A PUBLICATION OF STARK STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR ALUMNI, FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE AND THE COMMUNITY
Customized Contract Training Sets Stark State Apart See page 6
Rolls-Royce Launches U.S. Fuel Cell Business at Stark State See page 6
SPRING/SUMMER 2007
WHAT’S INSIDE z Contract Training sets
Stark State apart z New biotech lab uses
cutting edge technology z Foundation Campaign:
“Addressing the Need” A PUBLICATION OF STARK STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY z Commencement 2007 FOR ALUMNI, FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE AND THE COMMUNITY z Four inducted into
Alumni Hall of Fame
STARK STATE REVIEW
President’s Message by John O’Donnell, President, Stark State College Stark State College is committed to be a first choice in higher education and a catalyst for economic growth. By designing educational offerings that are valued by the community, the Division of Corporate and Community Services, through its contract training department, is a major contributor to bringing this vision to reality. Contract training professionals assess and tailor cost-effective training in the areas of quality, technical equipment/systems, organization development/effectiveness and interpersonal skills. These programs are designed to build a knowledge-based workforce in the skills necessary to move the business forward, to fuel the company’s growth. Many employers strive to meet ISO standards for quality business systems and turn to Stark State for training. Customized programs are provided on-site or at Stark State College, based upon the employers’ needs. Contract training also provides a wide-range of assessment tests to help companies determine the capabilities and training needs of their employees. During the past decade, companies from a 10-county area have turned to Stark State for their training needs, making the Division of Corporate and Community Services a leader among technical colleges in the state. I invite you to read more about the Division of Corporate and Community Services, featured on pages 6 and 7. If your company is in need of customized training, I invite you to call the Division of Corporate and Community Services. Their skilled professionals can lead your company in the right direction for growth.
The Stark State Review is published for alumni, friends of the College and the community. Story ideas and articles are welcome from alumni, staff, faculty, administrators and friends of the College. Please send your correspondence to Stark State Review, 6200 Frank Ave. N.W., North Canton, OH 44720. Administration John O’Donnell, Ph.D., President Thomas A. Chiappini Vice President for Business and Finance Lawrence M. Cox, Ph.D., Provost Para M. Jones, Vice President for Advancement, Planning, and College/Community Relations John J. Kurtz, Vice President for Information Technology Timothy Quinnan, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management
Board of Trustees Christopher Maurer, Chairman Michael Thomas, D.D.S., Vice Chairman Jeffrey Halm Michael Hill Penny Sherrod-Campanizzi William Strohmenger Fonda Williams II
Foundation Board of Directors Paul Feaser, President Larry Smerglia, Vice President Nancy McPeek, Secretary Jeffery Walters, Treasurer Hortense Bobbitt Donald Colaner Gene DeChellis Sally Efremoff Irving Gordon, D.O. Monica Gwin Lynn Hamilton Alex Hays Christine Kruman George Lemon William Luntz, Emeritus Roger Mann John J. McGrath, Ed.D. John O’Donnell, Ph.D. James Powell, Emeritus Timothy Putman Ahmed Sabe, M.D. Terrence Seeberger Mary Jo Shannon Slick Shari Shiepis William Strohmenger Thomas Strouble Grace Wakulchik Frank Weinstock, M.D., Emeritus Charles West Ron Wilkof Frank Wittman Steve Yoder Editor Irene Lewis Motts Director of Marketing/Communications Graphic Design/Photography Beth Klein, Graphic Designer Editorial Assistant/Photography Sean Rutherford, Web/Communications Specialist
ON THE COVER Stark State’s customized contract training and assessment services are valued resources. See pages 6 and 7 for details. Stark State College is committed to equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran’s status.
A R O U N D
C A M P U S
2007-2010 Strategic Plan reflects stakeholder input More than 350 internal and external stakeholders, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, foundation board members and business and community leaders provided input into Stark State’s 2007-2010 Strategic Plan, which can be viewed at www.starkstate.edu/advancement/strat_plan.htm. The groundwork for the 2007-2010 Strategic Plan began with an environmental scan to assess the College’s external environment. The scan was conducted by a core team of faculty and staff using data from the Compass Community Indicators Report (United Way of Stark County, 2006) and other resources. Using the external scan for context, stakeholders reviewed, revised, confirmed and clarified the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of the College. They also reviewed and verified the key performance indicators (KPIs) the College will use to measure its performance and the 10 operational projects the College has committed to accomplishing in keeping with its strategic goals. The 2007-2010 Strategic Plan also reflects the College’s commitment to the AQIP (Academic Quality Improvement Program) for regional accreditation and intention to integrate strategic planning and continuous improvement into a synergistic, college-wide process for institutional effectiveness. For more information or to request a copy of Stark State’s 2007-2010 Strategic Plan, contact Para Jones at 330-494-6170, Ext. 4258, pjones@starkstate.edu.
Changing lives…
Building futures
STRATEGIC PLAN 2007-2010
•
A R O U N D
C A M P U S
Breakthrough technology showcases collaborations to benefit students, business and the economy
Caption
Thanks to breakthrough technology, Stark State College is the direct link between The Timken Company and their use of state-of-the-art electron microscopes located at The Ohio State University’s Center for Accelerated Maturation of Materials (CAMM) in Columbus. Using the Ohio Supercomputer Center network (OSCnet) on Stark State’s campus, researchers may link to electron microscopes, including the newest Titan electron microscope that allows them to image atoms and view materials across a range of magnifications. OSCnet (formerly the Third Frontier Network) is the first in the nation to successfully develop a program that students and researchers can use to access – in real-time — these powerful and expensive pieces of stationary scientific equipment. Ohio Congressman Ralph Regula and Stark State College President John O’Donnell were joined by community leaders and representatives of OSC, The Timken Company and OSC CAMM, at an April demonstration of the network’s capabilities. “By using OSCnet, higher education has a new avenue by which to accelerate collaborations with industry. This ultimately will increase the competitiveness and innovation of Ohio companies, as well as prepare a knowledgeable workforce in the state,” said O’Donnell. Stark State students studying materials sciences, chemistry and engineering benefit from access to these learning opportunities, and The Timken Company’s collaborations on campus will lead to internships and workforce training, increasing the pipeline of trained workers for industry. 3
A R O U N D
C A M P U S
•
A R O U N
J
Stark State College recently inducted 141 students into the Beta Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. To qualify, a student must have a cumulative 3.75 grade point average (GPA) in at least 16 semester hours of degree-related courses; to maintain membership, a student must sustain a cumulative 3.4 GPA. J The PTK chapter also received eight awards at the Ohio Region Awards Convention held recently and was named host chapter for the 2008 Ohio Region Awards Convention. J PTK students recognized for their chapter work include: Terri Williamson, an administrative information technology student, awarded the Order of the Torch as distinguished chapter president; Richard Binkley, an automotive technology student, named distinguished chapter member and awarded the Order of the Golden Key and Dave Sigmund, an applied industrial technology student, received the Order of Athena as distinguished chapter officer. Sigmund also was named the most distinguished district representative and elected as the 2007-2008 President of the Ohio Region. J The PTK chapter received a certificate for maintaining Five Star status, the 2006 Pinnacle Silver and Pinnacle Platinum Awards for membership milestones. They also were awarded the Catch a Shining Star Award for their work with the United Way and Market Place Entrepreneurs. J Eight Stark State civil engineering students took part in three events at the recent Ohio Valley Regional Competition, sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Students received awards in two events and placed near the top in the third. Civil engineering students Tim Beckley and Joe Scheibe were awarded first place in aesthetics for their entry in the concrete Frisbee competition; Adam Kral placed third overall in the AutoCAD event. Fourteen two- and four-year colleges and universities competed in this year’s regional competition. J Christopher Monroe, an environmental, health and safety technology student represented Stark State on the All-Ohio Academic Team, receiving second-team honors. Monroe was joined by 51 of the state’s best two-year community and technical college students who received All-Ohio Academic Team honors. In recognition of being named to the second-team, Monroe received a certificate, medallion, and a $500 scholarship from Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and the KnowledgeWorks Foundation. J Kudos to all these students, their faculty and advisors. 4
J
Dr. Linda Spurlock honored with Distinguished Teacher Award Dr. Linda Spurlock, assistant science professor, has been named the Stark State College 2006-2007 Distinguished Teacher Award winner. “It is wonderful to feel so appreciated,” Spurlock said. “I truly love working here and my life is very much enriched by my interactions with our students and with my colleagues.” Spurlock received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology from Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY; a master’s degree in teaching, and a doctorate in biological anthropology from Kent State University. A resident of Tallmadge, Spurlock has taught at Stark State since 2003. Prior to coming to Stark State she held parttime positions at Kent State University, the University of Akron and the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM). Spurlock is a member of the College’s curriculum and aesthetics committees and serves as chairperson for the Institutional Review Board for grant-related research.
Lilly recognized with Staff Excellence Award Renee’ Lilly, counselor and admissions representative, has been honored as the Stark State College 2006-2007 Staff Excellence Award recipient. Lilly has a bachelor’s in education from Marshall University and a master’s in technical education from the University of Akron. The Canton resident has been at Stark State since 1998. She spent the 18 years prior as a vocational trainer for the Stark County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. “I feel blessed to work for an organization that is dedicated to helping individuals learn, grow and achieve their goals,” Lilly said. “I am humbled by this award but even more honored to be part of this College community.” Lilly is involved with numerous College committees and organizations. She has served on the Strategic Planning Team and Enrollment Management Plan Committee and is currently a member of the Standards of Academic Progress Appeal Committee, Retention Success Team and the College’s Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). She has also been an Interfaith Campus Ministry board member since 2004.
Eight faculty advance in rank Stark State College has announced the advancement in rank of eight members of the faculty, based upon their professional achievements.
Advancing from the rank of assistant professor to associate professor: Marie Cox, English; Mary Dalpiaz, nursing; Greg Harstine, electrical/electronic engineering technology, and Dr. Marc Hostetler, social sciences. Advancing from the rank of instructor to assistant professor: Wally Linville, physical therapist assistant technology; Eric Loew, engineering technology; Catherine Rock, English, and Dr. Linda Spurlock, science.
D
C A M P U S
•
A R O U N D
C A M P U S
•
A R O U N D
WORTH NOTING Dr. John O’Donnell, president of Stark State College, received the prestigious Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction at the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Convention held recently in Nashville, TN. The award recognizes outstanding college executive officers who provide extensive support and resources to their PTK chapter. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Barbara E. Milliken, associate professor
of occupational therapy, has published in Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, a quarterly journal for occupational therapists. Her article is entitled “Establishing a Case for Occupational Therapy in Meeting the Needs of Children with Grief Issues in School-Based Settings.” Jim Linkie, account executive for corporate
services, was recently recertified as a RABQSA auditor, the pinnacle of quality and ISO9000 individual certification. His certification allows Stark State to offer auditing and certification classes for business and industry clients. Debra Westerfelt, assistant professor of administrative information technology, has published in the January 2007 issue of E-Learn@NALS, a newsletter for the National Association of Legal Secretaries. Her article entitled “Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace” may be read online under www.nals.org. Robin Tyler, an admissions/recruiting specialist
at Stark State for 10 years, is the new multicultural affairs officer for the College. The new Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is designed to provide services to students of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to enhance each student’s campus experience.
New biotechnology lab uses
cutting edge technology Stark State’s new biotechnology lab is pushing students toward the future. The lab, housed in the Advanced Technology Center, is a 1,700 square-foot facility. The space features a teaching laboratory, an annex for reagent preparation, and a tissue culture lab where tissues and cells can be handled and grown under sterile conditions. Funds for the tissue culture lab were provided by the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation. Graduates of the two-year program will be prepared to work in laboratories in such positions as research and development and quality control. According to Thomas Campbell, coordinator of the biotechnology program, the field “is really taking hold in the northeast Ohio area … what we’re doing is training people to walk into a lab and hit the ground running.” The College’s new degree, an associate of applied science degree in biotechnology, will provide students with the education and training to work and thrive in biotechnology or other technology-rich industrial or academic-based research laboratories. “All of our courses and labs are designed for hands-on experience,” said Campbell of the space that houses the most up-to-date techniques and instrumentation used in such laboratories today. James Treacle, a professor of general biology and molecular biology, said the new space and new major will “get us prepared for moving into the future ... biotechnology is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States ... and we hope to make this part of Ohio a part of that.” The program is for individuals thinking of articulating into a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biology or chemistry at a four-year college or university. There are 12 biotechnology courses at Stark State College, ranging from an introduction of biotechnology course to a course on biotechnology instrumentation. For more information on the program, contact Campbell at 330-494-6170, Ext. 4035 or visit www.starkstate.edu. 5
M A I N
F E A T U R E
•
Customized Contract Training sets Stark State apart
M A I N
F E A T U R E
•
M A I N
F E A T U R E
Stark State College’s contract training and assessment opportunities through the Division of Corporate and Community Services are setting the standard across the state. The College has been recognized as the area’s leading resource for customized, convenient and affordable contract training. For more than a decade, 300 small and large corporations from a 10-county region have traveled to Stark State and enlisted the department’s resources for on-site help in creating successful contract training programs that deal with workforce development, business solutions and technical training. All programs are taught by experienced instructors selected for their professional expertise as well as their ability to effectively teach and motivate adult students. Based on a comprehensive needs-analysis with each corporation’s input, individuals from the corporate services department tailor a cost-effective training program on an individual basis for the company’s specific organizational or departmental needs, ranging from management development to technical instruction to industrial training. “We deliver corporate training, from basic needs and ‘soft skills’ to time management and even personality profiles,” explained Dan Maple, director of corporate services at the Advanced Technology Center. Approximately 50 percent of their business, he added, “is industrial maintenance training. That’s primarily what we do.” Another service provided by the department is ISO 9001:2000 training to help businesses understand this business standard that is recognized and respected worldwide. The ISO standard provides a foundation for companies to build their quality business system. ISO applies to all types and sizes of organizations to help ensure that quality is managed effectively. “A key component of economic development and prosperity in our region is a capable and flexible workforce,” said Frank Tinus, dean of corporate and community services. “We partner with businesses to help identify employee skills that need improvement and we provide efficient and effective training that enables workers to keep pace with increasing challenges in our global economy.” What makes Stark State’s contract training program unique is the fact that all training can be done off-site. “We completely customize each class for each customer – nothing off the shelf,” explained Maple. “We do just about all contract training off-site. We’re unique in that we offer custom training at the customer ’s site, on their time and just for them. We strive to serve the business community’s needs.” Because Stark State has portable equipment, they partner with many other colleges and universities in the area. As part of the EnterpriseOhio Network, Stark State is one of 53 campuses across Ohio to offer such services to the community. “Last year, Stark State was 11th in the state in the amount of services delivered,” said Maple. “We are the largest among technical colleges in Ohio to provide this service.” Approximately 60 clients per year are served through Stark State’s training programs.
Stark State Corporate Services Clients* 6
Accuride Corporation Air Enterprises Aircraft Braking Systems AkroChem AlterCare Americas International, Inc. Americhem Inc ASC Industries, Inc. Atmosphere Annealing B & H Cylinders
Babcock and Wilcox Bocko Inc. Bonnot Co. BWX Technologies, Inc. Canton Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Caraustar Mill Group, Inc. City of Akron Public Utilities Bureau CNC Consortium (Conrail Corp.)
Coastal Pet Products, Inc. Colfor Manufacturing, Minerva Office Collins and Aikman Connection Team Copeco Daimler-Chrysler Corp. Detroit Diesel Corporation Diamond Polymers Diebold, Inc
Duracote Ecodyne MRM, Inc. Ekco Housewares, Inc. EL Stone Employment Source Excelsior Marking F M Machine Flohr Machine Fresh Mark, Inc. GenCorp Specialty Polymers
General Plastex GNW Aluminum, Inc. Goodwill Industries The Gradall Company Haiss Fabripart Heinz Frozen Foods Company Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems High Tech Mold and Machine H-P Products, Inc.
•
M A I N
F E A T U R E
•
M A I N
F E A T U R E
•
M A I N
F E A T U R E
“On average we do 180 classes per year… we had 21 percent growth last year,” said Maple. Classes usually take a total of 24 hours to complete, divided over several weeks so clients have the opportunity to implement techniques learned through the training process. “Stark State College led us in the right direction, while making our journey much easier than we thought possible,” said Dennis Pfabe, vice president of United Grinding Corporation. “Our needs were answered professionally and in a timely manner. Their training is their biggest attribute; they helped make our company run more efficiently.” The department also provides 6,000 different assessment tests to help companies understand employee capabilities and to hire the right employee for the job. For more information, call 330-966-5465 or email dmaple@starkstate.edu.
The Hoover Company Jet Rubber Kaiser Aluminum Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation Landmark Plastic Corporation Lauren International, Inc. Legend Micro, Inc. LuK, Inc. M. Conley Company
Manchester Tool Co. Martin Rubber Company Metaldyne Mitchell Resources, LLC MK Morse Northeastern Illinois Univ./Cable Mfg. Ohio Cast Products Ohio Gratings, Inc. Ohio Packaging
Haiss Fabripart in Alliance recently received ISO9001 certification, a business standard recognized worldwide. Moritz Haiss, second from right, displays his certification to (left to right) Frank Tinus, dean of corporate and community services; John O'Donnell, president of Stark State College and Jim Linkie, account executive for corporate services.
Paarlo Plastics PCC Airfoils, Inc. Powell Industries, Inc. Precision Foam Fabrication PTC Alliance REFCOTEC, Inc. Republic Engineered Products Inc. Republic Storage Systems
Republic Technologies International Rubbermaid Food Service Rubbermaid Home Products S. D. Myers Saint Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation Semtorq Specialty Hose Corporation
Spiral Brush Company Stark Industrial, Inc. Stark Metal Sales, inc. Superior Machine Thirty One Incorporated The Timken Co. Trelleborg Monarch, Inc. Tri-Cast Ltd. U.S. Ceramic Tile
U.S. Chemical Union Metal Corporation United Grinding & Machine Company United States Can Company Universal Tire Mold Wayne Dalton Westfield Insurance Winkle Industries Zane State College
7 *This list is a representative sample of more than 300 companies who have engaged Stark State’s Division of Corporate Services and Community Services.
A D V A N C E M E N T
N E W S
•
A D V A N C E M E N T
N E W S
•
A D V A N
Foundation board appoints new members The Stark State College Foundation welcomes three more community leaders to its Board of Directors. Alexander Hays IV retired from his position
as senior vice president, Sky Trust, N.A. after 40 years in the financial services industry. A Pittsburgh native and a long-time resident of Canton, Hays has received awards for public and community leadership from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Sky Financial Group. He serves as treasurer for the Canton Symphony, is on the board of the Wagner Society of Ohio and serves on the Stark Community Foundation Board of Advisors. A charter member of Leadership Stark County, Hays has served as past president/chair of the Ohio Humanities Council, Walsh University Advisory Board, Canton-area YMCA and Malone College Alumni Association. He is also a board member/corporator of the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh and was featured in Ohio Live magazine for his outstanding work in the humanities.
Stark State Foundation is
“Addressing the Need …”
Christine Kruman serves as vice president
and national sales manager of charitable management services and manager of planned giving services for Fifth Third Bancorp. She is responsible for new business development of the charitable line of business for Fifth Third and oversees all planned giving within the Bancorp. Her career spans 35 years of experience in the areas of personal and charitable trust administration, as well as planned giving and endowment management. Her vast range of experience includes over 30 years of active leadership on the boards of many Ohio and Florida non-profit organizations. Roger L. Mann is chairman of Huntington
Bank’s eastern Ohio region and is responsible for overseeing community affairs and guiding market share growth. With over 35 years in the banking industry, Mann previously served as president/CEO of Unizan Financial Corp. and chairman of the board of Unizan Bank, National Association, headquartered in Canton, before Huntington acquired Unizan. An active community volunteer, he serves on the boards of Malone College, Canton Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Stark County. Mann was a Navy Lieutenant J.G. and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, for which he received five commendations. 8
The Stark State College Foundation is asking health-related companies and organizations in the region to support the Health Sciences Project, which addresses three needs: > New Health Sciences Building. There is growing demand for health care workers in the nation, state and region. Record numbers of students are enrolling in health programs; nearly 40% of Stark State’s 7,800 students are in health and pre-health programs. As a result, health programs have outgrown their current classrooms and laboratories. The College has nearly $6 million in state, federal and other funds and is seeking $1.6 million in private support to build a new Health Sciences Building. This public/private partnership will enable Stark State to expand health programs and provide the educated employees that health-related businesses need. > Laboratory and instructional equipment. Providing state-of-the-art education in high-growth, high-demand health sciences fields requires the latest in laboratory and instructional equipment. Students benefit from working with equipment that is being used in hospitals and other clinical settings, and employers benefit from graduates who are well-prepared for the workplace. > Endowed Scholarships. Stark State’s tuition is the lowest in the region, yet many students still cannot afford to attend. The costs of books and other needs can present serious financial challenges. Endowed scholarships provide a stable, permanent source of funds to help deserving students achieve their academic goals and become productive citizens.
About the Stark State College Foundation - The Stark State College Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed in 1986 to seek, receive, manage and distribute funds, equipment, property and other contributions for the benefit of the students and programs of Stark State College. The Foundation plays a crucial role in helping the College provide excellent educational services to the Greater Stark County community.
C E M E N T
N E W S
•
A D V A N C E M E N T
N E W S
Although the Foundation has not yet launched the public campaign for Health Sciences, the following lead gifts have been received: > $500,000 from a major health-related business located in Cleveland; > $50,000 from Aultman Hospital for the learning laboratory that supports the College’s registered nursing program. > $40,000 from the H.W. Hoover Foundation for a tissue culture lab to support the College’s new biotechnology program; > $34,000 from the Greater Alliance Foundation to offer a registered nursing completion program for licensed practical nurses in Alliance, in collaboration with The Robert T. White School of Licensed Practical Nursing. > $15,000 from the Ervin and Marie Wilkof Foundation to complement the Stark State Foundation’s existing Wilkof Scholarship Endowment.
Leaders of the Foundation’s “Addressing the Need” Campaign are: > Health Sciences Project: Co-Chairs Bill Strohmenger, vice president, Aultman Health Foundation, and Grace Wakulchik, vice president for patient services, Akron Children’s Hospital; Holli Cholley, chief nursing officer, Affinity Medical Center; Ahmed Sabe, M.D., director of cardiovascular medicine, Mercy Medical Center; and Kerry Swanson, chief operating officer, Alliance Community Hospital. > Scholarship Endowment: Co-Chairs Nancy McPeek, community volunteer, and Ron Wilkof, president, Ron’s Workingman’s Store; Gene DeChellis, community volunteer; and Mary Jo Shannon Slick, general counsel, Stark Educational Service Center.
State College offers a great environment where instructors “ Stark have one-on-one time with students, which makes learning easier. Upon graduation, I felt confident entering the job market.
”
Jed Weekly Health Technologies, May ’05
•
A D V A N C E M E N T
Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign exceeds goal Led by Associate Professor of Social Sciences Shari Shiepis, the Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign raised over $98,000 for student scholarships, instructional equipment and other needs identified in the Addressing the Need campaign. Shiepis and her team of faculty and staff set a goal of raising $90,000 and planned and implemented the campaign. Faculty and staff team members include: Cheryl Boney, Sarah Fiddler, Dr. Frank Fuller, Robin Garver-Geller, Jonathan Mitchell, Brian Moore, Larry Ray, Nancy Stanwick, Carol Stropoli, Diana Tsenekos, Mellanie Vance and Diane Wellman. “The faculty and staff have set the pace for corporate and community giving to the Addressing the Need campaign through their generous support of students and programs,” said Bill Strohmenger, Stark State trustee and co-chair of the Health Sciences Project. He also serves as the trustee liaison to the Stark State Foundation Board.
9
A L U M N I
U P D A T E
•
A L U M N I
U P D A T E
•
A L U M N I
U P D A T E
May 2007 Commencement: “Challenges and Opportunities of the Global Economy” State Senator J. Kirk Schuring addressed a full house at the Stark State College Commencement held May 20 at the Canton Civic Memorial Civic Center. Nearly 3500 guests watched and applauded as over 500 graduates walked across the stage to receive their associate degrees. In his remarks entitled “Challenges and Opportunities of the Global Economy,” Schuring addressed the challenges of a global economy and spoke about the opportunities made available by those challenges; opportunities available to Stark State grads. He spoke of business partnerships, such as Stark State’s partnership with Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell System (US) Inc. and noted the importance of these types of partnerships, which move research out of the laboratory to the production phase. In the case of Rolls-Royce, the partnership will lead to the commercialization of fuel cells and an economic development boost for Ohio. Schuring represents the 29th Senate District in Ohio and is a strong advocate of changing the way Ohio funds education and of economic development. Stark State President John O’Donnell honored Michael J. Hill, retiring from the Stark State College Board of Trustees after 12 years of dedicated service to the College. He is senior vice president – supply chain management for the Timken Company. Also honored were Stark State’s distinguished alumni inducted into the Stark State College Alumni Hall of Fame for 2007. This year’s honorees are featured on page 11 of this issue of the Stark State Review.
10
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S STA R K STAT E C L AS S O F 2 0 0 7
•
A L U M N I
U P D A T E
•
A L U M N I
U P D A T E
A L U M N I
U P D A T E
Annual alumni campaign focuses on scholarships
Four inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame Alumni Hall of Fame inductees (left to right); Dorothea Armstead, Lori Stokes and Richard Mitchell accepting posthumously for Marianna Mitchell. Missing from photo is Cheryl Hamilton
The Stark State College Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni who have demonstrated professional and personal achievements that have made our community a better place in which to live. The 2007 honorees were celebrated at May Commencement and presented with an engraved commemorative plaque by Stark State College President John O’Donnell. Their names will also be added to the Alumni Hall of Fame display at the College. Congratulations to these distinguished alumni: Dorothea Armstead, a 1996 graduate in human and social services technology, is the human services program manager at Stark County Department of Job and Family Services. She has since earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron. Dr. Lada Gibson-Shreve, Associate Professor of Social Sciences, frequently invites her to share professional experiences with Stark State’s gerontology classes. Dorothea has been married 43 years and is the mother of four children and six grandchildren. “ It is never to late to fulfill one’s pursuit of education. School was easier the second time around, when I was older and wiser.” — Dorothea Armstead Cheryl Hamilton is one of Stark State’s “Women in Engineering.” She is a 1974 graduate in design engineering technology and president of the RJS Corporation, advancing from vice president and director of engineering. Cheryl earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron and holds two U.S. Patents. She is a member of the Wilderness Center and the League of Women Voters. Cheryl resides in North Canton with her husband Lynn and their son. “ A Stark State College education opens doors and provides opportunities for success.” — Cheryl Hamilton Lori Stokes, a 1995 graduate with an associate degree in office administration, is the assistant to the medical director at the Correctional Health Care Group, Inc. Lori earned a B.A. in management from Malone College and her M.B.A. in human resource management from Ashland University. Serving her community through volunteerism is an important part of Lori’s life, and she describes it as her way of giving back to the community and setting an example for her children that they can make a difference in others’ lives. Lori and her husband Ron have five children and reside in the Canton area. “ You must take every opportunity to learn day by day, moment by moment, to shape and mold your future; because ideally during your lifetime, one has no failures, just experiences and how we react to them!” — Lori Stokes
In Memoriam
•
———————————————————————————————————
Marianna Mitchell, a 1980 business management graduate of Stark State College, is inducted into the Stark State Alumni Hall of Fame posthumously; her award was accepted by her husband Richard. She was the president and owner of the Letter Shop, Inc. for 14 years and served on numerous professionally aligned committees and boards. Marianna was an active member of the Alumni Advisory Council and a great advocate of Stark State developing an entrepreneurial studies program. She is survived by her husband Richard and three sons. “ Marianna spoke highly of her education from Stark State. She felt that the knowledge she gained enabled her to become the successful business owner that she was.” — Richard Mitchell
The Stark State Alumni Advisory Council has announced its first annual Alumni in Action Campaign, which will begin this fall. “The Alumni in Action Campaign is focused on moving Stark State College forward by supporting students through tuition assistance, scholarships and other areas of need,” said Nancy Michel, CPA and owner of her own accounting firm. As chair of the Alumni Advisory Council, Michel is a strong advocate of alumni support. “After graduating from Stark State, many alumni continue on for bachelor’s, master’s, law degrees and other advanced degrees, and we are always being asked to support those colleges and universities. Our Alumni Advisory Council believes it is time to ask our alumni to support Stark State on an annual basis.” The Alumni Advisory Council is particularly interested in raising funds for student scholarships. Because many alumni relied on scholarships to help fund their own education at Stark State, they understand firsthand that scholarships are critical to students’ ability to begin and complete their college education. Alumni Advisory Council members believe that alumni giving will stimulate giving from corporations, organizations and individuals in the community because it demonstrates that our graduates believe in Stark State College enough to invest their hard-earned dollars here. To learn more and/or contribute to the Alumni in Action Campaign, go to www.starkstate.edu or call Jayne Sterner at 330-494-6170, Ext. 4416, or Para Jones at Ext. 4258.
11
O
F
T
E
C
H
N
O
L
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CANTON, OHIO PERMIT NO. 392
O G Y
6200 Frank Ave. N.W. • North Canton, OH 44720-7299 330-494-6170 • 1-800-79-STARK www.starkstate.edu Address service requested If you receive multiple copies of Stark State Review, please send us all duplicate address labels, indicate which label is correct, and we’ll update our mailing list. If you know of someone who would like to receive a copy of the Review, let us know. Thank you!
’02
’84
Denise (Yohe) Evans, ’84, business management, is a
realtor with Cutler Real Estate (www.HomesByDeniseEvans.com) and received the Ohio Association of Realtors President’s Sales Club Award for 2006. She resides in Canton with her husband Dan (’81, design engineering) and their two sons. ’96
Stephen Filigno, ’96, civil engineering technology, earned a bachelor’s of
architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati. He lives in Cincinnati where he works as an intern with International Design and Construction Services while preparing for his architectural registration exam.
’03
’01
Victoria Parker, ’01, administrative information technology, works at
Time Warner Cable in Green, OH as a dispatch lead and is engaged to be married to Ian Chaney this summer. The couple plan to reside in Canton.
What’s new with you?
Roger Werstler, ’04, massage therapy,
was sworn in as fire chief in Louisville, OH in May of this year. After receiving his associate degree from Stark State, he earned a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Franklin University, graduating summa cum laude. He is also a member of the Stark State Alumni Advisory Council. He lives in Alliance with his wife Debra and their two children.
received his national certification in maternity massage from the Ohio College of Massage Therapy in Akron. He is co-owner of Tables For Two, Inc. (www.tablesfortwo.net), a couples massage and catering service in Middlebranch, OH. Roger lives in Canton with his wife Karen.
Vicki (Darnell) Gartin, ’02, nursing,
Jessica (Braucher) Aubley, ’06, interactive media and information technology, was recently hired as
a registered nurse consultant in the neonatal intensive care unit at Aultman Hospital in Canton, gave birth to a daughter in December of last year. She lives in Doylestown, OH with her daughter and husband Jay.
marketing coordinator for Dutch Heritage Homes in Uniontown. She resides in Canton with her husband Andrew, an occupational therapy assistant student who will graduate in 2010.
Pamela Sue Rogers, ’03, health information technology, handles
Joan Iarussi, ’06, computer technology,
medical records for four doctors at Primary Care Physicians in Canton. She recently authored a book entitled God’s Creatures: Freddie the Firefly, Unexpected Voyage. It is available at www.preciouscreatures.com .
Sandra (Burgess) Stotler, ’96, human and social service, resigned from the
Summit County Department of Job and Family Services to be a full-time mom following the birth of her second child last year. She resides with her husband Jason and their children in Norton, OH.
John Fetty, ’02, fire science technology,
’04
Tonya Strahler, ’04, accounting technology, has been named staff
accountant for Wayne Homes in Uniontown. A resident of North Canton, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management in the School for Professional Studies program at Walsh University and plans to graduate in 2008. She is also the membership secretary for the Ohio Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association.
’06
recently accepted a position as a software engineer in the North Canton office of Maximus, a national software development company. She is with the company’s Justice Solutions Division and is creating software applications for state, county and local courts. Previously, she worked as a senior application analyst with YRCW Technologies in Akron. She and her husband Ray, an adjunct welding instructor at Stark State, live in Greentown, OH.
If you’ve had a special event in your life recently, perhaps a new job, promotion or a special honor, please let your Stark State College of Technology friends know about it! Complete the form on the Web at www.starkstate.edu/whatsnew If you have a high resolution photograph send it to: Stark State College of Technology, Alumni Office - S200, 6200 Frank Ave. N.W., North Canton, OH 44720 or electronically to webmaster@starkstate.edu.