1216 The Magazine of Ohio Dominican University
1216 is published twice a year for alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff by Ohio Dominican University. The name “1216” represents both the founding year of the Dominican Order and ODU’s street address – a touchpoint for a publication that closely examines a particular topic or theme that is unique to each edition. It strives to engage readers, develop interest and provide a better understanding of how the university is helping students connect their passion with God’s purpose for their lives. Magazine Staff Editor Tom Brockman Designer Monica Martin Contributors Ashley Comstock ’22 Kristall Day, Ph.D. Jay ’96 and Amy ’95 DeLuca Jeremy Glazier Sonya Goshe, Ph.D. Daniel Little, Ph.D. Arlene Ramkissoon, DBA Achea Redd ’02 Mission Statement As a Catholic liberal arts university in the Dominican tradition, Ohio Dominican University is guided in its educational mission by the Dominican motto: to contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation. Ohio Dominican educates individuals committed to intellectual, spiritual and professional growth, who develop into lifelong learners, serving others in a global society. They in turn become ethical and effective leaders grounded in the pursuit of truth, justice and peace. Please send address changes and comments to alumni@ohiodominican.edu. Ohio Dominican University was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
Dear Friends, It is my sincere hope that this issue of 1216 Magazine finds you, your family and your loved ones healthy, well-rested and energized for all that 2022 has in store. The arrival of a New Year is a natural time for us to pause and reflect on our lives over the previous 12 months. What were the high points? How did you react to life’s surprises? Who were the individuals who touched your life – and whose life did you touch? I’ve asked myself these very questions lately because, at this time last year, I never could have imagined I’d be here at ODU serving as president – something I consider to be a great honor and tremendous privilege. The past six months have been unlike anything I’ve experienced in my life professionally, personally or spiritually. In this short time, ODU has touched me in profound ways, opening my eyes to the impact that Catholic higher education has on students’ lives and the doors that an ODU education in particular has the power to open. While we continue to live in uncertain times due to the pandemic, I find inspiration in the resilience of our students, the passion of our faculty, and the commitment of our staff to providing a top-notch experience for all who call ODU home. Institutions of higher education are entering a turbulent time as the number of high school graduates is expected to decline over the next several years. We must – and will – prepare now to confront that challenge and thrive. This issue of 1216, which is my first since becoming president, details some of the steps we’re taking at this very moment to evolve, grow and innovate so we have the privilege of serving our students and community as we have done over the past 111 years. American financier and banker J.P. Morgan once said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” While I won’t share with you a New Year’s resolution, I will make a promise: ODU is on the move and we will approach 2022 with the same vigor, bold decisionmaking, and inventive thinking that the Dominican Sisters of Peace had when they founded ODU more than a century ago. ODU’s brightest days are ahead of us, and I am excited to work with you to see what we can accomplish – together. Wishing you and your loved ones the very best in the New Year. Sincerely, Connie Gallaher President
1216 WINTER 2022
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