A magazine for the Alumni, Parents, and Friends of University of Findlay
From the President
Whenever we face danger and disruption, we must rally. Difficult times require that we learn, make smart changes, and test whether the values we have claimed are real. Retreat is not an option.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Findlay has indeed rallied. Our values are real and lasting. Habits, routines, even traditions may change, but our core values of service to and care for our students and our community remain our guide.
Our faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors have demonstrated those values. This issue of FindlayMag spotlights a few of their achievements. To all of them, I say thank you.
You will see that as we mourn the loss of our beloved President Emeritus Dr. DeBow Freed, we honor him by supporting the same UF mission that he loved and served: to equip students for meaningful lives and productive careers. You will see insights from long-serving Professor of Music Jack Taylor; a recognition of transformative gifts from generous donors; and stories of achievement among our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. You will see celebratory announcements of weddings and births and memorials to alumni we have lost, including Rear Admiral Edward L. Feightner ’41, Findlay College alumni and World War II fighter pilot, who passed away recently at the age of 100.
For all Oilers past, present and yet to come, we give thanks.
Onward, Katherine Fell, Ph.D. President
Jack Taylor, Retired Band Director 18
MAG.FINDLAY.EDU
FindlayMag is created, published and mailed bi-annually by the University of Findlay to alumni, parents, and friends of the University. It is a labor of love for all things OilerNation.
President Katherine Fell, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Advancement
Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D.
Managing Editor
Jack Barger ‘01 bargerj1@findlay.edu
Art Director
Irene Martin
Staff Writer
Hannah Mwaura
Staff Photographer
Amy DePuy
Contributing Photographers
Natasha Lancaster ’18, M’19
Anne Risser Lee
Multimedia
Aaron Osborne ’00, M’14
University of Findlay
Kevin Smith, Director of ESH Programs 20 12
Graduate James Novak ’20
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 For
Contact the Editorial Staff
bargerj1@findlay.edu 419-434-4515
UF Marketing, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840
Staff Story
Julie Klingler: New Director for Alumni
Apart from her upbringing and past career experience, Julie Klingler, new University of Findlay Director of The Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents, and Friends, said she has many goals that make her the perfect person for the job.
Among those goals, Klingler explained, is to strengthen existing programming while creating and launching new programs and events as well as to engage with alumni in ways that advance UF’s mission and vision. Klingler works closely with the many organizations at UF, those like the Board of Governors and the Parents Executive Council, to help guide the direction and passion of their members, and, due to her past jobs with higher education, Klingler has a familiarity with programs like Lifelong Learning, which seeks to educate and enlighten folks aged 50 or higher through its educational value and relationship-building elements. Programs like these, Klingler said, help in “reimagining ways in which the Alumni and Advancement divisions will interact with, not only the University of Findlay community, but also all of our constituents, alumni, parents, and friends.” She specifically hopes to build both robust relationships and strong partnerships with alumni boards and councils and the City of Findlay and Hancock County, alongside providing leadership for the alumni team and collaborating with UF colleagues and campus divisions for overall University success.
Raised, in part, in northwest Ohio, Klingler knows her way around these parts. As the child of a military family, however, she also moved around a bit, and the combination of these two familiarities, she said, created a wide knowledge of both demographics and characteristics. What also helps is her former 25-year career as an airline attendant, for which she met countless personalities and oversaw other attendants as well. Through honing these skills on a micro level, she was able to set up the broader skills she’d need down the line for her work in both
advancement and the dean’s office for Rhodes State College and OSU-Lima, prior to coming on at UF.
Interactions with donors and the philanthropic side of things are areas to which she feels particularly drawn, and, after refining the expertise needed for a career in higher education advancement at the previous institutions, Klingler feels like she’s well-prepared for the UF position. “With my background in annual giving, donor relations, and program management, this role fits me more than any of the other previous positions I’ve held,” she explained. “I’m excited to immerse myself into the UF culture of giving and philanthropy; the connections and relationship building. All of it.”
Julie Klingler Director of The Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents, & Friends
Around Campus
38
employees honored
In early March, 38 employees were recognized for multiple years of service to UF. Employees were honored for ten to 35 years of service.
BUDDING PSYCHOLOGISTS
Applications began to be accepted for the new UF Doctor of Education in School Psychology Program. The four-year program will be the only online Doctor of Education in School Psychology in Ohio, making it easier for individuals to pursue a career as a school psychologist while continuing to work.
VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT
UF celebrated the Class of 2020 with a variety of virtual nods to honor their achievements, including a digital commencement program, special messages from Dr. Fell, faculty and alumni, a first-person view of the Arch Ceremony, and more.
MOURNING FREED
Dr. DeBow Freed, President Emeritus of UF, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the age of 94. Dr. Freed’s steadfast leadership helped propel the University toward being known for its focus on experiential learning and undergraduate research, the arts, and graduates who are prepared to be leaders.
TOP RANKING
For the second consecutive year, UF was ranked the best in the nation as a Church of God-affiliated institution by College Factual, a site that provides information to help students and their families with making a college selection.
Findlay’s Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
ELECTRIC GIFT
The University announced a financial gift in the amount of $500,000 provided by American Electric Power Foundation for three scholarship funds that will provide muchneeded aid to students pursuing rewarding, serviceoriented careers.
FULL STEAM AHEAD
Groundbreaking was done on the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics/medicine) Education Center addition to the University’s Mazza Museum.
COMING THROUGH
University of Findlay alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends joined together on May 5 to support the annual Oiler Up, Give Back Day of Giving. They came through in a big way to collectively raise over $215,172 from 446 donors, providing students with scholarships, supporting University growth, and creating a buffer for crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
JANUARY 30
Email sent to campus community with information from the Hancock County Public Health Dept.
MARCH 6
First email sent to parents sharing Coronavirus information and UF’s monitoring of it.
MARCH 10
Governor DeWine
Recommended universities offer remote classes ASAP.
UF’s Emergency Operations Team begins meeting to discuss Coronavirus and actions needed. UF announces remote classes until April 14.
MARCH 13
G-MAC cancels all spring athletics.
MARCH 17
Students encouraged to move off campus.
MARCH 19
Mazza’s first Virtual Storytime goes live.
MARCH 23
RECYCLED RELAXATION
Two benches made from recycled bottle caps from items like toothpaste tubes and peanut butter jars were placed on campus. The collaborative student, faculty, and staff project represents another strategic, successful venture in campus environmental sustainability.
Most faculty & staff begin working remotely.
MARCH 27
Most campus buildings are closed.
APRIL 9
Pass/Fail Option for classes announced.
APRIL 23
Virtual Commencement Plans Announced.
MAY 1
Governor’s “Stay Safe Ohio” order extended through May 29.
JANUARY 28
First email sent to campus community with information from CDC about emerging Coronavirus.
FEBRUARY 27
Email sent to campus community with more detailed information regarding Coronavirus and UF’s monitoring of it.
MARCH 9
First Ohio cases of COVID-19.
MARCH 12
K-12 Schools asked to close.
MARCH 16
Remote Classes at UF Begins.
UF announces remote classes for rest of semester & cancellation of Commencement.
MARCH 26
Room & Board credit announced.
APRIL 2
Gov. DeWine announces Stay at Home Order through May 1.
APRIL 14
UF event cancellation extended through May 31.
APRIL 29
UF event cancellation extended through June 30.
MAY 4
Governor states offices can reopen with restrictions.
Class of 2020
Dear Oiler Grad...
We’d like to welcome you to the UF alumni family. You are, without a doubt, among the most important graduating classes we’ve ever had. Why? Because you carry with you the clear ability to weather substantial first-time challenges that not only affect you, but those around the globe.
Never before has the need been so great for young minds to be on point, to engage and empathize, and to create plans for remarkable outcomes in the time yet to come.
YOU are important. YOU are necessary. YOU will, individually, and as the University of Findlay Graduating Class of 2020, be our beacon of light as you move forward into meaningful lives and productive careers.
We need you. Congratulations, 2020 graduates. Now, go and take on the world.
What's
Ashley Long
Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Option
What's Next: Working as a Veterinary Assistant at a mixed animal practice/emergency services in Indiana called VIP Animal Care
Nicole Scarberry Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Option
Next: heading to University of Missouri for my DVM and MPH
Jessica Yonkers Psychology
Casey Knapik Exercise Science for Health Professions
Cody Watson Graphic Design
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE MISANTHROPE
Leah Chizmar Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Option
What's next: Attending Iowa State University College of Vet Med in the fall
Jakob Blevins Animal Science-Industry Option
BUILDING
Stephen Hayes
Adolescent/Young Adult/ Integrated Social Studies
Stephanie Suprenant Business Management
Thank
Peyton Cooper Finance
What's Next: Accepted job in New York City as a financial advisor.
Class of 2020
Madeline Green
Animal Science, Equestrian Studies with English Riding/ Training Emphasis
What's Next: Interning at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C.
Keri Fisher Animal ScienceIndustry Option
by Jack Barger '01
illustrations by Cody Watson '20
UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY HAS NEVER BEEN ONE TO SHY AWAY FROM A CHALLENGE.
Part of what makes UF and its collective body of faculty, staff, students, and alumni so prepared for both obstacles and successes is our ability to respond to each other’s needs, as well as that of our surrounding community.
The advent of the Coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic pulled each one of us away from our campus in many different ways, but it also brought us together. It became even more clear than ever that where and when there is a need at and around UF, there are people who are there to meet it with exceptional results.
AMY SCHLESSMAN, D.H.SC., D.P.T. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
LEANING ON COLLEAGUES
Like every other college across the country, UF was forced to move to remote learning, or virtual classrooms, to continue educating Oiler students. But, if there was a blessing to be found in this particular challenge, it was that it shone a light on the level at which UF faculty are willing to commit to each other and the students who make up their classes.
When Amy Schlessman D.H.Sc., D.P.T., Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy and a current mentor for the first-year Teaching Partners Program at UF, saw the need to assist faculty with everything that comes with moving courses online, she immediately sought to fill it by initiating what she called “We are All in this Together Wednesday.” During these times, she not only hosted both day and evening virtual office hours for students so that they could ask questions about the coursework and find solace and support, she did the same for first-year faculty and any other folks who needed the time. It wasn’t just instruction that she and a handful of other faculty provided; it was the encouragement and support for the human spirit, from the formidable hurdles down to the small. Schlessman mentioned that providing simple reminders, for instance, such as coaxing instructors and students to have their laptop power cord handy at all times in the event of a battery dying during an online meeting, was often just the helpful advice someone needed. Professor of English and Lead College Credit Plus Faculty Liaison, Nicole Diederich, Ph.D., echoed the notion that UF is made up of folks who rally together when tested by
the need for new approaches. “What helped was relying on colleagues for help and support,” she said. “My colleagues in the English Department, my colleagues in ITS and ATS, my colleagues throughout the University—all of them offered tutorials, suggestions, resources, good humor, grace, and patience as we worked on the transition together.”
VIRTUAL SUCCESS EQUALS REAL WORLD READINESS
The switch to remote learning was obviously a potential challenge for students as well. They were going to need to receive the same quality instruction that they had gotten before the change, but from their homes instead of on campus. With classes and labs temporarily online, Justin Rheubert, UF Instructor of Teaching in Biology said, it was certainly possible for students to entertain the idea that classes might be easier or somehow “less than.”
But Rheubert and other faculty made it clear that the learning that students would be a part of at UF, virtual or otherwise, would largely depend on them working hard to find their own success. “They were expected to get up and do the work with the same schedule. You can’t slack off in biology or anywhere else in college,” Rheubert said. And, though that would inevitably cause some additional stress, it quickly became apparent that Rheubert and others would take on a bit of additional weight in the early stages so there would be less for others down the road, particularly students. “Think about it,” Rheubert continued. “I had one class to take care of; students have, sometimes, upwards
Robbie Riffle
Dan White
Meriah Sage, Assistant Professor of Theater
Staci Brenneman
Leah Chizmar
Alex Miller
Jack Yeater
KEVIN SMITH, DIRECTOR OF ESH PROGRAMS
“WHAT
HELPED WAS RELYING ON COLLEAGUES FOR HELP AND SUPPORT,”
Lead College Credit Plus
Faculty Liaison, Nicole
Diederich, Ph.D.
of seven classes. We needed to do all we could to alleviate that anxiety for them.” He worked hard to mimic as closely as possible the lab experience that students got physically, from having them visit a website to look at the virtual microscopic anatomy of the digestive system as if they’re looking at a slide under an actual microscope, to, when focusing on exercise physiology, measuring things like their heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure after physical activity at home, before recording and studying the data.
Students in Associate Professor of Education Dr. Nicole Williams’ classes learned certain skills to use both for their classes and for their future careers. “As a teacher educator, “she said, “it is not only important for me to teach my students online but also model best practices in how to teach online. Many of my students, especially my graduate students, were in P-12 classrooms that needed to transition online. The knowledge and skills I teach them via Canvas, Zoom, Google, etc. are immediately applicable and necessary for them to teach their P-12 students.”
OFFERING HELP FOR THE COMMUNITY
There were, of course, additional urgencies that reared their heads, those that occurred off campus, but that could be attended to, as it turned out, by the University. When Director of ESH Programs, Kevin Smith, started getting calls from institutions in need of PPE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), he and some others, including UF President, Katherine Fell, decided that UF would donate some of what it had to three area hospitals. “All of our college areas stepped up to volunteer,” Smith said. “College of Sciences, College of Health Professions, Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, and Findlay All Hazards. We all knew that this stuff needed to get to the frontlines, to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who might have needed them before we would. It was amazing.”
UF’s College of Pharmacy did their part to step up and give needed assistance also. They began making hand sanitizer in their labs for various local health care systems, hospitals, pharmacies, and others. Several faculty members contributed
to the collaborative effort of collecting materials, preparing ingredients, and compounding the mixture to the required specifications. Tonya A. Dauterman, Pharm.D., Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Associate Dean of External Affairs and Advocacy, and Chair of Experiential Education, said that they used the guidelines set by Governor Mike DeWine regarding social distancing and followed the FDA and World Health Organization parameters to maximize the highest quality product made in a nonindustry setting. “We learned there was a need in the community and wanted to provide support any way we could,” Dauterman said.
Clearly, what will remain the norm for UF is the willingness and desire of its faculty and staff to model the determination it takes to get through tough challenges, whether academic or otherwise, to show students that what they do at any moment will help them to discover hidden abilities and strengths for the future. At UF, the potential for meaningful lives and productive careers is still being crafted, and that will never change. It’s yet another example of the continuous coming together of UF to create not only positivity, but kinship.
Faculty Focus
Jack Taylor Reflects on 40 Years at Findlay
BY HANNAH MWAURA
After 40 years of directing community bands and teaching music at University of Findlay, Jack Taylor, professor of music, plans to retire after Findlay Civic Band’s summer 2020 performances.
Taylor arrived at the University in 1980, after the college eliminated the music major. Some administrators sought to salvage the element of music appreciation and education for the Findlay experience, which is what led to Taylor’s hire. As a jazz musician with plenty of performance experience, it was believed that Taylor could help turn the tide by organizing a jazz combo comprised of about five musicians. He had his work cut out for him: only seven students were enrolled in band, one of them strictly as a cymbal player. Over the years, Taylor expanded Findlay’s music program to include the marching band, orchestra, symphonic band, and wind ensemble. Today’s music program enrollment is approximately 150 students.
After the Findlay Civic Band’s summer performance, Taylor intends to take at least a year-long break from direct music involvement. Meanwhile, he plans to visit with family, from grandchildren to his parents, and help them in various ways.
Taylor reflected on his time at Findlay:
What is special about the University of Findlay?
The University of Findlay was my first “small college” experience. I went to high school and took my music degrees at two larger institutions and never before experienced the wonderful feeling of closeness and “family” that I came to know in Findlay. Add that to the joy of getting to know how kind and warm people in the Midwest could be (I come from a suburb of Philadelphia where folks are a bit more coarse), we soon realized that Findlay would be the perfect place to raise our children and spend our lives.
What will you miss the most about being Findlay’s band director?
No question – I’ll miss the relationships. “Family” has been central to my work at the University and in the community. We’ve cultivated that relationship with University of Findlay students even more so as of late since our own three sons have married, moved away, and are busy now with their own families. But we’ve also adopted a “family” of community musicians in Findlay and Northwest Ohio. I’ve worked with some of those folks for well over 30 years.
What kind of impact did Findlay have on your life?
I keep coming back to “family” but that’s been everything for us. Pat and I came to Findlay fresh out of grad school at Yale. We were 25 years old, married for only four years and pushing a six-month old baby in a stroller. Findlay College gave me my first experience as a college professor. Colleagues at Findlay
College made us instantly feel at home. We were alone in Ohio with no friends or family and the people in the Findlay community welcomed us. We came to learn of the value of friends and colleagues with no other of our family members in the area.
What impact do you hope you had on the lives of Findlay students?
I hope my students have taken away the love and passion for music that I’ve felt since I was a kid. I hope they have developed a feeling of self-confidence as a result of their experience in my bands that will help them to reach for the stars in their careers. I hope that I’ve helped them learn some important lessons about commitment, teamwork, and responsibility.
How do you think your work as band director and the music program helped students have meaningful lives and productive careers?
You’d have to ask them about that but I can’t imagine anyone’s life being meaningful without the gift of music. As for productive careers – I have to trust that my colleagues have prepared them for that – we’ve had no music majors during my time in Findlay – so we’ve not prepared career musicians. We HAVE, however, prepared a LOT of people who are going to find other walks of life. Those same people will likely be active in their communities as volunteer or semiprofessional musicians.
Student Spotlight
IHSA HEADSHOT BY “SPRING FOX”
University of Findlay Graduate James Novak ’20
GRANVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS
BY JACK BARGER '01
James Novak, a University of Findlay Equestrian Studies major who graduated in May has a great love for horses and “the amazing experiences” University of Findlay has given him. Novak, who said that, after graduation, he’ll work hard and do whatever it takes to be the best trainer out there, has some points of consideration for the students who are considering or already enrolled at UF:
RISE EARLY
Novak said that he was often up every day at 4:30 a.m. for a 5 a.m. ride with his instructor, Meri Marsh, before heading to a 7 a.m. class.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
“I had originally gone to a vocational school to learn automotive, but after about a year I learned that my heart wasn't in working on cars,” Novak said. He said he found out about Findlay through some former trainers after telling one of them he wanted to train horses for a living. Novak asked a friend who was going to UF about how the program was set up. “She told me how it’s unlike any other school for horse training, and after that, it was all just applying for the University and hoping I would get in.”
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
Novak said that what makes UF so special is the community. “Especially at the western farm, we all have healthy competition between us and encourage each other,” he explained. “The
students work together to further grasp what instructors teach them.” Anywhere he goes within the horse industry he finds that people either attended Findlay or know of it, which, Novak has found, leads to new friends and great connections all over the world.
STICK TO IT
After a year of pushing his comfort zone and practicing every chance he got, Novak won the senior reining while he was only a junior.
DREAM LITTLE, DREAM BIG
“I'm leaving my future open to great possibilities,” said Novak. In the nearest future, he will be working as a UF assistant trainer with aspirations to take over as head trainer. “This is an almost unbelievable opportunity that I am very grateful for. It would allow me to stay at the top tier of reining and not have to restart on my own later with lower quality horses,” he explained further. “Although, whatever happens, my dream is to be the best reining trainer out there.”
Access Athletics
LINDSEY KLUESENER
By Jack Barger '01
Lindsey Kluesener has always been a high flyer.
As a young girl, she was involved with gymnastics, and as a result, she most often could be found flying through the air, launched by the force of her own legs and staunch determination. Even so, there were aspirations to go even higher, and, with the help of a new sport and her father’s advice, she would find a new way to get airborne.
“My dad suggested that I try pole vaulting just for fun, so I did, and ended up loving it right away,” said Kluesener. “I jumped ten feet my first year vaulting in high school and twelve my second, junior year, which opened my eyes to the possibility of vaulting in college.” University of Findlay pole vaulting Coach Clint Dillon reached out to her in the fall of her senior year, she explained, and after a long decision-making process, she signed to the University in February 2019.
“This is a girl that had cleared twelve feet in her high school career and it was when she was a junior,” Dillon said of Kluesener. “When I started recruiting her, I saw something in her and I just had this pull that she had to be a part of our program.”
Kluesener and the rest of the vault squad at UF were poised to have a successful season, Dillon said, as the progress and growth of the young team was already beginning to show itself. “We were ranked as the 6th best vault squad in DII for the indoor season,” he said. “The oldest vaulter on the women’s vault squad is a sophomore. Lindsey was heading into nationals ranked 11th and as the number one freshman in the nation.”
Alongside Kluesener was Meadow Cromer, ranked 23rd in the nation, and Morgan England, ranked 26th. The team was flying collectively, coming off of the conference meet where they placed 1st (Kluesener), 2nd (England), and tied for 3rd (Cromer). The plan, Dillon said, was to get Kluesener to nationals, “take care of business,” and head into the outdoor season with team confidence soaring.
However, like so many other sporting events at colleges across the globe, it all came to a sudden halt with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a practice at the host site for indoor nationals in Birmingham, Alabama, Dillon and Kluesener received word that everything was shut down and the meet was cancelled. It was a disappointing end to a promising season, but, like any true athlete and coach, after a quick period of grief, the focus was placed cleanly on the future.
Kluesener, who finished the season with a conference win and a new personal and UF record of thirteen feet and two inches, is grateful for the extra few months of off season. “I’m excited to take advantage of the extra time to focus on really getting my mind and body in shape and prepared for next year,” she said.
Dillon isn’t surprised at Kluesener’s positivity and drive. He said that she was already an elite vaulter when she arrived at UF, she just needed to believe it. “Once we removed the mental barriers she had been placing in front of herself, her confidence grew and the bars kept climbing. It is going to be really exciting to see what she can accomplish next season.”
“Overall, the past year of my life has been such a blessing,” Kluesener said. “I never expected to be where I am today, in health and spirit. I have my parents, teammates, Coach Dillon, and ultimately God to thank for all of it.”
Donor Impact
“They have done a wonderful job in creating a stateof-the-art learning space that is further enhanced by its proximity to the nursing labs, allowing collaborative learning and a better understanding between future PAs and future nurses.”
Dr. Paul Davis, former program and medical director of the UF Physician Assistant program
"The generosity provided to UF from our donor family is outstanding. Gifts come in from UF supporters of every stripe, from the trustees who help lead the way, to alumni from coast to coast and community members here in Hancock County. Whether their interest is academics, athletics, the Mazza Museum, or another area, donors want to be sure they support our students.”
Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D. Vice President for University Advancement
“From the very first time that I crossed the Mazza Museum's threshold, I recognized their ability to teach and message young children through children's literature. They offer programs to develop imagination, creativity, pleasure in word use, empathy, and a sense of empowerment that comes from reading books and sharing ideas. My family and I feel privileged to be
“Because of the high quality of leadership [UF has] in our staff, faculty, and the Board of Trustees, the University is wellprepared to help fulfill the mission we have to equip our students for meaningful lives and productive careers and to overcome the challenges we are seeing in higher education.”
Chris Ostrander, Vice Chair, University of Findlay Board of Trustees
Nick Reinhart sees UF as a pillar of the community, appreciates, values, and respects an education, and feels that Findlay is lucky to have its University.
Because of all of our UF friends, parents, and alumni like YOU, our Day of Giving on May 5 was a record-breaking day! We're so grateful for our Oiler family! To all of the gracious givers on that day and every day, we say thank you!
"The Mazza Museum emphasized the commitment of the artists to strive to meet the highest standards in their creative work. When it was time to make a decision about a recipient of the paintings and drawings that I had created during all my years as an author and illustrator, I was deeply honored when the opportunity became available to add them to the Mazza Museum's superb collection."
Steven Kellogg, Mazza Museum illustrator/donor
Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center Coming Fall 2021
Class Notes
1990s
Julie (Marks) Dick ’93 is a Goal Attainment Coordinator, Division of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Business & Economic Opportunity for the State of Ohio Department of Transportation.
2000s
Kathryn (Wolfinger) Patterson ’05, is the Campus Life Site Director at Van Buren Middle and High School for Youth for Christ.
Dave Braun ’06, M ’07 is a director at Bunge North America in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Lisa (Taylor) Sedlack ’06 is a real estate agent with Danberry Realtors in Findlay.
Liana Schulte Vanderhoff ’07 is a Global Procurement Manager for PepsiCo in Plano, Texas.
Brett Shellhammer ’09 is Director, Health Information Management for Orthopedic One in Columbus, Ohio.
Carla Towers ’09 is a Graphic Designer at Rhodes State College in Lima,
Kelsey (Wright) Brodman ’14, is now a Grain Marketer & Media Marketing Coordinator with Legacy Farmers Cooperative in Findlay.
Zac Brown ’16, M ’19 is a Safety Manager at The McAlear Group in Maumee, Ohio.
Maya Angelou once said “You may encounter defeats, but you must not be defeated. Defeat is sometimes necessary to find out who we are.” We are currently witnessing changes to the health, well being, and livelihoods of those within this country, as well as abroad. This is a time of uncertainty and fear as many people are uneasy and unsettled having to deal with anxieties and uprooting of their routines and plans.
For our students, this has been especially hard, as virtual classrooms, modified clinical rotations and virtual graduations have replaced higher education’s traditional norms and ultimately impacted their journey.
I want to offer a word of encouragement as we adapt to remote learning and social distancing. I encourage you to support one another and to remember that during times like this we are better together. Reach out to one another on social media and other platforms to offer words of encouragement and check in on one another as social distancing and, in some cases, lack of resources can cause an isolating effect.
Encourage one another in that, though lives have been altered, the campus community can persevere and assist one another in being an example to those who come after; an example showing that out of crises can come innovation and new ways of connecting and achievement.
DeMya T. Wimberly ’94, President Alumni Association Board of
Governors
2010s
Nichole Rice ’13 is a Teacher Coach for Great Lake Community Action Partnership in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Emily Warnimont ’13 is an Associate Marketing Director with Trans Ova Genetics in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Class notes for this issue were received by April 17, 2020.
Brandy (Smith) Brown ’16, is an Assistant Director of DevelopmentCollege of Law with The University of Toledo Foundation.
Alumni Spotlight
Marriages & Births
Marriages
1 Christopher ’16 and Amanda (Eichel) Conklin ’19 were married on Sept. 14, 2019. They reside in Parma Heights, Ohio.
2 Dr. Logan ’12 and Amber (Zielinski) Opperman ’15, were married on Sept. 28, 2019. They reside in Apex, North Carolina.
Births and Adoptions
Emily (Mcmains) Ripley ’11 and Joshua Ripley of Sunbury, Ohio welcomed their son, Jared Joshua Ripley, on Sept. 15, 2019.
Kelsey (Wright) Brodman ’14 and Tyler Brodman of Carey, Ohio welcomed their son, Elliot Logan Brodman on Aug. 19, 2019.
Taylor (Sowers) Barton ’13 and Jordan Barton of Findlay, Ohio welcomed their son, Wyatt Cole Barton on Feb 1, 2020.
3 Megan (Rachow) Decker ’09 DPT ’11 and Adam Decker were married on Sept. 28, 2019. They reside in Medina, Ohio,
4 Joe Pharm. D. ’12 and Elizabeth (Larson) Clouse ’13 M ’17 were married on Oct. 13, 2019. They reside in Findlay, Ohio.
5 Jen (Morgan) Stieber '15 and Ross Stieber were married on July 27, 2019. They reside in Norwalk, Ohio.
6 Michele (Hook) Moster ’16 and Kevin Moster were married on Nov. 30, 2019. They reside in Connersville, Indiana.
www.findlay.edu/
Elizabeth De Luca Kontchou ’12 and Gildas Kontchou Kambou of Columbus, Ohio welcomed their son Avriel De Luca Kontchou.
Teddy Greschel ’12 and Rachel Howell ’18 of Coldwater, Michigan welcomed their daughter Lily Nova Greschel on March 13, 2020.
Chris ’15 M ’16 and Alexa Reaper of Perrysburg, Ohio welcomed their son Owen Charles Reaper on March 27, 2020.
UF Instructor of Biology
Tom Knoedler and Courtney Knoedler of Findlay, Ohio welcomed their daughter Evelynn Jayde Knoedler on March 29, 2020.
Class notes for this issue were received by April 17, 2020.
In Memory
1940s
Edward L. Feightner '41
Kenneth W. Zuercher ‘42
Darrel F. Linder ’43
Harry C. Cole ‘47
Arthur O. Burton ’49
1950s
Virginia L. Henry ‘51
Joanne H. (Hamilton) Rockwell ‘51
Sonja J. Norris ‘59
Friends
James D. Akin
David Barnes
Mary W. Barre
Roy L. Benson
Margaret A. Betts
Jo L. Birkmire
Van L. Burns
Miriam A. Cable
Bryan Cameron
Jacquelyn L. Coffman
Robin A. Cramer
Frank W. Crane
David J. Cusick
Patricia L. Dally
Mary Dashnaw
Sylvia H. Duncan
Lawrence P. Englund
Harold J. Ervin
Treva L. Eversole
Linda B. Fenstermaker
Paul D. Fenstermaker
James R. Ford
Fannie (Jean) Franks
Edward D. Groves
Violet A. Henry
Norma J. Hottinger
Barbara J. Hummel
Roy E. Hutchison
Franklin S. Jumper
Sherry S. Kemp
Ann E. Kruse
Elizabeth J. Lammers
April Lehman
1960s
Rosemary (Crohen) DeFrench ‘60
Howard C. Burgin, Jr. ‘61
Robert H. Rice ‘61
Lowell L. Rossman ‘61
Charles E. Newland ‘63
Eman D. Famiano ‘68
Gary C. Ward ‘69
1970s
Mary L. Pilchak ‘70
Janet L. (Hilty) Basinger ‘71
Sue C. (Frysinger) Meyer ‘73
1980s
Kathy A. Griesemer ‘80
Jeffrey M. Branan ‘83
Robert L. Amstutz '87
Patricia K. Rader ‘88
1990s
Michael L. Dennis ‘96
2000s
Gary Schneider ’01 ‘03
Dina M. Schreiner ‘01
John A. Ludwig ‘02
Stephen Scarbrough ‘03
Angela Schumaker ‘03
Juan Castillo ‘09
Brian M. Schmitz ‘10
Rocky J. Kill ‘12
Kenneth M. Lentz
Ruth A. Mathews
Theodore R. Mayberry
Richard K. McCord
Nancy M. McIntosh
Ross A. Moore, Jr.
Kathryn W. Neumann
Gary D. Noakes
Russell J. Peterman
Ruth Pownell
Shirley R. Quellhorst
Jennifer J. Richards
Judith E. Robinson
Marie Sampson
Elizabeth J. Sauer
Bonna J. Scheib
Sandra A. Slack
Donna J. Stahl
Harold L. Todd
Gerald L. Twining
Phyllis J. Verhoff
Vernon L. Waaland
Richard E. White
Lasley V. Wilkinson
Betty L. Williams
Kathryn A. Wolfinger
Rear Admiral Edward L. Feightner ’41, Findlay College alumni and World War II fighter pilot, passed away recently at the age of 100. Born in Lima, Ohio on October 14, 1919, he was one of four children of Amos and Mary Feightner. He attended then-Findlay College on a full-ride scholarship, and graduated in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics. After graduation, he joined the Navy to become a fighter pilot, and in his 34 years of Navy service, he flew as a combat pilot, instructor, and test pilot. When he retired from service, Feightner had achieved the title of rear admiral, was highly decorated, and had flown over 100 types of planes. Feightner was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013, and is the namesake of University of Findlay’s Rear Admiral Feightner Scholarship Fund.
Dr. DeBow Freed passed away Saturday, Feb. 8, at the age of 94. Dr. Freed’s legacy at the University of Findlay is unparalleled. His steadfast leadership helped propel the University forward to be known for its focus on experiential learning and undergraduate research, the arts and graduates who are prepared to be leaders.
Dr. Freed came to University of Findlay as president in 2003 and served in the role until his retirement in 2010.
President Freed raised the bar at the University of Findlay by stabilizing the institution financially and improving campus morale. From 2005 to 2010 the number of full-time faculty increased from 155 to 195 and investments were also made in laboratories, experiential work, technology and academic support. The Doctor of Pharmacy Program was added and the Physical Therapy Program was elevated to the doctoral level.
In 2010, Freed was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of Findlay, and he and his wife, Catherine also established the Dr. and Mrs. DeBow Freed Contemporary Christian Lecture Series Endowment, which welcomes nationally known speakers exploring Christian responses to contemporary issues. His wife, Catherine Freed, contributed to the success of the institutions where her husband served and was very active in campus and community affairs.
DeBow Freed remained President Emeritus of University of Findlay until his passing.
announcements and
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Alumni Events
We had a wonderful time today learning about “Miles of Bravery,” a Mazza Museum exhibit at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
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Don't miss out on any alumni and friends University of Findlay events! www.findlay.edu/events
College of Education alumni & friends reconnected in Columbus.
Alumni Association Board of Governors 2019-20
Officers President DeMya Wimberly '94
Vice President
Nicole (Hauenstein) Busey '99
Past President
Kelly (Zink) Ernst '03
Elected Representatives (3 year terms)
Jennia Knestrick’94
Suzzette Boyd ‘97
Dean Plott ’93
Teresa (McIntosh) Steed ‘92
Tom Jakubiec '73
Ann (DeHaven) Barkalow '70
Alissa (Simpson ’01) Preston
Margaret Wetzler '92
Jennifer (Reinhart) Schoenberger ’99
Brian Treece ’01 MAE ’02
Preston Eberlyn ’15
Kathy Myers M’09
Forrest Miller ’17
Mike Kantner '04 M'06
Kenneth "Ed" Brandt '81
Sam Yates '16
Student Representatives (2 year appointments)
Brooke Von Hoffmann
Nathan Russell
Zarina Dillon
Kelsey Gerken
Tristan Meyer
Alyssa Maier
Olunife Akinmolava
Mercedes Snyder
We had a great night reconnecting with animal science/pre-vet alumni in Columbus.
Archives
From the 1964 Findlay College Argus
Performing
Concert Band
in the orchestra pit are Jerry Clark and Roland Anifson
Graduating seniors of the band are Carolyn Rose, Marilyn Doering, Nancy Brought, Louie Rossman, Ron Cable, Joe Lear