Strong Roots, Bright Future

Stories that make up the heart of the University of Findlay – funny, touching, life-changing, inspiring –were captured this fall in a project by the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE).

“As an English professor, I’m aware of the power of stories—and who better to tell the story of UF than the people who have contributed to it?” said Christine Denecker, Ph.D., associate vice president for learning and innovation, and director of CTE.

“We chose the ‘Strong Roots. Bright Future’ theme as a way to remind all of us at UF that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves–something that was here before us and something that will endure after us,” she explained. “We are part of UF’s story, and that’s a unique privilege in that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we have an obligation to continue the University’s mission for the next generations of Oilers.”

Faculty and staff members – both longtime and new – participated in the video story series sharing their favorite memories. They were asked about beloved UF traditions, special places on campus, and what lies ahead for Oiler Nation. On the following pages are some excerpts. Watch the videos recorded for the series by scanning the QR code below!

Jim Givens ‘99, director of athletics, started in 1998. "I will never forget my very first Arch ceremony. You see the students walk down the walk, and I remember the chills that I had. Because it’s like, holy cow! This is the gateway to setting them up for the rest of their lives. The impact that has on people is amazing. Because kids who come back, five or 10 years later, one of the first things they say is ‘after I walked out of that Arch, I did this.’”

Jeff Lewis ‘85, events coordinator, started in 1985. His favorite UF traditions are Commencement and the Arch ceremony in August. “Those are the two days for me – seeing the students when they come in and seeing them when they leave. It’s kind of funny because some of them are like, ‘Do I really have to do this?’ And then four years later, it’s like ‘I haven’t walked through the Arch since I’ve been here. And I’ve really changed.’” immediate connections with students as the new year begins.“When the students come, they’re moving all their stuff into the farm. They’re a little bit nervous, and you try to be friendly and get to know them. I always put myself in their shoes, because I was a nervous freshman, and I was homesick when I first came here. I can relate to that.” in the football program. The team came back at 2 a.m., and we, the community, all met out in the front drive. I brought my three-year-old along. There were tons of people out there to greet them. When you talk to other Oilers, they’re just proud to be a part of a great place that has spirit, that has pride.”

Meri Marsh ’03, ‘16, instructor of teaching in riding and director of the equestrian studies and equine management program, started in 2007. She believes in making immediate connections with students as the new year begins.“When the students come, they’re moving all their stuff into the farm. They’re a little bit nervous, and you try to be friendly and get to know them. I always put myself in their shoes, because I was a nervous freshman, and I was homesick when I first came here. I can relate to that.”

Kirby Overton, Ed.D., ’06, ’08, ‘18, dean of the College of Business, started in 2015. As a former Oiler student-athlete on the women’s track and field team, she appreciated gestures of hospitality and friendship from UF leaders. “I remember when DeBow Freed was president, and we were boarding the bus to go to the national championship, he greeted us with bananas and fruit, and bagels and juice.”

Dee Dee Spraw ’93, ’00, ‘07, director of admissions events, started in 1983. She fondly recalls the night in 1992 when the Oiler football team won the national championship.“My youngest was three years old, and we had a foster son in the football program. The team came back at 2 a.m., and we, the community, all met out in the front drive. I brought my three-year-old along. There were tons of people out there to greet them. When you talk to other Oilers, they’re just proud to be a part of a great place that has spirit, that has pride.”

Alex Davis, instructor of teaching in communication and WLFC 88.3 FM advisor, started in 2021. He also appreciates the sense of family at UF. “I took my son, Miles, who was 2 at the time, to a soccer game at DeHaven. He didn’t want to be there, but I wanted to support [the team], and also get him around sports. Jim Givens walked by to go to the concession stand and then came up to us. He knelt down and gave my son a pack of Skittles. Miles’ face just lit up – and then he wanted to be at the soccer game.”

Hiro Kawamura, Ph.D., associate professor of Japanese, director of modern language, started in 1998. UF’s welcoming environment made an impact during his earliest years at UF. His oldest child and his wife were ill, but he had to attend a meeting on campus. “I called the vice president, Dr. May, and simply said, ‘I’m not coming if you don’t allow me to bring my baby.’ He said, Sure, bring her in!’ That was a very warm statement for employees, in my mind. At that time, I was under a lot of stress, and that meant a lot to me.”

Kerry Teeple, Ed.D., ’14, ’19, assistant professor of teaching in education, started in 2010. She enjoys sharing one of her favorite campus spots with students.“I love the Sensory Garden [behind the Davis Street building], and the area behind that they have let grow naturally rather than mowing. It is beautiful and relaxing to go out there. I take my students and have them pretend they are preschoolers doing a nature hike. In the fall and spring, we go out and collect seeds and look for birds and bugs. I’m glad it’s kind of a secret – it keeps it quiet.

Sharon Klausing ’20, assistant controller, started in 2007. “Why I love Findlay for the most part is the people – the employees, the faculty, staff, and students. Everybody has a story. Just take time to learn stories. That’s how you grow and learn.”

Ben Sapp, ’93, ’95, director of the Mazza Museum, started in 1995. “This place is family. I love getting up every day and coming to work. There’s no two days that are alike. It’s just a special place that, if you’re here long enough, you get. It’s a place where students come and embrace what Findlay is and what Findlay has to offer. I think the faculty and staff and administration here really strive each day to make that come to life.”

What’s your favorite place on campus?

Alex Davis, instructor of teaching in communication and advisor for WLFC 88.3 FM, started in 2021. “I love the radio station. I love to create and work with students, and see them working and having fun.”

Meri Marsh ’03, ’16, instructor of teaching in riding and director of the equestrian studies and equine management program, started in 2007. “The outdoor riding track. How on a nice day, the ground has been drug, I’m on a good horse, and how good it feels to be out there.”

Seth Ebersviller, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental, safety and occupational health management, started in 2016. “The basketball arena in Croy. We came from North Carolina at UNC, so we’re basketball people. I was really happy UF is known for being a basketball school.”

Diana Montague, Ph.D., professor of communication, started in 1986. “Mazza – it’s just magical every time I’m in there. I bring all my classes there.”

Chris Moser, Ed.D., director, human resource development program, started in 1998. “I remember for the Day of Prayer, going to the flag in front of Old Main. And still, every time I walk by, I stop and look at the flag and the Arch – it’s a peaceful spot. The University has been a big part of my faith walk, my walk with the Lord.”

Nicole Schneider, director of accommodation and academic support, started in 2020. “I love the Oiler Success Center, right out front where all those comfy chairs are. We get a lot of really good conversations off the books there.”