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.”