Down on the Farms
Dr. Gregory Hass and Dr. Natalie Simmons ‘06: University of Findlay’s Stable of Horses is in Outstanding Hands
From the President
Vision and persistence pay off.
As you read the UF stories in the pages ahead, particularly the ones about our animal science, pre-veterinary, and equestrian programs, you will see what vision and persistence can do. It was 1976 when the first niche program for Findlay College was established, thanks to the talent and determination of Dale E. Wilkinson, acclaimed horse reining champion, and to the willingness of Findlay College to test and support a new idea.
Six years later, in 1982, Findlay College established a one-ofa-kind pre-veterinary medicine program in which students would gain practical, hands-on experience with horses, livestock and small animals, beginning their first semester on campus.
Then in 1992, English riding was added to the curriculum in addition to western riding, with the expanded facilities at the James L. Child Jr. Equestrian Complex, which opened in 1993 to accommodate the popular English riding major.
Since then, both English and Western equestrian teams have won multiple national titles at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions. Our pre-vet and animal science graduates who apply to veterinary schools are accepted at a rate of 85% compared to a national average of 12%. These programs and the faculty, staff, and students who lead, teach, and learn in them are a reflection of what is best about our campus culture: vision and persistence.
In Oiler spirit,
Katherine Fell, Ph.D. President
Dr. Gregory Hass and Dr. Natalie Simmons ‘06 12
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 Oiler Nation.
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
Contributing Writers
Andrea Blankemeyer M'20
Natasha Lancaster ’18, M’19
Staff Photographer Amy DePuy
Contributing Photographers
Andrea Blankemeyer M'20
Natasha Lancaster ’18, M’19
Lindsey Ahbe '21 Access Athletics 18 20
Down on the Farms: UF’s Animal Science and Equestrian Facilities
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Around Campus
A “HARDIE” WELCOME
The works of Hardie Gramatky, an early author and illustrator for Walt Disney who later created the Little Toot tugboat series, have come to life through an extensive exhibit at UF's Mazza Museum that includes his studio, the tools of his trade, and a variety of his original works.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINGARDEN
An ongoing partnership between UF and the Blanchard River Watershed led to a collaborative project through which a raingarden will be built to prevent storm water runoff. Ben Dolan, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of natural areas and plant collections at UF said it will collect runoff from the Davis Street Building parking lot, where it currently flows directly into a creek, but after the project, will flow into a raingarden.
IT TAKES TWO
Individuals interested in becoming a pharmacist now have a new affordable and innovative path to earning a Pharm.D. degree thanks to a dual enrollment opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Applied Health Science degree from BGSU, then a Pharm.D. from UF two years later.
SIMPLY THE BEST
UF was listed among thousands of institutions in the nation as the Best Private University in Ohio, and ranked 7th overall for Ohio colleges and universities, by the online publication Intelligent.com.
GOING MOBILE
22 UF student volunteers, along with faculty and staff members, assisted in serving food for CHOPIN Hall’s second Mobile Food Pantry of the year. The Office of Student Affairs donated funds for 10,000 pounds of groceries for the event hosted by the Findlay nonprofit that has been providing food to those in need for 36 years.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Alyssa Maier, a CVS Pharmacy intern and UF Pharm.D. candidate ’23 was given the incredible opportunity to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Ramona Heinzerling, her 105-year-old great-grandmother in February
ALUMNA MEANS BUSINESS
Kirby C. Overton, B.S. ‘06, MBA ’08, Ed.D. ‘18, was appointed to serve as Dean of the College of Business. She previously served as the college’s assistant dean and department chair of the College of Business, and as an Assistant Professor of Business.
PULL UP A CHAIR
Chris Ostrander was elected Board of Trustees Chair and Michael Harrington the Vice Chair for University of Findlay. Their proven dedication to UF since Ostrander’s appointment to the board in 2013 and Harrington’s appointment in 2011 makes us excited to see what the future holds!
LEADERSHIP CONTINUES
UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D. will continue to serve at the helm of the University for at least another three years after her contract was extended by the Board of Trustees to run through June 2024, with a 3-year option beyond that.
A HEALTHY COLLABORATION
UF and Blanchard Valley Health System announced a collaborative relationship seeking to encourage more students from the region to consider healthcare majors.
“As the region’s leader in highquality healthcare education, this partnership will enable our students and graduates to gain the experience they need to serve our community well for many years,” said President Fell.
Class of 2021
OLIVIA HENNING
Western Equestrian Studies with an Emphasis in Western Training and Equine Business Management
"I am an Assistant Trainer at Robin Schoeller Reining Horses.”
CAILA
CASE
Psychology
“Starting in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program here at UF.”
NATALIE ISNER
Exercise Science for Health Professions
“Pursuing a Master’s of Exercise Science at Oakland University in Rochester, MI!”
FLORIAN BAUER
Master of Business Administration
“I want to work in the sales sector, so I’m applying for jobs that will utilize my graduate degree.”
KARLI JOHNS, JENNA SHIPMAN, AND ALLISON REICHERT
Master of Occupational Therapy
“We’re all graduating from the OT Program, and we’re each going to start clinical fieldwork. Karli in Indianapolis, Jenna in Delaware, OH, and Allison in Nashville.”
MICHAELA JACKS
Biology
“Applying in the winter to a school in Massachusetts for environmental policing. You can’t apply until you’re 24, so I have to wait!”
BRANDON NUSBAUM Social Work
“Starting the Master’s of Social Work Program at University of Toledo at the end of June.”
KIJANA CALDWELL Business Administration
“After graduating with a doublemajor in marketing and sport business management and a minor in business management, I’m going to graduate school right here at UF, pursuing an MBA.”
MADELYNN GREENSLADE Marketing
“Pursuing a career in marketing and social media.”
Class of 2021
Veterinary Variation
University of Findlay’s stable of horses is in outstanding hands.
by JACK BARGER '01
photography by AMY DEPUY
When you have majors and programs as renowned and revered as University of Findlay’s, it goes without saying that there needs to be a great deal of people in all kinds of positions helping to make it all successful.
SOME OF THESE PEOPLE and positions are a well-known part of any college. UF’s professors, instructors, advisors, and others are top notch, and that certainly applies to those within the University’s Animal Science/Pre-Vet program. Some, as well, like the staff veterinarians for equestrian studies, offer a set of skills fueled by both veteran and newer perspectives that go well beyond the average college experience, focusing specifically on keeping certain animals healthy and happy.
Dr. Gregory Hass and Dr. Natalie Simmons ‘06 have a relatively new full-time professional relationship working regularly side-by-side with UF’s horse population. While Hass has been on the UF staff for 27 years, Simmons started full-time at UF in February of this year, after a veterinary career that began upon her graduation from University of Missouri’s vet school in 2013. Simmons practiced after in a few states, she said, including Ohio, where, at one point, she moved to start her own practice; but something about her UF alma mater – Simmons is an alumna of the Animal Science/Pre-Vet program, and interned with Hass in the late 2000s – kept calling her back, and it wasn’t just the work.
As a student, Simmons worked as a barn intern for the equestrian barn managers, helping them with non-medical care, Hass said. “She was always the right-hand person with evaluations and treatments and we definitely interacted daily.” This specific UF experience helped when, in 2018, Hass contacted
Simmons to tell her that (now-retired) UF staff veterinarian Dr. Rick Henninger was having surgery, and to ask her if she might want to do some relief work in his stead. “I was very excited and said ‘sure thing,’ right away,” said Simmons. “I was so very grateful for the opportunity to come up here and work.” She did a few more stints of relief work for UF, including over this past summer, after which she stayed through the semester and over the break before she was offered Henninger’s full-time position.
The pair shares a responsibility mainly to the good number of horses that are in the University’s care. Both say that there is far more than just meets the eye to the job, but that the broad sense of what they do revolves around the care of sick or lame horses along with doing what is needed to try and prevent sickness in the first place. Hass equates it to a children’s daycare in terms of remedies and precautions. “We have a large young horse population,” he said, “and if there happens to be, say, a respiratory virus within it, it will spread just like it does, particularly through young children, at a school. And colic is always an issue in any population of horses, so it’s those types of things we have to take care of.” There are lameness evaluations, vaccinations, de-wormings, and everything in between. “Basically, anything that can happen to a horse happens,” Hass added.
And anything can happen with the horses’ teeth as well. While she is a veterinarian who, like Hass,
can do a little bit of everything with regard to their care, Simmons’ special interest, it seems, is dentistry for the horses, which, she said, Hass installed an early love for when she was a UF student and intern. Yes, even though it’s not something that the uninitiated person might think of, horses need dentists to work on their teeth just like people do, but for some very different reasons. “At the western barn, for instance, they have a lot of youngsters in training that they break out or start for under saddle, and they sometimes have wolf teeth that need to be removed before putting the bit in so they’re more comfortable,” Simmons explained. While Simmons does new dentals on horses early in the semester, Hass said, she is always ready to tackle the next challenge. “She’s a dentist one day, and the next she’s an orthopedist; then she’s in internal medicine, and then later an anesthesiologist. She and I are, really, general practitioners.”
The partnership between the two allows for Hass’s long-time wisdom, a frame of reference that has nearly seen it all, to meet what Hass called the fresh enthusiasm and intelligence that is Simmons’. Combined, this creates a wealth of knowledge for the UF program, one that runs the gamut of veterinary issues, and which also provides a solid base from which students can reap the benefits. “It’s refreshing,” Hass said. “When you see the same things over and over like I have, it’s definitely good to have an alternative view of things.” Simmons has been a working veterinarian long enough, he continued, to collect an expertise of her own, while at the same time, “new” enough to offer a perspective that breaks from the norm.
“Practicing in different states,” Simmons said, “you find that sometimes different approaches work better for certain situations in different regions. You
see different diseases and conditions and for different reasons.” And, she continued, when she is able to bring that regional knowledge to UF, it broadens the scope of care.
As a result of this breadth of understanding, the future for the horses, the students, and the program at UF looks exceptionally bright. Hass and Simmons regularly bounce ideas off of each other when looking at the bigger picture, they said, and there is a certain respect that each has for the other, helping to strengthen trust and reliability even further. That reliability and respect also extends to UF veterinary technician Heather Riddle ’99, another UF alumna, and an integral part of the team; one who most certainly, they said, needs to be noted.
“She orders meds and supplies, does the recordkeeping, schedules appointments, restrains horses for procedures, assists in surgery; we’d be lost without her,” Simmons said.
“It’s definitely good to have that cohesiveness and unity,” Hass explained. “It means a lot to have alumni of the program and one [in Simmons] who has been back on staff to help a few times, because of the familiarity and the individual knowledge.” In other words, Simmons came with a built-in grasp of how Findlay operates, and that, coupled with Hass’ existing reputation as a vet for UF, and Riddle’s many years with the program, makes for an exceptionally efficient working team.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I wake up every day, and I’m not even kidding, I feel like the luckiest person on earth.”
“I want to make sure I’m always consulting with Dr. Hass just because he has been, and is, one of the kings of leading the UF vet services and has been for decades,” Simmons explained. “His experience with what works saves us time, money, and energy.”
Hass, in fact, was recently named president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, which serves to take an even greater unity one step further. It’s a chance for him to open even more doors, coming together with like minds to expand and build upon the future of the profession. “What people should know is that we, as vets, are a community in and of itself,” he said. “We have a lot of colleagues that we both rely on and help.”
The pair plan to use the summer to regroup and prepare for the coming academic year, they said. Hass intends to stick around for several more years, and, if Simmons’ excitement for her new role is any indication, this meeting of equine-minds will continue for quite a long time.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I wake up every day, and I’m not even kidding, I feel like the luckiest person on earth,” she said. “I had zero clue when I was in vet school that my path would lead back to UF, but I am so grateful to be here. And I couldn’t ask for a better person to lead us through the pandemic and everything that comes after than Dr. Hass. He is, and was, exactly what we need during all of it.”
Down on the Farms: UF’s Animal Science and Equestrian Facilities Offer Much to Students
BY JACK BARGER '01
The University of Findlay prides itself on creating and maintaining great living quarters and facilities for our students, so it’s no surprise that we have done the same for the animals who live at our barns and help to provide our students with the hands-on learning the University is equally proud of. Between the three facilities – The Western Equestrian Riding Barn and the Dale Wilkinson Arena, University of Findlay's Pre-Veterinary Barn and the Dr. C. Richard Beckett Animal Science Building, and The James L. Child, Jr. English Equestrian Center – you’ll find students from all over the country, 1,700 animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, pigs and horses, championship walls, and between them all, around four million pounds of hay used annually! Below is just some of the other amenities available to students, animals, and faculty.
The Western Barn and Arena:
• Houses three indoor arenas to do drills and practice.
• Assists the only Ranch Horse team at the collegiate level. The teams compete against local riders in the Findlay area.
• Holds shows for Youth Equestrian Development Association, mainly during the summer months.
• Has students clean stalls three days a week, two for underclassmen, and typically one for juniors and seniors so they can focus on riding more.
• Boasts a Robo Cow, one of the very few that universities have for “cutting” cattle, used for practicing the modern equestrian competition requiring a horse and rider to separate a single cow from a herd of cattle and prevent it from getting back to the herd.
• Has round outdoor pens used to breakout horses.
Dr. C. Richard Beckett Animal Science Building:
• Is 31,000 sq. ft. and was built in 2009.
• Has about 1,000 animals.
• Has cattle and sheep chutes for things like weighing and giving medication.
• Where ultrasound and reproduction courses take place.
• Finds students docking tails, tagging ears, and shearing sheep.
• Includes a heated maternity room for babies.
• Where students do minor surgeries starting in week three.
• Holds a farm equipment management class that allows for students to get certified.
• Houses the largest Lowline Angus cattle herd - extremely efficient range animals - in North America.
• In which lives Libby, a dairy cow with a rumen fistula – a painless and permanent hole between her abdominal cavity and the outside world – which provides students with a unique opportunity to study processes inside the cow.
The English Equestrian Riding Barn:
• Houses three indoor arenas.
• Has a lounge with several large windows for viewing shows and classes.
• Where you can find freshmen for three hours a day, every single day of the semester.
• Has a fully functioning equine vet clinic, complete with a pharmacy.
• Houses exceptionally well-accomplished horses, which can be found in what’s called the “Million-Dollar Aisle.”
• Has an outdoor riding arena filled with beach sand.
• Has, like the Western barn, a Thera Plate, a vibrating plate that the horses stand on to counter the effects of chronic inflammation conditions, speed healing, reduce pain, and aid in the prevention of injury.
• Includes The Willowick Family Arena - an additional heated area.
Access Athletics
LINDSEY AHBE '21
Sacrificing One Passion for Another
By Jack Barger '01
When graduating senior Lindsey Ahbe was a little girl, she had two great loves: athletics and animals. From dance to gymnastics to hockey to soccer, her parents, she said, allowed her and her three siblings to “chase [their] dreams and passions,” often pushing them to find as many interests as they could at a young age.
Around the same time that she was discovering a love for soccer, her parents got a family dog named Maple who, Ahbe said, she wouldn’t let go of. “We still have home videos of her as a puppy and me constantly having her in my arms,” she said. “I was probably four-years-old at the time, but I immediately knew that working with animals was what I wanted to do when I was older. I just never grew out of wanting to do it.”
As a high school student in Green, Ohio, she took upperlevel classes revolving around animal science and veterinary medicine and shadowed at a local veterinary clinic before looking for a college that would, in her own words, “put [her] on a good path to getting into veterinary school and becoming a vet.” She knew the Pre-Vet program to be the largest undergraduate program at UF, and she knew, as well, that she had the work ethic and ability to play DII soccer as well. After visiting the educational facilities and athletic fields of University of Findlay, she still remembers her dad saying, “I have a feeling you’re going to end up here.”
Now, after successfully navigating through four years as an animal science/pre-vet student-athlete at UF, which included earning an athletic scholarship as a starter on the women’s soccer team after walking on as a freshman, Ahbe is forgoing an extra year of athletic eligibility to attend vet school in pursuit of a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee in the fall. “It is a difficult thing to do,” she admitted, “but after being given an extra year of eligibility the idea of going to veterinary school after this season did not change. I am proud of everything that I have accomplished at UF.”
Also difficult, she continued, is the Animal Science/PreVet Emphasis Program at UF. Students from the program are known for being well-educated; in fact, 85% of UF students over the last four years have been accepted to veterinary
school upon graduating. It’s the challenges, however, and the foundation that they provide for students, that Ahbe said she’s grateful for. “I have found that I am ahead of other pre-veterinary students that did not attend Findlay, which does well with real-life application of their science courses.” Subsequently, she added, she feels perfectly equipped. “The way the Animal Science Program is set up,” she said, “pushes students through a rigorous course load early in their academic career. It really allows the students to figure out if they want to continue to pursue the path they are on. After taking some difficult animal science courses, I knew that this was still what I wanted to pursue.”
Athletically, Ahbe, who was a member of the first UF women’s soccer team to win an NCAA tournament game, said that her teammates have become her best friends, and that, even though she’s leaving after the season, she’s trying to leave an imprint for the players that will remain. “I want to make [this season] the best that I can for me and my teammates,” she explained. “I am confident that I will be leaving the team in a better position than when I came, and I am excited to see how other players step into the role that I occupy on the team. I know that they are well equipped to do so and that they will do well without me there next year.”
As she plans to let go of one long-held passion, guiding her from childhood through a UF scholarship, Ahbe will work to hone and perfect her skills with the other. On her way toward a meaningful life and productive career, she is grateful for the University that paved the way.
“I put in the hours in the classroom, on the field, and in veterinary clinics and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I wouldn’t trade my experiences at the University of Findlay for anything,” she said.
DRESSAGE WHIP
English or Western?
There are many differences between western and English riding styles, from their histories to their sub-styles. The western riding style developed according to the needs of cowboys and cattle ranching from horseback, and English riding takes many of its traditions and equipment from European mounted military styles and the training and discipline that was used in military cavalries.
The differences between the western and English uniform and gear are shown here by two student-athletes at UF.
BUTTONDOWN SHIRT/ SHOW SHIRT
BELT & BUCKLE BOOTS & SPURS
CHAPS
GLOVES
TALL BOOTS
Equine Athletes: Horses are a Part of the Team at University of Findlay
BY NATASHA LANCASTER ’18, M’19
When you think of sports, what comes to mind? Football? Volleyball? Basketball? Horses?
Among many things, the University of Findlay is known for its Animal Science and Equestrian Programs, featuring top-notch facilities, state of the art equipment, knowledgeable faculty, and – you guessed it – elite sports teams that include some equally unique equine teammates. Both the University’s English and Western Equestrian Programs have the opportunity to compete nationally as a UF Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team member. Students on the team learn about time management, effective communication, developing a strong work ethic, proper horsemanship techniques, and how to be successful riders who produce winning rides both as a team and individually.
The team pairs nicely with both of the equestrian programs, while also drawing in enthusiastic students from all educational backgrounds. Meri Marsh, director of equestrian studies and equine management, explained that “at UF, any student, whether they are involved in the academic Equestrian Program or not, can try out for a spot on the team.” With no previous riding experience required, these teams are for anyone who loves horses, and is dedicated to improving their skills as a rider.
With over 10,000 student members from more than 400 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, IHSA welcomes beginners through advanced riders in the English and Western disciplines. IHSA also offers a large variety of competitive “classes” including hunt seat, western horsemanship, reining, and ranch riding.
At competitions, once riders are paired with their equine counterpart, they only have a few minutes to get to
know each other before heading into the show pen. Riders compete by riding a specific pattern or showing on the rail (when the horse and rider are going around the arena next to the wall or fence – called the rail, in this case), depending on the type of class.
Over the show season, contestants accumulate points for their placings, both as individuals and teams, to qualify for larger shows. Winning teams move on to Regional Finals, then Zone Finals. The high-point teams in the Zone Finals head to the National Championship to represent their zone with the chance to win the Collegiate Cup in the hunter seat division, and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Trophy in the Western division.
UF’s well-known and highly competitive hunt seat and western teams have combined to win eight national titles –the western team won back-to-back national titles in 2018 and 2019 – and have included many individual student and reserve champions.
So, what leads to this success? According to Marsh, a few different factors. “The University’s coaching staff consists of some of the best equestrian coaches in the industry,” she said. “The UF horse herd used for IHSA practice and competition is arguably one of the best school horse herds in the country. Our horses are often requested to be used by other horse schools and have earned several horse-of-the-year titles.”
Attention to detail, problem solving, and building confidence all play a huge part in being successful both on the IHSA team and well beyond. For those who are aspiring to be a professional in the equine industry, the experience gained in practice and showing sets an excellent foundation for future success.
Donor Impact
"UF provided a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth in leadership. I believe the opportunities with Findlay helped me to be successful with veterinary school and beyond. Our hope through [The Animal Science Findlay Forward Scholarship] would be to support students to be future leaders in their professions."
Drs. Adam ‘02 and Jennifer Hechko
"The Animal Science/Pre-Vet program at UF assists our students greatly toward building upon their abilities and interests in animals. The extensive experiential learning students utilize every day prepares them thoroughly for a variety of careers in the animal science field. Giving to the program creates growth and success for alumni all across the globe."
Vice President for University Advancement
Dr. C. Richard Beckett and his son, Dr. Tod Beckett, are two men dedicated to University of Findlay and its Animal Science/Pre-Vet
Dr. C. Richard Beckett, a UF trustee emeritus and member of
UF’s C.T. Fox Legacy Society, first became involved in UF through his work as a veterinarian and as founder of Findlay Animal Clinic. He helped establish the Equestrian Studies Program in 1976 and served as the program’s first veterinarian. He was responsible for launching the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program in 1982 after careful planning and leveraging resources afforded by the Equestrian Studies Program. Today, it is the largest undergraduate program at UF. Over his 40+ years of service to UF, Dr. C Richard Beckett’s leadership, passion and dedication to UF has had a lasting impact on students’ pursuits of their meaningful lives and productive careers. Named in his honor, the Dr. C. Richard Beckett Animal Science Building opened in 2009, setting a new standard for facilities for animal science programs. He has been named
"UF's Animal Science/ Pre-Vet Program produces some of the best practitioners on the planet. Students spend four years immersed in the nuances of animal care while consuming key academic knowledge taught by talented educators. If you want to be successful in a career working with animals, there is no better place to be."
Ken McIntyre, UF Director of Gift Planning
“Our desire is that the [Alexandria "Ali" Gokey Memorial Scholarship] will provide an opportunity for a student to follow in Ali’s footsteps, impacting the University and equine industry, while making their dreams a reality.”
Amber Gokey, sister of Alexandria "Ali" Gokey
a Distinguished Associate at UF and received an Honorary Doctorate of Entrepreneurial Business; also, in 2014, he was awarded the University’s prestigious Arch Award for more than 25 years of service to UF.
As a member, and then chairman of the UF Board of Trustees for 12 years, many funds, building acquisitions and expansions, and projects were fulfilled with his support to UF, resulting in establishing the C. Richard Beckett PreVeterinary Scholarship Endowment Fund, the Concert and Lecture Series, and the Center for Student Life and College of Business, among other successes.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Tod Beckett, Medical Director for VCA Mill Run Animal Hospital in Hilliard, Ohio, became a member of the UF Board of Trustees in 2018. He puts much focus, he said, on mentoring young students and veterinarians, and has hired many from UF, continuing the development and support of UF and its students.
University of Findlay’s animal science/pre-vet program recognizes the Becketts for their unwavering support and for their combined vision for the future of UF and its students and alumni.
Class Notes
1970s
Judge Vernon L. Preston ’72, a 2012 UF Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, and a former UF adjunct professor of Equine Law, retired in February of 2021 after 27 years of distinguished judicial service.
1990s
Stacee (Fouts) Shultz ’94 is a Paraprofessional for Eastwood Local Schools/Wood County ESC in Pemberville, Ohio.
Caroline (Delerme) Campbell ’95 is a Probation Officer for Clark County Dept. of Juvenile Services in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Clifford Morton ’95 is the Natural Resource Permit Writer for Keramida in Columbus, Ohio.
Chris Mays ’96 is the Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Bard Manufacturing Co. in Bryan, Ohio.
Jed Thorp ’99 is the Advocacy Coordinator for Save the Bay in Providence, Rhode Island.
2000s
Julie (Eimers) Roller ‘01 is Manager of Animal Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
Stacey (Ward) Beckner ’02 is a Senior Finance Consultant for Ellucian in Reston, Virginia.
Mandy M. Roth ’03 is a N.Y. Times and USA TODAY bestselling author with Raven Happy Hour, LLC in Oxford, Mississippi.
The UF Animal Science/Pre-Vet program, its faculty and staff, and its many four-legged friends help usher students toward the forefront of animal science upon graduating. We are lucky to have fantastic farm animals to care for and build with, and working with them directly, in the hands-on environment that UF is known for, sets us apart from other universities. I hope you take some time to really connect with the people (and animals!) in your life, and if those connections are Oilers, even better! Wishing a wonderful and renewing summer for you all!
Nicole (Hauenstein) Burgy ’99, President Alumni Association Board of Governors
Josh Swift ’06 ’09 is a Traffic Control Technician/Safety and General Manager for Safety Services and Supply/Vorst Painting in Cloverdale, Ohio.
Jessica (Maur) Laver ’07 is a Product Development Manager for Brave Wilderness in Columbus, Ohio.
Ashley (Dutridge) Evearitt ’09 is an Embedded Psychologist in the School of Information for University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 2010s
Jeff M. Smith ’10 is an associate practicing in Business and Commercial, Litigation, and Healthcare with RCO Law in Toledo, Ohio.
Seif (Naser Yousef) Athamneh ’11 is an Assistant Professor for Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan.
Amanda (Margraf) Munoz ’13 is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy for Liberty Rehabilitation Services in San Antonio, Texas.
Sarah (Steinbrunner) Jansen ‘14 is an Assistant Controller for Spinnaker Coating in Troy, Ohio.
Abby (Jokerst) Welsh ’18 is a Research Assistant for Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Class notes for this issue were received by April 30, 2021.
Marriages & Births
Marriages
Josh Swift ’06 ’09 and Jennifer Fugitt were married on Aug. 14, 2020. The couple resides in Galloway, Ohio.
1 Emily (Gajewski) Bihary ’14 and Drew Bihary ’14 were wed on Sept. 27, 2020. The couple reside in Mentor-On-The-Lake, Ohio.
Abby (Jokerst) Welsh ‘18 and Andrew Welsh were married on Nov. 14, 2020. They reside in Westerville, Ohio.
Breanna (Bond) Durbin ‘17 and Michael Durbin were wed on Oct. 11, 2020. The couple reside in Columbus, Ohio.
2 Kaity (Walker) Ardner ’18 and Tyler Ardner were married on Aug. 29, 2020. They reside in Fostoria, Ohio.
Births
Brittany (Topolnak) Schragl ’16 and Aaron Schragl of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania welcomed their daughter Alyce Taylor Schragl on Aug. 23, 2020.
Angela (Kammeyer) Crippen ’02 and Anthony Crippen ’02 of Swanton, Ohio welcomed their daughter Caroline Faith Crippen on April 28, 2020.
7 Kelly (Waldon) Calvelage ’08 and Adam Calvelage ’07 of Marysville, Ohio welcomed their daughter Margaret Elizabeth Calvelage on Oct. 9, 2020.
Molly (Homan) Wagner ’14 and Mike Wagner of Yorkshire, Ohio welcomed their daughter Elizabeth Jane Wagner on Dec. 1, 2020.
Class notes for this issue were received by April 30, 2021.
3 Lindsay (Hartsel) Winkler ’19 and Josh Winkler were wed on Sept. 26, 2020. They reside in Lima, Ohio.
Lori (Phamakao) Phanrana ’97 and Panchay Phanrana were married on Nov. 2, 2020. They reside in Champaign, Illinois.
4 Kylie (Mathias) Theis ’15 DPT ’17 and Jarron Theis were wed on Aug. 22, 2020. The couple reside in New Riegel, Ohio.
5 Charles Wells ’18 and Jordin (Moots) Wells ’18 were married on Oct. 10, 2020. They reside in Rensselaer, New York.
6 Miranda (Roehler) Rothfuss ’15 and Maxwell Rothfuss were wed on Sept. 12, 2020. The couple reside in Wolverine Lake, Michigan.
8 Sarah (Steinbrunner) Jansen ’14 and Jeremy Jansen of Tipp City, Ohio welcomed their son Elliot James Jansen on Jan. 10, 2021.
Sarah (Hodakievic) Smith ’11 and Matthew Smith ’09 of Lyndhurst, Ohio welcomed their daughter Peighton Jane Smith on Dec. 29, 2020.
9 Kelsey (Wright) Brodman ‘14 and Tyler Brodman of Carey, Ohio welcomed their son Wyatt Zachery Brodman on Feb. 5, 2021.
10 Megan (Rachow) Decker DPT ’11 and Adam Decker of Medina, Ohio welcomed their daughter Avery Grace Decker on Feb. 7, 2021.
1 7 9 8 10 2 3 6 4 5
In Memory
1940s
Norman E. Folk '49
Mary B. Miller '49
1950s
Jean B. Leathers ‘56
Jack L. Croy '58
1960s
Buel Messer '61
Larry G. Shaw '61
Werner W. Luedeker '63
Larry V. Niswander '63
James H. Jones '65
Constance L. Frank '68
Sharon E. (McClure) Magee* '68
Fradonna L. (Croy) Buck '69
Leonard O. Albright, Jr. '69
Elizabeth J. Needles '69
1970s
Cecilia A. McKinley '70
Pamela J. Crouch '71
Becky J. Baker '72
Lois A. (Buttermore) Crane '72
Steven E. Mays '73
Daryl J. Foster '74
George S. Fry '74
Barbara S. Lieb '74
Joe R. Bibler '77
1980s
Charles E. Bennett '81
Ruth K. Francisco '82
Carolyn G. Colvin '84
Joyce C. Marriott '88
1990s
J. Lee Cammell '91
Gregory A. Kauffman '96
Troy E. Hairston '98
Stephanie D. Walton '99
2000s
Cheryl A. Miller '03
Friends
John M. Adler
Geoffrey A. Bacho
Charles H. Barre
Mary J. Beagle
Christopher T. Beavers
Robert A. Birkmire
Sondra A. Bixby
Robert A. Black
Nancy L. Bowman
Orville J. Brandt
Ross Breitigan
William N. Calhoun
William E. Chubb
Calvin E. Clingan
Ann B. Conway
Frank R. Cosiano
Rebecca S. Craig
Herbert E. Criss
Claire M. Davis
Tom R. Dickes
Glen E. Dillon
Barbara Meyers Binkley ’64 passed away on September 16, 2020. At then-Findlay College, Barbara was named the Outstanding Student in 1963 and 1964 and, later, an Outstanding Alumni. She was in the choir and played in the band at Findlay College and majored in elementary education with a minor in music, while going on to sing in the College First Church of God choir and the Toledo Pathway Community Church choir for some three decades, and playing piano for 40 years. In addition to Findlay College, Barbara held degrees from University of Toledo and Eastern Michigan University. Her husband Jonathan is a Findlay College graduate of 1963, and two brothers-in-law, David and Victor, graduated from Findlay in ’64 and ’61 respectively.
Douglas A. Dukes
Jack E. Dunlap
John W. Earley
Shelia L. Evans
Rex E. Fishbaugh
Mary F. (Walters) Fleming
Edwin M. Flick
Emerson L. Focht
Leo Garey
Ruby M. Gehrisch
David B. Gerber
Alfonso Gonzalez, Jr.
Margarita Gonzalez
Robert Grubb
Annett H. Guglielmi
J. Roland Hahn
Marilyn J. Hampton
Elizabeth F. Hardesty
Alma J. Hashbarger
Joanne Heckathorn
Patricia A. Herrit
Judith A. Hill
Betty J. Holmes
Ruth Ann M. Hostler
Norman E. Jolliff
Aaron A. Kaukonen
Elizabeth Keiser
Douglas W. Kerr, Sr.
Miriam R. King
Marilyn A. Knepper
Judith Lyon
Rex McCartney
Daniel B. Menerey
Sharon L. Miller
Mary M. Miller
Leo R. Musgrave
Linda K. Niederkohr
Rolland L. Norris
Helen R. Opperman
John W. Owen
Carl D. Painter
Darnell Parker, Sr.
Lynn J. Parkins II
John F. Pecoraro
David L. Prater
Samuel A. Preteroti
Alberta V. Prichard
Jerry M. Quinlan
Arthur F. Raker
Barbara A. Ricksecker
Earl D. Risner
Fred Rosebrook
Ronald K. Scharff
Darlene M. Siebeneck
Dudley D. Snyder
William H. Sowers, Sr.
Norman R. Spoon
James G. Staley
Edwin S. Stefan
John L. Striff, Jr.
Harry H. Stubbins
Vickie E. Susko
Esther J. Swaisgood
John W. Taylor
Richard D. Teeple
Nancy E. Thomas
L. Leon Walker
Richard H. Wilcox
Marilyn J. Wilson
Hyzah Wingate
Lowenda Wubben
Dr. Frank R. Cosiano of Findlay, passed away on December 7, 2020 at Birchaven Care Center in Findlay. He was born on October 16, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Pasquale and Martha (Barone) Coschignano. He married Mary Jane Pence on September 12, 1953, and she survives. Also surviving are sons: Dr. Frank A. (Kim) Cosiano of Findlay, a UF Trustee Emeritus, and Mark (Paula) Cosiano, a UF alumnus, of Tiffin; daughters: Teresa (Bob) Spittler of Hudson, Ohio, and Julie (Steve) Lisano of Sunbury, Ohio; brothers: Ralph (deceased) (Tannie) Cosiano of Seven Hills, Pat (Angela) Cosiano of Berea; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Frank had a solo family practice in Findlay, and delivered over 2,000 babies during his career; upon his retirement, he donated his office to UF; it now serves as the Cosiano Health Center.
Jack L. Croy ‘58 of Findlay, passed away on November 26, 2020. He was born on March 19, 1931, to the late Charles L. and Mary E. (Brown) Croy. His wife, Sharon (King) Croy, whom he married on December 23, 1951, preceded him in death in 2018. He is survived by five children: Cathy L. (Mark Dannemiller) Croy of Fort Worth, Texas, Beth J. (Greg) Thomas of Indianapolis, Indiana, J. Chalmers (JoLynda) Croy of Findlay, S. Michelle (Gary) Moore of Phoenix, AZ, and Lori K. (Patrick) Faeth of Findlay; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Thomas Croy, Richard Croy, and Don Croy; sisters Jeannette Bash and Joann Hayman and granddaughter Catie Croy. Jack graduated from Findlay College with a Bachelor of Science degree, and, with his wife, started their own real estate business, Jack L. Croy Realty. UF’s Croy Gymnasium is named to honor his father and his family.
William Groff ‘60 passed away on May 29, 2020. He was born July 4, 1938, the son of William and Catherine Groff. He graduated from Findlay College and Winebrenner Theological Seminary while serving as the youth director at College First Church of God. After graduation from seminary he served as the associate pastor of College First Church of God, ultimately serving 50 plus years in ministry in the Churches of God. He served on many boards and commissions of the Eastern Regional Conference, and also served for several years as Secretary of the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God. He served as Pastor to the Elizabethtown First Church of God, Mechanicsburg First Church of God, and Penbrook First Church of God. He accepted the call to be the chaplain at The Church of God Home and enrolled at Hershey Medical Center in the Clinical Pastor Education course, graduating with certification as a chaplain. Pastor Groff served as chaplain at The Church of God Home in Carlisle, PA for 22 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Amy Suzanne Groff; and his two beloved Saint Bernard dogs Willie and Samson. Pastor Groff is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis; his sister, Kathy Bistline (Randall); nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
Dr. Edwin S. Stefan passed away on December 11, 2020 at The Heritage in Findlay. He was born to the late Edwin and Loraine (Holzinger) Stefan on November 18, 1933. On August 30, 1959, he married Katheryn J. (Rouse) who survives him. He has three daughters Cynthia L. Sharp, Deborah A. (Fernando) Escamilla and Jennifer S. Stefan, and four living grandchildren: Evan Escamilla Flury (Roger Flury), Sierra Sharp, Sasha Escamilla and Andrew Sharp. A grandson, Marshall Escamilla preceded him in death. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI, Masters of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern in Evanston, IL, STM from Boston University, a Doctorate of Religion from Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, CA. In 1969 Ed began his teaching career at Findlay College/University of Findlay, retiring in 1995 as Professor Emeritus of Psychology. He enjoyed challenging students through innovative courses. He developed as well as directed an internship program known as CUE (Community Urban Experiences) for the Psychology Department which is still in existence today.
L. Leon Walker, age 81, passed away peacefully after battling Parkinson's Disease. Born on July 14, 1939, he was a Professor of Science at the University of Findlay from 1989 to 2005 and taught a combined 37 years throughout his life. Leon always felt "so privileged to be a teacher" and was proud of the over 8000 students he taught over the years. He helped establish things of value in the Findlay community including the Master Gardeners program and the Rieck Center, and he encouraged others to participate in the ReTree International and other Botany and Horticultural projects. He was also a proud father of three children, daughter April Victoria Cathleen Allen and son-in-law Ryan Daniel Allen, daughter Alyssa Ann Walker, and son Alexander Kent Walker. He has four grandchildren, Alayna, Ryan, Jayden and Ella Walker, and leaves behind sister Mert Walker and brother Barry Walker. He was preceded in death by his wife Yvette Walker, and was also preceded by his father Merle and mother Dorothy.
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Alumni Association
Board of Governors
2020-21
Officers
President Nicole (Hauenstein) Burgy '99
Vice President
Suzzette R. Boyd '97
Past President
DeMya Wimberly '94
Elected Representatives (3 year terms)
Pastor Kenneth E. Brandt '81
Ann K. Dehaven '70
Preston J. Eberlyn '15
Adam Hechko D.V.M. '02
Michael W. Kantner '04 M'06
Jennia L. Knestrick '94
Forrest G. Miller '17
Kathy L. Myers M '09
Dean L. Plott '93
Alissa R. Preston '01
William E. Rumbold '74
Jennifer R. Schoenberger '99
Teresa M. Steed '92
Dr. Brian P. Treece '01 MAE '02
Margaret Wetzler '92
Samuel J. Yates '16
Student Representatives (2 year appointments)
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Elaine Schaffter
College of Science
Ryan Johnson
College of Health Professions
Caitlin Bidlack
College of Education
Zarina Dillon
College of Business
Nathan Russell
College of Pharmacy
Alyssa Maier
SGA President
Olunife Akinmolayan
UAA President
Tecca Ringler
Parents
Visit Town & Country
"On Parents Weekend, parents came to Findlay to visit sons and daughters, look around campus, and watch the Oilers win yet another football game.
Equestrian students used Parents Weekend as an opportunity to show off new skills at an open house at the Dale Wilkinson farm."
1000 N Main St Findlay, OH 45840-3653