Mazza Museum Addition to Support Interdisciplinary Learning
From the President
Exciting campus news was shared this spring semester about plans for an innovative addition to University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum that will pair art with STEM learning for grades K-12. The announcement coincides with this year’s 50th anniversary recognition of Apollo 11’s lunar landing. Therefore, this issue of FindlayMag appropriately focuses on science and technology in higher education.
Our cover story features donors Joseph and Judith Conda, whose generous Mazza Museum gift is helping to build the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center. A story about UF alumna Kristen Hauser ’15 details the fascinating work she performs as a computer system engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Also, an article about the University’s campus sustainability initiatives highlights ongoing efforts to go green.
Additionally, the Service Spotlight focuses on the vital assistance that our campus Counseling Services offers our students. Donor news stories include information about our successful Day of Giving along with a piece about UF’s partnership with First Solar to provide solar phone charging tables on campus.
Thank you for your interest in and support of scholarship programs and other projects that prepare University of Findlay students for those moonshot moments that lead to lives of service, fulfillment, and leadership. Please enjoy this summer FindlayMag issue that celebrates academia at its best!
Sincerely,
Katherine Fell, Ph.D. President
Vol. 105, No. 2, Summer 2019
FindlayMag is published by the University of Findlay. It is mailed free of charge to alumni, parents and friends of the University twice each year.
President Katherine Fell, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Advancement
Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D.
Editor Joy Brown M'19
Staff Writers
Joy Brown M'19
Jack Barger ‘01 Krystan Krucki
Art Director Irene Martin
Staff Photographer Anne Risser Lee
Contributing Photographer Amy DePuy
Multimedia
Aaron Osborne ’00, M’14
Ben Walton ’04, M’14
Stay in touch!
You can keep up with the news at the University of Findlay on a monthly basis by subscribing to our e-newsletters.
• ArchLink - a general newsletter about the latest campus happenings and academic programs, with special updates on alumni events
• Mazza Mail - a monthly update on all the exciting programs and events at the Mazza Museum
• Inside the Arch - an insider’s look at campus for parents, with special tips and advice
To register for these newsletters, go to www.findlay.edu/newsletters.
Karyn Westrick Director of Counseling Services
Around Campus
COMMENCEMENT
UF’s 2019 undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies included speakers Ron Niekamp, retired UF head men’s basketball coach, and 1987 UF alumna Lt. Col. Kathleen Cannon, U.S. Army, retired. Niekamp worked for 30 years at UF as a coach, athletic director, and instructor. His 2009 team won the NCAA Division II national championship with a 36-0 record. Cannon, who earned a Legion of Merit award, served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, worked as an advisor on China strategic security issues for the Department of Defense, and served as an Army attaché stationed in Hong Kong
MORE CLASS OF 2019
UNIVERSAL TRUTHS
The universe’s origins were debated in February at the University’s second annual Open Dialogue hosted by Campus Ministries. Ivana Nikolic Hughes, Ph.D., from Columbia University, represented an atheist perspective, while Robert DiSilvestro, Ph.D., from The Ohio State University, reflected on Christian beliefs. The Big Bang theory was specifically addressed.
Jeremy Pittman began as UF’s new Vice President of Enrollment Management in February. His fresh take on enrollment practices is already having a positive effect on recruitment strategies, and inspiring a team that is dedicated to responding to today’s higher education challenges. He previously worked at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he served as vice president of admissions and financial aid.
AROUND THE WORLD
International Night, UF’s annual global culture event featuring cuisine, dancing, and other educational offerings, celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The tradition began with the late Raeburn “Rae” Wallen, a world religions professor at UF who frequently welcomed UF students from around the world to stay with his family.
IN THE NEWS
UF’s Theatre Program staged “Disney’s Newsies” in February for its spring musical. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the play follows teenage “newsies” as they battle publishing industry titans who are intent on raising distribution prices. Wilmington, Ohio native Brent Hoggatt starred as lead news boy Jack, and Ashley Oakley, a Copley, Ohio resident, played reporter Katherine.
NEW CITIZENS
In April UF hosted a U.S. Naturalization ceremony at which 80 individuals became citizens. The event was one of the largest of all naturalization ceremonies that the University helped organize over the years. The Honorable Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, presided and gave the oath of citizenship.
COMPASSIONATE COMPUTING
David Polgar, a tech ethics authority and the founder of All Tech is Human, spoke at Fridays at Findlay in March regarding improved, more thoughtful ways that people design emerging technology with user needs and impact in mind. Designers must do a better job of considering what could go wrong when they embark on projects, he argues.
SHOW AND TELL
This year’s Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity, held in April, included several oral and poster presentations highlighting student academic achievements ranging from musical compositions to research on the presence of a banned microbial agent in the Blanchard River. For the first time, the DeBow and Catherine Freed Academic Scholars Awards were handed out, which honored the highest-ranking undergraduate student in each of the colleges.
REMEMBERING THROUGH ART
Three paintings titled “The Journey Through,” were dedicated to the University of Findlay’s Occupational Therapy adaptive living house. The works illustrate the impact occupational therapy has had on Sandy Errett, her husband, John, and the rest of their family as Sandy faces Alzheimer’s disease. The project developed from the family’s connection with Lindsey Buddelmeyer, OTD, assistant professor of occupational therapy, and with help from staff at Awakening Minds Art.
NEW HIRE
PICKING UP
Mazza Museum Addition to Support Interdisciplinary Learning by Joy Brown M'19
agical” is the word Judith Conda uses to describe her first visit, made about seven years ago, to University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. The trip was happenstance, and she was immediately captivated by the 36-yearold institution, which houses the largest and most diverse collection of original picture book art in the world.
Since that visit, Judith and her husband, Joseph Conda’s involvement has evolved from admiration to substantial fiscal support that is making possible a transformative addition to the Mazza Museum. The Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics/medicine) Education Center, to be built in
2020, will serve regional students in grades K-12, along with other community members who will benefit from such holistic, liberal programming.
The combination of academic disciplines that the center will enable is a natural and necessary educational endeavor, the Perrysburg couple believe. When they began talks with Museum and University leaders about how best they could help; this project, already being planned, aligned with their visions and goals regarding sustainable academic excellence, Judith said.
The center will be “the perfect intertwining of invention, illustration, engineering, math, and art” said Judith. “The connection, I think, is extremely important.”
“Any art, and in our case, art from picture books, is an integral part of STEM learning,” said Museum Director Ben Sapp. “STEAM education with the art is about applying creative thinking to STEM projects, and igniting students’ imaginations and creativity. Throughout this process, we will
be looking for new and innovative ways to find where art naturally fits into the science, the technology, and the math.”
As an educator for 34 years, teaching mostly special education, Judith is keenly aware of the impact that literacy, combined with art, has on children. But it wasn’t until her Museum visit that she began to “appreciate the importance of illustration,” she said. Her passion for the Museum’s literacy mission first resulted in the couple’s sponsoring of the Tales for Tots program, a regular story time offering tailored for toddlers and preschoolers.
Six Museum galleries exhibit more than 300 works of art at any given time. The works are regularly rotated and feature different themes. More than 13,000 pieces of artwork from picture books are included in the entire collection.
Now, with the couple serving as lead donors, the 4,000-square-foot, $1.5 million Conda STEAM Education Center will position the Museum as one of the first in the
nation to blend art activities with hard sciences learning. Illustrations, along with the physicality involved with their creation, will inform the center’s hands-on lessons, artist lectures, and other offerings. For instance, the Museum’s paper engineering collection will be used to provide physics lessons, and the science of paint mixing and multimedia incorporation will be addressed. The center, in turn, will also rely upon nearby campus facilities, faculty, and staff, such as the Newhard Planetarium and Frost Science Center.
Inspired by the golden ratio, a mathematical equation commonly found in nature, the center is being designed to encourage and inspire with its overall shape and functionality. Learning stations, colors, and space considerations will maximize hands-on academic experiences.
The Condas think the Center has the potential to become a world-renowned learning lab, and Museum and University officials concur. “The hope is that every day will bring new ideas on how we can use this space as a
rich resource for all who use it,” said Sapp. “It will be everchanging in a world of STEAM education with the help of our professors, our public schools, and the many wonderful volunteers in our community.
Funders and planners intend for the center to provide lessons that last a lifetime. This sustainability outlook is in keeping with the Conda’s giving philosophy.
“Over the last three years we’ve really began to think about our philanthropy in a different way,” explained Joseph Conda, who is retired from Owens-Illinois where he served as president of the Healthcare Packing Company and was a corporate officer. “We want it to be more of an investment versus what they call ‘opportunity.’ We ask ourselves, ‘How can we be more productive in how we invest our money?’ We now look at the overarching benefit to the community and how many lives we can touch.”
The Conda’s main giving interests have always
focused on literacy and youth, which makes the Mazza Museum addition a natural fit. The center will also align with the couple’s goal of “helping people navigate their environment,” Judith said, noting everyone of all abilities will benefit. “It’s not necessarily just the printed word or the painting that will matter, but the way children can use their world” to make sense of it and assist others along the way, she said. “There are different ways to do that, and everyone does it differently. Everyone is differently abled, and the STEAM concept touches on that,” she continued.
As such, Joseph explained the center’s strengths will lie with its ability to teach children valuable critical thinking skills, inspire entrepreneurial ideas, and enable collaboration. When recalling a specific professional mentor, Joseph said the individual “pushed you so that you became more than you ever thought you could be. That’s the power of this center.”
The Museum project, Joseph said, is also appealing because there are clear objectives, visioning, accountability, and sustainability. “I believe that philanthropy needs to not be so much about ‘can you give money for this or that.’ It has to have a purpose."
Having compassionate, committed, and organized leaders also doesn’t hurt when it comes to seeking assistance for such a construction project, Joseph maintained. “The thing that pushed me over to support this was the trust and confidence I have in the leaders here,” he said, naming University President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., Vice President of University Advancement, Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D., and Museum Director Ben Sapp. “What they’re engaging in is not an easy thing. Execution is going to be key. But they have the vision to buy into it.”
As a result, the Condas are so committed to the project and its mission that they are encouraging, and
even challenging, others in their philanthropic circle within the Toledo, Ohio area to invest too. Several were invited to the center’s April announcement, at which architectural renderings were unveiled.
“We like to see things that are positive happening, and we like to give back,” concluded Joseph. He and Judith are hoping others feel the same about the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center enough to further its mission too as the University of Findlay continues to raise funds in time for a planned spring 2020 groundbreaking.
“I am honored and humbled by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Conda,” said Sapp. “We look forward to creating a STEAM Education Center that will make them proud! They have such a strong passion for the arts and education, and this will be the perfect place for that to come to life in such a different and creative way.”
Conceptual renderings courtesy of RCM Architects
byJackBarger
byAnneRisserLee
IT MATTERS.
This simple statement is at the forefront of plans that Orion Jones, the University of Findlay’s new physical plant director, and the faculty, staff, and students who share in his passion for the environment at UF, are enacting. And, he says, it should be at the forefront of the mindset regarding changing the campus culture.
“The first step is putting an infrastructure in place,” Jones said. “And the goal is to eventually have the energy we produce equal the energy we consume."
This culture to which Jones is referring is one that revolves around sustainability and making the campus more environmentally sensitive, or more “green.” The idea has been embraced by Jones and many others at UF, particularly Amy DePuy, assistant direct of communication and co-chair of the Findlay Green Campus Initiative (FGCI), Ryan Smith, D.H.Sc., associate professor and chair of the diagnostic services department and member of FGCI, and Ben Dolan, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of natural areas and plant collections. It’s a movement that’s been on these and other people’s radars around campus for quite some time; Findlay Green Campus Initiative, for instance, began operating in 2007 alongside faculty members Michael Reed, Betsey Mascaro, Crystal Weitz, Dwight Moody, Diana Montague, and Gordon Gillespie, and has been operating steadfastly since then, and UF has been designated a “Tree Campus U.S.A.” by
the Arbor Day Foundation for the past three years. Jones’s arrival, however, along with the extra attention being paid to the campus environment, seems to be bringing new hope for embracing a greener philosophy.
Jones is a firebrand for sustainability. He has only been in his UF position for around three months, and, as a result of both, he said, he has been spending what little time he has had “constantly thinking” about ways to make the myriad of plans he has made become a reality for UF. “The first step is putting an infrastructure in place,” Jones said. “And the goal is to eventually have the energy we produce equal the energy we consume. How can we reduce our waste, as well? Can we do that? I absolutely think we can or I wouldn’t be here.”
Jones further explained that he would like to see UF be a model for campus sustainability, saying that involves everything from waste management to, potentially, UF being independent with energy. “I see us almost being our own little small city,” he explained. On the way to building that mini-city dream, though, are many challenges that need to be taken on and conquered. Jones said, for example, right now it’s difficult to do much in the way of assessment, either for waste management or recycling efforts, because he doesn’t have anyone in place who is dedicated to those things as a specific focus. With his ever-moving mind, and his gumption for sustainability, however, the likelihood that he’ll come up with a successful plan is considerable. The progress he’s making so far - in his head, for the time being - is as interesting as it is impressive, and the feeling that it won’t stay in his head for very long is hard to ignore.
Dolan has been making similar headway, recently reviving an interest in the many trees on campus, an interest that had been somewhat overlooked.
UF has been designated a “Tree Campus U.S.A.” by the Arbor Day Foundation for the past three years.
“If Ohio State, for instance, can produce zero waste during a football game and we, ourselves, can control every product that comes onto campus, why couldn’t we get there?"
“Obviously, we’ve had many great trees on campus for years,” he said. “But, as a whole, we just kind of ignored them for a while. Now, we do a much better job of caring for them.” He explained that, in order to be a designated Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, universities have to, among a few other requirements, have a “high-quality” tree care plan, host an Arbor Day event, and host a servicelearning event for students, all good things that will keep attention focused on the importance of the hundreds of trees on campus that are cared for and maintained. He said that the committee that came as a result of trying to meet the requirements for the designation has allowed for there to be more proactive attention to the campus’ trees, rather than reactive. “We’re in a better position, for instance, to treat the trees as a preventative measure rather than as the result of a disease that has already taken over,” he said.
Jones’ plans run the gamut from simple things like switching and changing the placement of trash and recycling containers by just a couple of feet, to having a centralized location for groundskeepers to take recycling. His vision for the latter is a grounds laydown yard similar to that of Litter Landing, a recycling facility in Findlay. “It’s all about how we can most easily reduce our waste 90% over the next three to five years,” he said. “If Ohio State, for instance, can produce zero waste during a football game and we, ourselves, can control every product that comes onto campus, why couldn’t we get there? We just need a plan and things set up for someone to specifically lead it.” This goal of “zero carbon footprint” isn’t just aimed at recycling. Jones elaborated on the notion of UF having independent energy, for example. “How, eventually, can we create and maintain our own power? How about every building having battery backups with renewable energy tied in? We should
be doing it. Every single time we build a building we should incorporate more ways to produce power,” he suggested.
Of course, the ultimate concern regarding all of this is the people of UF, more specifically the students, and how they can benefit from the shift in culture. Clearly, there are opportunities for them to get involved both with the various projects for Tree Campus, and with FGCI. There are, though, many other benefits for campus than just “doing the right thing.” For instance, according to Jones, the plans make as much fiscal sense as they do for other reasons. “We can save a lot of money,” he said. “Green equals green. And money saved will go back toward improving programs and recruiting students. And we’re teaching them lifestyle ideas. Better adults, better fiscal responsibility.”
The interest is there, according to DePuy. “FGCI has done surveys that show that students want recycling on campus,” she mentioned. “In fact, they get excited about it.”
“Students already want to join in and assist with all of these things, but they’re more apt to jump on board when things are set in place,” Smith continued, referencing the planned infrastructure.
“For recycling efforts, as an example, a more organized process from the top is needed. That way, when students graduate, new students can easily just slip in and know that ‘this is how we do it at UF.’”
“It all matters,” Jones said. “Let’s make it part of our culture. We need to make a grassroots cultural change as an organization. All of these things equal success and we all benefit from this common goal. If we use it, we reuse it. Let’s make this place even better. It’s our future.”
Findlay grad finds fulfillment working for NASA
by
Krystan Krucki
Creating helmets to track the biometrics of astronauts on different planets, working in a 20-foot-long icing tunnel in -31 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, and teaching robots to learn using rewards sounds like scenes out of a science fiction novel. For Kristen Hauser ’15, this is a normal day at work. A dream job since childhood, she is currently a computer system engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. There, she works on various teams developing mission needs, system architectures, and system requirements for aeronautics and space flight as part of NASA’s mission to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.
“With everything that NASA does in advance, a lot of what I do is focused not on today, but bettering tomorrow,” Hauser said. “When developing new technology there are new risks and at NASA, protecting civilians is a primary concern.” She quipped that the long-term vision of her job is advancing technology to the point of the Jetsons (a 1980’s children’s cartoon about a family from the future) and making it there safely. She keeps that concept at the forefront of her mind when working on her current focuses of modeling predictors, security and machine learning, and secure wireless communication networks. These subjects can be applied in multiple settings and allow work to be done on a variety of projects.
One project of Hauser’s being developed for current uses with long-term goals is a helmet which can read biometrics and adjust chemical levels in hemoglobin based on the data. While this may seem like a task for a biologist, it’s pure math. “We already know what humans need to survive,” she explained. “It’s up to mathematicians to calculate what needs to be provided to reach an equilibrium.” This technology can be used by astronauts or jet pilots, and eventually, by astronauts terraforming other planets.
bandwidth in the future, how are cellphones and the networks the drones are using going to operate?
Graduating with a double major in pure mathematics and applied mathematics in computer science, Hauser says that her degrees allow her to fit in with any team. “I’ve been on projects where I’m the only math person surrounded by engineers or biologists,” she said. “You get to facilitate a lot of interaction and move projects in certain directions.”
The most important part of being successful in this career is staying up-to-date on current tools and technologies. In addition to pursuing her master’s degree, she also takes on technical work outside of her job to see how technology is being applied in different ways.
“With everything that NASA does in advance, a lot of what I do is focused not on today, but bettering tomorrow,” Hauser said.
For students interested in a career with NASA, Hauser suggests looking into NASA’s Pathway Programs, which provide opportunities for students and recent grads to experience a co-op and explore different fields with the opportunity to move into a full-time position upon completion.
Drone communication using network simulation is another project looking toward the future. Most everyone has had the experience of being in a crowded arena and having poor cellphone connection. The connection is bad because there are too many people trying to use the network and it becomes overloaded. Hauser raises the question: if there are a lot of drones flying around using up
Hauser herself interned with NASA in the summer between her junior and senior year at Findlay. She credits Findlay with providing a quality environment in which to grow. The curriculum for the Math Program prepared her with content knowledge, but it was the small class sizes that helped her gain confidence in her field. “I’m a pretty quiet person who does better with small groups; if I’m in a lecture of 100 people I’m not going to talk,” she said.
“I always felt comfortable approaching the professors with any questions I may have had.”
Donor Impact
"The melding of science, technology, medicine, and math with the arts is not only an academic imperative for students intending to professionally soar after graduation, but has always been a University of Findlay hallmark. This is why we’re so thrilled to be working with Joseph and Judith Conda, and so many other incredible donors like yourselves, whose generosity is significantly impacting learning at all levels."
Fundraising Event Far Surpasses Goals
Day of Giving, the University’s celebrated annual fundraising initiative, was a huge success this year, as evidenced by a collection that more than tripled that of the 2018 drive.
According to UF’s Office of Advancement, $88,458 was raised during a 24-hour period in April. A total of 551 gifts provided $88,458; the goal was 250 donors. This far surpasses $28,698 collected in 2018.
Because of so many generous givers, more students will receive scholarships, programs will continue to flourish, undergraduate research will provide valuable learning opportunities for students, student-athletes will train harder, more students will serve others, and so much more.
The success of this year’s campaign, titled “Oiler Up, Give Back,” was primarily due to creative fundraising efforts that made giving to the University fun, easy, and meaningful for all participants. Some of those included:
Here Comes the Sun
University Collaborating with First Solar and Millstream Career Center on Parent Fund Project
Starting this fall, the University of Findlay will be offering students and the rest of the campus community additional ways to recharge, literally and figuratively. Thanks to substantial Parent Fund donations, UF is partnering with First Solar, one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world; and students at Millstream Career Center, a vocational institution in Findlay, to provide solar-powered cell phone charging stations.
As of this publication’s printing deadline, details were still being finalized, but what will result will be refurbished campus gazebos, new picnic tables, or a combination of both that will feature solar-powered energy and comfortable campus locations to relax and study. Organizers are hoping the first charging station will completed by Homecoming and Family Weekend, which will begin Sept. 27.
First Solar will be donating the panels and some electrical equipment. The company will also train Millstream students to build the charging stations.
Sustainability is, of course, a corporate hallmark of First Solar, which is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and includes manufacturing centers in Perrysburg, Ohio, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Along with producing cost-effective and innovative energygenerating green products, the company’s website touts that its manufacturing process “leads the way with the lowest carbon footprint, lowest water usage, and fastest energy payback of any PV (photovoltaic) technology.”
Lee Kramer, First Solar’s environmental, health and safety vice president, said the company “is excited to partner with the University of Findlay and Millstream Career Center on this endeavor. Promoting solar education and solar advocacy throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond will push First Solar toward its vision of leading the world’s sustainable energy future.” According to Karen George, director of corporate engagement and individual giving at the University, the Parent Fund in recent years has embraced sustainability-focused projects that have resulted in great environmental and cost benefits. Along with the charging stations, this year’s Fund will also pay for additional bicycle racks, she said.
Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D. Vice President for University Advancement
he Joseph and Judith Conda
STEAM Education Center, to be built in 2020, will serve regional students in grades K-12, along with other community members who will benefit from such holistic, liberal programming. MORE ON PG. 8
• Providing an incentive to the first 250 donors that matched their gift of any amount with $100 to the Findlay Fund, thanks to a generous donor;
• Allowing those who donated during a 2-hour time period on March 20 to ring the bell on Cory Street Mall and partake in free pizza;
• Enabling donations to be made through GiveCampus, an online service that works seamlessly and rapidly;
• Promoting the fact that donations could be designated toward any UF area, such as the Mazza Museum Fund or one of UF’s six colleges;
• Offering free graphics in a social media toolkit so that donors could share news about their altruism online; and
• Producing entertaining Day of Giving videos for social media platforms.
UF is grateful to everyone who helped make Day of Giving such an important day for students, especially all donors, and hard-working employees who dedicated many hours to special events and communication activities.
Student Philanthropy Program Continues to Expand
University of Findlay’s Graduating Class Philanthropy Honor Cord Program again broke records this academic year, with more seniors than ever embracing the institution’s giving culture.
This year, 245 gifts were made to the Graduating Class Gift Findlay Forward Scholarship, 225 philanthropy cords were earned, and a total of $5,036 was raised. During the previous academic year, 202 financial gifts were received, 186 wore cords at commencement, and $4,200 was raised.
This year’s scholarship will be awarded to a College of Education student with financial need. Rising to the Challenge, a 3-point basket shooting contest held at halftime during a men’s basketball game, takes place each year with representatives from each of the University’s six colleges. The competition decides which academic area the scholarship will be distributed. The national Philanthropy Honor Cord Program, which was adopted at UF in 2016, includes financial, educational, and service components by requiring community service, contribution to the class gift of at least the amount the year totals ($20.19), and attendance at a philanthropic learning event. This effort is in keeping with UF’s altruistic mission that is instilled in students from the start, with events offered such as orientation service projects, Oilers Serving Abroad trips, and numerous service learning opportunities.
1960s
Class Notes
Charles Johnson ’69 of Scottsdale, Arizona is a lawyer in Scottsdale.
1970s
Dr. John Ferguson ‘70 of Richmond, Kentucky is a student teacher supervisor and a parttime adjunct at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, where he has taught since 1982.
William Pugh, Jr. ’73 of Brunswick, Ohio retired after 28 years as a purchasing manager for CAM/ Voss Industries LLC (aerospace manufacturing) in Cleveland.
Paula Pisano ’76 of Lindenhurst, New York retired after 40 years in education/administration.
Michael Lyons ’78 of Hopewell Junction, New York retired as a teacher in Wappingers Falls, New York.
1990s
Ron Link ’90 of Sandusky, Ohio is an MP&L (material planning and logistics) manager for Windsor Mold Group in Bellevue, Ohio.
Anne Canfield ’94 of Grand Rapids, Michigan is the owner of Bemer Group, which provides therapeutic medical devices for horses, dogs, and people. The company is based in Grand Rapids.
2000s
Lydia Mihalik '02 of Findlay, Ohio was appointed in January by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to become director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. Previously, she had served since 2012 as Findlay, Ohio's first female mayor. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science.
Michael Kantner ’04, M’06 of Sylvania, Ohio is a success coach for engineering students, business students, and undecided students; is an orientation instructor; and basketball and football coaches for University of Toledo. He also coaches basketball at Ottawa Hills High School and Elementary School.
Amanda Hefner ’05 of Edenton, North Carolina is the assistant principal at EdentonChowan Schools in Edenton.
Ryan Gravett ’06 of Rochester, New York is the arts center sound engineer at Nazareth College in Rochester.
Vicky Watwani ‘09 of Thane, Maharashtra, India is the deputy vice president of supply chain finance for Axis Bank Lt. in Mumbai, India.
2010s
Prakashkumar Patel ’11 of Surat, Gujarat, India is the CEO of New Indian Education and Research Society in India.
Ryan A. Rothenbuhler ’11 of Bowling Green, Ohio is an attorney for March & March Attorneys in Bowling Green.
Cory Miles ’12, M’16 of Houston, Texas is an inventory control analyst for Kinder Morgan, Inc. in Houston.
Christina Muryn '14 won the May 2019 Republican primary election for Findlay, Ohio mayor. She has been serving in the elected position since being appointed in January after former Mayor Lydia Mihalik resigned. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics and marketing.
Reid T. Rothenbuhler, Esq. ’14 of Wayne, Ohio is a public defender for Wood County, Ohio in Bowling Green.
Adrian Cooper ’15 of Findlay, Ohio is a fourth grade teacher for Riverdale Local Schools in Mount Blanchard, Ohio.
Abigail Metheney ’16 of Delaware, Ohio is an election support specialist for the Delaware County Board of Education, in Delaware.
Photo courtesy of Christina Muryn '14
Marriages
Rachel (Pittard) Alleman ’11, M’18 and Josh Alleman were married on Sept. 2, 2018. They reside in Mansfield, Ohio
Emily Siefker Hollar ’18 and Evan Hollar ’18 were married on Aug. 18, 2018. They reside in Findlay, Ohio.
Amanda (Strauss) Loyer ’11 and Jason Loyer ’10, M’14 were married on July 9, 2018. They reside in Findlay, Ohio.
Madelaine (McBride) Pope ’17 and Addison Pope ’17 were married on June 17, 2017 They reside in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Shelby (Roof-Hildreth) Reno ’16 and Luke Reno were married on Oct. 13, 2018. They reside in Adrian, Michigan.
Reid T. Rothenbuhler, Esq. ’14 and Lisa M. (Davis) Rothenbuhler were married on Oct. 14, 2017. They reside in Wayne, Ohio.
Sarah (Hodakievic) Smith ’11, M’12 and Matthew Smith ’09 were married on Oct. 6, 2018. They reside in Lyndhurst, Ohio.
Dillon Webster ’16 and Samantha (Grippe) Webster ’16, M’17 were married on Oct. 27, 2018. They reside in Findlay, Ohio.
Births and Adoptions
Amber (Shaffer) Barbour ‘11 and Marke Barbour II of Fremont, Ohio welcomed their son, Michael Everett Barbour, on Jan. 16, 2019.
Aly (Brecht) Breece ’16 and Joshua Breece of Pandora, Ohio welcomed their son, Daxton Scott Breece, on July 6, 2018.
Ashley (Dutridge) Evearitt ’09 and Chad Evearitt of Evansville, Indiana welcomed their daughter, Caroline Nova Evearitt, on Sept. 8, 2018.
Troy Ferguson ’03 and Kathy (Green) Ferguson ‘03 of Eaton, Ohio welcomed their daughter, Harper Ferguson, on Feb. 21, 2019.
Lauren (Schaufler) Flew ’13, M’14 and Cody Flew of Willard, Ohio welcomed their daughter, Jaycee Lynn Flew, on Dec. 8, 2018.
Nicole (Lahey) Gerten ’15 and Austin Gerten of Ottawa, Ohio welcomed their son, Parker Dean Gerten, on Sept. 1, 2018.
Maegan (Newsom) Klosterman
Pharm.D. ’13 and Jeffrey Klosterman of Brookville, Ohio welcomed their son, Trace Jameson, Klosterman, on Jan. 5, 2019.
Melissa (Lyden) Lust ’12 and Andrew Lust of Galloway, Ohio welcomed their daughter, Clara Lust, on March 13, 2019.
Luke Olney ‘08 and Randee Olney of the Czeck Republic welcomed their son, Zane Lukas Olney, on Aug. 24, 2018.
Reid T. Rothenbuhler, Esq. ’14 and Lisa M. Rothenbuhler of Wayne, Ohio welcomed their daughter, Carolena Lois Rothenbuhler, on Aug. 27, 2018.
Brittany (Topolnak) Schragl
Pharm.D. ’16 and Aaron Schragl of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania welcomed their daughter, Brynn Haven Schragl, on Feb. 6, 2019.
Emi (McAfee) Shoemaker ’10, M’11 and Mark Shoemaker (student)
of Findlay, Ohio welcomed their daughter, Lydia Anne Shoemaker, on Sept. 7, 2018.
Jodi (Asbury) Smith ’06, M’08 and Tyler Smith ’06, M’12 of Findlay, Ohio welcomed their daughters, Olivia Sue Smith, on March 9, 2019; and Eden Lynn Smith on March 19, 2019.
Nichole (Shoemaker) Warnecke ’08 and Troy Warnecke of Columbus Grove, Ohio welcomed their son, Levi John Warnecke, on Feb. 13, 2019.
Class notes for this issue were received by March 30, 2019.
In Memory
1940s
Nicklos J. Cancilla ‘44
Jan. 24, 2019
Vera M. Musgrave ‘45
Dec. 22, 2018
John W. Neidley ‘49
Sept. 29, 2018
1950s
John R. Coontz ‘50
Jan. 16, 2019
Friends
Thomas F. Bryant
Jan. 20, 2019
Leah H. Buchanan
April 9, 2019
Mabel A. Cheek
Feb. 22, 2019
Betty J. Douglas Nov. 14, 2018
Thomas H. Duttine ‘53
Feb. 6, 2019
Milton C. Cooper ‘54
Jan. 26, 2019
Janet R. (Rayle) Parthemore ‘54
April 13, 2019
Andrew T. Sedlak ‘58
Jan. 4, 2019
1960s
Ellen H. Eckert ‘64
March 7, 2019
1970s
Marilyn E. Hemker ‘70 Feb. 13, 2019
Ramona F. (Cusac) Newell ’70 Oct. 11, 2018
Mildred M. Powell ’70 Feb. 3, 2019
Roger D. Davis ‘73 March 29, 2019
Linda K. Hefner ‘73 Nov. 25, 2018
1980s
Martha A. Dunbar ‘88
Jan. 16, 2019
2000s
Jeri L. Madsen ‘07
March 11, 2019
of Findlay, daughter, Beth A. (Douglas) Bonnoront of Findlay, and daughter, Dr. Jane E. (Ian) Flores of Columbus, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Duane D. Duffield
Dec. 18, 2018
Jerry Gephart Nov. 26, 2018
Frederick J. Gokey Dec. 23, 2018
Anne L. Hermiller Dec. 1, 2018
Eugene C. Kandel Feb. 22, 2019
Ralph Kessler March 25, 2019
Elaine F. Krotine Nov. 13, 2018
Dick Litzenberg, Jr. Nov. 13, 2018
Ann E. Whithaus
Jan. 12, 2019
Barbara J. Wisner
Dec. 17, 2018
The following passages were shared with the University of Findlay for publication
Bradley Shinn, Pharm.D., of Findlay, Ohio, died Feb. 16, 2019. He was a University of Findlay professor of pharmacy practice who also worked closely with his pharmacy and physician assistant students through Wood County Hospital learning experiences such as the hospital’s antibiotic resistance program. He enjoyed the academic world, was interested in history, and was a member of the Findlay Evangelical Free Church in Findlay. Dr. Shinn earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Michigan and his Pharm.D. from Michigan as well in 1989. He then completed his clinical residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He worked as the assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was the recipient of several teaching awards. He practiced with the inpatient Internal Medicine service at Saint Joseph Hospital in Omaha for five years, and in the SJH ambulatory clinics for two years. From 1998-2007, Dr. Shinn practiced as a combination clinical/staff pharmacist at Saint Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan. Survivors include his mother, who lives in Jackson, Michigan; his wife, Pamela; his son, Harry L. Shinn of Bowling Green, Ohio; and brother Brian (Pat) Shinn of Allen Park, Michigan. Memorials may be given to either the C.J. Mott Children’s Hospital, 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 or the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, Ohio 45840.
Richard P. (Dick) Barchent, Jr. ‘65 of Findlay, Ohio died on Feb. 24, 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science from then Findlay College and a Master of Education degree from the University of Toledo in 1968, and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Dick served on the UF Board of Trustees from 1976 to 2000, and was a trustee emeritus. He received the Findlay College Distinguished Alumni Award, was recognized as a Distinguished Associate, and was a member of UF’s C.T. Fox Legacy Society. As a Winebrenner Village Nursing Home board member, he served in various leadership positions and was very proud of his involvement with the transition of Winebrenner Village to Birchaven Village. He was a science teacher and assistant principal at Donnell Junior High School in Findlay before joining McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. He had been associated with Merrill Lynch Investments for 17 years, retiring July 1, 2017. He is survived by his mother, Doris; his wife, Shirley; and their three children: son, Douglas D. (Julia)
Terri L. Mercer ’77 died on March 23, 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She worked at Blanchard Valley Center prior to serving as the executive director of First Step Healthy Family Resource Center for 33 years. Terri designed and facilitated Passages, a psychoeducational program that the Institute for Reality Therapy lauded as an innovative and effective domestic violence response. Terri created and oversaw the Soul Shine Blues Festival for 24 years as well as Women's Enrichment Classes, a series of gatherings and learning playdates meant to nurture the soul. She was a well-known practitioner, teacher, and innovator in the Ohio domestic violence field. Becoming a Mazza Museum docent this year was a dream come true. She is survived by her four children, Mariah Mercer, Kathryn Mercer, Matthew Mercer, and Abigail Mercer; daughter of the heart Micah Mercer; five grandchildren; mother Martha Watson; and siblings Julie Watson Babbitt and brother Tommy Watson. Memorials can be made to the University of Findlay's Mazza Museum.
Carroll D. Neff ’53 of Columbus, Ohio died on Jan. 27, 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, graduating as class valedictorian. Carroll was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. While at Findlay, Carroll studied business, played football and became a proud member of the Findlay Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the University of Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame. Most importantly, while at school, he met the love of his life, Justine, and they were married on graduation day in 1953. Carroll worked for Marathon Oil before transitioning to industrial commercial real estate. He was a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) and was an avid runner, running in more than 25 marathons around the country. He is survived by his wife, Justine; children, Connie (Glade) Weiser, Karen (David) Donavan, Susan (Robert) Taglione, and Bradford (Shirley) Neff; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a sister, Marilyn (Jim) Matter.
Bert A. Rayle ’56 of Findlay, Ohio died on Dec. 2, 2018. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. He was a member of the football and wrestling teams, and was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked for the Welfare Department in Findlay while gaining the credentials to become a science teacher
at Glenwood Junior High School. He was happiest when he was serving someone else by working with children, donating and assisting at Red Cross blood mobiles, serving on City Council, singing in the church choir and with the Millstream Singers, and doing dishes for Community Dinner at St. Paul’s UM Church. Bert is survived by twin brothers, Jim and John Rayl, of Akron, Ohio; his children, Brent Rayl of New Franklin, Ohio, and Dr. Marna Rayl Greenberg of Allentown, Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren.
Standford D. Ruggles ’57 of Findlay, Ohio died on Jan. 31, 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from then Findlay College, where he served on student government, and a Ph.D. in 1969 from The Ohio State University. He pastored the Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church, Pleasant Grove EUB Church, Union EUB Church, and St. Paul EUB Church before becoming a high school teacher in Columbus, Ohio and a technology education professor at the College of New Jersey in Trenton. After retirement he returned to help on the family farm near Vanlue, Ohio. Surviving are his wife, Eleanor; son Mark (Kim) Ruggles of Findlay; daughter Michelle (Thom) Redmond of West Lafayette, Indiana; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Gerald H. Wasserman ’63 of Springfield, Ohio died on Nov. 22, 2018. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and received a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. He played football and was inducted into the University of Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame. Jerry began his career as a teacher and coach at Kansas Lakota in 1963 and then continued his career at Mechanicsburg High School. In 1979, Jerry found his home at Northeastern High School, where he remained for 25 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and coached many sports. After retiring from Northeastern, Jerry worked at Red Raiders of London High School. For the past several years he enjoyed volunteering with the Northeastern High School Football team. Jerry is survived by his wife, Libby; daughter Jenna; son Tad; son Scott (Leah) Wasserman; daughter Terri (Roger) Baldwin; brother-in-law, Jim (Joyce) Gentry; and four grandchildren.
Rita Narain Yadav ’84 of Fulton, Maryland died Oct. 20, 2018. The daughter of late UF business professor Shiv Gupta, D.B.A., she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Marketing, and was member of the Students in Free Enterprise team. Rita worked for Verizon for over 16 years where she held various positions, including programmer and
project, product and contract manager. Later she served as marketing director for Audissey Communication, Inc. and ProSIMP, LLC, which she co-founded. She launched R2P2 and Associates, LLC, a women-owned consulting business. However, Rita’s most important role in life was that of mother to her two beloved daughters. She is survived by her husband Dr. Raj N. Yadav, M.D. and daughters Priya and Pooja of Fulton, Maryland, as well as three brothers Nirmal (Princy) Kumar of Maryland, Vimal (Lea Ann) Kumar of Ohio and Kamal (Reena) Kumar of New Jersey; and two sisters, Vinita Samaniego and Anita (Chris) Kromer, both of Ohio.
Patricia “Patty” Ogg Luther of Findlay, Ohio died Nov. 20, 2018. She established a Mazza Museum endowment, was a Museum docent and volunteer, was named a Distinguished Associate, and was a member of the C.T. Fox Legacy Society. Patty graduated from Findlay High School in 1949. She graduated with an associate’s degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. in 1951 and was a member of the sorority Beta Pi Gamma. Patty had been a Mazza Enthusiast since 1994. In 2003, she and her late husband created the John and Patty Luther Mazza Museum Visiting Artist Endowment Fund. This endowment enables artists of children’s books to speak at the Mazza Museum. She is survived by her son, James (Diana) Luther of Findlay; daughter Susan (Patrick) Pierret of McKinney, Texas; four grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.
Anne L. Hermiller of Findlay, Ohio died Dec. 1, 2018. As an administrative assistant, she worked for Marathon Oil Company and Marathon Pipe Line Company, OHM Corporation, University of Findlay, and most recently, Bowling Green State University. Anne was co-owner of CPE Consultants, LLC, serving as an ACPE-approved administrative provider, coordinating continuing pharmacy education activities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Anne was a sustainer of Findlay Service League, receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated service to the organization and community. Anne was also a former member of the University of Findlay’s Curtain Raisers Advisory Board. In 2015 she was inducted into the Curtain Raisers Hall of Fame. Anne is survived by parents, Robert and Peggy Weston of Punta Gorda, Florida; husband Gerald L. Hermiller of Findlay; sons Craig R. (Bethany), of Milan, Michigan, and Kyle R. (Alison) of Troy, Ohio; and three sisters, Barbara Scott, Krista Williams, and Lisa Brackenhammer.
"By teaching tomorrow’s leaders and continuously uplifting fellow alumni, the University of Findlay is doing its part to help to ensure that our great nation moving into the 21st century remains in the eyes of the world as the gold standard of scientific and technological breakthroughs and innovations."
Go Oilers!
DeMya T. Wimberly ’94, President Alumni Association Board of Governors
As a Findlay Faithful, you’re invited to a special vow renewal under the Griffith Memorial Arch during Homecoming & Family Weekend! Sept. 28, 2019
Are
Alumni Association Board of Governors
2018-19
Officers
President
DeMya Wimberly '94
Vice President
Nicole (Hauenstein) Busey '99
Past President
Kelly (Zink) Ernst '03
Elected Representatives (3 year terms)
Ann (DeHaven) Barkalow ’70
Suzzette Boyd ‘97
Preston Eberlyn ’15
Tom Jakubiec ‘73
Jennia Knestrick’94
Kathy Myers M’09
Dean Plott ’93
Alissa (Simpson) Preston '01
Jennifer (Reinhart) Schoenberger ’99
Teresa (McIntosh) Steed ‘92
Brian Treece ’01 MAE ’02
Margaret Wetzler '92
Appointed Representatives (2 year terms)
Mike Kantner ’04 M’06
Forrest Miller ’17
Student Representatives (2 year appointments)
College of Business
Tyler Adkins
College of Liberal Arts
Karissa Belle Payne
College of Education
Sara Tomko
College of Health Professions
Audrey Lea Marshall
College of Pharmacy
Thomas Brown
College of Science
Olivia Coppler
Senior Class President
Emily Moore
SGA President
AJ Kittle
STAR Representative
Katie Koomar
Archives
From the 1985 Findlay College Argus
