Otterbein Towers Fall 2025

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EDUCATION of a lifetime IN THIS ISSUE: Innovation Fast Track | Career and Community | Faculty Excellence | Coalition Two-Year Celebration | Homecoming

From the President.

Cardinals, By the time you read this issue of Towers, Otterbein will be catching its breath as it basks in a stretch of big successes. Your “quiet, peaceful village” has been anything but. In fact, your Otterbein campus is busier than ever with more students, more alumni, more partners, and more opportunities.

Let’s start with what I’ll rank up there as one of my favorite days in eight years as president of Otterbein University. I have never been prouder of our entire Cardinal community. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, Otterbein held its first campuswide professional development and career success conference — better known as READY Day! (p. 8 and back cover) We cancelled classes to give students the chance to immerse themselves in a different day of learning. Their focus: figuring out how to put their academic knowledge to work to plan for a successful career and life after Otterbein.

Thank you to all who supported READY Day. If you missed it this year, you can help us make it even bigger and better next year.

President John Comerford addresses students at the inaugural READY Day.

Somewhere amidst these big days, we’ve been busy with other achievements you can read about in this issue — including one of the largest, most accomplished, diverse incoming classes in recent years (p. 3), and the innovative enrollment ideas that helped so many new students land at Otterbein (p. 6). Don’t miss the life-changing educational experience students had in the Galapagos (p. 11), and learn about other faculty-led scholarly accomplishments (p. 12-13).

READY Day gave students one of three customized tracks to take advantage of keynote addresses, panels, workshops, and large-scale events that were aligned with their academic year of study.

First-year students started their day by reflecting on their goals and ambitions for their major course of study. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors made professional contacts and leads at the Next Destination Fair that featured more than 130 companies, non-profit and government agencies, and graduate schools. Seniors ended the day mingling with alumni and industry leaders at professional networking receptions. Combined, students had access to more than 163 different sessions over the course of their day.

The energy on campus was undeniable. Our alumni were generous with their time and advice. Our keynote speakers were inspiring. Our volunteers and organizers hosted a tremendous day that our sponsors helped make possible. READY Day is the linchpin experience that crystallizes the purpose of Otterbein’s impressive four-year READY program.

Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jefferson R. Blackburn-Smith Associate Editors Jenny Hill ’05, Director of Communications Gina M. Calcamuggio, Senior Director of Brand and Content Strategy

Creative Direction Anne Meskey Elhajoui Chloe Ranttila, Multimedia Designer Marcy Shultz, Director of Creative Services Class Notes Editors Ellie Newman ’23 Alumni Engagement Coordinator

Dana Madden Viglietta ’96, Executive Director of Philanthropic and Engagement 2 OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025 Communications

We pivoted two short days later to welcome alumni and our students’ families to campus to celebrate Otterbein Homecoming and Family Weekend (p. 16-17). We celebrated alumni award winners, enjoyed the company of our loyal giving society members, cheered on the 50th Golden Reunion Class of 1975, and took in the parade along with a full slate of great entertainment offerings and athletic competition. The Towers lawn made a picture-perfect background for these festivities. The weekend was a spectacular reminder of why it’s great to be a Cardinal.

Virginia Phillippi Longmire ’55, receives the Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award with John Comerford at the 2025 Alumni Awards ceremony.

You can be proud of your connection to this exceptional University and the traditions that build scholars and friendships as readily as setting the foundation for great success stories.

With Cardinal pride,

John Comerford, Ph.D.

Contributing Writers Kennedy Berry ’27, Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Gina M. Calcamuggio, Stephen Grinch ’98, Drakko Harper ’27, Jenny Hill ’05, Dana Madden Viglietta ’96, Harold “Rusty” Wilson, Tony Wolfe

Contributing Photographers Sarah Bouchard, Gina M. Calcamuggio, Catie Duzzny ’21, MBA’23, Stephen Grinch ’98, Jeffry Konczal, Chloe Ranttila, Monty Soungpradith '96 - Open Image Studio, Monica Walker, Samuel Walker - Vivere Visuals * All photos from Galapagos travel course by faculty and students.

Digital Towers Editors Gina M. Calcamuggio, Jenny Hill ’05 Digital Towers Design Chloe Ranttila, Nilesh Sharma

FA L L 2 0 2 5

VOLUME 98 NUMBER 2

ON THE COVER: The cover image of a Galapagos Sea Turtle, also known as a Pacific Green Turtle, was captured by Professor Sarah Bouchard on the group’s very first snorkeling trip at La Calera, on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands. See more about this special trip on page 11.

Alumni, friends, and family enjoyed a sunny day on Towers front lawn at Otterbein’s 2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend on Sept. 27.

feature stories

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Innovative Funds Two unique funds are redefining innovation at Otterbein: one fund invests in employees’ ideas for increasing enrollment, another replenishes itself with future savings on green projects.

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Committed to Career and Community

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Want more Towers?

Go to www.otterbein.edu/towers for exclusive online content, including these stories:

Faculty Excellence and Innovation Otterbein’s faculty are researchers, performers, and professionals who are excelling and innovating in their fields — and inspiring their students to do the same.

• Faculty Excellence and Innovation Extended Feature Stories • When Otterbein Beat the Buckeyes

by Harold “Rusty” Wilson

Two Years of Education for the Common Good

• Gail Miller ’66 Shares His “Forever Friends” Story

It has been two years since the Coalition for the Common Good was founded. Learn more about what’s been accomplished.

Around the ’Bein

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Philanthropy

Homecoming and Family Weekend It was a warm, sunny weekend on campus ­— the perfect setting for alumni, friends, and family to celebrate all things Otterbein!

exclusive online content!

Explore the ways Otterbein is preparing students for their future careers and creating a community where every student belongs.

in every issue 2

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Alumni Matters

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Class Notes

Otterbein University Mission Statement Otterbein University is an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person in the context of humane values. Our mission is to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to advance their professions and communities.

Towers magazine is printed by Freeport Press, New Philadelphia, Ohio. Freeport uses soy-based, environmentally friendly inks and recycles millions of pounds of paper per year.

An Otterbein education is distinguished by the intentional blending of the liberal arts and professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating direct experience into all learning.

Read, hear, and experience more of these stories online.

Towers (USPS 413-720) is published two times a year by the Office of Marketing and Communications of Otterbein University, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Towers, Institutional Advancement, Howard House, Otterbein University, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081.

www.otterbein.edu/towers

Otterbein University is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. Otterbein does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status in admissions, in access to, or in treatment within its educational programs or activities, employment,1 OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALLin2025 recruiting, or policy administration.

Around the ’Bein.

From the Archives...

When Otterbein Beat the Buckeyes...

Otterbein's football program started 135 years ago, and the team would play The Ohio State University for the first time one year later. In 1891 both teams started the season with a showdown on Saturday, Oct. 17, doing battle on the Otterbein athletic fields behind Towers Hall. By that time OSU, for some reason, was full of bravado and confidence. The week before the game the mighty Buckeyes looked at the game against lowly Otterbein as a pushover. Imagine their surprise when Otterbein manhandled the Buckeyes the whole first half with the score being 22-0 at the half.

Read the full story by Rusty Wilson, Otterbein Archives volunteer, online at www.otterbein.edu/towersmag Ernest Barnard, class of 1895, was known as the “Father of Otterbein Athletics.” He was a founding member of the varsity football team in 1889 and led it to a winning season in 1891 — including a victory over The Ohio State University, 42-6. In that same year, tan and cardinal were chosen as Otterbein’s school colors.

In the latest U.S News Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein climbed another spot to rank 12th among 160 peers, putting it in the top 7% in the Regional Universities–Midwest category. Otterbein also entered the top 10 in Best Value Schools jumping eight places to rank ninth in its category.

Otterbein was recognized as a Top Performer on Social Mobility, and for its Undergraduate Engineering Program.

View at: usnews.com/best-colleges

11th Nationwide in Service In its 2025 College Guide and Rankings, Washington Monthly ranked Otterbein 11th among 585 Master’s Universities in the service category, which encompasses community and national service.

2025 Inspiring Program in STEM

CARDINALS ATHLETICS Watch national champion Olivia Shore hit the wrestling mats, cheer on the nationally ranked volleyball team, or watch the football program grow under new Head Coach Dave Marquis.

Find all the latest news and schedules for your favorite sports at www.OtterbeinCardinals.com

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

12th in Midwest and Best Value School

View at: washingtonmonthly.com/2025-college-guide

Ernest Barnard Class of 1895

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Academic Excellence

Insight Into Academia selected Otterbein’s Coalition for Diversity in STEM program as a 2025 Inspiring Program in STEM, a national recognition for initiatives that promote access, equity, and belonging in higher education. The Coalition is part of Otterbein’s broader STEM for All initiative.

TEACHER CREDENTIALING FOR COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS (CCP) The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio has chosen five universities to participate in its Teacher Credentialing for College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which will credential high school teachers to teach CCP courses in their districts. Otterbein was selected as the only school to offer math credentialing through a program developed by Professor Jeff Smith. Participating high school teachers will take six classes for a total of 18 credit hours.

Compiled by Jenny Hill ’05

Residence Life Staff Recognized as Model Citizens Director of Residence Life Tracy Benner and the Residence Life staff were honored with Otterbein’s 2025 Model Citizen Award for their work relocating the residents of Mayne Hall, which suffered flood damage due to a water leak on the third floor during winter break in January.

With less than a week before students returned for spring semester, Benner and her staff worked to find alternate housing solutions, including short-term hotel accommodations while oncampus rooms were prepared and off-campus apartments were contracted for some junior and senior students who were given the opportunity to move. With clear communications, and assistance from professional movers and Otterbein staff, the process and accommodations earned the appreciation of the Mayne Hall students and families.

Otterbein ArtScene: The Best in Arts, Academics, and Entertainment Otterbein’s national reputation in the arts is well-deserved. From exhibitions in the campus art galleries and Frank Museum of Art to theatre productions and music concerts, Otterbein’s public presentations and performances highlight student and faculty talent, as well as prominent experts, artists, and speakers.

Check out all the upcoming events at www.otterbein.edu/artscene

Otterbein Welcomes Large Incoming Class

Otterbein welcomed approximately 650 new students to the Class of 2029, up 12% from last year’s incoming class!

Otterbein’s total undergraduate enrollment stands at approximately 2,300 students.

Highlights of the

Class of 2029 650

new first-year students on campus this fall!

89% earned a 3.0 GPA or higher.

30.2% are student-athletes.

Approximately

44 %

31.5 % From

of the class is Pell Grant-eligible, the largest group welcomed in an incoming class. self-identifies as students of color, up 5% from last year.

27 states, including Ohio.

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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Around the ’Bein.

Common Book Program Turns 30 Years Old Mary B. Thomas ’28 (1907-1999) was active as both a student and an alumna of Otterbein, and when she passed, she ensured that her legacy would continue to impact every new student who enters the University.

Thomas founded Otterbein’s Common Book program in 1995 as a shared academic experience for all first-year students — one of the first of its kind in the country. Thanks to her generosity, each summer a Common Book has been distributed to all first-year students free of charge. Faculty and staff also receive a free copy of the book so they may prepare for the upcoming year’s events and have a common reading experience to connect with the new students.

Program organizers encourage all faculty members to use the book in their classes, take part in the year-long programming related to the book, or discuss the book with first-year students in informal ways. The highlight of the experience is a campus visit by the author for the Common Book Convocation and book signing. Additionally, students in Theatre 1000 interpret the Common Book’s issues through a series of playlets each year.

A committee of faculty, staff, and students select from over 50 books each year in an effort to find a significant contemporary work to read the next year. This year’s Common Book author, John Hendrickson, visited campus Oct. 7-8 to discuss his book, Life on Delay.

Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/commonbook.

COMMON BOOK TITLES SINCE 1995 2025-26 Life on Delay 2024-25 THE LIGHT WE GIVE

2023-24 Call Me American 2022-23 What The Eyes Don’t See

2021-22 Factfulness

2020-21 DREAML AND 2019-20 A Different Kind of Daughter 2018-19 The Underground Railroad

2017-18 JUST MERCY 2016-17 FULL BODY BURDEN 2015-16 Hidden America 2014-15 RUNNING THE RIFT

The Power of the Pen

Over the past 30 years, Common Book authors have shared personal moments with students, faculty, and staff at public book signings. Here are a few of those moments from over the years.

2013-14 Little Princes 2012-13 Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

2011-12 CITY OF REFUGE

2010-11 Outcasts United 2009-10 Strange as This Weather Has Been

2008-09 A Long Way Gone 2007-08 Under the Feet of Jesus 2006-07

ble Symphony The Inextinguisha

Ruth Ozeki (right), author of My Year of Meats, at her 2002 book signing event with students.

Conor Grennan (left) signing Little Princes for faculty member Denise Shively (right) in 2013.

2005-06 MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS

2004-05 THE EAGLE’S SHADOW

2003-04 Bombingham

2002-03 My Year of Meats 2001-02 The Sparrow

2000-01 After Long Silence 1999-2000 THERE ARE NO CHILDREN HERE

Bryan Stevenson (right), author of Just Mercy, greeting a student at the 2017 book signing.

Simran Jeet Singh (right), author of The Light We Give, at the book signing event held at Courtright Library in 2024.

1998-99 She Walks These Hills

1997-98 The Paradise of Bombs 1996-97 China Boy

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1995-96 Fires in the Mirror

Compiled by Jenny Hill ’05

More than a Mission: Otterbein Students Build Community in Cuba Otterbein students and staff traveled to Cuba from May 7-13 for a transformative service-learning trip sponsored by two Westerville United Methodist churches. Led by Rev. Lucy Kelly, Otterbein’s director of faith and spiritual life and associate pastor at Church of the Master, and Rev. Pete Elliott, associate pastor at Church of the Messiah, the group spent the week working alongside Cuban churches and families through service, cultural exchange, and moments of shared generosity.

Read more online www.otterbein.edu/CubaTrip.

Powerful Partnership Expands Nursing Excellence to the Nation

Be sure to check out the building spectacular in Downtown Columbus at 3rd and Long Streets!

Starting in January 2026, graduate nursing programs originally developed and offered

by Otterbein University, recognized for its excellence in nursing education for 45+ years, will be delivered by Antioch University nationwide — in most instances fully online with some select low-residency requirements.

The transition of Otterbein’s graduate nursing and health professions programs means Antioch can foster programmatic growth in reaching new communities while Otterbein focuses on its prestigious undergraduate BSN program. This shared vision for excellence and equitable healthcare will prepare nursing professionals to serve patients across the state and country.

Nursing_CCG_UG_Grad_Building Scape_Final_2025.indd 1

7/25/25 1:14 PM

Learn more about the CCG’s commitment to nursing excellence and preparing professionals to champion equitable healthcare at ccgedu.org/nursing. Apply for Graduate Nursing programs by Nov. 15, 2025.

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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Innovation Fund Projects Fast Track in 2023, Otterbein University announced a new approach to growing enrollment and revenue: investing $1 million of strategic funds approved by the Board of Trustees in projects conceptualized, planned, and executed by members of the Otterbein community.

Among the programs chosen for Fast Track funding by the Otterbein Cabinet were recruiters for the University’s equine riding teams and Department of Nursing, as well as new teams competing in women’s wrestling and Esports.

Just two years later, the numbers and milestones set by these projects is “creating a buzz across campus,” according to Mark A. Moffitt, assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and marketing and director of admission.

As of fall 2025, the Office of Admission had 650 enrolled first-year students — a 12% jump from the firstyear class of fall 2024.

The Department of Nursing was responsible for 102 enrollment deposits, up 64.5% from fall 2023.

Additionally, while riders on the University’s competitive equine teams need not be majors in the Department of Equine Science, that department’s 41 confirmed enrollees for fall 2025 was nearly triple the number it had two years ago.

Meanwhile, Otterbein’s first 10 women wrestlers recorded an impressive inaugural season. Olivia Shore ’26 won the national championship in the 103-pound wrestling class, with three other Cardinals qualifying for the national tournament alongside her.

Esports put together impressive playoff runs in the video games Overwatch 2 and Rainbow Six Siege, with 39 players on its roster.

By Tony Wolfe

Enrollment Communications Specialist 6

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

Enrollment “The other Innovation Fund recruiter positions have brought in students across all majors,” Moffitt said. “It’s supporting all academic areas while supporting new areas of growth as well.”

Fast Track proposals must include detailed information, from alignment with Otterbein’s mission to estimated revenue and expenses for each of the first five years. Those making proposals must attend orientation sessions and present their work to advisory and governance groups before final approval is granted. Some proposals do not receive approval and, even with this rigorous process, not all selected proposals have enjoyed the same success.

The additional $1 million in Fast Track funding originally approved by the board will be fully invested within the next year. Of the seven Fast Track programs funded, one was discontinued, three moved to the operating budget, and three are currently under evaluation.

The next Fast Track Innovation Fund recipients will be selected in spring 2026, with approximately $150,000 available for the chosen proposals.

“It takes a village,” said Provost and Senior Vice President Wendy Sherman Heckler. “The

Rolling Green Fund Recycles Sustainability Donations Alan Goff ’75 and Coral Harris H’23 know that sustainability isn’t the most glamorous cause people target with their donations, but that’s exactly why they decided green initiatives on campus deserved their support.

In 2016, they established the Otterbein University Rolling Green Fund to support environmental sustainability efforts that not only reduce the University’s climate footprint but also save money. These savings then get “recycled” back into the fund for use on other projects. Goff and Harris provided the lead gift of $100,000, with other donors stepping in to bolster the fund.

“There are a lot of problems with the whole climate issue,” Harris said.

“But you can do things on a small scale, and the more you do it, the more benefit you get.”

A recent project funded by the Rolling Green Fund was an upgrade of lighting in Cowan Hall. In May, 95-watt light bulbs throughout the building were replaced with smart 5-watt LED lights. Additionally, a submeter was installed, allowing the University to monitor electricity usage.

According to Executive Director of Facilities and Planning Tim Priest, the total energy cost of the new lights over their first three months of usage was just $90; the previous lights would have run up a bill of more than $1,500 over the same time span.

Fast Track Innovation Fund projects are allowing

“The Theatre program is really important at Otterbein, so when Tim Priest

us to reach new student audiences … They

said (Cowan Hall lighting) would be a great thing to fund, we agreed,” Harris

round us out and make us better able to reach

said. “When we were at the theatre recently, I was talking with one of the

into different student populations than we had

people who work there, and they were just so pleased to have the upgrades.

before and serve them better.”

It was nice to hear that.”

To fund either of these initiatives, contact Executive Director of Development Kathleen Bonte at 614.823.2707 or kbonte@otterbein.edu.

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Alumni often say they found their career path M

thanks to the mentorship of a favorite professor at Otterbein. Others share stories of finding their

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Committed to Career DING A C A R R

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friends for life in their residence hall, at orientation, or in class. That’s because Otterbein has always been committed to preparing students for their future careers and creating a community where every student belongs. Here are some of the latest ways Otterbein is providing both mentorship and a sense of belonging to today’s students.

Career

The University recently launched its new Otterbein READY career preparation curriculum through which every student will learn how to network, complete at least one immersive

experience, participate in mock interviews, receive mentoring, have a career plan they develop, and more before they graduate. This fall, Otterbein hosted its first READY Day, a new, innovative, annual professional development conference with intentionally planned programming and opportunities personalized for each year of study. These are just a few of the ways Otterbein is preparing students for successful careers after graduation.

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

What did it take to host READY Day?

• More than 150 alumni were presenters, panelists, networkers, and volunteers • More than 100 businesses, community partners and graduate schools participated • 2,300 students attended 163 sessions • 20 faculty and staff served on the Planning Committee • 200 staff volunteered to work the event • The generous support of donors and sponsors* *To see the full list, go to www.otterbein.edu/READY

Through Otterbein’s READY Program, every student will: • Graduate with at least one immersive experience.

• Have advisors and mentors help them design professional goals.

• Map their future success with a career plan they build.

• Benefit from meaningful opportunities that include self-discovery, preparation for action and transition, and READY Day.

What it means to be Otterbein READY:

• Average salary of the Class of 2024: $57,870 •9 3% of the Class of 2024 were employed, in graduate school, or serving in the military or volunteer service within six months of graduation.

& Community Educating the “whole student” at Otterbein includes encouraging every student to be their most authentic self. Student life has changed a lot over the decades, and today’s students have the broadest range of opportunities to express themselves than ever before. Check out some of the student-led special interest groups that are currently active below: Thriving Artists

Creative Spirit For actors, artists, or singers seeking creative outlets.

• 11th Hour Theatre Company • Mainstage Improv Troupe • Ottertuned • Thriving Artists

Creative Collaboration

Last academic year, 18 organizations joined with Otterbein’s Pluralism Collaborative, under the direction of Rev. Lucy Kelly, director of faith and spiritual life, on a series of events that brought together students from different affinity groups to cultivate a civil campus climate.

Fun and Games Otterbein Pickleball Club

Muslim Student Association

For students who bond over games of strategy and sportsmanship.

• Fables on Tables (Dungeons and Dragons) • Gamers Guild • Otterbein Pickleball Club • Ping Pong Club

• Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma Honorary Society

Faith and Spiritual Life

• CardinalCorps Leaders*

For ALL students who want to develop a meaningful understanding of faith and spirituality.

• Gospel Choir • Interfaith Group • Muslim Student Association • Otterbein Catholic Student Ministry • Otterbein Christian Fellowship

Celebrating Cultures

HOLA: Heritage of Latin Americans

For ALL students who want to celebrate, appreciate, respect, and learn more about various cultures and identities.

• Black Student Union • FreeZone • HOLA: Heritage of Latin Americans • Otterbein Asian Community • Otterbein Multicultural Club

Birderbein

• Birderbein • Black Student Union • Botanical Society of America (Otterbein chapter) • FreeZone • HOLA: Heritage of Latin Americans • Men of Vision • Muslim Student Association • Otterbein Asian Community • Otterbein Multicultural Club • Plan-it Earth* • Pollinators* • Raise Your Voice* • SEEDS* • Sigma Delta Phi (Sphinx) • Sisters United • Van Sant Fellows * Otterbein’s CardinalCorps Leaders run 15 studentled service programs including those marked above.

The other programs are: America Reads, Bilingual Storytime, BROtime, Connecting Threads, Girls Club, Grandma’s House, Otterbein Animal Coalition, OtterThrift, Promise House, Sports Pals, and TREES.

Community

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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Faculty

Excellence and Innovation

Feature stories by Drakko Harper ’27, Kennedy Berry ’27, and Jenny Hill ’05

Otterbein’s faculty are researchers, performers, and professionals who are excelling and innovating in their fields — and inspiring their students to do the same.

Read extended feature stories online.

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SARAH BOUCHARD Develops First Team-Taught Coalition Course Sarah Bouchard, professor of

Before departing, the Otterbein

biology and earth science at

students completed a spring course

Otterbein, and Dawn Murray,

on topics like island geology, evolution,

professor of environmental

environmental threats, and tourism.

studies at Antioch University,

On Isabela Island, students joined two projects:

led a group of 12 students

removing invasive Kikuyu grass and rewilding

on a two-week academic

endangered Scalesia trees. “Kikuyu grass . . . was

adventure to the Galápagos Islands in May. The

originally from East Africa. Since the plants make

course was the first team-taught course between

dense mats, they choke out competing vegetation

Otterbein and Antioch University, cofounders of

and prevent sea turtles from digging nests,” said

the Coalition for the Common Good.

Sydnee Goff ’26.

“We prepared for 18 months, coordinating learning

“The islanders’ perspective and respect for

outcomes, course content, assignments, and the

biodiversity and nature have made me realize that

trip itinerary. Dr. Murray had taught Galápagos

a healthy Earth is not an unimaginable concept,

travel courses previously,” Bouchard said.

but it takes advocacy and practice,” said Goff.

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DANIEL CHO Reframes Concept of Genius in New Book

Carnegie Hall Came Calling for LINDSEY GOODMAN Lindsey Goodman, Otterbein adjunct professor of flute, made her Carnegie Hall debut to a sold-out house in the Weill Recital Hall on Jan. 24, 2025.

The performance with pianist Clare Longendyke was the release concert for Goodman’s fourth solo album, in the company of music.

Goodman has performed more than 215 world premieres due to her preference for the work of living composers. “I specialize in the work of living American composers, as their music speaks directly to the shared world we live in and experience daily. If there’s no music of today, there will be no music of tomorrow,” she said.

Goodman’s fifth solo album, transporting bright, will be released on Nov. 7, 2025, with support from the Ohio Arts Council and Greater Columbus Arts Council.

The Otterbein community is invited to attend a free, public album release concert at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9 in Riley Auditorium at the Battelle Fine Arts Center, supported by the Johnstone Fund for New Music.

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

What if you had the opportunity to be a genius? Once thought to be natural talent or exceptional intelligence, the concept of genius has long been seen as exclusive and rigid. For Daniel Cho, a professor in the Department of Education, genius is not inherited or reserved for tech billionaires and artists. It is a process that anyone can pursue.

His recent book, Genius After Psychoanalysis: Freud and Lacan (2024), reframes genius as a constant drive toward knowledge and an enjoyment of frustration. The book also examines how cultural history has shaped ideas of genius.

“The difference between the genius and the non-genius is that frustration for the genius is very satisfying,” Cho said.

Rather than instant success, Cho argues, geniuses thrive on revision, failure, and not-yet-answers. This approach, he says, can be cultivated by anyone, especially students learning to value the process as much as the outcome.

Cho argues that making genius more egalitarian by reshaping learning environments would not eliminate excellence but uplift everyone.

photo credit: Leke Miftari

MEGAN CHAWANSKY Explores the Power of Sports in Post-Conflict Communities Associate Professor Megan Chawansky, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, has earned a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship to travel to Kosovo in fall 2025 to study how sport can be used in post-war communities.

Chawansky’s father immigrated to the United States from Ukraine, and his stories of physical activity in displaced persons camps after World War II shaped her perspective. “He talked about skiing and some of the sports stuff he did. That stuck out to me when I became interested in . . . my family history. What keeps people going in times of war? What gives them hope when everything is uncertain? I think sports and physical activity gave their lives some meaning.”

Her original plan was to conduct research in Ukraine, but the opportunity in Kosovo allows her to explore related questions in a post-war environment. “The people of Kosovo have their own struggles, their own legacy of conflict, so I think there are things that can translate and can be applied in Ukraine.”

ANDREW CALINGER-YOAK Develops Non-Lethal Rabies Test to Save Bats Bats are important to the ecosystem. They control insect populations, help pollinate plants, and spread seeds. Unfortunately, more than 25,000 bats are euthanized every year in the U.S. to test for rabies. Currently, the only accurate detection is done through brain tissue analysis.

But now, Associate Professor Andrew Calinger-Yoak, director of Otterbein’s Zoo and Conservation Science Program, is making strides with the help of students, rehab centers, and bat lovers everywhere. Their research goal is to build ARID (Acoustic Rabies Identification), a non-invasive screening method that uses the unique sounds of bats to detect the virus without killing the animal.

“Our project hopes to reduce (the number of bats euthanized for rabies testing) by producing a pre-mortem screening tool using audio recordings of both rabid and non-rabid bats,” he said. “This would give a tool to wildlife rehabbers to make better decisions about quarantine and noninvasively investigate rabies epidemiology in the field.”

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YEA RS of Education for the Common Good

It has been two years since Otterbein announced the cofounding of the Coalition for the Common Good (CCG) with Antioch University.

The Coalition is a first-of-its-kind system of private, nonprofit universities that, through collaboration and integration, provide transformative education and lifelong learning. Together, Otterbein and Antioch are dedicated to promoting the common good, including democracy, social justice, equity, inclusion, and engaged citizenship.

At its core, unlike other education systems, the CCG is built around a shared purpose: Education for a more just society.

The centerpiece of the Coalition is a shared graduate and adult learner program, which is operated by and as Antioch University.

Otterbein graduate programs that had been offered only in central Ohio now have access to new markets associated with other CCG members, as well as the opportunity to bring existing Antioch programs, like the Doctor of Education and several master’s degree programs, to central Ohio learners.

So, two years in, what has been accomplished?

Let’s start with the impact on undergraduate enrollment at Otterbein. Market research that was undertaken while developing the concept of the CCG revealed that 83% of high school seniors said that a system like the Coalition would make them more interested in applying to a school like Otterbein. Prospective students were excited by several benefits of a system, including connections with more companies for jobs and internship opportunities and accelerated degree programs.

In response, the CCG created 19 Graduate Early Admission Pathways (GEAPs) that allow Otterbein undergraduates to take up to a semester of Antioch graduate coursework while still an Otterbein undergraduate, and at no additional cost, reducing the time and expense of earning a master’s degree. Nineteen Otterbein seniors are enrolled in a GEAP this fall. Most of the GEAPs are open to any student, regardless of undergraduate major. The GEAPs have proven to be very popular; in fact, 61% of the entering first-year class for fall 2025 indicated they were aware of the graduate pathways.

BY JEFFERSON BLACKBURN-SMITH, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

Did it work? Yes. In the two years since we announced the formation of the Coalition for the Common Good, the size of Otterbein’s entering first-year class has increased by more than 125 new students, a 25% increase. The Coalition has definitely helped Otterbein stand out in a crowded and competitive Ohio marketplace. And the appeal touches all

student groups. Otterbein is up in high-ability students, in federal Pell grant (low-income) students, students from Ohio and outof-state, and across the majority of our academic departments.

What has been the impact on Otterbein graduate programs?

Most Otterbein graduate programs have transitioned to Antioch University, including the MBA, the M.S. in Allied Health, the M.S. in Athletic Training and the graduate Nursing programs. (Please note: the undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Otterbein is alive and well with over 100 first-year Nursing students starting this fall!) A number of Otterbein faculty have moved to Antioch to provide leadership for the transferred academic programs and to ensure continuity of the values that infused the Otterbein programs. Additionally, some Antioch faculty have taught at Otterbein to create meaningful relationships with the undergraduate students that might end up in their Antioch graduate programs. While the transition of programs took longer than planned, we have learned valuable lessons that will make future member transitions much smoother.

Otterbein graduate students, based on the number of graduate credits completed when the program transferred, were given the opportunity to either transfer to Antioch (and earn an Antioch degree) or to enroll at

MEET GEAP STUDENT

ISABEL ELLIOT ’25

Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies double major at Otterbein; Enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling GEAP “The transition to graduate coursework has been good. It’s building on what I already know. I’m noticing I’m spending less time in class and more time reading. Antioch has this down to a science and the professors make themselves very accessible. Plus, it’s been fun getting to work with students from all over the country.

This program has been a good fit for me. I appreciate Antioch’s philosophical and ethical commitment to counseling.

I really appreciate that if I decide to move, I can still attend my program.”

MEET GEAP STUDENT

JEANETTE DUT ’25

Business Administration and Management major at Otterbein; Enrolled in the MBA GEAP “During my time at Otterbein, I had to balance academics, work, leadership, and personal growth, all while being a full-time student and a mother.

One of my proudest achievements is my commitment to academic excellence.

My coursework challenged me to think critically, and I am proud of my academic achievements, which have prepared me for future opportunities — including my plans to pursue an MBA at Antioch University.”

Antioch as a visiting student and transfer their final credits back to Otterbein to earn their Otterbein degree. The overwhelming majority of eligible students chose to earn their Otterbein degree.

What has been the impact on central Ohio? Several Antioch programs that did not have significant Ohio enrollment have seen success marketing in the central Ohio market. That success has been driven in part by Otterbein alumni, faculty, staff, and students who have taken advantage of the 15% discount they earn on Antioch tuition for being a member of the Otterbein community. Popular programs include the Antioch MBA and Management program, and two programs that will support critical needs in central Ohio: the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Master of Arts in School Counseling.

The Coalition is making a difference in workforce and professional development in central Ohio as well. By capitalizing on the faculty expertise of both universities and the deep connections Otterbein has developed in the region, the Coalition is able to meet the needs of local employers — large and small — to develop the skills of their workforce. From professional development seminars to stackable credentials, and from adult degree completion to delivering advanced degrees, the Coalition can meet the needs of any organization and their employees.

These partners have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to provide professional and workforce development for their associates.

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

15

O T T E R B E I N

U N I V E R S I T Y

HOMECOMING

& family weekend inal ny Card

Ti

Big Fun

on Towers Lawn!

The Otterbein community came together on the lawn of Towers Hall for another memory-filled Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Highlights included celebrating the Class of 1975's Golden 50th Reunion, Alumni Awards, OtterFest, and the annual Homecoming parade and football game. Alumnus Phil Kelly (Wolfe) '93, of ABC6 WSYX in Columbus, served as the emcee for this year's OtterFest. All in all, the

Jim Reed ’75 (left) and Glen Horner ’75 (right) proudly display the 1973 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) basketball co-championship banner in the parade.

s Off

Black Student Union Fun at Homecoming Parade.

weekend lived up to the “Come Back to the Nest” spirit — bridging generations, celebrating traditions, and filling campus with Cardinal pride.

Class of 1975 Golden 50th Reunion Gathering at the Fisher Barn.

Cheering on the Football Team.

Thank you to the members of the Class of 1975 Golden 50th Reunion Planning Committee, shown as part of this group: Deb Bowsher, Alan Goff, David Fisher, Karl Niederer, Pamela Hill, Sue Tice Cherrington, Jim Reed, and Kim Pryfogle Reed.

President Comerford with Nita Seibel ’75.

ep and St B g n i h rc

The Ma

CLASS OF 1976: Your 50th Reunion will be in 2026! Visit www.otterbein.edu/alumni/golden-reunion-1976 for more information.

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OTTERBEIN OTTERBEINTOWERS TOWERSFALL FALL 2025 2025

To view more photos from the weekend visit our Flickr gallery at otterbein.edu/HCPhotos or scan the QR code below.

with ing Fun

m

Homeco

s

Friend

Go Cards

!

L-R: President Emeritus Brent DeVore, Becky Smith ’81, Cast members of Urinetown perform.

Bob Gatti H’03, and President Emerita Kathy Krendl H’18.

Family weekend time.

V.P. Floyd Akins with awardee Linda Yohn ’73.

2025 Homecoming Court Royalty.

OtterFest fun filled Towers Lawn.

Homecoming Parade Tau Delta float.

2025 Alumni Award Winners. See more on page 23.

Mark your calendars now to join us next year, September 25-26, 2026!

Emcee P

hil Kell

OTTERBEIN OTTERBEIN TOWERS TOWERS FALL FALL 2025

y '93 17 17

Philanthropy.

Greetings from Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Otterbein community. For starters, as of Oct. 1, we are now the Division for Philanthropy Floyd Akins and Alumni Engagement, reflecting our Vice President for Philanthropy focus on inspiring meaningful giving and and Alumni Engagement strengthening alumni connections.

As a community, we have a lot to celebrate! In case you didn’t hear, we had our third-best fundraising year since 1990, raising more than $11 million in gifts and pledges in fiscal year 2025. Thank you to each and every donor who made this success possible — it’s because of you that we are able to work with our talented students and faculty, in fulfilling our mission.

In my first few months, I’ve had countless heartfelt conversations with alumni and friends who clearly hold Otterbein close to their hearts. Many have shared the impact the University has had on their lives, how their closest friends are those they met here (and sometimes spouses, too!), and how they credit Otterbein — and its people — for who they are today. My short time at Otterbein has shown me one undeniable truth — the strength of this community lies in its deep care and compassion for one another. From the students to the faculty and staff, alumni, donors, and friends, Otterbein is a special place because of the special people here.

We are very excited to be working with a consultant to begin planning for Otterbein's next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

You may recall that our last campaign, Where We STAND Matters, ended in 2018 and raised $52.7 million. We believe that we are ready to embark on a new campaign to position Otterbein for a bold new chapter in our history. Our achievements in enrollment growth, academic excellence, and community partnerships have laid a powerful foundation for what’s next.

I am so grateful to be a part of this incredible community and stellar University. As a first-generation college graduate, I am passionate about helping young people, and I hope we can partner on something you are also passionate about that inspires you to make a difference in our Cardinal community.

Thank you for welcoming me, and I look forward to connecting with you!

Floyd Akins, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement akins1@otterbein.edu | 614.823.1400

Thank You, Legacy Families!

Last year, Otterbein launched a campaign to invite Legacy Families to support the Campus Center renovation project. Legacy Families hold a special place in the history of the University, and as traditions and pride are passed from one generation to the next, every Legacy Family weaves its own unique Otterbein story.

As the heart of campus, the Campus Center renovation was the perfect opportunity to invite these families to make an impact. Thank you to the following Legacy Families for their generous support:

• Gifford Family • Shiffler Hughes Family • Huston Family • Roush Family • Swigart Nichols Family • Trusley Otte Family • Thresher Family

Ted Huston ’57, with his late wife, Eileen Fagan Huston ’57.

Our Donor Story:

Inspired to Give

“

I graduated from Otterbein in 2006 with a bachelor of science degree in Molecular Biology. The education I received laid the foundation for medical school and my career as a general surgeon. Otterbein gave me more than just knowledge; it gave me direction, discipline, and a deep respect for the human body.

My wife and I recently created an endowment to support the University’s anatomical donation lab because we believe that cadaveric study is one of the most profound and humbling experiences in medical education. It is where students begin to understand the true weight of their responsibility as future healthcare professionals.

We wanted to give back in a way that honors that distinct educational milestone — when science meets humanity — to ensure that future Otterbein students have access to the same transformative experience I once had at Otterbein.

”

– Adam Rothermel ’06, M.D. 18

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

THANK YOU, DONORS, FOR SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS AND CAMPUS COMMUNITY! FISCAL YEAR 2025 GIVING TOTALS DONOR LOYALTY

$11 million

$1,000+ annually $5,000+ annually

TOTAL YEARS SUPPORTING OTTERBEIN

$1

million

Total Commitments Pledged $1

million

$6.9 million Total Cash

Donated

$732,492

415

Donor Households

18 NEW ENDOWMENT FUNDS

Donor Households

2,953

Total Number of Donors

30+ YEARS

326 Donors 20-29 YEARS 115 Donors 10-19 YEARS 163 Donors

1,590 alumni 5.4% of total alumni

SENIOR CLASS & PARENT GIVING

Otterbein Fund (Unrestricted Fund) Fiscal Year 2026 Goal: $1.7 million

137

121 members

CL A SS OF

2025

of the CLASS OF 2025 donated to the senior class gift.

Kathryn I. Briggs and Ronald R. Starcher Scholarship

167 Parent households donated $51,000

William & Eleanor Fotis Family Endowed Scholarship

ENGAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS

Dr. Kim Fischer Memorial Endowed Scholarship

to the University in fiscal year 2025.

Gifford Family Endowed Scholarship

Greg and Natalie Jordan Endowed Scholarship Robert Keelor Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Shirine Tabatabai Mafi Student Emergency Fund Dr. Jeffrey A. Myers Pre-Optometry Award Plaumann Family Equine Endowment

Stephen and Eva Sebo Endowed Scholarship in Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies

Stephen and Eva Sebo Endowed Scholarship in STEM

5,200

alumni, donors, families, and friends attended 81 events hosted by (or in collaboration with) the Office of Engagement in fiscal year 2025.

220

Mia Lewis and Noam Shpancer Endowed Award for Psychology

Kraft-Shpancer-Lewis Fun(d) for Creative Enjoyment Cheryl Sinden Endowed Fund for Student Success Smolen/Strand Scholarship

William P. Varga History Scholarship

David Lee Ward '74 Endowed Scholarship

Ron Woolard Endowed Memorial Scholarship

VOLUNTEERS

81 EVENTS

Alumni and Friends Volunteered

their time in service to support Otterbein via alumni councils, boards, and networks, and through the Otterbein READY program, Admission office events, and in-classroom experiences.

TOTAL OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY ASSETS

$143 million Your Giving Makes an Impact.

Philanthropy.

Philanthropy in Action Our sincere gratitude to these alumni and friends who have recently made generous gifts to Otterbein: An Otterbein alumnus anonymously committed $1,000,000 to create an endowed professorship for the Department of Engineering.

Beginning in 2031, this prestigious endowment will support a distinguished faculty member and supplement the professor's research and academic activities, thereby enhancing learning outcomes for students.

who passed away in 1986 before being able to realize his dreams and aspirations. The scholarships will support undergraduate students pursuing Music, Theatre, Dance, or Engineering studies — inspired by Janet and Michael’s love of these artistic and academic disciplines. Now retired, Jerry served in both the Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist churches for several decades.

Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Bell P’01, has established a $500,000 planned gift for Otterbein to create two endowed scholarships to honor his daughter, Janet Bell Norris-Peterson ’01, and his son, Michael Scott Bell,

William Fotis and the Fotis Family established The William and Eleanor Fotis Family Endowed Scholarship which can be awarded to a deserving Otterbein student from any academic discipline. In addition to an outright gift of $27,000 to endow and initiate the new endowed fund, William has generously provided a $400,000 commitment to increase the Fotis Family Endowment later through his estate. Finally, William also provided $10,500 allocated across the other six Fotis endowed funds already assisting Otterbein students.

Through the Citrine Foundation, Annie Baumann Ames ’86 gifted $251,000 to support the Campus Center Renovation Project, helping make possible the completion of the Cardinals Nest dining hall and the 1847 Room. The gift was part of a $1,000,000 commitment made in 2022.

Barbara Keelor has established the The Robert S. Keelor '55 Endowed Scholarship, which will benefit students majoring in Music. The gift honors the memory of her husband, Robert Keelor ’55, who passed away in 2021. At Otterbein, Robert majored in Business Administration and was a member of the tennis team and Zeta Phi fraternity. After graduating, he earned a law degree and founded International Display Systems, Inc., in Dayton.

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students.

Otterbein faculty and administrators have received 10 GRANTS totaling $186,759 this spring and summer. Highlights include:

Ohio Department of Higher Education

Ohio Arts Council

Cardinal Connections Campus Unity and Campus Partners in Prevention

Frank Museum General Operating, Sustainability Grant for Music Department Public Performances, and LEAD Conference Library Staff Scholarship

AMOUNT: $40,000 - two grants

AMOUNT: $37,644

The Ohio Department of Higher Education awarded Otterbein two grants totaling $40,000. The first supports the Cardinal Connection student team and campus partners in leading a community-driven initiative to encourage intergroup collaboration and foster inclusivity. The second, a Campus Partners in Prevention grant, will fund projects designed to provide additional support for commuter students.

The Ohio Arts Council awarded Otterbein a total of $37,644 to support operations of the Frank Museum of Art, Otterbein's Music Department public performances, and a scholarship grant for a library staffer to attend the 2025 LEAD Conference. The Music Department's recent award is the third-year disbursement of a four-year grant to support artist fees for various public performances including the Westerville Symphony Orchestra Masterworks and Holiday concerts, and other music events engaging the community.

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

Philanthropy.

The Hargis Family Foundation has completed its $200,000 pledge in support of Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. The renovation was completed in February and includes the Cardinals Nest dining hall, 1847 Room for private dining and meetings, and updates to the kitchen.

Otterbein to Increase Gift Minimum to Establish Named Scholarship Endowments

Since its founding in 1847, donor support has been the cornerstone of Otterbein,

propelling it to be a bold leader in higher education, regionally, and nationally. Building on the historic philanthropic support from Otterbein’s last $50 million comprehensive campaign and its most recent $11+ million fundraising year, Otterbein is taking steps to further maximize the impact of its endowments to benefit talented, deserving students.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the minimum gift required to establish a named endowed scholarship will increase from $25,000 to $50,000.

Endowments created for non-scholarship purposes will remain at the current $25,000 minimum level. The new minimum will not apply to commitments already in place or new

The Westerville Otterbein Women's Club continued to meet the needs of Otterbein students through $67,000 in donations in support of the following endowments: Westerville Otterbein Women's Club Scholarship, Westerville Otterbein Women's Club Service Scholarship, Westerville Otterbein Women's Club Diamond Jubilee Fund, and the Donna Kerr Scholarship.

In addition, the philanthropic group provided a significant grant to the Westerville Otterbein Women's Club Diamond Jubilee Fund to go to work immediately providing emergency funding to students. Finally, the club provided an additional $10,000 to support the Campus Center Renovation Project — for a total of $77,000.

Allstate Foundation

The Otterbein CardinalCorps College Service Program

gifts and pledges for endowments made by June 30, 2026.

Now is the time to make a lasting impact that will live in perpetuity by creating your own named scholarship endowment.

For more information on how you can take advantage of the lower minimum endowment level before July 1, 2026, contact Kathleen Bonte, executive director of development, at 614.823.2707 or kbonte@otterbein.edu.

When creating a named endowment, donors decide:

• The name of the endowed fund.

• The criteria for awarding.

• Future family members who receive impact reports.

• The pledge structure and timing.

Donors who create endowments receive:

• Annual financial reports on their fund(s).

• Information about their scholarship Overall University Assets recipient(s).

(Total: $143M) • Otterbein insider news, information, and special invitations.

41%

Student Scholarships

Otterbein University Total Assets: $143 million For more information on university assets and giving, see infographic on page 19.

NCAA Division III

NCAA Strategic Alliance Matching Grant

AMOUNT: $10,000

AMOUNT: $90,611

This grant will fund micro-grants for Otterbein students who mobilize their student organizations to develop new community partnerships and service projects; provide transportation to increase access for students to Otterbein’s 12 existing student-led weekly volunteer programs; and deepen the impact of current programs by developing innovative new activities and reflection opportunities.

Otterbein received a four-year NCAA Strategic Alliance Grant to fund the hiring of an associate director of athletic communications for multimedia. Key job responsibilities focus on Athletic Department event promotion through advertising and social media.

41% of Otterbein's endowment is earmarked for student scholarship dollars.

Changing Lives, One Student at a Time The Otterbein students and recent graduates featured in this issue of Towers are benefiting from our donor's generosity through these scholarships and awards:

•K ennedy Berry ’27

Otterbein College Memorial Scholarship

•J eannette Dut ’25

Mafi-Tabatabai Endowed Award

• I sabel Elliott ’25

Felipe Martinez Humanitarian Award and the Torch & Key Award

•S ydnee Goff ’26

Bert and Jane Horn Endowed Student Research Fund in the Sciences and the United Methodist Christian Service Scholarship OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

21

Alumni Matters.

Cardinal Parents Are Making an Impact at Otterbein Every summer Otterbein welcomes its newest students and their families to campus for orientation programs. The Office of Alumni and Family Engagement hosts an open house and meets new Otterbein parents from across the country.

As parents support their children through their respective Otterbein journeys, the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement is especially grateful for the parents and family members who donate to the University to support areas that impact their students. Giving above and beyond the cost of tuition can be a lot, and their support helps to enhance the student experience at Otterbein. All parents who donate to Otterbein are part of the Family Engagement Network and enjoy special perks, including invitations to special events, communications, and more.

Heather Graham Willer ’98, P’25 is both an alumna and parent who has supported Otterbein. Along with her husband, Derek Willer P’25, they wanted to make an impact while their son, Owen Willer ’25, was a student.

Cheers to Wine Tasting at Alumnae-Owned Winery

“

Returning to Otterbein in the role of a parent and

not only an alum gave me

a different perspective. Of

course, wonderful memories came back during orientation activities and dorm move-in days, but the importance of giving back hit me during Owen’s sophomore year at the spring award ceremony. Remembering the impact of

scholarships that I received as a student and seeing that wonderful tradition continue is one example

of what makes Otterbein special!

”

– Heather Graham Willer ’98, P’25

Alumni shared Cardinal connections while sipping great wine, snacking, and getting a behind-the-scenes tour of central Ohio’s oldest winery, Wyandotte Winery, proudly owned by Alena Miller ’92 and Robin Peterson Panzera ’93.

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

In the Spotlight: 2025 Alumni Awards Perhaps no other event on campus generates as much Otterbein pride as our annual Alumni Awards ceremony, recently held during Homecoming and Family Weekend. Eight alumni and two individuals were honored for their personal and professional achievements, including the University’s highest honor, The Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award. We salute these amazing alumni and friends!

Distinguished Alumni Award Linda Yohn ’73 Otterbein Alumni Award Carmel Avegnon Sanders ’97 Adam J. Bihl ’93, M.D. Carol A. Ventresca ’76, Ph.D. Rising Star Award Megan Miller Stein ’09 Todd Thomas ’10 Tyler Thompson ’18

Linda Yohn ’73

Carmel Avegnon-Sanders ’97

Adam J. Bihl ’93, M.D.

Honorary Alumni Award O.H. “Oz” Koeplin H’25 Bryan Thao Worra H’25 Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award Virginia Phillippi Longmire ’55

Carol A. Ventresca ’76, Ph.D. Megan Miller Stein ’09

Todd Thomas ’10

Virginia Phillippi Longmire ’55

> Learn more about the honorees or Tyler Thompson ’18

O.H. “Oz” Koeplin H’25

Bryan Thao Worra H’25

nominate someone for a 2026 award at www.otterbein.edu/alumni/awards.

Pack Your Bags, California is Calling!

Alumni and Friends Travel Opportunity April 25-May 2, 2026

Join fellow Otterbein alumni and friends as we journey through the heart of California on this unforgettable eight-day tour featuring iconic cities, scenic landscapes, and rich history. From the streets of Old Sacramento to the beauty of Yosemite National Park, you’ll enjoy unique experiences like Napa Valley, coastal redwood train ride, and Monterey’s stunning 17-Mile Drive.

This tour blends natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and flavorful local treasures into one exceptional adventure. Trip deposit deadline is Dec. 1, 2025. > For more information, visit www.otterbein.edu/alumni/events-travel.

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

23

t he M eet Te a m Ne w r s ! e M em b

Alumnae Join the Team

Ellie Newman ’23

Kenzie Prickett ’24

Newman returned to Otterbein in March to serve as the coordinator of alumni engagement.

She will be working on the alumni social media presence, engagement events including Homecoming and Family Weekend, eMarketing efforts, and more.

Newman graduated from Otterbein summa cum laude with a double major in Communication Studies and Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Dance.

Prickett joined the Annual Giving team in August as the program coordinator. She graduated magna cum laude with a double major in Marketing and Global Studies and earned departmental honors in Business, Accounting, and Economics, as well as in History, Political Science, Languages, and Cultures. She was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta academic honor society. Prior to coming back to Otterbein, Prickett worked for a local social enterprise as a digital marketer.

Annual Giving Program Coordinator

Coordinator, Alumni Engagement

2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees The 17th Otterbein University Athletics Hall of Fame class was inducted on Oct. 17.

Honorees were recognized at the Cardinals versus Wilmington football game on Oct. 18.

The 2025 inductees are:

• Jeff Harper ’82, Baseball • Micheaux Robinson, Football and Basketball • Tory Blatt ’15, Women’s Lacrosse • Kristen Bennett Martin ’13, Volleyball and Track • Nate Van Wey ’72, Track and Field • Doug Welsh, Track and Field Coach • 2006 Baseball Team

Jeff Harper ’82

Micheaux Robinson

Tory Blatt ’15

• Bradley Overholt ’91

Kristen Bennett Martin ’13

Nate Van Wey ’72

Coach Doug Welsh

Bradley Overholt ’91

2006 Baseball Team

Cardinal Achievement Citation:

For more information, visit www.otterbeincardinals.com.

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

Alumni Matters.

Lifelong Learning Community Celebrates 10 Years

Above L to R: LLC members Connie McKay, Saundra Spencer, and Joanne Blackburn enjoyed the annual welcome back event, held in August at the Campus Center.

To the left: At the welcome back event, Senior Vice President and Provost Wendy Sherman Heckler shared how LLC members can take advantage of campus offerings in addition to their weekly LLC classes.

Alumni Volunteer Groups Being Reimagined The Office of Alumni Engagement is redesigning its alumni volunteer structure — including the Alumni Council, Young Alumni Board, Greek Alumni Council, and alumni affinity groups — to create a more dynamic, inclusive framework for engagement.

Building on decades of alumni leadership, this new model will offer clearer goals and more meaningful opportunities for volunteers to contribute their time and expertise.

The launch of the new program is planned for fall 2026.

Alison Prindle and Becky Fickel Smith ’81, former executive director of alumni relations, the membership has grown from 33 members to more than 200 who participate in weekly classes and activities. Over the past decade, the LLC has sponsored more than 300 classes/ programs, hosted more than 170 instructors (most of whom are Otterbein faculty members and LLC members), and supported 18 Otterbein students with donations to help them reach their goal of graduating from college. If you aren’t in central Ohio, we encourage you to explore the virtual membership option.

earning Com m

Lif el

Westerville and beyond. Founded by Professor Emerita

gL on

ity un

Otterbein’s Lifelong Learning Community (LLC) is celebrating 10 years of providing classes, activities, and events for its aged 55+ community of lifelong learners in

at Otterbein

Find more information on joining the LLC at www.otterbein.edu/lifelonglearning

Cleveland Zoo Alumni Picnic: An “Otterly” Fun Time!

More than 150 alumni and family members attended a picnic hosted at the Cleveland Zoo in June. One attendee said, “We love the zoo, so we really enjoyed our day. Lunch with so many fellow alums was great, and we had a fun time chatting with other Otterbein friends!”

Special thanks to Board of Trustees members Mindy Phinney ’85 and Jim Francis ’71, who donated to help to underwrite the event.

Above: Jeff Sabo ’08 with Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Floyd Akins.

To the left, L to R: Alumnae Patti Raleigh ’70, Jill Sellers Harris ’70, and Gayle Comstock ’70 and their guests enjoy the picnic.

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

25

Classnotes and Life Milestones.

1950s & 1960s

the last 11 years of work as the director of website development for duPont Registry.

Richard Morain ’59 and Maxine Swingle Morain ’61 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, June 4, 2025.

Janet Tressler-Davis ’82

1980s

Maxine Swingle Morain ’61 and Richard Morain ’59

1970s Stanley Hughes ’74 was inducted into the Northeast Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame, April 14, 2025.

John Newman ’77, P'23 released his second children’s book, Loving Grandpa Polar Bear. The book encourages empathy and understanding toward older adults.

Janet Tressler-Davis ’82 retired in October 2025 after a 33-year-long career as the president and CEO of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Garth Walker ’86 is the chief operating officer at Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club, Gahanna, OH. Michael E. Huston ’86, P’16, P’21 was promoted to corporate technical fellow at The Lubrizol Corporation, where he also holds positions of strategic advisor, corporation innovation, and decision science and investment strategic manager, Lubrizol InnoVentures.

Karen Kasler Wheeler ’89 was awarded an honorary certificate in applied politics by the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron to recognize her service to the democratic process and informing the public. She is the Ohio Statehouse News Bureau chief and serves as a distinguished voice in Ohio political journalism.

Tina Butera ’90, M.D. was named a Top Doctor

by Northern Virginia Magazine. Butera is an ophthalmologist at The Eye Center, Sterling, VA.

26

Michael E. Huston ’86, P’16, P’21

Douglas Martin ’87 has retired after a 37-yearlong career in computer programing and website development. Martin spent

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

James Oakley ’00 received his doctorate degree in Education from Boston University.

Melica Hampton ’04 welcomed Daisy.

Baby Daisy

Carissa Hershey ’04 is the director of communications for Associated General Contractors of Ohio, Columbus.

Peter Polverini ’05 is the vice president of the Interventional MRI Division at Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN.

Sharon Kraut Littlefield ’92 is a resource teacher and floater at The Goddard School, Westerville.

J. Gregory Witt ’78 retired in May 2024 after a 43year-long career with Worthington City Schools, OH, as an elementary classroom and ESL teacher.

2000s

1990s

Tina Butera ’90, M.D., named in Northern Virginia Magazine

John Newman ’77, P’23 and his book, Loving Grandpa Polar Bear

his shows directly supported humanitarian aid. Steiner encourages the audiences to “be the sunshine” needed in the world.

Meryl Scarton Barnhart ’07 and her wife, Emily Barnhart, welcomed Jack Elliott.

George Gardner ’94 is a business account executive at Charter Communications/Spectrum in Akron, OH. Johnny Steiner ’96 held a concert, Sunshine, at Church of the Messiah United Methodist in Uptown Westerville. Proceeds from

Meryl Scarton Barnhart ’07 and wife, Emily Barnhart, with baby, Jack

Michael Griffin ’08, MBA’10 was recognized on the Columbus Business First “40 Under 40” list.

Garth Weithman ’11 was recognized on the Columbus Business First “40 Under 40” list.

Jacob Ramey ’13 is the manager of product operations for CPG Agency, St. Louis, MO. Ramey is also the resident lighting designer and adjunct professor at Boise State University, Boise, ID.

Colorado State University for his graduate thesis, B.R.A.W.L. Bacterial Regulation in the Amyloidal Weapons Legacy, May 9, 2025.

Kathryn McClain Shaw ’14 welcomed Laura, who joins sibling, Connor.

Garth Weithman ’11 Michael Griffin ’08, MBA’10 and his wife, Carly Shugarman Griffin ’07

2010s

Willie Franklin ’10 was honored with the 2025 Cardinal Award by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for his contributions to the conservation and protection of Ohio’s natural resources.

The award was presented at the Ohio State Fair by ODNR Director Mary Mertz and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

J.P. Lococo ’12 is the vice president of global partnerships for Haslam Sports Group with Legends/ ASM Global, Cleveland, OH.

Jacob Ramey ’13

Matt Taylor ’13 and his husband, Corey, are the proud foster parents of three children, aged 8, 11, and 13.

They are raising their family in Richmond, KY. Cameron Change ’14 was the recipient of the Scholarly Paper Award from the Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department at

Kathryn McClain Shaw ’14 with Laura and Connor

Megan Foust ’15 is a development officer at the University of Minnesota College of Design in Saint Paul, MN.

J.P. Lococo ’12

Annie Hankins Lazarus ’13 married Gabriel Lazarus, May 18, 2024. The wedding party included Jillian Blades-Rice ’13, Mae Krause Solze ’13, and Savannah Byrne ’13.

Lazarus is the senior director of compliance at Arabella Advisors, Washington, D.C.

Cameron Change ’14

Megan Foust ’15

Willie Franklin ’10 receiving the Cardinal Award from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Wedding of Annie Hankins Lazarus ’13 and Gabriel Lazarus OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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BY KENNEDY BERRY ’27

Rev. James Waugh ’71 spent his career in ministry, offering support to families navigating difficult conversations around faith and identity. Carol Carpenter Waugh ’71 traveled across the world to Sierra Leone as a student teacher, shaping her views on education, culture, and community. Together, the Otterbein alumni couple share a deep commitment to people, inclusion, and living out their values.

James and Carol met at Otterbein, married shortly after graduation, and raised two daughters. Perhaps just as important as finding each other on campus, they both found their paths to servant leadership.

In 1971, Carol traveled to Sierra Leone with a group of education majors studying under Professor Chester Addington. She lived with local college students, taught third grade at an experimental school, and navigated cultural differences that left a lasting mark.

“That experience really opened my eyes to cultural awareness,” Carol said. “It made me more open to differences and more thoughtful about how I approached others.” She carried that perspective into her later work in education and public service.

James became a United Methodist pastor, graduating from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. After stepping away from the pulpit in 2013, he began offering sessions supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Before the pandemic, those sessions were in person across central Ohio, often with just a handful of attendees.

Now the meetings are online, providing a safe listening space no matter where he is. Today, the couple calls the Otterbein Lebanon SeniorLife Community home, where James is forming a new LGBTQ+ support group.

The Waughs agree that their faith has been their guide. For James, it is about grace.

“God’s grace is much broader and wider than most of us want to think,” James said. “We may think it is for people like us, but God loves us all. That is what Jesus came to show and live and that has informed my life and my work.”

For Carol, it is about love, listening, and understanding differences — the foundation of her lifelong friendships with fellow Cardinals.

She and seven classmates began writing Round Robin letters after graduation, which has evolved into biweekly Zoom calls.

“It has been 54 years since graduation, and we still stay in touch,” she said.

Their shared story of faith and love is rooted in the values they first lived at Otterbein.

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OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

ALUMNI PROFILE

Cardinal Couple Dedicated to Faith, Service

Meghan Stursa Barnovsky ’17 is the manager of philanthropy events at Canine Companions.

Nicholas Mayes ’17 was awarded Best Direction at the 2025 CAPA Marquee Awards for his production of Hadestown: Teen Edition at Jonathan Alder High School, Plain City, OH. His program was also awarded Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Technical Execution, and received several other nominations. Mayes oversees the Musical Theatre Department at Jonathan Alder High School and is the head of vocal music for grades 7-12.

have made a significant impact in the Columbus community. Alexander’s work as treasurer for the City of Whitehall, partner at Brightlight Financial & Accounting Services, and community involvement on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio were pivotal in his selection.

Brandon Kohl ’18 is an outside sales representative for Emser Tile, Columbus.

Kameron Smith ’18 married Ray Beaupre, June 21, 2025.

The wedding party included Caleb Hastings ’15 and Katherine Walters ’18.

Wedding of Kameron Smith ’18 and Ray Beaupre

Shaquille Alexander ’18 was honored on the Columbus Business First “40 Under 40” and Forbes “30 Under 30 Local Columbus” lists. These prestigious awards recognize young professionals who

Emily Corcuera ’19 earned their juris doctorate degree at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, Harrisburg, PA, May 18, 2025.

After graduation and taking the bar exam, Corcuera will begin working as an assistant district attorney with the Lancaster County Office of the District Attorney, Lancaster, PA.

Shaquille Alexander ’18

Emily Corcuera ’19

Nicholas Mayes ’17

Classnotes and Life Milestones.

2020s Ryan Dop ’20 is assistant rink coordinator and goaltending director for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ohio’s only National Hockey League team.

Katie Exline ’20 is an optometrist at Professional Vision Care, Westerville.

Katie Exline ’20

Pietila ’61, Joy Gustin Hassenpflug ’49, and Earl Hassenpflug ’53; great-greatgrandparents Marguerite Gould Barnhard, class of 1922, and Clyde Barnhard, class of 1923; great-aunts Wendy Pietila Watson ’92, Beth Hassenpflug Mansperger ’79, Jane Hassenpflug Johnson ’86, and Amy Hassenpflug ’94; and great-great-uncle Ralph Barnhard ’59.

Short is the ticketing and audience service manager at ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Columbus.

Emily Kollmann Stone ’20 and husband, Traejon Stone, welcomed Miles.

Association Team USA member and, in August 2025, represented the United States in Turin, Italy, at the International Baton Twirling Federation World Baton Twirling Championships as a member of Twirl Florida’s Senior Corps.

William Hove ’20 received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Oakland University, Dec. 14, 2024.

Alex Saha ’20 married Anna Reiner, May 25, 2025.

Baby Miles Dominique Hennessy ’21

Maci Ashbrook ’21 is a realtor with Forman Realtors, Inc., Sunbury, OH. Alex Saha '20 and Anna Reiner

Luke Hassenpflug ’16 and Sarah Fossett Hassenpflug ’20, welcomed Lucy. Relatives include: Grandparents Jackie Pietila Hassenpflug ’89 and Eric Hassenpflug ’89; greatgrandparents Jack Pietila ’62, Mary Jean Barnhard

Sarah Short ’20 married Jack Csokmay, Feb. 8, 2025. The bridal party included Jessica Palagano ’19, Michelle Silva ’22, Brooklynn Short ’27, and Maya Venkataraman ’20.

Alex Keister ’21 is a business analyst at Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati.

Dominique Hennessy ’21 received her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Jacksonville University, FL, May 2025. Hennessy was a feature twirler for the Jacksonville University Ripcurrent Marching Band from 2023-2025. She is a United States Twirling

Bryn Mangold ’21 is the assistant director of Division III governance for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Indianapolis, IN.

Bryn Mangold ’21

Wesley Strobel ’21 received their master’s in library and information science at Kent State University, June 1, 2025.

Luke Hassenpflug ’16 and Sarah Fossett Hassenpflug ’20 with baby Lucy.

Sarah Short '20 and her bridal party

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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Classnotes and Life Milestones.

Kirstin Antonaros ’22 married Noah Miller, Sept. 2, 2023.

Carley King ’22 is the recruiting coordinator at Continental Express.

Melissa Knapp ’22 earned her doctor of physical therapy degree from Ohio University, May 2025.

Delaney Lombardi ’22 is the senior pursuits coordinator with Accenture, Infrastructure and Capital Projects.

Kirstin Antonaros ’22 and Noah Miller

Katie Boggs ’23 moved to Spain and is a full-time social media influencer, Katie the Guiri, after going viral on TikTok and Instagram. Her content has made it on to Spanish national news and television. She is pursuing her master's in marketing and sales at EAE Business School, Barcelona.

Elijah McCutcheon ’22 was recognized on the Forbes “30 Under 30 Local Columbus” list.

Grace Weidenhamer ’23

Brock Barry ’22 received his master's degree in communications from Ohio University, May 2, 2025. He also received certifications in crisis communications and team and leadership communications.

Katie Frame ’22 is the marketing and proposal coordinator at Triad Architects, Columbus.

Julia Kelley ’22 is the director of operations at the Southern and Riffe Center Theatres. She works closely with Columbus groups such as BalletMet, Jazz Arts Group, Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, and touring shows. Other alumni who work at Southern Theatre include Paul Kavicky ’91, the house audio engineer, and Hannah Hahn ’18, a house manager.

Julia Kelley ’22 30

Grace Weidenhamer ’23 is a digital media specialist at A Kid Again.

Na’Gee Burks ’24 is a rates analyst for One Gas. Josie Meridith ’25 is the program assistant at A Kid Again with the central Ohio chapter.

Elijah McCutcheon ’22

Chris Rote ’22 is a procurement business analyst working on the grocery store products side at Bob Evans, which is owned by Post Holdings.

Hannah Wiedlebacher ’22 is the owner of Wondr Productions, Columbus, which specializes in filming and editing commercials, weddings, elopements, and other special events. She is Otterbein's Lifelong Learning Community livestreaming partner.

Hannah Wiedlebacher ’22

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

Katie Boggs ’23

Ellie Newman ’23 is the coordinator of alumni engagement at Otterbein University.

Katie Wagner ’23 married Evan Standerwick, July 15, 2023.

Katie Wagner ’23 and Evan Standerwick

Do you have news to share?

Submit your updates to classnotes@otterbein.edu

Can you help us solve this photo mystery?

The Otterbein University Archives has a file labeled “Unidentified Photographs” with images such as the photo above.

Towers magazine needs your help to identify the people in this photo and tell the story behind the image. Please contact us if you have any information about it. We will publish the answers in the next Towers magazine.

Please send an email to Stephen Grinch ’98, Archivist at sgrinch@otterbein.edu.

THANKS to PJ Elliott, Class of 1974, for helping solve the Spring Towers 2025 photo mystery.

PJ Elliot '74 (front row, second from the right) helped the archivist's office determine the photo was of the Women's Softball Team.

It was published in the 1973 Sibyl.

Front row: Kathy Ronan, Kathy Ulmer ’74, Patty Elliott (PJ) ‘74, Patty Pifer.

Back row: Nancy Harter, Diana Johnson (DJ) ’74, Bonnie Everhart ‘74, Dawn Kasow ‘75, Caroline Banks ‘74.

Payne Remembered for her Commitment to Students and Colleagues

Students, alumni, colleagues, and friends mourned the loss of Professor Shelley Payne, Health and Sport Sciences (HSS), who passed away on April 25.

Payne touched countless lives in her 25 years on the faculty of Otterbein and was known across campus for her kindness, her faith, and her personal unwavering commitment to excellence and opportunity.

“She was a student-first faculty member who never stopped working for the benefit of the students and did all she could to help her colleagues succeed,” reflected Professor Joan Rocks, chair of HSS. “She had a knack for listening and made everything around her better.

She elevated this entire department.”

As beloved as Payne was, she valued the Otterbein community in return. Several years ago in an interview, she wrote, “I am so thankful to be a part of the Otterbein team in so many ways and blessed to have been guided along the right path for me always. I love having the opportunity to get to know my students personally and share in their many successes!”

Payne joined the Otterbein community in 2000 as an instructor, became associate professor in 2010, and later a full professor. She was named Otterbein’s New Teacher of the Year in 2012.

Hundreds of students benefitted from Payne’s mentorship as a teacher and academic advisor with vast knowledge and expertise gained through her work as a practicing physical therapist, athletic trainer, and clinical health professional. She also was the faculty advisor for the Health Professional Club, Special Olympics Club, and HSS Alumni Board.

Her research interests included the study of the risk and prevalence of injury in athletes, which led to the creation of Otterbein’s state-of-the-art Biomechanics Lab. She also contributed to more than 30 committees and initiatives, leading to many advancements at Otterbein.

She was distinguished in her field, serving on the editorial boards of two professional journals, as vice-chair of the International Society for Self-Directed Learning, and in various roles over 27 years with the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association. She was honored with the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Outstanding Mentor Award in 2021 and the Malcolm Knowles Award from the International Society for Self-Directed Learning in 2025.

Before her passing, the Otterbein Board of Trustees issued a proclamation honoring Payne for her years of service to Otterbein and granting her emerita status. Her family formally received the honor at the commencement ceremony in May. If you would like to support the Dr. Shelley S. Payne "Be A Shelley" HSS Endowment Fund, please visit www.otterbein.edu/give and in the "Designation" field, choose "Other" and fill in: HSS Be a Shelley Endowed Fund or call the Development Office at 614.823.1289.

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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In Memoriam.

Read more about these special alumni and friends of Otterbein at www.otterbein.edu/alumni/classnotes/obituaries.

Otterbein honors the memory of the alumni and friends we have lost.

Lawrence A. Stebleton ’53 Frank G. Mione ’54 Alice Long Buckley ’30 Shirley Corkwell Beam ’55 Esther Moore Miller ’32 Nancy C. Carter ’55 William L. Evans ’56 1940s Reynold C. Hoefflin ’57 Clyde E. Good ’41 Delyte Jones Ayres ’59 Ruth Sindorff Heischman ’41 Elizabeth Messmer Kennedy ’59, Margaret Weekley Ramsey ’42 P’84, P’87 Reta LaVine Thomas ’42, P’69, P’74 Pauline Guild Woodard ’42 1960s Paul J. Miller ’43 JoAnn Schilling Klink ’60 Edward K. Nesbitt ’43 Phyllis M. Daley ’61 Marjorie Scott ’43 David L. Deever ’61, P’90, P’95 Martha Blanks Burnette ’44 Cristina Fernandez Giovine ’61 Evelyn Buxser Cregar ’44 Carolyn Thordsen Hill ’61, P’79 Jean Frye Elliott ’44, P’68, P’72 Joel R. Williams ’61 Lena Pletcher Hoover ’44 Lois Arnold ’62 Mabel Sizer Rose ’44 George W. Gornall ’62 Marjorie Hanover Wells ’45 James V. Moore ’62 Helen Hilt LeMay ’47, P’73, P’76 Donald R. Riedel ’62 Barbara Jacke Tuck ’49 Elizabeth A. Arnold ’63 Sigrid Persson Sharp ’63 1950s David A. Gault ’64 Vernon L. Pack ’50 Raymond F. Kinne ’64 Loretta Hatfield Wolfe ’50, P’79 Miriam Edgerley Long ’65 Ruth Heimsch Goodwin ’51 Betty Copas Smith ’65 Teresa A. Petch ’51 Philip R. Dever ’66 Marian Smith Winner ’51 Joy E. Kiger ’67 Carl W. Hahn Jr. ’52 Janice Murdock Martin ’67 Phyllis L. Shultz. ’52 Janet Cook Aiello ’68 Cletus E. Beam ’53 Robert L. Harris ’68 Eugene L. Riblet ’53 Janet R. Sibert ’68 Robert E. Sherman ’53 Sarah Flack Kirksey ’69 Carolyn Brown Sherrick ’53

1930s

Remembering our Fellow Cardinals

1970s

Teri Hiatt Devlin ’70 Richard E. Dill II ’70 Barbara Lou Goellner ’70 William L. Klare Jr. ’70 Norris E. Lenahan ’70 Robert J. McGann ’70 Phyllis Tackett Skaggs ’70 Robert H. Allyn ’71 James D. Burke ’71 John H. Simmons ’72 Stephen M. Dearth ’73, P’02 L. Jane Debolt Jackson ’73, P’87 Terrance M. Wooff ’74 Charles R. Borden ’75 Frank G. Otterbine ’75 Diann E. Stevens ’75 Mark W. Stull ’75 Stanley H. Thomas ’75 Barbara Homock Martin ’76 Marjorie Taylor-Gallager ’77 Bonita Homan Gauding ’77 Mark Thresher ’78, P’05

1980s

Dean A. Smith ’81 Linda Seeley Dubel ’82

Jana Lee-Harris ’82, P’10 Donald T. Wheeler ’83 Christopher U. Ticknor ’88

1990s

Joseph A. Mentzer ’90 Brenda Nesselroad ’90 Jess P. Hanks ’92 Kenneth Williams Lent ’92 Melissa Springs Thomassey ’92 Nancy Ellen Bowling ’93 John L. Snyder ’93 Rebecca Walraven Nevin ’96 Jaime Deanne May ’98

2000s

Diane M. Burns MBA’00 Angela Heskett Ferrell MSN’06 Phyllis R. Groezinger MAE’08 John F. Gardner MSN’09 Brittany A. Cline ’21 Thomas D. McGonagle ’22

Members of Our Cardinal Community

Henry C. Brooks P’87 John Devlin H’21 Michael S. Herschler H’92, P’85 Shelley Payne John Reynolds Jean Spero Norma S. Webster P’86 Thomas Willke Compiled by Ellie Newman ‘23 as of Aug. 25, 2025.

We care about our community. If you know of a Cardinal who has passed, please share this important news with us at AlumniInfo@otterbein.edu.

Helen Hilt LeMay ’47 passed away on March 12, 2025. Helen and her late husband, Bill LeMay ’48, chair emeritus of the Otterbein Board of Trustees, were well known for hosting the annual June Bug Jamboree for Otterbein alumni at their home in Waynesville, OH, for many years.

Helen earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Otterbein, and was a member of Tau Delta sorority, Sigma Zeta, and the Dayton Otterbein Women’s Club. Together, Helen and Bill supported Otterbein for more than 35 years.

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Robert E. Magsig ’69 Joyce A. Miller ’69 Bobbie Immel Muhlbach ’69 John M. Nantz ’69 Dennis I. Prichard ’69 James A. Smith ’69

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

Jean Spero, professor emerita, passed away on June 13, 2025, at the age of 102. Spero retired from Otterbein in 1991 after serving 13 years as an assistant professor of home economics and chair of the Department of Human Ecology.

Spero’s Otterbein Historic Costume Collection, which she founded in 1985, was on display in Roush Hall for many years. It included historic pieces belonging to her own grandmother dating back to the first years of the 20th century.

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret K. Spero ’85.

Carolyn Brown Sherrick ’53 passed away on July 31, 2025. Carolyn was a double major in Math and History at Otterbein, where she met her late husband, Richard Sherrick ’54, when they were students. They were married for 71 years. The Sherricks donated more than 600 Nativity creches to the University, along with establishing three endowed funds supporting student scholarships, experiential learning, and the Nativity collection.

David Deever '61, professor emeritus in the Department of Mathematics, passed away on Aug. 8, 2025. He graduated from Otterbein in 1961 with bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Physics, and married his Otterbein sweetheart, Sara Elberfeld Deever ’61, one week later.

In 1966, he earned a doctorate degree in mathematics from The Ohio State University. In the fall of 1971, he returned to Otterbein to serve as the chair of the Department of Mathematics, where he taught for 30 years until he retired in June 2001. Following in their parents’ footsteps, both John Deever ’90 and Amy Deever ’95 also attended Otterbein. Together, David and Sara supported Otterbein for nearly 30 years. In 2015, former students helped to establish the Dr. David Deever Mathematics and Computer Science Endowed Fund in his honor.

OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY Chair William Edward Harrell Jr. ’94 Vice-chair Theresa Harris Secretary Mechelle Buys du Plessis P’20, P’22 President John Comerford, Ph.D. Board of Trustees Travis Allen ’28 Peter R. Bible ’80 Mechelle Buys du Plessis P’20, P’22 John Comerford, Ph.D., President Talisa Dixon, Ph.D. Rev. John Edgar James L. Francis ’71 Daniel C. Gifford ’88, P’21, P’23 Julianna Grubich ’26 Jonathan Hargis ’79 Theresa Harris Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham ’98 Trustees Emeriti Annie Bauman Ames ’86 Rev. Larry C. Brown ’80 Michael H. Cochran ’66, P’93 Deborah Ewell Currin ’67 Michael E. Ducey ’70 Judith Graham Gebhart ’61 Terry L. Goodman ’70 Mary F. Hall ’64, Ph.D. John T. Huston ’57, M.D., P’85, P’89 Rev. Erwin K. Kerr H’02, P’91 John E. King ’68 Doug Knight ’63, M.D., Ph.D. Alumni Council Carl Bates ’86 Annette Harting Boose ’94 Michelle Dippold ’13 Danelle Entenman-Bardos ’94, MBA’00 Rob Gagnon ’87 Fred Glasser ’69 Melica Hampton ’04 Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham ’98, trustee Ben Hoeger ’07 Young Alumni Board Phanawn Bailey ’21, MBA’23 Ladan Barnes ’19, MSAH’21 Evan Brandao ’21 Kaitlyn Brooks ’20 Tylina Burdell ’17 Rain Carpenter ’20 Tonia Dunson-Dillard ’20 Chelci Gardner ’10 Julia Grimm ’22 Joseline Martinez-Cortez ’22 Elijah McCutcheon ’22 AJ Moffitt ’23

REFER A NEW CARDINAL TODAY. We’ve been launching great futures since 1847.

Help us find Otterbein's next generation. www.otterbein.edu/refer

Lisa L. Hinson P’17 Michael Hudoba, Ph.D. Gregory Jordan Kristy McCray, Ph.D. Lindsey Osting ’02 Melinda Phinney ’85, M.D. Tammy Roberts Myers ’88 James D. Shilling ’77, Ph.D. Brant O. Smith ’95 Nathan Speiser ’05 Karin Yaffe Stump ’80

John W. Magaw ’57 Thomas C. Morrison ’63 Hon. Alan E. Norris ’57 Jane W. Oman H’96 Rebecca Coleman Princehorn ’78 Paul S. Reiner ’68 Peggy Miller Ruhlin ’79 James A. Rutherford P’99 Wolfgang R. Schmitt ’66, P’91 Kent D. Stuckey ’79, P’23 Alan Waterhouse ’82 Alec Wightman H’22

Sadie Bartholomew Ingle ’07 Adele Knipp Klenk ’71 Deborah Banwart Lewis ’77 Chris McCall ’04 Bryana Anderson Ross MBA’09, chair Mitchell Snyder ’17 Monty Soungpradith ’96 Wesley Thorne ’96 Helene Mundrick Wirth ’99, MBA’03

Madison Moore ’20 Kaelin Nelson ’19 Madelyn Nelson ’23 Mariah Nevels ’19 Josh Plichta ’18 Kenzie Prickett ’24 Perry Reynolds ’15 Haylie Schmoll ’19 Elise Schneller ’22 Grant Seredick ’17, MSAH’19 Maria Slovikovski ’17 Duncan Squillante ’21

OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL 2025

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Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Permit No. 21 Freeport, OH

change service requested

1 South Grove Street Westerville, OH 43081

A Big Day to Get Students READY! Otterbein’s inaugural READY Day was a resounding success, and campus was humming with students, alumni, employers, and community partners. Read more inside (p. 8.) Pictured below: 1: More than 150 alumni, friends, and industry leaders shared expertise in workshops and panels.

Day READY t t u o b a a o re Lea rn m READY pro gram DY. A e h E u/R a nd t ein.ed tterb www.o

2, 4, and 5: READY Day offered three distinctive tracks aligned with students’ year of study, which included three inspiring keynote speakers: (2) Shaquille Alexander ’18; (4) Nathan Speiser ’05; and (5) Mechelle Buys du Plessis P’20, P’22.

3: An automated headshot station was popular with students looking to step up their LinkedIn profiles.

6: Seniors put freshly honed networking skills to work with alumni and other leaders at one of three professional social hours.

7: The Next Destination Fair gave students the chance to connect with more than 130 corporate, business, non-profit, and government employers as well as representatives from graduate school programs.

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