate Commencement at orbitmediaonline.com. SUMMER 2022 5
Class of 2022
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“You have learned to ask questions when you don’t understand…also to answer others’ questions. You have learned that we need to rely on family and friends, and to support one another. You have learned that you can be successful, even when Dr. Ana Kehrberg, Associate Professor of Psychology and the 2021-2022 recipient of Muskingum’s William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching, presented the Faculty Charge to the Class of 2022.
Senior Class Representative and John Glenn Fellow Hallie Crawford ’22 delivered the Student Charge to her classmates.
times are hard.” Dr. Ana Kehrberg
Class of 2022 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates.
Muskingum celebrated Baccalaureate 2022 with the theme “The Winding Road,” blessing the Class of 2022 in prayer, word, and song. Front: President Sue Hasseler, Parker Brown ’22, Mariah Ridgeway ’22, who shared reflections with her classmates. Back: Provost Nancy Evangelista, Chaplain Julia Wright, Director of Alumni Engagement Dani Crown Jadwin ’15.
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President Sue Hasseler toasted the Class of 2022 – “a group of students who have shown exceptional persistence and joy.”
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Muskingum Celebrates 30th Graduate Commencement On May 5, 2022, family and friends joined to celebrate graduates receiving Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Occupational Therapy, and the University’s first Master of Business Information Systems degrees. Edmund J. “Ed” Romito III ’11G, a graduate of the Master of Information Strategy, Systems, and Technology program, delivered the commencement address and received an honorary Muskingum Doctor of Humane Letters degree. In early 2022, Ed was named the Chief Transformation Officer of Genesis HealthCare System, after serving since 2009 as the system’s Chief Information Officer. He joined Genesis in 1995 as the Director of Information Systems, Healthcare Information Management, and Biomedical Engineering. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science from the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University and multiple professional certifications in healthcare information management.
“My decision to attend Muskingum University changed the trajectory of my career…it equipped me with not only new skills, but a new way of thinking, not what to think but how to think…it is a major factor in my success since graduating. “Muskingum has prepared you all to be creative and innovative thinkers…I encourage you to continue a journey of lifelong learning asking those ever-so-important questions: What If? Why? and Why Not?” Ed Romito ’11G
View Graduate Commencement at youtube.com/watch?v=TzOApEt2UkM. SUMMER 2022 7
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THE MUSKINGUM DIFFERENCE:
Award-Winning Information Technology Leadership Edmund J. “Ed” Romito III ’11G, Chief Transformation Officer for Genesis HealthCare System and 2022 Graduate Commencement speaker, believes that Muskingum’s approach to information technology education provides the key to success in an ever-evolving field. “My role as Chief Transformation Officer is an extension of my work as Chief Information Officer for the prior 13 years. My MISST education provided me with the foundation for delivering innovative solutions. I constantly draw on the ‘whole brain thinking’ I learned at Muskingum to create strategies for meeting our IT mission of enabling safer, faster, and better healthcare. I also learned how to take technical and
abstract IT concepts and develop them into messages that help people understand the work we do and the value it brings to our organization and those we serve.” Ed has built and leads an award-winning information technology team. Their national honors include six years recognized as a “Most Wired Health System” by Digital Health, eight years listed in Computerworld’s “100 Best Places to Work in IT,” and twice named a “Top 10” IT Department by Healthcare IT News. Nine members of his team are Muskies who earned Master of Information Strategy, Systems, and Technology (MISST)degrees.
Muskie members of Genesis HealthCare System’s award-winning Information Technology Team: Front: Jennifer Morrison ’12G, Melanie Hall ’18G, Jenny Reichley ’18G, Beth Brock ’18G. Back: Ben Cahoon ’20G, Brad Barborak ’22G, Ed Romito ’11G, Mark Goodall ’14G. Not Pictured: Cari Jewell ’06, ’15G.
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MEETING WORKPLACE NEEDS:
The Master of Business Information Systems Degree With the creation of Muskingum’s ground-breaking Master of Information Strategy, Systems, and Technology degree in 2005, the University became known for innovative information technology education that positions its graduates for success. As workplace and learner needs have changed over time, the program has changed along with them, while retaining its fundamental commitment to preparing creative and innovative business leaders who possess the technical skills and emotional intelligence to effect organizational change. At the May 5, 2022, Graduate Commencement ceremony, the University granted its first Master of Business Information Systems degree, completing the program’s evolution into a new era.
Dr. Brian Bradshaw, Director of the Master of Business Information Systems program, Department Chair of Information Systems, and Director of Veteran Services.
master’s degrees, along with multiple professional certifications, and is a 20-year U.S. Army Special Operations veteran. For more information about the MBIS program, visit www.muskingum.edu/gcs/mbis.
Serving Our Veterans Dr. Brian Bradshaw serves as Muskingum’s Director of Veteran Services, along with his leadership of the MBIS program. For students who are U.S. military veterans, Dr. Bradshaw provides a “one-stop shop,” answering questions and helping facilitate access to local, state, and federal programs.
Offered in a fully online, asynchronous format that provides accessibility and flexibility, the MBIS program can be completed in one year on a full-time basis and in two years on a part-time basis.
“There are many opportunities for educational and career support open to veterans and their dependents,” he said. “My role is to help them identify and participate in the programs that will help them achieve their goals.”
An overall focus on improving business performance through the use of technology drives the program. Students can choose from three in-demand concentrations: management, healthcare, and cyber security.
Muskingum has adopted the “8 Keys to Veteran Success,” a voluntary initiative through the U.S. Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs, and Defense.
Learners gain real-world experience by collaborating with premier faculty, industry experts, and motivated peers in project-based courses. Through a problem-solving approach, students learn best practices for managing human, business, and technology assets. MBIS Program Director Dr. Brian Bradshaw comes to Muskingum with an extensive background in information systems and communications. He holds a doctorate and two
In May 2022, Muskingum was named to Ohio’s first class of Collegiate Purple Star campuses. The award, which recognizes institutions that are supportive and inclusive of militaryconnected students, was established by the Ohio Department of Education in March 2022, making Ohio the first state in the nation to adopt the designation. For more information about Veteran Services at Muskingum, visit Veteran Services I Muskingum University.
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LEARNING
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NEW Undergraduate Fellows Programs Expand High Impact Learning Two new undergraduate Fellows Programs – the International Fellows Program and the Otto and Fran Walter Humanitarian Fellows Program – will begin in Fall 2022. The programs will expand high-impact learning opportunities for students and will complement the Fellows Programs currently offered in innovation and public service. Fellows Program participants gain a deep understanding of their chosen interest and the capacity to serve as drivers of positive change for the campus and community, as well as in their careers and beyond. Fellows Programs are open to students in any major through a competitive application process. Students enter their chosen program as a first-year cohort. During their time at Muskingum, they build their skills through academic exploration, co-curricular activities, professional networking and mentoring, field experiences, and leading campus and community projects. Each student completes a personalized high-impact experience such as an internship, special project, study away, service learning, or training conference, usually in their third year, with financial assistance provided through the Fellows Program. All Fellows Programs are established and supported through the generosity of donors to the University.
More than 100 students will be participating in Fellows Programs each year, once all programs have reached their full capacity of four cohorts. Each program accepts a new cohort of students from the incoming first-year class. Students apply to join a Fellows Program as part of the admission process.
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International Fellows
The International Fellows Program will build on longstanding Muskingum traditions of fostering international awareness, such as the 31st International Dinner, which was held this spring.
The new International Fellows Program, made possible by a group of alumni, will provide students with the skills to build global connections and serve as leaders in multiple internationally- focused venues.
Inspired by Faculty The initial gifts to establish the International Fellows Program were given by several alumni in honor of three faculty members who invested deeply in the experiences of Muskingum’s international students and built particularly strong connections with those who came to Muskingum from India’s Doon School:
The International Fellows Program is guided by multiple interdisciplinary perspectives including history, philosophy, economics, business, and world languages and cultures.
• Dr. Joe Burton Elkins (1929-2017), Professor of Philosophy, 1962-1993
“The students entering the cohort this fall are coming to Muskingum with a strong interest in international perspectives and policy,” said Dr. Valerie Smith ’00, Director of International Programs and co-advisor for the International Fellows. “Some are already very involved with international issues in their local communities.” Dr. Arjun Sondhi, Assistant Professor of Economics, will also co-advise the program.
• Dr. Herbert “Herb” Fergus Thomson, Jr. (1917-2013), Professor of Economics, 1961-1992.
The International Fellows will acquire a fundamental knowledge of the power and complexities of cultural diversity and the international environment. They will facilitate hands-on cohort projects with an international focus that will impact the campus and community, and will
Dr. Valerie Smith ’00, Director of International Programs and co-advisor for the International Fellows.
• Dr. William “Bill” Lyons Fisk ’41 (1921-2015), history faculty member, Dean, Vice President, 1946-1992
Additional alumni have continued to add their support to the International Fellows Program, honoring multiple faculty members throughout the decades.
create professional networks with advanced Fellows, alumni, and mentors whose experiences have made them role models for international impact. As a result, the Fellows will be prepared to lead change in international contexts in a wide variety of professional roles.
Dr. Arjun Sondhi, Assistant Professor of Economics and co-advisor for the International Fellows.
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Otto and Fran Walter Humanitarian Fellows The new Otto and Fran Walter Humanitarian Fellows Program will provide students with an expanded understanding of local and global peace and justice initiatives and develop their ability to serve as leaders of social change. The program is made possible through the generosity of the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation, which supports human rights, Holocaust issues, education, and the arts. Muskingum’s Walter Hall is named in honor of Dr. Otto L. Walter and his wife Frances Doonan Walter. The late Frank Helman ’51 served as the Walter Foundation’s President and his wife Martha (Marty) Peak Helman is the current President. The essential components of the Walter Humanitarian Fellows Program will focus on peace, social justice, and community development. Students will understand the foundational ideas, dynamics, and issues and develop their own capacity to create change. Networking opportunities will connect them with alumni, representatives of peace and development organizations, and other invited speakers. Each Fellow will experience a high-impact learning opportunity featuring extended, in-depth involvement related to peace and development. As a cohort, the Fellows will create and complete a capstone project designed to advance peace and development on campus or in the community.
Dr. Melissa Conroy, Associate Professor of Religion and co-advisor for the Walter Humanitarian Fellows.
Fran and Otto Walter.
Dr. Melissa Conroy, Associate Professor of Religion, and Dr. Michelle Oyakawa, Assistant Professor of Sociology, will advise the Walter Humanitarian Fellows. “One of the elements of the program will be a connection with Rotary International, which works to address what people need in order to create a society of peace and justice.” Dr. Conroy notes. “As our Walter Humanitarian Fellows learn how to become problemsolvers in their local and global communities, they will be able to help make a better world.”
Dr. Michelle Oyakawa, Assistant Professor of Sociology and co-advisor for the Walter Humanitarian Fellows.
Frank G. Helman ’51, 1929-2022 Frank G. Helman ’51 became President of the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation in 2003. Under his leadership, the Foundation educated children in the world’s poorest countries, fed the hungry, cared for Holocaust survivors, helped protect people in danger of sex trafficking and domestic violence, and brought the arts to underprivileged youth. In 2021, the Foundation committed to fully fund a Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East/North Africa Region.
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Frank previously served as an attorney, an executive with a manufacturing firm, and a foreign service officer. He engaged in Nazi reparations work, including successfully locating and returning stolen works of art. In recognition of his lifetime of humanitarian work, he was awarded a Muskingum Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2009. www.stronghancock.com/obituary/Frank-Helman
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David and Karin Kratoville Innovation Fellows During the 2021-2022 academic year, the David and Karin Kratoville Innovation Fellows developed three concept ideas for the main entrance “signature wall” of Muskingum’s new Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex (BHWC). One concept was selected for the BHWC, representing the six facets of the facility: athletics, academics, recreation, health, wellness, and community. A second concept was chosen for the newly renovated Bait Shop in the bottom of the Quad Center. It will be painted as a mural by Innovation Fellow and art major Natilie Hill ’23.
A group of Innovation Fellows created Signature Wall concepts for the new Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex. Front: Lexi Sheets ’24, Lexi Buchanan ’23, Camryn Woodley ’22. Back: Samuel Pollock ’25, Lia Buckley ’24, Mattie Ruehrmund ’24. Not Pictured: Natilie Hill ’23, Cullen Gump ’25.
The third concept will be used to brand the second floor of Montgomery Hall. The Kratoville Innovation Fellows Program was made possible through the generosity of David ’81 and Karin Collins ’82 Kratoville. Dr. Rob Wilson, Associate Professor of Physics, advises the group. The Kratoville Innovation Fellows investigate, develop, and apply innovation to creations and problem solutions which result in positive impacts on the campus or in the community. Participants from all disciplines, backgrounds, and interests can become holistic, lifelong problem-solvers and innovators, whose work will positively impact their own lives, the lives of their family and friends, and the lives of those in their communities.
John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellows The John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellows Program’s mission is to transform students into active, engaged citizens and public servants. Cheyenne Van Gundy ’22 recently reflected on her experiences with the program. “As a member of the Glenn Fellows Program, I’ve had the opportunity to help make the University and the community the best it can be. One of our first projects was the Village of New Concord’s Candidate Forum for mayoral and school board elections. We hosted the event, organized its format, created questions, and moderated the debate. “During the Summer 2021 John Glenn Centennial Celebration, we hosted visitors at the John and Annie Glenn Museum and presented our research posters on the Glenns’ legacy of service. We have also held several book drives for local school districts, in honor of Martin Luther King Day and Women’s History Month.” Cheyenne graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She will be attending the Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University in Fall 2022. She was the recipient of the Magnus Leadership Awards’ 2022 Muskie of the Year Award and 2021 Unsung Student Hero Award. She served as Vice President for Women in Politics and for Student Senate, and as the student representative to the Educational Excellence Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees. Cheyenne Van Gundy ’22.
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Honoring Our Educators Thank You for Your Service Six members of the Muskingum community are retiring. We thank them for their service and recognize them for their exceptional impact on students, faculty and staff colleagues, alumni, friends, and the community.
Dr. David Craft, Professor of Mathematics, 29 years. He taught nearly all courses in the math curriculum and he advised Kappa Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honorary society. His research interests focused on graph theory, combinatorics, and geometry. He has been named Professor Emeritus.
Jeff Heacock ’76, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Major Gifts, 44 years. He was Head Football Coach for 26 years, posting the longestserving tenure in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and ranking in the top 10 all-time active NCAA coaches across all divisions for most years at the same institution. He also served as Athletic Director and in Student Life.
Rose Lemmings, Aramark Catering Manager, 27 years. She has created and served countless special meals enjoyed on campus by students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, families, and the Board of Trustees, bringing a warm and welcome presence to Muskingum events.
Tracy Bugglin ’85, Director of Counseling, 16 years. Most recently, she led Counseling Services in developing creative initiatives to support the campus community as Muskingum navigated the COVID-19 era.
James “Ed” Stover, Custodial Shift Supervisor, 16 years of service. He was responsible for taking care of the academic and administrative buildings and was known for always having a smile on his face.
Patricia Thompson, Administrative Assistant for the Education Department, 16 years. She became well-known to undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students though her work supporting teacher preparation and professional development.
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Dr. Michelle Oyakawa, Dr. Jay Shaffstall, Dr. Jim Dooley.
Celebration of Excellence: Faculty Awards Bestowed The University’s highest faculty awards for the coming 2022-2023 academic year were presented on April 8, 2022, during the Celebration of Excellence ceremony honoring high-achieving students and educators. Nominations for the awards are made by faculty members and the honorees are chosen by the prior year’s award recipients.
William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship
William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching
Cora I. Orr Faculty Service Award
Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Michelle Oyakawa received the William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship. She recently co-authored the books “Prisms of the People: Power and Organizing in 21st Century America” and “Smart Suits, Tattered Boots: Black Ministers and Mobilization in 21st Century America.” She integrates her research concepts into her classroom instruction, introducing her students to real-world sociological issues.
The William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Dr. Jay Shaffstall, Assistant Professor of Computer Science. He is known for his ability to create a real-world atmosphere in his courses, for fostering independent learning, and for his mentorship. Dr. Shaffstall often offers independent study courses to meet students’ needs, partners with them on Muskie Fellow summer research projects, and involves them in middle and high school educational outreach programs.
Dr. Jim Dooley, the Bill and Martha Lovejoy Professor of Biology, was recognized with the Cora I. Orr Faculty Service Award. He advises three student organizations and regularly holds encouraging conversations with students he encounters in his classroom, the hallways, and across campus. Dr. Dooley meets regularly with prospective students in all fields, volunteers for multiple admission events, and generously shares his time to better the New Concord area and assist its residents.
The scholarship award’s name recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 1870 Muskingum graduate and New Concord native, who was born in a log cabin on Main Street and became the founder of the University of Chicago.
The teaching award is named in honor of the Class of 1878 Muskingum graduate who became a transformational, three-decade president of The Ohio State University and held the philosophy that “Successful teaching means not merely instruction in knowledge, but inspiration, uplift, and outlook.”
Professor Cora Orr was a talented Muskingum language and psychology instructor, dedicated counselor, and student-centered Dean of Students. This award is named in honor of her influence on students, campus programs, and the community for four decades.
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New Initiatives Support Student Success Two innovative programs to build student success at Muskingum have been established through the University’s $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions grant received from the federal Department of Education.
The Impact Center The new Impact Center will focus on innovative career development programs and the expansion of experiential learning opportunities in Fall 2022. By providing comprehensive programs, the Impact Center will help guide students from their first day on campus as they plan and prepare for meaningful employment, graduate study, or service.
The Center for Teaching and Learning: Coordinator Dr. Leann DiAndreth-Elkins, Instructional Technology Specialist Alaine Kay, Faculty Fellow Dr. Brian King, Faculty Fellow Dr. Ana Kehrberg.
The Center for Teaching and Learning Muskingum’s new Center for Teaching and Learning was established in Summer 2021. The purpose of the Center is to assist faculty in enhancing their teaching practices and supporting student learning. Dr. Leann DiAndreth-Elkins, Muskingum’s Executive Director of Disability Resources, serves as the Center’s coordinator. “Student involvement and engagement in the classroom is key to successful learning,” she explains. “By helping Muskingum faculty identify the creative practices they use in their classrooms and providing opportunities to share those ideas, we can assist them in supporting student engagement and positively influence student learning outcomes.”
Wide-ranging partnerships will be created with regional employers to offer multiple applied experiences for students. Within academic courses, for example, the classroom cohort may host speakers, take field trips to visit employer sites, and conduct a hands-on project in partnership with the employer. On an individualized basis, students will have expanded access to career exploration opportunities, mentorships, and internships. Molly Dunn, Executive Director of the Impact Center, comes to Muskingum with a substantial background in building regional community connections. “Through the Impact Center, we can make a significant difference in students’ lives and at the same time support workforce needs and economic growth,” she said. “The new partnerships we create will benefit our students, the University, and the region.” The Impact Center will be housed in the Top of the Quad Center when renovations to the facility are completed.
Programs offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning incorporate technology training, professional development experiences, individualized consultations for faculty members, and new faculty orientation. As Faculty Fellows, Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Ana Kehrberg and Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Brian King serve as resources for their peers. Frequent topics of discussion have included creating engaging assignments, encouraging student attendance, building classroom community, and brainstorming new teaching ideas. The Center also hosts popular “Lightning Rounds,” in which faculty colleagues from across the disciplines quickly present a teaching practice that engages students and fosters active learning.
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Molly Dunn, Executive Director of the Impact Center.
Transformation
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IT’S ALMOST TIME The Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex: Grand Opening September 17, 2022 Our eagerly anticipated BHWC is nearing completion. Comprehensive program planning for athletics, academics, recreation, health, wellness, and community activities continues and the excitement on campus is growing. Watch for Grand Opening details and come celebrate our new place for every Muskie!
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ATHLETICS
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BY THE NUMBERS: EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS Congratulations to our student-athletes who have been honored at conference, state, and national levels!
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Academic All-OAC Honors
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D3football.com & D3hoops.com National Team of the Week Members
Football: Men’s Basketball: Zuri Edmondson ’23 Alex Masinelli ’22 Cortez McGinnis ’22 Collin Scozzafava ’24
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All-Ohio Honors: Men’s Track Tristan Makowski ’23 Daniel Odette-Spillner ’22 Hasson Williams ’24
Bowling Coach of the Year David Jones, Men’s Bowling
Bowling All-American Evan Thro ’25
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All-Ohio Bowling Conference Honors
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All-Region Honors D3baseball.com and ABCA/Rawlings: Devin Ryan ’22 NFCA Softball: Haley Hawk ’22 Katie Osburn ’22
All-OAC Tournament Team Members Softball: Kalie Eshelman ’24 Hannah Smith ’22 Volleyball: Brooke Bigrigg ’22
All-Region Coach of the Year Craig Holycross, Archery
All-Region Wrestling Noah DeHainaut ’23
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Learn more at www.fightingmuskies.com
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Programs Ranked in the Top 25 Men’s Bowling Softball Volleyball
National Championship Esports ECAC Fortnite
Academic All-American Remington McClung ’24, Archery
OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month Haley Hawk ’22, Softball
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KARI HOYING WINTERS ’08, ’10G NAMED DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Kari Hoying Winters ’08, ’10G was named Muskingum University’s Director of Athletics. She is the first full-time female director of athletics in the University’s history. Kari previously served as Head Softball Coach and as Interim Director of Athletics. In 2019, she was named Senior Women’s Administrator and Compliance Director, representing Muskingum at OAC league meetings and guiding student-athlete and staff development. Under her leadership as Head Softball Coach from 2011-2022, the Muskies earned two Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Regular-Season Championships, one OAC Tournament title, and one NCAA Regional appearance. Kari was twice named OAC Coach of the Year, and numerous softball student-athletes were recognized on the field and in the classroom with All-OAC, All-Central Region, and All-American honors. Kari earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in health and physical education and her Master of Arts in Education degree in adult education. As a Muskingum student, Kari was a standout catcher, helping lead the nationally-ranked Muskies to four OAC Championships, three NCAA Regional Championships, and three NCAA Division III World Series appearances. She was a two-time NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-American, two-time Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year, and four-time first-team all-league honoree.
ROBERT WATSON-POWELL ’14 NAMED HEAD WRESTLING COACH Robert Watson-Powell ’14 was named Muskingum’s Head Coach of Wrestling. He returned to Muskingum from New England College, where as head coach for the wrestling program he oversaw the operations of men’s wrestling and proposed and implemented the start of women’s wrestling. Robert was previously the first-ever head coach for the men's and women's wrestling programs at Iowa Wesleyan University. He worked to establish the Iowa Wesleyan programs by recruiting students, holding prospect camps, and helping secure more than $250,000 in donations for a wrestling facility. He began his coaching career at the high school level, serving as head coach for Willard High School and in several assistant coaching positions. Robert was a student-athlete on the Muskies wrestling team and a volunteer assistant following graduation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in health and physical education from Muskingum and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on sports and recreational management from New England College.
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SHARING THE LEGACY
Dentzer Memorial Garden Dedicated
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William T. (Bill) Dentzer, Jr. ’51, 1929-2021, Celia Hill Dentzer ’52, 1930-2022.
On May 6, 2022, a ceremony was held to dedicate the William T. and Celia Hill Dentzer Memorial Garden framing the Muskingum University Columbarium. Memories of Bill ’51 and Celia ’52 were shared by President Sue Hasseler, University Trustees Pat Fridley ’76 and Hal Burlingame ’62, and Dentzer family members. The creation of the memorial garden was made possible through the generosity of Bill’s Board of Trustees colleagues. He served on the Board from 1972 until retiring as Trustee Emeritus in 2016. Bill and Celia met as students and shared 68 years of marriage and a lifetime of dedication to Muskingum. Bill’s extraordinary career spanned the presidency of the National Student Association,
integral roles in the United Sates foreign aid program, service as the New York State Superintendent of Banks, and leadership as the founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Depository Trust Company, now the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation. Celia lived a life of faith, love, devotion, and service to family, friends, and community. Both Bill and Celia were honored with Muskingum Doctor of Humane Letters degrees.
The Muskingum University Columbarium Located in the natural amphitheater of the hillside below Brown Chapel, the Columbarium offers a serene setting for those who wish to consider the Muskingum campus as a final resting place. Accessed by a curving walkway, the Columbarium is framed by the Dentzer Memorial Garden and encompasses a tranquil area for contemplation. It features a memorial wall holding individually engraved niches, each of which can accommodate up to two urns for ashes.
Family members of William T. (Bill) Dentzer, Jr. ’51 and Celia Hill Dentzer ’52 attended the dedication of the Dentzer Memorial Garden: son Bill Dentzer, daughter Emily Dentzer, daughter Susan Dentzer, son Jim Dentzer, grandson Peter Dentzer, son-in-law Chuck Alston.
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Muskingum alumni and their spouses may purchase a full or partial niche, with Muskingum providing perpetual care for the property. Fifty percent of the purchase price is regarded as a charitable contribution to the University. For more information, email alumni@muskingum.edu or call 740-826-6105.
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Minute with Muskingum Society Members:
Chuck ’91, ’01G, ’17G and Kelly Kokovich ’91, ’98G Rinkes For Chuck ’91, ’01G, ’17G and Kelly Kokovich ’91, ’98G Rinkes, Muskingum has shaped their family legacy as educators. “I grew up in the very rural area of Harrisville, Ohio,” Chuck recalls. “I was encouraged to attend Muskingum by several of my teachers who were alumni. My sister, Shelley Rinkes Crake ’93, also became a Muskie. “My Muskingum experience broadened my horizons, as I made connections with my professors and my fellow students. I figured out who I was and how I wanted to make decisions for my life. My fraternity brothers in Phi Kappa Tau became lifelong friends and I met my wife Kelly in my education classes. After two years on the baseball team, an arm injury led me into coaching, which has become a lifelong passion.” Chuck earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history, with teaching certificates in social studies and special education. He later earned a Muskingum Master of Education degree and Educational Specialist degree.
Chuck was recently elected to Muskingum’s Alumni Council and is looking forward to further expanding his involvement with the University. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education with a minor in history and a Master of Arts in Education degree. She has taught special education at Keene Elementary School in the River View district for 31 years. Kelly’s parents are Professor Emeritus Steve Kokovich, Jr. ’63 and Susan Wade Kokovich ’63, ’93G, who are also members of the Muskingum Society. Steve was a member of Muskingum’s education faculty from 1978Sue ’63, ’93G and 2010, serving for two decades Steve ’63 Kokovich as department chair and establishing the University’s first graduate degree program, the Master of Arts in Education. Following a long teaching career with the Cambridge City Schools, Sue served on the staff of Muskingum’s PLUS program, which provides comprehensive academic support services for students with learning differences. She was a member of Muskingum’s Alumni Council from 2013-2019.
Chuck ’91, ’01G, ’17G and Kelly ’91, ’98G Rinkes
In August 2021, Chuck was named Superintendent of the River View Local School District. He began his classroom career at River View in 1996 as an intervention specialist, became assistant high school principal in 2007, and high school principal in 2009. He was named the State of Ohio Principal of the Year in 2018 by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators. Chuck has also coached River View’s baseball, basketball, and golf teams.
Chuck and Kelly’s son Jaxon Rinkes ’24 is preparing to continue the family tradition by earning his teaching certification as an intervention specialist and establishing a career as an educator. Jaxon is a baseball pitcher for the Fighting Muskies and has served the campus community as a Resident Assistant.
Jaxon Rinkes ’24
“Kelly and I are excited to support the University as members of the Muskingum Society. It is the place that has supported us in so many aspects of our lives. We have been truly blessed with our Muskingum experiences and with the degrees that we earned.”
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SHARING THE LEGACY
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Your Gift. Her Story. Brooke Robbins ’23 Junior Brooke Robbins will never forget how her life suddenly changed just after her high school graduation – and how it changed again for the better later that summer because of the generosity of Muskingum alumni. “During my senior year of high school, I had committed to attend Muskingum, and was very excited about my athletic training major and the opportunity to run track and field for the Muskies. On Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, a tornado hit the Dayton, Ohio area, bringing major devastation to my hometown of Celina. My family and I and our pets were safe, but our home was destroyed. I had to let the University know that I would not be coming in the fall.” In July, Brooke received a call from her admission counselor with a financial aid package that would enable her to join the Class of 2023 after all. “I am so grateful to Muskingum and the alumni who made this scholarship possible. I am a Muskie only because of their support.” “I love everything about Muskingum,” Brooke says. “I have a close connection with my professors and the students in my major cohort. A key reason I chose the University was because of its size and the professor-to-student ratio.” Brooke is active in campus life and particularly enjoys the many Muskingum Programming Board (MPB) and Outdoor Initiative opportunities. She is currently the Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the junior and senior honorary society, and was also inducted into Lambda Sigma, the sophomore honorary society. She is a Theta Phi Alpha, where she serves as a new member educator. “I love passing on the values and history of our group, Greek Life, and Muskingum to others. “I am so thankful to be part of the Muskingum community. I truly would not be here without the alumni who give back to help others. They have made a tremendous difference in my life.”
“I am so thankful to be part of the Muskingum community. I truly would not be here without the alumni who give back to help others. They have made a tremendous difference in my life.” Brooke Robbins ’23
22 MUSKINGUM UPDATE
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SAVE THE DATE: September 16-18 Join us for Muskingum’s
100th HOMECOMING 2022
celebration and the September 17 Grand Opening of the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex!
Watch Magenta Homecoming for registration and schedule information.
Planned Giving Impact the Muskingum of Tomorrow
With a planned gift, you can ensure that your generosity will impact Muskingum students in the future. Powerful planned giving strategies include: • An outright gift of appreciated assets such as securities or real estate. • A life insurance gift. • A charitable life income plan such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust. • A charitable life estate. • A qualified charitable distribution from an IRA for individuals over 70 1/2 years of age. For further information, contact Paul McClelland, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 740-826-8648 or paulm@muskingum.edu.
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2nd Ranked
Master of Occupational Therapy in the Nation OnlineMastersDegrees.org ranked Muskingum’s MOT bridge program 2nd in Best Online Occupational Therapy Master’s Programs for 2022, with high marks for flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. The two-year, 69-hour degree program for licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants combines online instruction with 18 weekend on-campus labs, providing students the opportunity to continue working full-time while earning their Master of Occupational Therapy degree. The program is fully accredited and prepares students to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy licensure exam. For MOT program information, visit muskingum.edu.
Master of Occupational Therapy graduate Stacy Cappitte ’22G and her service dog Gryffin.
