Owens 50th Anniversary Special Edition

Owens 50th TAB.indd 1 Cover.indd 1

8/19/15 8/19/15 2:53 9:24 PM AM

For 50 years, Owens Community College has served the students and communities of northwest Ohio by providing a superior educational experience. I am honored to be part of that tradition, especially now as we commemorate this milestone.

A lot has changed since we first opened our doors in 1965, both here and in the world around us. Our students have changed, our programs have changed, the way we teach has changed. But what hasn’t changed is our commitment to our students and our communities.

Meeting the diverse educational and workforce needs of this area is more than a job to me – to us – it’s an honor.

The celebration of 50 years provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the history of our College. The impact we’ve had on our more than 37,000 graduates and more than 250,000 students. The contributions we’ve made to the communities we serve.

I am proud of our past and excited about our future. As we continue into our next 50 years, I look forward to what lies ahead for us as we continue to provide a solid educational foundation for our communities.

Dr. Mike Bower, President Owens Community College

Board of Trustees H. Richard Rowe, Chair Diana H. (Dee) Talmage, Vice Chair Mary Beth Hammond Dr. Srinivas K. Hejeebu Dr. Ronald A. McMaster Edwin J. Nagle III Thomas R. Uhler

Toledo-area Campus 30335 Oregon Road Perrysburg, OH 43551

Table of Contents

Findlay-area Campus

Owens Timeline..................................................................................... 4

Quality Efforts Lead To Owens Accreditation ...............................20

Owens History ....................................................................................... 6

Owens Findlay-area Campus History ............................................. 23

Presidential Profiles ............................................................................. 6

Culinary Combines Hands-on Learning with Real-world Opportunities ......................................................... 24

College’s Namesake a Notable Inventor .......................................... 6 Hands-on Learning Opportunities Part of Owens’ Roots ............. 8 Nursing Program’s Quality Education Leads to Quality Care ....10 Faculty Bring Real-world Experiences into the Classroom .......... 12 STEM Programs Prepare Students for High-Tech Jobs ................ 13 Veterans Find a Home at Owens ...................................................... 15 Service Learning a Part of Owens’ Culture .....................................16 Owens Campus Arts and Architecture ...........................................18 International Students Enrich Owens Student Body ....................19

Owens TAB.indd Page 2 50th Letter.indd 1 2

Medical Imaging Programs Earn Specialized Accreditation ...... 26 Dental Hygiene Students Learn in Modern Clinic ........................ 27 Express Win on the Field, in the Classroom .................................. 28 Owens Provides Solutions to Training Needs ............................... 29 Transfer Students Welcome at Owens ...........................................30 Terhune Gallery Exhibits History ...................................................... 31

Your Success Starts Here.

3200 Bright Road Findlay, OH 45840

Downtown Toledo Learning Center 1301 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43699

Maumee Learning Center 1724 Indian Wood Circle Maumee, OH 43537 www.owens.edu 1-800-GO-OWENS

8/19/15 8/19/15 3:16 8:53 PM AM

9/15 8:53 AM

Owens Community College Edition 3

Owens 50th TAB.indd 3

8/19/15 3:16 PM

4 Owens Community College Edition

Owens 50th 1TAB.indd 4 Untitled-1

8/19/15 11:07 3:17 PM 8/14/15 AM

Untitled-1

/15 11:07 AM

Owens Community College Edition 5

Owens 50th TAB.indd 5 Untitled-1 2

8/19/15 3:17 PM 8/14/15 11:07 AM

6 Owens Community College Edition

Owens History

Sept. 13, 1965 saw the beginning of what would become Owens Community College and today Owens is celebrating 50 years of providing higher education. As the oldest technical institute in Ohio and one of the first in the nation, Owens has touched the lives of countless students. From the humble beginning of the first 227 students enrolled to awarding more than 37,000 associate degrees.

Shortly after being chartered by the Ohio Board of Regents in 1967, Owens held its first graduation ceremonies. Approximately 44 students graduated in four different technologies: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and data processing. At that time all classes were offered in the late afternoon and evening on the site of the former Rossford Army Depot.

Later, students took classes in a barn and a neighboring high school, before College Hall, the first permanent building on what is now the Toledoarea Campus opened in 1972. Since that time building and land expansion has continued to the nearly 300-acre campus of today.

In the 1970s, daytime classes were offered for the first time, program offerings expanded to more than 20 and the first building was constructed on the east side of Oregon Road.

Owens opened the Findlay-area Campus in 1983 in downtown Findlay with 201 students and five programs. In 2005 it moved to its current 60acre location, when the Education Center opened, followed by expansion of the Child Care Center in 2006 and the Community Education and Wellness Center addition in 2007.

To accommodate student and community access, learning centers opened in downtown Toledo in 2007 and in Maumee in 2010.

Presidential Profiles The College has had several names through the years, Penta County Technical Institute in 1965, Michael J. Owens Technical College in 1972, and in 1994 the College officially changed from a technical college to a community college and became known as Owens Community College.

In 1990, the College graduated its 10,000th student – Barbara M. Bilka of Rossford. She was a graduate of the Office Secretarial Technology Program.

And in 1996, transfer agreements allowed arts and sciences students to begin transferring to the University of Michigan, the University of Findlay and Defiance College. The University of Michigan agreement was its first with any community college outside Michigan. In 1998, the American Automotive Association recognized the College’s Automotive Technology program as the #1 program in the nation.

Today, students can choose between more than 100 credit option – and limitless non-credit options – in traditional classroom settings and online. Owens also offers students the opportunity to participate in eight highly competitive and successful intercollegiate athletic teams, a variety of special interest clubs, honor societies, program-specific organizations and service learning and volunteer opportunities.

A lot has changed since Owens first opened its doors. Students have changed, programs have changed but what hasn’t changed is the commitment to students and the community.

Meeting the diverse educational and workforce needs of its students and the local area is more than a job – it’s an honor – and Owens looks forward to the next 50 years.

A history of those who have led the College:

Dr. William L. Ramsey President 1965 - 1968

Dr. Jacob H. See President 1968 - 1984

Daniel H. Brown President 1984 - 2001

Dr. Christa E. Adams President 2001 - 2009

Dr. Larry G. McDougle President 2010 - 2011

Dr. Mike Bower President 2012 - Present

College’s Namesake a Notable Inventor Owens Community College is named after Michael J. Owens, a Toledo inventor who changed the glass industry forever by mechanizing bottle blowing in 1903.

The son of a coal miner, he began his career as a glassmaker at the age of 10, stoking glass furnaces in Wheeling, West Virginia. Nearly 20 years later, in 1888, he came to Toledo to work for Libbey Glass Company as a skilled glassblower. He died in 1923.

His inventions include an automatic machine blower and a machine that allowed for the mass production of glass bottles. These inventions helped to eliminate child labor and revolutionized the glass industry, which had changed little in 2,000 years.

Owens’ work made it possible for thousands of jobs to be created and changed the community forever.

Owens is also the “Owens” in Owens-Illinois, Owens Corning and Libbey-Owens-Ford.

Owens TAB.indd1 6 Page 6 50th History.indd

8/19/15 10:14 3:17 PM 8/14/15 AM

15 10:14 AM

Owens Community College Edition 7

Owens 50th TAB.indd 7

8/19/15 3:17 PM

8 Owens Community College Edition

Hands-on Learning Opportunities Part of Owens’ Roots

“Owens students achieve more because of the hands-on learning provided,” said Denise Smith, associate vice president of Academic Affairs. “Through labs and clinical and onsite job training, our students gain a deeper understanding of the material. They learn practical problem-solving and develop a great deal of confidence because they know they can do the job.”

Owens is proud to house culinary, nursing and dental labs, which are discussed elsewhere in this special section. Perhaps less wellknown are the College’s recording technology classrooms; computer laboratories, complete with innovative music industry-specific software; and studio space with audio equipment that includes mixers, processors, microphones and instruments – all for the Music Business Technology Associate Degree Program.

With this technology, aspiring musicians, producers and recording engineers interested in enhancing their knowledge specific to the business side of the music industry have opportunity to gain practical experience –

building skills that they will be able to put right to work.

Several other lab experiences can be found in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the roots of which tie directly back to the College’s technical start. The newest of these labs is the Welding Center, which opened in 2011.

The Center features two expansive experiential learning classrooms, housing 56 welding booths, 12 cutting booths and eight grinding stations, all with leading-edge technology for students to receive hands-on training specific to stick, gas, MIG and TIG welding processes. Thirty-six booths have the capability of utilizing argon and carbon dioxide for welding purposes, while oxygen and acetylene are featured in 12 cutting booths.

Additionally, 68 stations feature an innovative welding fume extraction system. The stateof-the-art technology is designed to extract metalworking particulate in a controlled direction, filter the particulate through a selfcleaning unit and re-circulate the filtered air throughout the new Welding Center. The recirculation of filtered air instead of exhausting non-filtered air to the outside allows the College to enhance energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling costs.

Another School of STEM lab, the Haas lab, features innovative CNC machining equipment.

As part of the School’s ongoing efforts to supply up-to-date equipment in its labs, the Haas lab

continues to showcase the various models of CNC mills and CNC lathes. This partnership with Haas has enabled the College to offer various CNC machining classes on equipment that is similar to what would be used by many area manufacturers.

Students also receive hands-on experience specific to General Motors, John Deere and Caterpillar vehicles through partnerships with those companies. Since the inception of the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) in 1988, for example, GM has donated several hundred vehicles for instructional purposes. These vehicles ensure that students are receiving the relevant training necessary to diagnose, correct and repair problems found in today’s modern automobiles.

“We have many courses that include hands-on lab experiences,” said Glenn Rettig, School of STEM dean. “These hands-on experiences better prepare our students for the skills needed in the workplace today. To help facilitate these handson experiences, the School of STEM is also increasing the promotion and use of internships and field experiences. These internships and field experiences allow students to work with local employers to receive another hands-on learning experience and help the employer identify new talent.”

Alumnus

When Penta County Technical Institute, now Owens Community College, opened in 1965 it was in response to an urgent, local need for vocational and technical training. A lot of this training, in business, trade and industrial occupations, included hands-on learning experiences for students. Those opportunities continue today through state-of-the-art labs and more than 250 clinical and on-site job training partnerships.

Rex Russel l Residence: Perrysburg Owens Gradu ation Year: 19 Major at Ow 86 ens: Law En forcement Te Current Job: chnology Aft retired and w er 33 years in law enforc ement, I ent to work full time in ou business – Bi r screen prin g Daddy Gra ting phics, LLC in I co-founded Perrysburg – with my wife that 20 years ag About Owen o. s: I find mys elf still intera public and st cting with th ill utilizing ac e ademic fund learned at O amentals I fi wens 30 year rst s ago. The va education st lue of that ill resonates after two pr three decade ofessions an s! d

Owens Page 8 50th Technology.indd TAB.indd 8 1

8/19/15 8/19/15 3:18 1:57 PM PM

9/15 1:57 PM

Owens Community College Edition 9

Owens 50th TAB.indd 9

8/19/15 3:18 PM

10 Owens Community College Edition

Nursing Program’s Quality Education Leads to Quality Care Established in 1969 as one of the first associate degree programs of its kind in northwest Ohio, Owens Community College’s registered nursing program provides quality instruction, state-of-the-art lab facilities, intensive clinical instruction, affordability, and flexible class schedules to those with a passion for healthcare.

The College received its professional approval from the State Board of Nursing Education and Nursing Registration in April, 1971. In June, 1973, Owens Technical College received full approval by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing Education and Nursing Registration for the associate degree nursing program (RN). Today, the Registered Nursing program has initial accreditation from Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) through 2018.

Alumna

“Faculty and staff are dedicated to ensuring that students are receiving the highest quality nursing education at Owens Community College,” said Dawn Wetmore, the recently retired dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We believe in preparing caring and compassionate nurses to succeed in the changing and diverse health care environment.”

Dana (Shaw) Chisholm Residence: Gibsonburg Years at Owens: 2001-2003 Major at Owens: Registered Nursing Program Current Job: Nurse Clinical Liaison for Orchard Villa in Oregon About Owens: I really loved my time at Owens.

I felt my education prepared me to succeed as a nurse in the hospital setting.

PAGE 10 Nursing.indd 1 Owens 50th TAB.indd 10

Evidence of this can be seen in the national licensing exam pass rates on which Owens students have traditionally done well, often exceeding state and national pass rates.

The latest National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) pass rate for the second quarter of 2015 (April 1 - June 30) was 100 percent for Owens registered nursing students. To compare, the Ohio pass rate is 84 percent and the national pass rate is 87.92 percent. The NCLEX-PN pass rate was also 100

percent for second quarter (April 1 - June 30) of 2015 for the Owens practical nursing program. The practical nursing program Ohio pass rate was 76.17 percent and the national pass rate was 79.69 percent.

Success in these areas can be attributed to the hands-on clinical learning experience students receive in the health care setting, as well as right in the classroom. In 2002, Owens was one of the first colleges in Ohio to offer a human patient simulator (HPS) where students can learn and practice reallife scenarios and simulation on a lifelike mannequin. Currently the HPS requirements for various nursing courses have increased to represent the increase in patient acuity in the hospital settings.

“We always try to be relevant and current with what is happening in the general population that our students will serve,” said Amy Richcreek, HPS coordinator.

Service is a strong component of the Nursing program. Students can participate in the Student Nursing Association (SNA) which is one of the longest active student organizations at the College. Every year the SNA conducts a drive to collect toys for children who spend the holiday season in local hospitals, serve as education ambassador in the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, and volunteer for various other charities including March of Dimes of Northwest Ohio. Members of the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society complete a community service project as well.

8/19/15 3:20 2:06 PM

/15 2:06 PM

Owens Community College Edition 11

Owens 50th TAB.indd 11

8/19/15 3:21 PM

12 Owens Community College Edition

Faculty Bring Real-world Experiences into the Classroom Owens Community College recognizes the value of real-world experiences, with a majority of faculty members having either worked in or are currently working in the profession they are teaching. In addition, more than 80 percent of the College’s full-time faculty have obtained master’s degrees or higher.

teaching Business Law, Leadership and Career Development and Exploration.

Bringing industry information, skills and ideas into the classroom provides students with a good idea of just how their practice translates into the real world.

Beth Tronolone, Owens’ dental hygiene program director, is another instructor who regularly participates in the field she is teaching. An active member of the Toledo Dental Hygiene Association and past president of the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association, she was recently named the 2015 Philips Sonicare/RDH magazine Mentor of the Year.

“Owens is very lucky to have faculty who have worked or continue to work in their fields,” said Denise Smith, associate vice president of Academic Affairs. “This experience allows them to truly prepare students, not just in theory, but in practice.”

Assistant Professor Margaret Parker, for example, has 25 years of experience in areas such as customer service, facilities management and supervision. She says her experiences assist her in explaining the terms and concepts from a real-life perspective while

“The students enjoy learning what they might encounter when entering the workforce from the School of Business, Information and Public Service,” she said.

“It was a shock to be named Mentor of the Year,” she said. “I love working with our students and helping them to see the impact periodontal health has on systemic health.

It’s great to be honored for doing something you love.”

Dr. Thomas Passer o Professor, Interna tional Business

Page 12 Real World Experience.indd 1

8/19/15 8:55 AM

Owens 50th TAB.indd 12

8/19/15 3:21 PM

9/15 8:55 AM

Owens Community College Edition 13

STEM Programs Prepare Students for High-Tech Jobs In 2012, Owens Community College created the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as a result of the growing national emphasis on these fields. While these programs had been offered at the College previously, combining them into one School allowed for better integration among the disciplines.

“We are excited and proud to prepare our students for a number of in-demand STEM careers,” said Glenn Rettig, School of STEM dean. “The workplace demand for skilled, creative, problem-solving technicians is greater than it has been in 40 years, and the School of STEM can prepare students for a successful career in the field that interests them most.”

career resources for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math.

“This recognition is a great acknowledgment of our efforts in providing valuable STEM programming,” Rettig said. The School of STEM is constantly striving to seek additional partners to improve and validate its programs.

STEM students have gone on to exciting careers, like creating technology used by Sunday Night Football and Good Morning, America. They’ve also participated in NASA events. Student Tony Smoktonowicz hopes his NASA experience is more than just a passing part of his life after the space agency filled countless memories.

Programs within the School of STEM include: Architectural Engineering Technology, Applied Engineering, Automotive Technology, CAD, Welding, Computer Science, Diesel Technology, Skilled Trades, Landscape and Turfgrass Management, Wide-Area Networking Technology and Chemistry and Mathematics. Many of these programs include hands-on lab experiences that employers are looking for.

His development of a methane gasdetecting robot earned him first place at the Ohio Space Grant Consortium Symposium earlier this year, which led to him competing in a five-week competition and him being named a National Aeronautics and Space Administration Community College Aerospace Scholar.

This honor earned him a three-day trip to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

The College’s emphasis on STEM programs was acknowledged earlier this year when it was designated a 2015 STEM JobsSM Approved College by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting individuals in transition with education and career opportunities, and creator of STEM JobsSM media, education and

Smoktonowicz, who double majors in Environmental Studies and Electrical/ Electronics Engineering, said he returned to his interest in robotics when he enrolled at Owens in 2011. “[In May 2013,] I had this idea to create a robot that would locate methane gas

leaks in closed landfills and determine if it’s dangerous. If it is dangerous, it would send a reading back to an operator, and then workers could be outfitted properly for the leak and sent to seal it,” he said, adding “I thought my idea was a bit crazy.”

While at the NASA/Ohio Space Grant Consortium in Cleveland, where his robot model was displayed, he had an encounter with a NASA scientist who had placed rovers on Mars.

“He was asking me, ‘What was my thinking and what was my reasoning for my project,’ Then he’s telling me ‘Good job. Don’t stop.’

I felt my work was validated.”

Diana Stachowiak, Chair of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Technologies, described Smoktonowicz as focused and self-motivated: “Tony is driven by his desire to make useful, technical contributions to engineering and industry.”

Smoktonowicz is scheduled to complete his Owens degrees in December and then plans to transfer to the University of Toledo.

He one day hopes to work at NASA as a scientist.

Tony Smok to

nowicz

h Weinric Thomas ia n a lv y S : e 78-1980 Residenc ended: 19 ngineering tt A rs a e nical E Owens Y s: Mecha n e w g and O t tal Formin Major a e M , O E ob: C d Current J e provide oration rp o C ity Colleg at was g n u m m Coinin o ens C ring th wens: Ow chanical Enginee ining.

About O e Co M & in g n ucatio Formin a solid ed y career at Metal h it w e m m ation for the found

s u n m u Al

Owens 50th TAB.indd 13

8/19/15 3:21 PM

14 Owens Community College Edition

Page 15 Ve

Owens 50th TAB.indd 14

8/19/15 3:22 PM

Owens Community College Edition 15

Veterans Find a Home at Owens Owens Community College has educated U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their family members since opening in 1965, but expanded its benefits in 2011 with the new Office of Veterans Services.

The need to provide higher education opportunities to veterans is great in today’s competitive job-placement environment.

While many potential employers value the service and sacrifice that veterans gave to the nation, veterans need advanced education and training to be equipped for the best jobs.

The Office of Veterans Services helps veterans get acclimated to higher education by meeting their varying needs, including working through government regulations and processes or listening to their life stories in order to identify ways to provide support. The office is staffed by veterans Matt Peternel and Jacob Greear, plus student-employees who have served in the military.

Owens currently has a veteran student body of approximately 400.

“We appreciate the sacrifice these men and women have made for our country. Now that they have returned home, we want to facilitate their success in higher education by providing support, resources and information so that their unique needs as a veteran and student are met,” said Amy K. Giordano, assistant dean of Student and Veteran Services.

The Office of Veterans Services is currently housed in College Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. Staff members hold regular office hours on the Findlay-area Campus to provide full service to all veteran students regardless of their location. The College’s capital plan tentatively calls for the Office of Veterans Services to move to Kingsley Hall on the Toledo-area Campus as soon as 2016. Kingsley Hall, which was acquired with the Penta Career Center campus in 2008, will need to undergo renovations before the move can occur.

The Office of Veterans Services and veterans student body has been active in the community, sponsoring Veterans Appreciation games that provide free tickets to veterans and their families at the Toledo Mud Hens and Toledo Walleye; sponsoring military floats in the City of Toledo Christmas Parade; and holding Toys for Tots toy drives at the holidays.

The College’s dedication to veterans has not gone unnoticed nationally, with Victory Media naming Owens a Military Friendly School for five consecutive years. Victory Media awards the distinction to only 15 percent of the colleges, universities and trade schools across the U.S.

Page 15 Veterans.indd 1

8/14/15 10:22 AM

Owens 50th TAB.indd 15

8/19/15 3:23 PM

16 Owens Community College Edition

Service Learning a Part of Owens’ Culture Owens Community College works as a steward of service learning and community service, collaborating with community partners to develop learning opportunities and civic engagement.

In 2010, Owens created the Office of Service Learning, Civic Engagement and Leadership in an effort to combine community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical thinking, reflective thinking and personal and civic responsibility.

Through service learning, community engagement and other partnership opportunities, students get a true sense of the impact they can make on our communities,” said Krista Kiessling, director of service learning, civic engagement and leadership. “The type of leadership skills students need to succeed after college can only be learned through hands-on involvement with the community.”

As a result of this effort, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has selected Owens for its 2015 Community Engagement Classification. In order to receive the classification, the College had to demonstrate a commitment to curricular engagement, outreach and partnerships.

Examples of engagement, outreach and partnerships include the Harvest Food Pantry, Career Closet and Community Garden.

The College’s first-ever Harvest Food Pantry, located on the Toledo-area Campus, provides students in need of assistance with free, nonperishable food resources. The Pantry also

Owens TAB.indd 16 Page 1650th Service Learning.indd 1

provides service and volunteer opportunities for students who want to help their fellow students.

For more information about the College’s service learning activities, please visit www.owens.edu/service.

“The Owens Harvest Food Pantry was designed to build upon the College’s culture of philanthropy and service on our campuses by creating new collaborative learning opportunities for students in various academic departments and disciplines,” Kiessling said.

Krista K

“When students don’t need to worry about basic needs, they are more apt to successfully complete a degree program.”

The Harvest Community Garden, located on the Toledo-area Campus, was also designed to create collaborative learning opportunities for students, as well as faculty and staff in various academic departments and disciplines. Harvest from the garden is provided to students and others in need of assistance. The Career Closet, also located on the Toledo-area Campus, provides professional clothing items to students preparing for interviews, job fairs or class presentations.

In addition to these on-campus efforts, students also participate in community volunteer opportunities such as blood drives, clothing drives and food drives.

Students also work with a number of community partner organizations, including The Toledo Seagate Food Bank, Food For Thought, Cherry Street Ministries and the EnPuzzlement Food Warehouse.

iessling

Alumna

Ivy Billin gs Residence Babb : Fostoria Years Att end Major at O ed: 2009-2011 wens: Soc ial Work Current Jo b: Family Developm and socia ent Specia l wo list About Ow rker with SAFY Fo ster Care ens: With and Adop out the he College, I tio lp from O would hav wens Com n e never be MBA deg munity en able to ree from th complete e Univers The postmy ity o secondary program th f Toledo before ag high scho e 21. at I was e ol enabled nrolled in me to get coursewo during a jump sta rk. My tim rt e at Owen exciting a s was cha on my college nd has he llenging a lped open my profes nd up many d sional care oors for m er. e in

8/19/15 8:56 3:23 AM PM 8/19/15

/15 8:56 AM

Owens Community College Edition 21

Owens 50th TAB.indd 17

8/19/15 3:24 PM

18 Owens Community College Edition

Page 19 Int

Owens TAB.indd 18 1 Page 1850th Owens Arts.indd

8/19/15 3:25 8:58 PM AM

/15 8:58 AM

Owens Community College Edition 19

Page 19 International.indd 1

8/19/15 9:00 AM

Owens 50th TAB.indd 19

8/19/15 3:37 PM

20 Owens Community College Edition

Quality Efforts Lead To Owens Accreditation Owens Community College is committed to serving the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students through excellence, innovation and collaboration. Students have the opportunity to excel in small classes, where they receive personal attention from expert faculty across all academic disciplines.

Much has changed since Owens opened in 1965, when four technology programs were offered and held in the Barn and the old Army Barracks. Today, Owens offers over 100 programs and certificates that encompass Liberal Arts, Business, Information and Public Service, Health and Nursing and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The Owens Community College Toledoarea Campus covers nearly 300 acres and is located just five minutes from downtown Toledo. The Findlay-area Campus is situated on 60 acres that provide classrooms and labs for arts and sciences, business, public service, health and industrial and engineering technologies.

The total physical space for both campuses plus other locations equates to 29 buildings; 1.1 million square feet of instructional, support and administration space; 432 acres and more than 5,000 parking spaces in 25 parking lots. The College also covers a vast virtual space with online course offerings.

For the current semester, approximately 14.5 percent of our courses are offered online.

“Throughout the last 50 years, the way we have provided academic courses has certainly changed, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the commitment at which we do it,” said Dr. Steve Robinson, Owens Vice President of Academic Affairs. “An important facet of an Owens Community College education has

Alumna

been practical knowledge and recognizing the value of real-world experience. Our faculty members bring industry information, skills and ideas into the classroom so students are able to understand how their practice translates into the real world.”

A majority of faculty members have worked in, or are currently working in, the profession that they are teaching. Throughout various disciplines, students receive hands-on experience through more than 250 clinical and on-site job training partnerships.

Owens also offers an opportunity for those who want to return to college after finding themselves displaced or in search of new opportunities. Workers are trained for the skills they need to start out, advance their career or find a new job.

Further evidence of commitment to providing students with a high-quality higher education is the College’s membership to the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) HLC/NCA. “As an AQIP institution, Owens is a part of a group of institutions of higher education that strive toward a culture of continuous quality improvement and student success,” said Denise Smith, Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs. “The College’s commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and innovation are the reasons that Owens is able to achieve a status of excellence. We have set the bar high and have become a benchmark institution.”

During a seven-year period, Owens successfully engaged in a variety of AQIP processes, including strategy forums, initiating a shared leadership model, student retention, information technology reform, integration of workforce credit into academics, classroom space management, diversity and inclusiveness planning, assessment of student learning, annual HLC updates, systems portfolio appraisals and visits to review and approve U.S. Department of Education compliance requirements.

Owens also has 54 programs that are accredited through their own disciplinespecific accrediting bodies.

The combination of all of these factors add up to a high-quality, well-rounded academic experience for students.

The quality improvement efforts have led the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to reaffirm overall College accreditation unconditionally through 2020.

Taylor Schwartz Residence: Sylvania ar: 2009 Owens Graduation Ye pational cu Major at Owens: Oc m gra Pro t tan Therapy Assis hcare alt He me Ho : Job Current sistant As Occupational Therapy and I could work full time t tha d like About Owens:: I g gin en all ch are ms e progra still attend classes. Th a t me I for my occupation. and truly prepared me t I still in my OTA classes tha s nd few of my close frie th today! work and hang out wi

Page 20 Accreditation.indd Owens 50th TAB.indd 20 1

Accreditation is essential as it enables the College to be considered for financial eligibility and it mandates accountability and compliance in continuous quality improvement. A college or university that is accredited by a regional accreditor is held to higher standards of service and accountability, which demonstrates a commitment to students and student success.

Alumnus

Alan Sattler Residence: Rossford Owens Graduation Year: 1982 Major at Owens: Marketing and Sales Current Job: Chief Financial Officer, ProMedica About Owens: For me, Owens was a great place to get my education started.

8/19/15 4:07 9:17 PM AM 8/19/15

O

Owens Community College Edition 21

l

t

P

y to nt,

HLC d ment

Congratulations to Owens Community College on your 50th anniversary.

Benefits of your contributions can be felt throughout the region and we are privileged to honor your accomplishment.

Owens Community College Celebrating 50 Years

dd mic

9/15 9:17 AM

Owens 50th TAB.indd 21

8/19/15 4:08 PM

22 Owens Community College Edition

Owens 50th TAB.indd 22

8/19/15 4:08 PM

Untitled-1

Owens Community College Edition 23

Owens 50th1TAB.indd 23 Untitled-1

8/19/15 11:05 4:08 PM 8/14/15 AM

24 Owens Community College Edition

Culinary Combines Hands-on Learning with Real-world Opportunities “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” - Julia Child, My Life in France.

This quote from one of America’s first renowned chefs is embraced by students in the Culinary Arts Program at Owens Community College. Future culinarians learn traditional culinary and baking techniques, creative recipe development and menu planning, nutrition, sustainability, and business skills under the guidance of American Culinary Certified Chefs.

The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, which sets academic and technical training standards in all areas of instruction.

Owens’ Culinary Arts associate degree program and certificates are the first and only accredited culinary offerings in northwest Ohio.

In response to the growing demand for courses in the Culinary Arts, Owens completed construction on a new $3.1 million Culinary Arts Center located in Heritage Hall, which opened in January 2014. The facility features an impressive food science and baking skills lab, culinary skills lab and restaurant skills lab equipped with the most current commercial kitchen appliances and amenities. A large dining area provides space for lunches and special events for parties up to 125 seated guests. A demonstration station allows for instructional and industry audience related presentations, and the classrooms and kitchen labs are equipped with the latest IT/AV technology for optimal educational opportunities.

“The biggest benefit of the Culinary Arts Center is the hands-on experience students receive,” said Joann Gruner, (continued on page 25)

MBA and H gain e prepa are ab same the w seekin

Besid stude servic colleg Owen of Fin stude Frenc U.S., F

This y Chef techn prepa based Plann a holi Dece and P Chili C

O

Owens 50th TAB.indd 24

8/19/15 4:09 PM

Owens Community College Edition 25

MBA, RD, LD, Chair of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Management. “Students can gain experience creating recipes and menus, preparing and plating and serving food. They are able to train and perfect their skills on the same equipment they will use when they enter the workforce, giving them an advantage when seeking employment.”

Besides training in the kitchen lab environment, students receive real-world experiences through service learning and collaboration with other colleges and professionals. In spring of 2014, Owens students collaborated with University of Findlay Hospitality Management Program students to prepare and service a traditional French meal for the French Ambassador to the U.S., Francois Delattre.

This year, area top chefs from Northwest Ohio’s Chef Collective also mentored and provided technical training for Owens students by preparing a six-course meal with wine service based on Escoffier themed dishes. The Event Planning course plans, markets and implements a holiday dinner for the Cherry St. Mission every December. The program also earned Judges and People’s Choice Award for the Mobile Meal Chili Cook-off in March 2015. Members from the

Owens Culinary and Hospitality Management Student Organization, advised by Chef and Owens faculty member Edward Gozdowski, earned a silver medal at the American Culinary Federation Knowledge Bowl Competition earlier this year.

Owens students also complete a 320-hour cooperative work experience with local restaurants. This experience provides additional training on skills outside of entry-level positions, including advanced culinary skills and insight into the supervision and business side of the industry.

“Most of our students work in the industry and gain experience before they graduate,” said Gruner.

The Culinary Arts Department is home to five academic program and certificate areas, including: Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science degree in Dietetic Technology, Associate of Applied Business degree in Hospitality Management, a Culinary Arts certificate and a Baking and Pastry certificate.

We’re Proud To Salute Owens Community College Thank you for 50 years of quality education!

Owens 50th TAB.indd 25

8/19/15 4:09 PM

26 Owens Community College Edition

Medical Imaging Programs Earn Specialized Accreditation One of the newer program additions to the School of Nursing and Health Professions is Magnetic Resonance Imaging program. In 2015, Owens became the first community college in the nation to earn the distinction of receiving initial program accreditation by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) for an associate degree program.

radiopharmacology, imaging procedures, MR physics, ethics and medical terminology. Magnetic resonance technologists must possess, utilize and maintain knowledge about magnetic protection and safety. They must recognize conditions essential for successful completion of the procedure and exercise independent professional and ethical judgment.

“This achievement recognizes Owens’ commitment to providing an excellent academic program that gives students a foundation for future success,” said Catherine Ford, M.Ed., R.T. (R), program director and interim dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Offered on the Toledo-area Campus, the program offers students a combination of didactic instruction with practical application in clinical education affiliates.

Magnetic resonance technologists are medical professionals who perform magnetic resonance imaging procedures. They are educated in patient care, human anatomy, physiology, pathology,

Owens 50th TAB.indd 26

The Medical Imaging Department also offers majors in General Ultrasound and Vascular Ultrasound. Following classroom and lab instruction, second-year students complete their major with 1,152 hours of clinical education in a hospital setting.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Sonography programs have earned the maximum accreditation award in 2014 by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as a result of its commitment to excellence, accountability and the highest accreditation standards.

“This accreditation recognizes our commitment to providing excellent academic programs that benefit both our students and the health care community,” said Stacie Gessler, program director, Medical Sonography.

In addition, the General Sonography program offers OB ultrasounds to the community, which allows students to gain hands-on experience. Members of the community who are at least 20 weeks pregnant with a normal fetal ultrasound exam already

completed by their physician are welcome to utilize this free service, by calling (567) 661-2048.

Alumna Michelle Link Hometown: Lima Years attended Owens: 2011-2014 Major at Owens: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Current Job: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Lima Memorial Health System About Owens: Owens became a place of growth for me. I was able to set goals and reach them due to each professor making the decision to invest in me. They were able to unlock my true potential, and a world of opportunities is open to me because of the wonderful staff at Owens Community College.

8/19/15 4:09 PM

n

re vice,

Owens Community College Edition 27

Dental Hygiene Students Learn in Modern Clinic Dental Hygiene was one of the original programs offered in Health Technologies when the College began. The first class started in 1974 and graduated in 1976 and consistently has been one of the most successful programs offered at Owens Community College.

The College’s Dental Hygiene program provides more than 40 students annually with a fully accredited, scientifically current and competency-based curriculum.

Students receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, while preparing to sit for the national, state or regional exam.

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program see excellent pass rates on national and clinical board exams on a yearly basis. In 2015, the national pass rate was 95 percent and the clinical pass rate was 100 percent for Owens graduates.

Owens 50th TAB.indd 27

“Owens dental hygiene students are provided extensive educational opportunities prior to their clinical experience, which prepares them well for the workforce,” said Beth Tronolone, chair of Dental Hygiene.

“Our graduates are highly soughtafter because employers know they have received excellent training and experience.”

The Dental Hygiene Clinic underwent remodeling in order to correctly mirror the technological advancements taking place in the dental field. Hands-free sinks were installed, paperless charting became the norm, PowerPoint presentations are presented and tailored just for the patient and the include videos from different professional websites. X-rays are shown on computer screens and students are taught digital dental radiographic imaging with image integrated into electronic charts.

In the near future, electronic

records will allow students to communicate with other dental offices electronically and more efficiently.

The Dental Hygiene program also makes an annual commitment to the community, partnering with the Toledo Dental Society to participate in “Give Kids A Smile”. This national initiative provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to children from low-income families. Owens has participated in this event for the last 10 years.

clinic is staffed by dental hygiene students and supervised by licensed dental professionals who provide dental services to area residents.

Appointments are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $30 fee.

“This is our opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of preventive dental care and provide that care to those who may not receive it otherwise,” Tronolone said.

Community members can also take advantage of the Owens’ Dental Hygiene Clinic. The 20-chair

8/19/15 4:10 PM

28 Owens Community College Edition

Owens 50th TAB.indd 28 Page 28 Athletics.indd 1

8/19/15 8/19/15 4:10 9:03 PM AM

Page 29 WC

9/15 9:03 AM

Owens Community College Edition 29

Owens Provides Solutions to Training Needs The Owens Community College Workforce and Community Services Office is multifaceted, working with companies and individuals to increase efficiencies across the workforce and offering continuing education classes for all ages.

and industrial maintenance. But Owens customizes training to meet client needs.

For its varied audiences, the Owens office is focused on learning for a better life.

Individual students have hundreds of classes to choose from in the Work and Play brochure, which is printed three times annually and also available online.

“Our mission is to promote lifelong learning through all of our corporate education and training and continuing education programs,” said Brian Paskvan, executive director. “We believe in responsiveness to the consumer and we believe in providing results.”

Members of the office’s sales team meet with businesses and community organizations weekly to discuss training needs and solutions.

“We have nearly 225 instructors. We are match-makers. We will find an expert to provide a solution for your training needs,” said Carl Dettmer, business development director.

Owens currently serves nearly 175 businesses and community organizations totaling approximately 6,000 employees annually. Much of the training needed by businesses and community organizations is focused on supervision, computer skills

Owens TAB.indd Page 2950th WCS.indd 1 29

“My first question is always, ‘What keeps you awake at night?’ ” Dettmer said of his customer meetings.

Classes include short-term certificates for individuals looking for a career change, professional development classes for career advancement and personal enrichment classes for adults and children. In the past year, nearly 2,200 students have enrolled in one of these class types.

The short-term certifications include massage therapy, nurse assistant, veterinary assistant, pharmacy technician, personal trainer, phlebotomy technician and truck driving.

The truck driving program was just revitalized after truck driving companies approached Owens because of the need for CDL operators, Dettmer said. Truck driving is the leading job open occupation in northwest Ohio, according to Wanted Analytics.

“If you’re disappointed in your existing career or if you’ve lost your job, we have quick-change career options for you” Dettmer said.

Another component of the Workforce Office is the Center for Emergency Preparedness (CEP), which trains first responders at the national training facility on Tracy Road.

In working with local fire and police agencies, the CEP developed memberships based on department size to ensure mandated training was affordable and available for northwest Ohio departments. Currently, 19 fire departments and 41 police departments train at the CEP.

Alumnus

Alan Kubia k Residence: Sw an Owens Gradu ton ation Year: 19 82, 2013 Major at Ow ens: Diesel Te chnology, Aut Service Man omotive agement, Aut om Automotive Service Certifi otive Technology, cate Current Job: Forklift driver at Sauder M About Owen anufacturing s: Owens br ings out your and inspires hidden talent you to succee s d.

8/19/1510:31 4:10AM PM 8/14/15

30 Owens Community College Edition

Transfer Students Welcome at Owens Transfer students are welcome at Owens Community College, whether they transfer in from another college or university or start at Owens with plans to eventually transfer to a partner 4-year institution.

Alumna

Ashely DiMasso Residence: Rossford Owens Graduation Year: 2004-2006 as a high school student, finishing in 2007 Major at Owens: Pre-Business Transfer Current Job: Director of Ticket Sales at Bowling Green State University About Owens: Without the help from Owens Community College, I would have never been able to complete my MBA degree from the University of Toledo before age 21.

The post-secondary program that I was enrolled in during high school enabled me to get a jump start on my college coursework. My time at Owens was challenging and exciting and has helped open up many doors for me in my professional career.

Owens 50th TAB.indd 30

In the past five years, data shows about three-fourths of incoming transfer students started at residential 4-year universities before choosing Owens. Students may choose Owens for a variety of reasons, ranging from the smaller class sizes of about 14 students to the academic program choices.

“We want to help students reach their academic goals,” said Kim Lawson-Miesmer, transfer advisor. “We’re here to help students prepare an academic plan so they can realistically reach their goals.”

Students who plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university also should be meeting

with their transfer advisor from the start of their Owens career, she said.

Over the past decade, nearly two-thirds of Owens transfer students transfer to state colleges within a 30-mile radius of Owens campus locations in Perrysburg Township and Findlay. This data does not include private colleges, or the percentage could be higher.

Owens works with local colleges and universities to make the transfer plan seamless. Some 4-year partners are visible on campus regularly, keeping office hours or setting up tables to help transfer students set a pathway to success.

Besides the traditional 2-plus-2 transfer models, new transfer models include 3-plus-1 options where the third year of classes is offered at Owens. Details vary depending on the 4-year institution.

8/19/15 4:10 PM

Te

The on t Exh to v Gal We

Owens Community College Edition 31

s

f

e or set

us-1

Terhune Gallery Exhibits History The Terhune Gallery in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus is showcasing the 50th Anniversary Exhibit through Friday, September 18. The public is welcome to view memorabilia from the first 50 years of the College. The Gallery is open this week Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m.; Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is free.

Owens 50th TAB.indd 31

8/19/15 4:10 PM

Owens 50th TAB.indd 32

8/19/15 4:11 PM