Muskingum Update Summer 2023

Alumni joined students on the annual MLK day of service

UPDATE

Editor: Michelle Shaver

Contributors and Photography: Tom Caudill, Annette Giovengo, Brianna Kasinecz, Paul Kotheimer

Online Archives: muskingum.edu/updatemag

Comments and Questions: theupdate@muskingum.edu (740)826-8134

Address Changes:

alumni@muskingum.edu

(740)826-8131

@Muskingumalumni

From the president's Desk Class of 2023

Graduate Stats and Facts

Muskingum Graduates are Going Places

Alumnus has Slam Dunk with Graduate Degree

Veteran Continues Journey Rooted in Service

Making an impact

Taking Chances and Finding Success

Thriving & Beating the Odds

Graduate senior Macy McAdams concluded her outstanding career by tallying a schoolrecord time of 35:36.11 to finish 13th in the 10K at the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships. The picture shows her running at the Bullock Complex during Indoor Track and Field.

Around the quad

The Sound of Music

Building Pathways to Graduate Programs

Athletics

Shattering Glass Ceilings

Sharing the

All In Finding Her Path and Her Passion

legacy

From the President's Desk

Dear Muskingum Alumni and Friends,

One of the true privileges of serving as Muskingum’s president is getting to know Muskies, and May and June provide particularly rich opportunities to do so. Whether I am talking with new students at Muskie Preview, graduating seniors and master’s degree recipients at Commencement, current students doing summer research, or alumni in the region and around the world, they have great stories to tell. It is a constant reminder of the exceptional impact the Muskingum experience has on individuals and on communities.

With that in mind, we decided that it was time to create another space to share those experiences with an even broader audience. You will note that the format has changed in this Update Magazine to include a stronger focus on these incredible stories. As you read this issue, we hope you will be energized by the power of Muskingum’s mission to educate the whole student for the whole world and the ways our students, alumni, faculty, and staff exemplify that mission on the campus and beyond.

We have not forgotten the need to keep our alumni and friends informed about the many good things happening at Muskingum and will continue to do so on our website (muskingum.edu/news), on our social media platforms, and in our bimonthly electronic newsletter, Magenta Lines. If you do not currently receive the newsletter, please email magentalines@muskingum.edu to subscribe. You will not want to miss hearing more about all the dynamic happenings at Muskingum!

I hope you are as inspired by the stories in this issue of Update as I was. This is an incredible community, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of it.

With warm wishes for all the good things that summer brings,

President Susan S. Hasseler

President Hasseler with Graduating Softball and Baseball Players

Class of 2023

UNDERGRADUATES

130 96

83 9

#1. Business Management

#2. Nursing

#3. Business Marketing

#4. Health & Fitness

GRADUATES

TOTAL GRADS States represented

Muskie Graduates are going places

MAJORS: Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Mathematics Education and Theatre

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Pi Phi Gamma (FAD), Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honorary president, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary, Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honorary, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary, and participating in the KCACTF theatre festival with the Muskingum Theatre department Ava Hayslip will be taking her skills to the classroom as a 7th and 8th grade mathematics teacher including Algebra 1 at Ripley Union Huntington Lewis Middle School. For Ava, Muskingum gave her the best education. The small class sizes were especially beneficial, because students can get that one-onone instruction to be sure they truly understand the content. “I felt very knowledgeable in my content area, and fully prepared to know anything that comes my way in the math world. When it comes to education and students in the classroom, you really never know what you are going to get.” Ava has valued her field placements and student teaching. “I have been in many situations, both good and bad, and I could see how they were handled by other professionals, so I can get an idea of how to handle them in the future. I am looking forward to making connections with the students. You can truly make a difference not only in their day, but also in their whole lives.”

She shares that theatre has been a wonderful learning experience as well. The relationships she has made through the Muskingum University Theatre Department are amazing. They have made her believe she can do the impossible. “Not only am I confident in standing in front of people and public speaking, my problem-solving and teamwork skills have greatly improved over the years! Through theatre my confidence has grown, so I can stand in front of those students who do not want to learn math and TEACH THEM!

“Muskingum also has stressed the importance of community and giving grace. You need to be able to build that community, to make all students comfortable to want to learn. You want the students to have respect for not only you, but one another in the classroom. I have also learned to give grace to yourself and to others. You need to give yourself grace to avoid burn out and build persistence."

Here are a few graduates who are going places.

MAJOR: History

MINORS: Gender Studies, Philosophy, and Political Science

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Chi Alpha Nu academic chair, vice president and house manager; Student Senate chief of staff; Phi Alpha Theta; Women in Politics president; John and Annie Glenn Public Service Fellow; and Washington Academic Internship Program

Hannah Riggle will be going to the University of Cincinnati College of Law. In planning for law school, Hannah says the History Department has been invaluable in providing her with mentorship and opportunities throughout her time at Muskingum. She formed great relationships with her advisors and credits their guidance with aiding her in accomplishing her goals. “I feel as prepared as I can be for the course load that I will be undertaking as a law student. The History major specifically helped me to become a better writer, taught me how to think critically, and acclimated me to a large reading load.”

As a junior, she participated in the Washington Academic Internship Program through the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. This opportunity allowed her to live and work in Washington, D.C. for the fall semester of her junior year. “The professional experience I gained in this program was instrumental in cementing my decision to apply to law school.”

“I am excited to continue my journey in higher education and feel prepared because of my undergraduate experience at Muskingum. I created an amazing support system, grew as a leader, and became more confident as an individual. I am excited for this next step in my journey but am grateful for the experiences I had. Muskingum is a wonderful community, and I will miss the campus (and the History department especially) very much.”

MAJOR: Nursing

MINORS: Human Biology and Psychology

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Men’s Soccer, Lambda Sigma Honor’s Society, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, Resident Assistant, and Nursing Student Organization (NSO)

When Hunter graduates, he will be joining the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). According to Hunter, Muskingum has prepared him for this position. “We have a specific course guided towards complex disorders that clients will experience; this course has prepared me for what is expected of an RN and how the RN can provide high quality evidence-based care. Lab simulations, including Code Blues, Massive Hemorrhages, Strokes, DKA, Sepsis, Cardiac Abnormalities, Overdoses, and many other disease processes have guided me already on how to effectively care for this population of clients.”

In addition to his many campus activities, Hunter also held a Multi Skilled Technician (MST) position at Genesis Hospital within the Critical Care Unit throughout his education at Muskingum. He says this has helped him understand the client population and get hands-on experience with the client care. He looks forward to being able to make an impact on his clients and being able to educate them to prevent further complications with their disease processes.

“Being in the Nursing program here has allowed me to grow in a safe environment and learn from my mistakes. My education at Muskingum has made me confident to take care of clients post-graduation. I am very grateful for all my professors and my time at Muskingum; I had some of the best times of my life and met lifelong friends along the way. Thank you to everyone who got me where I am today.”

MAJORS: Political Science and Public Administration

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Resident Assistant, Black Student Union president, Sisters of Hue president, Student Senate treasurer, Women’s Basketball

After graduation, Casey Smith is going to The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs where she will earn her master’s degree in public administration. Not only is her full tuition covered, she also is getting a stipend and will spend a semester in Washington, D.C. as part of the Washington Academic Internship Program. “I eventually want to work on Capitol Hill developing policies, so I am looking forward to getting to intern in Washington, D.C.”

Muskingum gave her plenty of opportunities such as internships, projects, and networking experiences that helped build her resume and allowed her to develop marketable skills. Muskingum’s regional planning department allowed her to practice her research skills by creating projects and solutions for real-life problems. Casey was on the student team that participated in the 22nd annual Appalachian Teaching Project symposium presenting their work with the Zanesville City Council to develop a five-year strategic plan for downtown development.

“I think that preparing a five-year plan for downtown Zanesville and presenting in Washington, D.C. was the most influential experience; it helped me narrow in on my career goals and network with a lot of interesting people. Muskingum has allowed me to network with people I probably would not have otherwise had access to at a larger school.”

When Brenton Franks ’21 and ’23 graduated with a degree in special education, he was prepared for a job; however, he chose the sidelines instead. As a Graduate Assistant for the men’s basketball team, not only was he an assistant coach for two years, he also did it while earning his Institutional Teacher Leader master’s degree.

“I decided to go ahead and get my master’s degree because I had the opportunity to be part of the men’s basketball team. I don’t think very many people get that opportunity,” Brenton said. “At the time I was curious about coaching at the collegiate level, and I loved every part of it.”

Brenton came to Muskingum because of the reputation of the education department.

Both of his parents are education administrators, so they were familiar with the University and the success of its graduates. He also was excited to play sports.

As an undergraduate, Brenton came to Muskingum to play both basketball and golf and realized that was a challenge. So, he joined the golf team for his four years and was able to continue his love of basketball, helping the coaching staff.

“I had such a great experience here with the professors and the coaches,” Brenton said. “I just can’t say enough about them and this place, and how great it is.”

Brenton recently spoke to Instructor Ashley Zehner’s Intro to Special Education class. Scan the QR code to watch his presentation, Establishing Positive Change Through Action.

Brenton appreciated his master’s degree program being online. It afforded him the time and flexibility he needed to fulfill his GA responsibilities. “As a GA, you have to be prepared to work,” Brenton said. “While I didn’t make a lot of money, my tuition, room and board were covered, and I am setting myself up for the next opportunity.”

While his long-term goals include school administration, he will be an eighth-grade special education teacher at Tuscarawas Valley High School, which is a brand-new high school in his hometown.

“I am excited to be teaching in my hometown and be around family and friends,” Brenton said. “I am looking forward to hopefully coaching and starting some youth athletic programs and preparing students for their future both on and off the court.”

For alumni considering furthering their education, Brenton said, “Whenever you further your degree, it opens more opportunities. I now have the possibility of going into administration within a few years.”

Whenever you further your degree, it opens more opportunities. I now have the possibility of going into administration within a few years.

VETERAN CONTINUES JOURNEY ROOTED IN SERVICE

Lindsay Porter ’23 wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she graduated high school in her hometown of Philo. She grew up around a family of service members, so she chose to join the US Navy.

“I remember going with my family when my older brother left for the Air Force and seeing the blue camouflage of the Navy uniforms next door. I liked that and thought ‘I am interested,’” Lindsay recalled jokingly. “So, unlike the rest of my Air Force family, I decided to join the Navy because they had blue uniforms.

“Of course, when I talked to recruiters and started looking into the Navy, it did have a lot of good jobs. I also liked the idea of deployments and getting to go to a lot of different places, which I did get to do.”

Lindsay served six years in active duty and two years in the reserves. She started out in the nuclear engineering program, became a rated electronics technician, but did not finish the program. She became a boatswain's mate and went to her first

ship where she got to pre-commission the USS Gerald R. Ford. She then went to work on the USS Kearsarge, an LHD (landing helicopter dock) amphibious assault ship. There she focused on search and rescue boats taking the marines in and out the back of the ship and became a petty officer in charge of anchoring, mooring and towing, and replenishment of resources.

“During that time, I studied and kept my head in the books and became an E5,” Lindsay said. “It was fun to be in charge of all those operations.” Lindsay spent three months in Puerto Rico for hurricane support and then went overseas on deployments to Greece and throughout the Middle East, getting to experience many different cultures while serving the Navy. While on deployment, she decided she was ready to go to school; however, on a ship in the middle of the ocean, she didn’t have internet access to apply to college. She planned to get out of the Navy in July 2019 and with college starting a month later, she solicited help from her aunt, who worked at Muskingum, via email.

“I originally planned to study chemistry,” Lindsay said. “But I had a cousin in nursing who encouraged me to check out the program. She connected me with people in the department to help me apply.

“Everyone was so helpful with me getting my application in, especially since I had little access to email. They kept me updated throughout the process and worked with me for Muskie Preview,” Lindsay said. “They were like, ‘Don’t worry, we got you. We will take care of that.’”

Lindsay wasn’t sure how the process worked as a veteran and how to take advantage of her veteran benefits. “This campus makes it super easy being a veteran. From day one, the Financial Aid Office completed all the paperwork, and all I had to do was sign. They took care of the GI Bill setting it up every semester, and now all I have to do is verify my classes each semester.

“While it was easy to go through the process, having a Veterans Services Office and one single point of contact for questions is helpful. Having someone that is in the loop understanding all the rules and changes is valuable,” Lindsay said. “It also is nice to have a designated area for veterans to come together.”

Being a 24-year-old nontraditional undergraduate student was challenging at first. But, Lindsay’s cousin, who was in her third year, encouraged her to explore Greek life, letting her know there is a place for everybody. Lindsay went to the informal recruitment events and the formal recruitment, and then joined Alpha Sigma Alpha. “It was a lot of fun being involved in campus,” Lindsay said. “I had a big fear of not fitting in because I was older and had different life experiences, but everyone was like it’s no big deal. It has been great because I have friends across campus that I never would have had if I had not stepped out of that boundary and seen what the campus had to offer.”

As part of her veteran support, she has a residence on campus, which allows her to stay on campus and connect with fellow students. It also allowed her to work in the local community.

According to Lindsay, everybody on the Navy ship is a firefighter and during her time in the service, she got her advanced firefighting certification. When she left the Navy, she missed the comradery, so she joined the local fire department. During her time there, she got her EMT certification and then went on to get her advanced EMT. She then used a grant to get her Fire 1 card and then went on to get her Fire 2 card during her junior year of college.

She applied for and became a paid EMS in New Concord. This gave her the comradery she was missing and allowed her to continue serving in the community. As for her time at Muskingum, “I fit in a whole lot more than I expected to being a nontraditional student in a traditional way, and I had so much fun here,” Lindsay said. “Muskingum also has taught me critical thinking in solving problems and challenges, and the nursing program has prepared me for all aspects of my life.

“As for my plans, I look forward to starting my nursing career as an RN with OhioHealth at Riverside Methodist Hospital in the Emergency Department. I also want to continue to serve the community and continue to give back.”

Serving Those Who Served

Muskingum University’s Office of Veterans Services is dedicated to meeting the needs of our military-connected students. The office serves as the single point of contact for our military-connected students by coordinating admission, financial aid, academic and career advising, and mentoring for students enrolled in both our undergraduate and graduate programs.

The office also has a lounge located in Cambridge Hall that provides a place for those students to study, meet with staff, and connect with each other.

We recognize the sacrifices of our service members and their families and are dedicated to helping this special population achieve success as they seek to continue their educational journey.

Taking Chances and FINDING Success

In 1983, Debu Purohit was the class speaker at his Muskingum University undergraduate commencement. Forty years later, he returned to his alma mater as the keynote speaker for the 2023 May Commencement. His Muskingum experience came full circle.

Debu’s journey to Muskingum University didn’t follow the traditional college search. Debu’s father worked for Shell, and he grew up living around the world. At the age of 12, he enrolled in The Doon School in India. When it was time to think about college, a friend convinced him to go to the States with him. He hadn’t heard of Muskingum but applied under the strong influence of his friend.

“My father was living in Singapore at the time, and when I told him my plans, he said he couldn’t find Muskingum on the map,” Debu reflects. “He was worried about me going to the other side of the world to a place he couldn’t find on the map.”

While he had been living away from home since he was 12, arriving at Muskingum was a shock. After being escorted to his room in Moore Hall, he sat down on his bed and thought, “Oh my goodness, I have made the biggest mistake of my life. But four years later, I was sad to leave.”

While he did not join a social club, he was actively engaged in campus activities, such as playing on the tennis and soccer teams, and acting in theater productions. His sophomore year he lived in a house on Montgomery that hosted poetry readings, and he served as an RA for two years in Moore Hall.

In providing the keynote address at the May Commencement, Debu provided insight and advice to our graduating students and their families along with our faculty and staff. Here are a few of his impactful remarks.

"We need the perspective of time to understand how certain events or people proved to be critical in determining the course of our lives. You see, life is lived forward, but understood backwards."

“We have a tendency to judge decisions based on whether we get the desired outcome, not on the quality of the decision. Remember, a good decision is a good decision, regardless of the outcome.”

In remembering his philosophy professor, Joe Elkins, he shared

“he would often tell us that we had a duty to be happy. I believe that happiness should not be the goal or the objective. Instead, happiness is the by-product of living a meaningful life.”

11,913 km

7,402.395 miles

In retrospect, Muskingum’s nurturing environment was the right place for him. The professors were so loving and kind. “I don’t know how many other people think about those who taught them, but I think about Joe Elkins, my philosophy professor, all the time, and history professor Lorle Porter; I went to her house so many times. And Herb Thomson. These people were wonderful, and they encouraged me.

“I have carried that experience and those people with me,” Debu said. “For instance, when I defended my dissertation in graduate school in Pittsburgh, my sister threw me a party. Many of my graduate school classmates and professors were there. When I walked into the room, Joe Elkins also was there. That is what Muskingum was.”

For Debu, it wasn’t just about learning things – math and economics – it was about feeling safe in the world.

After graduation, he went to Carnegie Mellon University where he earned his master’s degree in marketing and his doctorate in industrial administration. Debu shared how Muskingum prepared him for graduate school.

“That liberal arts foundation really helped. When it came time to do our own research and come up with our own ideas, that is where the benefits of a liberal arts education came through.”

Becoming a professor was never part of his plan. In fact, when he gave his commencement speech to his fellow classmates at his 1983 commencement, he joked about how worried they are “graduating and going out to the crazy world, and how one day some of us may even get graduate degrees, become professors, and have students like us. Then that will be the day to start worrying.”

He went into academia thinking that it would be easier to start there and then transition to a corporate job if he wanted to do that. Little did he know that his journey would culminate in a 31-year career in higher education, with most of that time at Duke University.

I have carried that experience and those people with me.

Debu began his career at Duke as an assistant professor and is currently the Ford Motor Company Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the Fuqua School of Business. While at the undergraduate level Duke focuses on the liberal arts, the Fuqua School of Business only serves graduate students. So, when he started at Duke right after graduate school, he was teaching many students who were older than he was. The emphasis on research was also something he had to embrace.

"One good thing about being at Duke was meeting my wife on campus. At Muskingum I had to keep explaining to people where I was from. At Duke, people always asked, ‘where is Muskingum?’ When I met a young woman who knew exactly where Muskingum was, I knew she was the one for me."

During his graduate studies, Debu’s research centered on how markets for durable goods, such as cars, computers, etc., can work more efficiently. Durable goods markets are novel because the products tend to last for long periods of time, they can either be rented or sold, and there is often a secondary or used market that ends up competing with the primary market. For example, car manufacturers need to balance sales to consumers, rental car companies, and determine an optimal balance between leases and sale; on the consumer side, we can choose whether to buy or lease a new car or a slightly used car. This line of research leads directly to the challenges and innovations in the economy today. The central idea is that consumers do not need to “own” many of the products that they use. For example, if cars are available on demand, then you do not need to own a car, because you can get a ride when you need it. We can make a similar case for office space, cell phones, lawnmowers, and so on. The interesting research problem is to understand who will “own” these products and how these changes will affect the prices and quantities of goods.

Throughout his time at Duke, Debu has shifted into leadership roles, including Chair of the University Priorities Committee. That led to serving on the Resources Committee of the Board of Trustees enabling him to connect with others around the university.

“Those experiences gave me a broad perspective, which was valuable,” Debu said. “It got me out of my narrow view of the world from a business school’s perspective. It also helped me get more engaged with the rest of campus, and I have enjoyed that a lot. I missed talking with history professors, and this gave me that opportunity.”

In reflecting about his journey and talking to Muskingum’s 2023 graduates, Debu shared one of his favorite quotes from a John Lennon song: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

“I never could plan everything. I knew what I needed to do to finish college. I knew what I needed to do to get a job, but there was so much uncertainty,” Debu said. “The one constant is to keep trying and stumble your way through the process.”

Students must be flexible. On average, they will be changing careers multiple times over their lives. According to Debu, we have plans, and the universe has other ideas, so we need to be flexible and willing to change. “Fortune favors the prepared mind,” Debu said. “Prepare your mind, and not just academically. Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Your mind has to keep learning and absorbing.

“As humans we get habituated to situations; we want an orderly pattern. We want the world to make sense,” Debu said. “We aren’t good at understanding the role of context and chance. Get out of your comfort zone and take a chance. It was a big risk moving to another country forcing me to get out of my comfort zone. I took the chance, and it put me on a new path.”

& BeATING THE ODDS

Muskingum University junior Jack Watts has always wanted to help people. With majors in Criminology and Political Science and a minor in Sociology, he has aspirations of becoming a federal officer.

He is starting that journey with a summer internship at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Louisville, KY, his hometown. He will be a part of crime scene clean up, briefings, and all aspects of investigations.

This drive to help others came from Jack’s grandfather, David Ward, who was a firefighter for more than 25 years. Jack has had the opportunity to give back during his time at Muskingum as part of Kappa Sigma fraternity and the lacrosse team. Both organizations have done numerous community service and fundraising activities, allowing Jack to serve others. He also mentors younger fraternity brothers and teammates.

His grandfather, nicknamed Dewberry, also has shared Dewberry’s life rules with Jack. “My grandpa has like 14 life rules,” said Jack. “They include get a job, then get another job, don’t ride motorcycles, be safe, treat your mom and dad with respect, work hard, and things like that…steps to having a good life. His fire department has them hanging on the wall to commemorate all the work he has done in the community.

“My grandfather came to campus for the first time this semester to see me play lacrosse,” said Jack. “He wore his Muskingum cap, Muskingum grandpa shirt, and his Muskingum socks. He loved it here.”

In preparing for a career, his grandfather conveyed to Jack how he will hate some of the things he will see, and how he will love some of the things he sees. He will see really happy people, as well as people who are struggling.

While Jack’s grandfather was his inspiration for wanting to help others, Jack’s advisors helped him figure out how to approach that goal and the steps to take. Jack also credits his success at Muskingum to the PLUS Program for helping with his learning differences.

When Jack was diagnosed with dyslexia, his mom changed her career to become a dyslexia tutor to support Jack and his younger brother. Having that knowledge at home, they knew what to look for when Jack had an interest in going to college. When researching colleges, Traci Watts commented that “Jack wanted to go to college, and I was not going to set him up for failure.

“Sending your child off to college is already scary. If we didn’t send him to the right place, we feared he would not make it past his first year,” said Traci.

“When I found Muskingum, the name of the PLUS Program stuck out to me because it was positive. Then, the school was the first one to respond, follow up with information, and schedule an interview.”

When they arrived on campus, it felt like home. They also were impressed when meeting with the PLUS Program team and a current PLUS Program student. The lacrosse coach also was familiar with the PLUS Program and let them know he has other athletes that use the program. There was no shame in seeking additional help.

“We walked out of that visit and were like, ‘wow’,” Traci said. “We did further research and talked it over, and then came back for his interview. We never turned back.”

The PLUS Program assists Jack with writing, work management, reading, studying, and note taking. Having extra test time has also helped Jack. He connects with the PLUS team and can reach out to them at any time.

He works primarily with Katrina Buchanan. “She’s my number one,” said Jack. “I have had her since my first day, and she is my primary tutor. I know I can come to her with anything. She also helps me with scheduling my classes, especially with managing the workload.”

Katrina is a Learning Consultant Coordinator who ensures all the consultants have the tools and resources they need to provide services to the students. She has been with the PLUS Program for 34 years and works with students who have ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, high-functioning autism, and other learning differences.

According to Katrina, the most rewarding thing about what she does is “seeing the lightbulb come on. You can see it on their face when they finally get it. We help the students by building the toolkit they need to be successful.”

In talking about how the PLUS Program has helped him, Jack said, his “GPA would be nowhere close to where it is now. I would be struggling and stressed out and may not even be here.

“The Program has prepared me for life,” said Jack. “My mom is four hours away, but Katrina is here, and I can text her with any question. She always responds and is always there for me. I call her mom 2.0.”

Katrina does view herself like a mom. “I think because I have my own kids, I build that relationship with them. I don’t mother them, but I do listen to them. I respect what they have to say. We brainstorm ideas.

“Every day, I get to get up and make a difference in somebody’s life. I have the opportunity to make sure they know they can be successful.” The PLUS Program

helped Jack learn the lay of the land and how to best navigate classes and campus. His coaches and advisors, who also are part of the team, have supported him during his journey. Everyone works together to ensure his success. As he has progressed, Jack has utilized the program as it is designed. There are four tiers of support based on need, and Jack has moved down the tiers as he has strengthened his skills.

“One thing I will never forget is at the end of his sophomore year, Jack and his advisor, Professor Bennett, were meeting and going over his schedule. She informed Jack that if he took a few extra classes, he could double major adding political science to his degree,” said Traci. “He called me so excited that he could double major and what that would look like on his resume.

“That moment was one of his most excited because he felt like he was truly accomplishing something that might have been out of his reach. How grateful we are that she noticed that and presented that opportunity to Jack.”

Traci commented that she does not worry about Jack at Muskingum. His advisors, coaches, professors, and counselors take care of him. And now, Jack is confident. He tells her, “Mom, I got this.”

“This program gives you the peace of mind that your kid is going to be successful,” said Traci. “They will make sure of it. They tailor the program to each student and continue to make adjustments to ensure their success.”

“My dad always preached balance, so that helped,” said Jack. “Muskingum has taught me how to balance everything, especially with studying and note taking.” These lessons have helped him balance academics, sports, and social activities.

said.

“They have prepared me well,” said Jack. “Thanks to Muskingum and the PLUS Program, I am ready to step out into the real world and move forward with my life.”

“And, after being in the program the first year, I could already see the difference in him.”

“Jack is thriving at Muskingum,” Traci

“He has done so much better at the University than he ever did in high school, and I contribute that to the help he is getting. There is not another program like this one in the Midwest that does what they do.”

FINDING HER PATH AND HER PASSION

As a legacy, Laura Yoder DeCoste ’94 grew up outside of Cleveland and enjoyed visiting Muskingum with her family, including her mother, Cheryl Wertman Johansen ’65. When it came time to look at colleges, she visited a few but knew Muskingum was where she wanted to be.

Now the chief communications officer at Harvard Medical School, Laura never could have imagined this is where her path would lead. When she arrived at Muskingum, she was sure she wanted to be a high school English teacher, so she initially majored in English and education.

“I really loved the mix of professors and courses in the English Department,” Laura recalls. “The mentorship and guidance I received both in and outside of the classroom was fantastic. In particular, I learned so much from Dr. Donna Edsall, who was so knowledgeable yet approachable—and fun and quirky in the very best way.”

When Laura learned the State of Ohio was offering a comprehensive teaching certification in English, theatre, and speech communications, she chose that path. The program was very prescriptive, which is how she became introduced to journalism.

It was also how she was introduced to Dr. Edsall, who was the advisor for the Black and Magenta and the yearbook.

In addition to her journalism class, Laura began writing for the B&M and eventually became sports editor and then co-editor-in-chief her senior year. Based on that experience, she decided that instead of becoming an English teacher, she would go to graduate school for journalism.

Having visited Boston during a volunteer work trip with her youth group while in high school, Laura fell in love with Boston and decided to apply to Northeastern University for graduate school. She was offered an assistantship working with the student media groups—including the newspaper, yearbook, radio station, and literary magazine—which paid for her tuition and provided a stipend.

“I was a bit nervous about going from a small college in rural Ohio to a big school in an urban environment, because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Laura. “The journalism master’s program ended up being relatively small, so that felt very familiar to me. And once the classes started, I felt well prepared and that I could hold my own.”

Though she had hoped to write for magazines following graduation in 1996, her path shifted once again when one of her graduate school projects turned into a job offer as a public relations specialist for the Boston chapter of the Girl Scouts. Working at a nonprofit organization enabled Laura to try new things and apply her skills; however, it also helped her understand that public relations wasn’t what she wanted to do as her primary job.

She moved to a new position at the Pine Street Inn, the largest provider of housing and services to homeless individuals in New England. In her first two jobs, while she got a taste of marketing, she was the sole practitioner, so there were limited opportunities for growth and advancement. She continued to look for opportunities to grow her skills at a larger organization and took a position as a marketing manager at Ernst & Young.

“Throughout my career, relationship building has been such a key piece,” said Laura. “But, I wanted to either be in nonprofit or in higher education, being a part of organizations that truly make a difference.”

As her career progressed, so did her opportunities to work her way up into leadership roles, where she began managing teams. She also took time to reflect and decide what she wanted to do and the kind of role she wanted. At DanaFarber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, Laura was able to combine her passion for helping others with her leadership goals. She started as a writer there in 2002 and by 2006 was named director of the 18-person development marketing team, a position she held until 2010 when she was named executive director of advancement communications and marketing at Boston College.

“I love organizational thinking and strategizing about how teams should be structured,” said Laura. “How does our structure align with the priorities of the organization, how are we balancing proactive versus reactive activities, and how does the model I helped to build in past roles adapt to this organization?”

The relationships she made led her to Harvard Medical School in 2012 when a former Dana-Farber colleague recruited her to lead development communications and events, and eventually donor relations.

In fall of 2019, she was asked to serve as the interim chief communications officer for the school, which ultimately turned into a permanent position following a nationwide

search. She already knew everyone on the team based on her previous role, so she was confident she could do the job. “I was most anxious about the public relations and crisis and issues management aspects of the job, as well as what it would be like working so closely with senior administrators,” reflects Laura. “I experienced some impostor syndrome and questioned whether I had the right skill set for the job and whether people would trust me and value my recommendations. I quickly realized that I didn’t need to be intimidated and that I was not alone. I had a whole team of people working with me and colleagues to support me along the way. Plus, I’m competitive and have always loved a good challenge.”

In reflecting on how Muskingum prepared her for where she is today, Laura credits both her liberal arts education, which exposed her to so many topic areas and potential fields of study, combined with what she learned from her classmates who had different backgrounds and experiences from her own. She also noted the numerous opportunities to engage, gain leadership experience, and find out what you like and don’t like.

Her advice to young alumni is to follow your interests and don’t turn down opportunities just because there’s an element that might test your skills or confidence. She also says it matters who your boss is, and it’s always best to stick with people you can trust and who have your back.

“Never lose sight of your next move or where you want to be. And don’t forget you always have a choice. Don’t stay somewhere so long that you get burned out and become bitter,” Laura says. “Finally, try things out of your comfort zone … you might actually find that you end up liking it.”

“That whole experience has carried through to everything I have done,” says Laura. “Being at a small school allows you to find yourself and figure out who you are and who you want to be.”

Around the quad

NEW MAJOR & MINORS

Language Study goes Global

Wendell Berry wrote, “Nobody can discover the world for someone else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond, and we cease to be alone.”

Muskingum University is launching Global Studies in the Fall 2023 semester. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for living and working in a global context. Students can major or minor in the program, which has a foundation in the World Languages Department and includes opportunities and coursework across the entire University curriculum.

The core of the program emphasizes intercultural competence as essential for the global society and allows students to orient themselves to their interests within that society. The program focuses on career readiness by preparing students in one of three professional tracks: International Business, Global Humanities (Arts, Cultures, Languages), or Global Organizations and Security.

The program includes high impact practices, such as study abroad and internships, where students gain knowledge and experience in the world outside their own borders. For more information about Global Studies, visit muskingum.edu/academics/global-studies

MASTER's Degree

The Sound of Music

The Department of Music is launching two new minors providing new opportunities to students who are interested in music, furthering its mission to develop students from across campus as lifelong musicians and/or supporters of music and, in considering music as a humanistic practice, to encourage respect and understanding for the diversity of human experience. The department creates tailored and experiential learning opportunities that build a path to individual student success in school, in future careers, and in life.

The Popular Music minor is specifically intended for students participating in Muskie Rocks or one of a handful of other, more commercial-music- minded ensembles. It’s geared toward students who are interested in commercial music, including songwriting, recording, and audio engineering. The new minor in Music and Culture offers the world of music to students who do not sing or play an instrument.

Both minors will be available beginning Fall 2023 semester. For more information about music at Muskingum, visit muskingum.edu/academics/music.

Building Pathways to Graduate Degrees

Muskingum University is making it easier for students majoring in business management, health administration, and sport administration to earn their master’s degree in business information systems. The University designed a 4+1 pathway program where students in these three major areas of study can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.

The 4+1 program not only shortens the timeline for students to receive their MBIS degree, but it also saves them money. Qualified students can apply for the program in the spring of their junior year. The 4+1 program launches in the Fall 2023 semester

MBIS, which is 100 percent online, is focused on improving business performance through the use of technology. Students can choose from three concentrations: management, health care, or cyber security. To learn more about MBIS, visit muskingum.edu/gcs/mbis.

Muskingum University continues to expand and create educational opportunities for our students. This includes a new major, new minors, and a pathway to obtain a master’s degree.

82 16

CSC American All-District Honors

6

19 Academic All-OAC Honors

32

5

All-OAC Honors

OAC Player of the Week Honors

All-Ohio Bowling Conference Honors

4 OCSA All-Ohio and Academic All-Ohio Honors

3

Academic All-American

1

OAC ScholarAthlete of the Month

Statistical National Champion

CSCA STUNT All-Americans ECAC National Championships -Madden National Qualifiers Programs Ranked in Top 25/Receiving Votes in Top 25

-STUNT -Volleyball

1

Regional Coach of the Year

- Craig Holycross (Archery Head Coach)

Men's Bowling Collegiate Club National Champions

-Men's Bowling

-Women's Bowling

- Women's Basketball Free Throw Shooting Percentage

National Coach of the Year Finalist

-David Jones ( Men's Bowling)

2 2 2 4 1

-Doug Smith ( Women's Bowling)

As the general manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Courtney Knichel ’08 is shattering glass ceilings with baseballs, paving the way for women in the maledominated sport. She didn’t plan this journey, but with the help of her family, along with grit and hard work, she landed her dream job.

A native of Benedict, Maryland, Knichel grew up hearing about Muskingum from her aunt Tami Fitzgerald ’81 and her mom, who also attended Muskingum. About a month before school started, Knichel decided she wanted to attend Muskingum, so she applied and then moved in with her aunt, who lived in Zanesville.

“I made friends, joined Chi Alpha Nu, and became immersed in as many things as I could,” said Knichel. “I fell in love with the campus and campus life, so I moved onto campus. We had the best time of our lives,” she said, adding that “I loved Greek life. I cannot say enough about what it does to prepare you for the workforce. The organization has rules and guidelines that provide structure, and also gave me leadership opportunities.”

While at Muskingum, Knichel played soccer, was a cheerleader, played intramurals, and was the hospitality chair in her sorority. She also worked for the radio and tv stations. “I was a social butterfly,” she said. “When I look back, I did take advantage of college, the lifestyle and everything that I could. I absolutely adored every facet of the Muskingum campus.”

While at Muskingum, Knichel majored in communications, marketing, and English, which not only prepared her academically, but also in a variety of other skills. “Dr. Jerry Martin used to teach all the communications classes including public speaking, resume and cover letter writing, and things that I feel like many people are missing these days,” Knichel said. “Those classes helped me to not be afraid to stand up in front of people and to be assertive. Muskingum gave me opportunities to grow and put myself out there,” Knichel pointed out. “Muskingum and Dr. Martin’s courses gave me a lot of confidence. As a female in a male-dominated industry, such growth in these areas contributed to my success,” she explained.

Knichel enjoys helping current students on their journey. She joins Tom Caudill’s Sports Management class each year, giving her an opportunity to give back to the University and its students. “It has been fun to teach the kids and introduce them to resources like TeamWork Online, where you can find any job in the sports industry.

“I tell them to connect with people via LinkedIn and other social media,” Knichel pointed out. “There is so much value in making connections and building relationships. I also tell students to get as many internships as possible while they are young. That’s where I started my career.”

Having started with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs as an intern the Monday after commencement, Knichel explained, “My mom applied for the internship for me; I got the offer while at a sorority party and wrote the details down on a napkin,” reflected Knichel. “I knew nothing about the business of baseball. I thought I was getting into a 9-5.”

After learning it was not a 9-5 job on her first day, Knichel ditched her stilettos and immersed herself in her work and the field. “I remember getting a call at 3 a.m. one night saying the cleaning crew quit, and we needed to come in and clean the stadium. I was happy to do it. I wanted to do it; I wanted to prove myself,” Knichel made perfectly clear.

It was the inaugural season for the Blue Crabs, and Knichel went above and beyond to market the team, engage the fans, and make the season memorable. In her first year as an intern, not only did she fall in love with her job and the industry, but the marketing manager left, and she was placed in that role.

“I was nervous, but I always gave it my all,” said Knichel. “People always say fake it until you make it. But I say don’t fake it; actually know it. Learn it so you don’t have to fake it.”

Knichel’s hard work paid off as she was soon promoted to Assistant General Manager of Special Events and Marketing and then to Assistant General Manager. She recalls in December 2015, the team owner saying, “Buy yourself a little bit bigger Christmas tree this year; we want you to be GM (general manager).”

“I remember thinking to myself, am I ready for this?” recalled Knichel. “But, I knew I was.” Now eight years later, she is the longest tenured General Manager in the history of the team.

Knichel also focuses on quality of life as she raises three children with her husband Kyle, the former Director of Sales at the Blue Crabs. She credits her success at work-life balance, especially during the season, to her husband. “While he no longer works with me, him knowing the industry and this crazy schedule makes a huge difference,” Knichel pointed out. “I couldn’t do this without him,” she added. “My kids also love being here and love baseball as much as I do.”

Joking that she could never have a regular job, Knichel said, “I would be bored. I thrive under the pressure; I am used to taking on a lot.” She added, “It also helps when you love what you do. I live by the cliché ‘find something that makes you want to get out of bed.’ Even 15 years later, I am excited to come to my job.”

In addition to her giving back to Muskingum students, she also presents on a variety of panels, recently having done so for Major League Baseball. She talks to young females in the industry. She encourages them to focus on the big picture, and not get caught up in all of the little things.

Knichel’s work ethic and positive mindset have indeed earned her the respect of those around her, including the players who she oversees from their first day on the job. “It is not about whether you are a woman or a man, but how earnestly and hard you work to meet the goals of the organization that you work for.” She also emphasized, “I believe you can have it all – the career and the family. You just have to work hard. Working as hard as you can will pay off. It always does!”

“It is hard to be a female in this industry, but it is possible,” said Knichel. “I acknowledge that in many instances I am the only woman in the room or on the conference call. But that is okay with me. The important thing is that I am surrounded by people who respect and support me.”

MINUTE WITH A MUSKINGUM SOCIETY MEMBER

Professor of Biology Amy Santas and her husband Philipp Mueller ’07 were among the first to join the Muskingum Society when it was established in 2017. “We believe in charitable giving, and we believe in Muskingum and the difference that it makes in students’ lives,” Amy explains.

“We first learned about Muskingum when I came to interview for a biology department position,” Amy remembers. “I was so impressed with how the faculty interacted with the students – that was exactly what I wanted to do as a teacher and mentor.

“I see every day how Muskingum transforms students. They gain knowledge in their field, as well as confidence in that knowledge and how to apply it.

“The physical techniques of working in a biology lab, for example, are critical and can only be acquired with handson learning. Beyond their knowledge and skills, our Muskingum students develop and demonstrate kindness, belief in themselves and others, and caring for the community, which gives me faith in the future.

“We have experienced in my own family how Muskingum shapes lives. As an adult student, my husband Philipp earned his degree in Accounting. His faculty members’ guidance, particularly in internship experiences and professional connections, were invaluable as he established his career.”

Amy has served on the Muskingum faculty since 2004. “My first class of students graduated in 2008, and they are very special to me; they are celebrating their 15th reunion this year at the 2023 Magenta Homecoming. I’m excited for their return to campus, and I can’t wait to see them!”

Nicklaus J, Hess ’08, is a member of Amy Santas’ first Muskingum class and also of the Muskingum Society. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Music, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM).

A Centerville, Ohio resident, Nick practices medicine as a Family Physician, serves as the OU-HCOM Western Unit Clinical Assistant Dean, and is an OU-HCOM

Assistant Clinical Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. He is the President-Elect of the Ohio Osteopathic Association.

“My Muskingum experience was fantastic,” Nick recalls. “I took every class that Dr. Santas taught and worked in her lab, and she became my research advisor. She trusted me to carry out research tasks and take proper care of equipment on a professional level, which prepared me for the responsibilities and expectations of medical school.

“I also can’t say enough about the importance of the liberal arts aspects of my Muskingum education. In addition to science, I learned from my professors in music, English, and other subjects how to teach, how to interact positively and productively with others, and how to become a leader – skills that are critical to my career as a physician and a medical educator.

“I joined the Muskingum Society because of my belief in Muskingum’s mission and my gratitude for my education.

“I want to help current and future students have the life-changing opportunities that my classmates and I experienced.”

PHOTO: Jillian Mueller (16), Amy Santas, Philipp Mueller, Bennett Mueller (13)

PHOTO: Taylor Hall (17), Gail Hess, Zoey Hess (1), Nick Hess, James Hess (4)

THERE IS STILL TIME TO BE ALL IN FOR MUSKINGUM

From now until June 30,

you can be ALL IN with your financial support and impact Muskingum students on campus this fall!

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

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

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

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

Muskingum Society members receive special invitations to University events, recognition on the donor wall in Caldwell Hall and in the IMPACT Annual Reports, and an exclusive lapel pin.

Visit www.muskingum.edu/giving or scan the QR code to make a gift online.

For more information, contact Institutional Advancement at advancement@muskingum.edu or 740-826-8130.

May 2023 graduate

David McDonald was ALL IN with his Music and Theatre majors at Muskingum.

Webster’s Definition ALL IN

To be fully committed to something

CURRENT MUSKIES

are ALL IN inside the classroom and their organizations.

STUDENT-ATHLETES

are ALL IN on the field, on the court, on the track and on the mat.

FACULTY and STAFF

are ALL IN for student success ad a thriving University.

ALUMNI

are ALL IN representing the Long Magenta Line.

“I am so grateful for the privilege of being at Muskingum. My path did not lead me directly here after high school, but the scholarships I received gave me a second chance at a college education. Here I found such a sense of community and discovered who I am, how I like to learn, and that I like to help others learn.”

He was a member of the Chamber Singers and the Choir, participated in multiple theatre and musical theatre productions on stage and in sound engineering, was President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, was a Cross Country student-athlete, and was active in events for incoming students.

David’s first job after graduation is with the Barn Theatre in Michigan. His long-term plans include attending graduate school and becoming a college-level educator.

I particularly enjoyed helping new students get acquainted with Muskingum and passing along that feeling of welcome and belonging that means so much to me.

JOIN US FOR JOIN US FOR

ALL MEMBERS OF THE MAGENTA LINE ARE WELCOME! We hope to see you there.

OCTOBER 13-15!