FindlayMag - Summer 2022

Thinking Critically

Summer 2022

F a c ul t y of C ol l ege o f A r t s, Hum a ni t i es , a nd Soc i a l S ci e n ce s C ont em pl a t e Et hi c a l L e a d e r sh i p

T he Bi l l y ' 96 & Brenda Wa t t er s on C ent er f or Et hi c a l L ea der s hi p

A magazine for the Alumni, Parents, and Friends of University of Findlay

From the President

In this issue of the FindlayMag, we invite you to celebrate the hard work of thinking deeply and creatively, the development of character that leads to generosity toward others, and the sharing of one another's joys and sorrows.

On May 7, our newest graduates emerged from the Arch ready to serve, lead, and work in communities near and far.

They left our campus, but they did not leave us. They take UF with them wherever they are.

You will see that in the story of Billy Watterson, Class of 1996, who with his wife, Brenda, made a transformative gift to UF's planned Center for Ethical Leadership. He and Brenda made this gift because Billy himself was transformed during his time at UF. You will see it in the work of Jeanne Wolfe Kelly, Class of 1971, who uses her musical talent to give the opportunity of performance to older adults throughout the country.

And you will see examples of great professors who teach and inspire our students to think far beyond shallow rhetoric and flash images.

In our notes section, you will see happy announcements of marriages and births and sad acknowledgements of loss of family members dear to our UF community.

With gratitude for you, our readers,

Katherine Fell, Ph.D. President

M A G . F I N D L A Y. E D U 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 Josh Eilola Natasha Lancaster ’18, M’19 Staff Photographer Amy DePuy Contributing Photographers Natasha Lancaster ’18, M’19 Matthew Lester Photography Multimedia Aaron Osborne ’00, M’14 Ben Walton ’00, M’14

Contact the Editorial Staff

For additional content, story updates and to submit your class notes, check out our website!

mag.findlay.edu

bargerj1@findlay.edu 419-434-4515 UF Marketing, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840

Share your News!

Fall 2021 Issue Caption Winner

www.findlay.edu/ShareYourNews

Jeff Hoffman ‘97, with “Derrick: Calm, Cool, and Collected.”

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Contents

Summer 2022

Features 6

Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership Billy Watterson ‘96

10 Access Athletics Laiying Alvarado

14 Sing On Jeanne (Wolfe ’71) Kelly

16 Thinking Critically with CAHSS Faculty

Departments 8

2022 Commencement

12 Around Campus 24 Class Notes 28 In Memory 30 Alumni Events 31 Archives

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U nive rsit y of Fin dl a y O n - Buil d i n g L e t t e ri n g D o n o r B uil din g & M o num e nt N amin g

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The Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership: Billy Watterson ‘96 Puts Leadership to Work B Y

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Doing the right thing while people aren’t looking.

That’s, in part, how University of Findlay alumnus Billy Watterson ‘96, CEO of Watterson Brands, describes his brand of business-minded ethical leadership. “We have so many opportunities to take easy paths,” he said, “and weighing and considering different options is crucial as a leader in any business.” As a boss, Watterson is continually working to improve his leadership skills and aims to do his leading by example. “I think that being able to show [people] that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. That’s always been something that I’ve tried to focus on – whether it’s financial or employee based, I try to lead with as much grace as I can and with passion for people,” he said.

The path to ethical leadership can be a very confusing one, full of opportunities and difficult decisions that must be carefully navigated through with the knowledge gained by life experiences. Watterson’s advice to UF students, for instance, is to not always take the easy route. “Many will be tempted along the way to make the wrong decision for profit, to elevate themselves, to cheat themselves,” he said. The process of becoming an ethical leader, Watterson noted, is “experiential and comes with being exposed to wisdom, difficult circumstances, and difficult people.”

“The actions of a leader are what dictate how they define ethical leadership; it has to be shown,” said Watterson. Effective ethical leadership is leadership that revolves around the respect for ethical beliefs and values such as trust, honesty, consideration, charisma, and fairness. “The trust that you gain from your people, your teams, when they see you do the right things, are generous, and honest – those are the kind of things that reflect that,” he explained.

After being presented with the opportunity to make a difference on campus and support UF, Watterson decided it was time to, yet again, invest in03.29.2022 the University and make U nive rsit y of Findl a y 1 a difference in the lives of students.

The purpose of the © 2022

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Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership, which will serve as a focal point on campus for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, is to help students confront the challenges we face in the world in regards to ethical leadership. “Small and private universities are under fire and I believe that a building like this allows us to take a stand and say, ‘Here’s what we believe in. Here’s what differentiates the University of Findlay from others,” he said. The Center will include offices, classrooms, and a presentation area for students to showcase their talents, among other things. Watterson’s belief is that this building will “serve as that safe space for people to come and have difficult conversations; to be curious, sit, and listen to the other side instead of just running with soundbites.”

Many future students of the University will pass through the Center – whether it be for a class, to speak to a faculty member, or present to their peers – and have the opportunity to articulate their own views as well as understand and articulate those of others. Watterson said that this building will give the campus community more of an opportunity “to put things like ethical leadership, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of conversations and have a space that allows for open dialogue and debate.”

Looking back on the success and opportunities he’s had, Watterson said, “none of it was possible without the University or the people that gave to make scholarships, buildings, and everything else possible.” The addition of the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership will build on the strength and vibrancy of the University as it continues to grow and help students lead meaningful lives and have productive careers as ethical leaders. “There can be a healing effect from this building, and there are going to be so many generations of students that are going to come through here and have the opportunity to focus on doing the right things,” Watterson explained.

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Class of 2022

“My time at UF has impacted me in ways that I never expected it to. I am so grateful for every opportunity I have received and for all the new friends I made during my 4 years here. I have been able to watch myself grow into the person I am today, explore my passions, make new connections, and find myself. UF will always hold a special place in my heart and I am forever thankful for the memories I made that will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Allie Meeker ' 22, graphic design major

“My speed trainer has always told me “GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE” and this has helped me through my 4 years here at UF. Being a student-athlete is hard, but it teaches you a lot of different things that help you succeed in the real world.

Things will get uncomfortable and rough at times, but when you push through and make it to the end you realize that it wasn’t so bad after all. You get comfortable in the uncomfortableness that is college. I am thankful for those uncomfortable times because it has made me a better person and a more rounded person. I couldn’t get enough of the uncomfortable times, so I decided to come back for Grad school in the fall and use my extra year of eligibility in Track & Field!”

Xavier Marable '22, business management major

“The University of Findlay will always hold a special place in my heart. I not only received a great education that has prepared me to be a pharmacist, but I met my soulmate through UF's campus ministry. I will be forever grateful for all the amazing memories and experiences I've had through my 6 years as a UF student.”

-Sara #FindlayFaithfuls #GoOilers Brandon MBA & Sara Schimmoeller, PharmD’22

"I never knew how much my decision to attend UF would make a difference in my life. Because of the caring and supportive faculty and staff, I have been able to build not only a career that I love, but also a life that I love.

UF has become my home away from home over the last 3 years, and it will always hold a special place in my heart."

Elizabeth Sailer '22, diagnostic medical sonography major

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“As my time at UF comes to an end, I am so thankful for everything I have learned over the past five years. I have met some awesome people and learned new skills that will be invaluable as a nurse. I am forever grateful for my experiences at UF!” Cassie Miller ‘22, nursing

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Access Athletics

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LAIYING ALVARADO

By Josh Eilola In the sports world, leadership plays an important role in all categories. Being a leader is important not only during a game, but also when there is no one watching. Coaches and team captains need a variety of skills to lead a successful team, and leadership skills are near the top on the list of importance.

For senior sports business strategy major Laiying athletic achievements, Laiying is a repeat honoree on Alvarado, leadership is all about forming connections the Dean's List, and has given her time and talents to and building trust with one’s followers. “People want to many areas of campus and the community. “I would follow others who make them feel comfortable and will argue there isn't an athlete on our campus that bleeds lead them to success,” said Laiying. “I’m the captain on Black and Orange more than her,” said University of the [women’s tennis] team and it’s a huge responsibility. Findlay’s assistant athletic director Kyle Niermann.

I care for everyone on the team. It’s about picking the It was in Barquisimeto in Venezuela, her home right time to communicate with [them].” Building that country, where Laiying fell in love with sports, shared vision of success through trust helps everyone specifically tennis and baseball. “All of my aunts and on the team see the bigger picture and get them to the uncles play tennis, and one of them actually owns a end goal. tennis academy,” she said. “You could say tennis is Laiying is the most decorated all-conference a family business.” Being from Venezuela, she wants player in UF women’s tennis history, earning G-MAC to be an inspiration to others. “Baseball is huge in Freshman of the Year in 2019 and G-MAC Player of Venezuela and I’m a fan of Miguel Cabrera [who is the Year last season, as well as leading her team to the from Venezuela], and seeing him get his 3,000th hit conference tournament and the number one doubles meant a lot to me. I hope to be an inspiration to others seed. Her hard work and dedication to her craft also [and show] that it’s possible to achieve their goals.” led her to receiving the Mancuso Award, UF’s Athletic After graduation, Laiying hopes to continue her Department’s most distinguished award. The award passion for sports and work on the business side of brings distinction and honor to the top female and professional baseball. The leadership skills she has male athlete each year while encompassing factors learned here at UF and on the Russ & Peg Armstrong such as academic achievement, contribution to the Sports Complex tennis courts have set her up for university and community, sportsmanship, integrity success. One thing is for certain: Wherever she ends up, and humility, and athletic ability. Along with her she has the Oiler Nation community supporting her.

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Around Campus

RECORD

BREAKING

HANDS

The 16th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive, organized by UF and Sodexo, shattered all expectations with a record-breaking 214,559 pounds of food to benefit CHOPIN Hall, a Findlay nonprofit that serves people within the region.

RIBBON CUTTING

MOVING RADIO The student-led radio station WLFC 88.3 has officially relocated to their new home in the University’s Alumni Memorial Union (AMU).

Serving the people of Hancock County since 1973, the station was started by two UF students and has been expanding since.

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UNIQUE PA R T N E R S H I P In a unique partnership to meet Northwest Ohio’s growing need for a highly-trained workforce, three area educational institutions – Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College and UF - have come together to establish the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Building Dedication to solidify the partnership between the University and Blanchard Valley Health System took place in February. The Blanchard Valley Health System Center for Health Professions, previously known on campus as The Pavilion, houses the University’s nursing and physician assistant academic spaces.

SURGEON GENERAL ON CAMPUS Speaking at the University’s second annual Health Equity – I Can Make a Difference event, Dr. Jerome Adams, 20th Surgeon General of the United States, Distinguished Professor, Presidential Fellow, and Executive Director of Health Equity Initiatives at Purdue University, covered his knowledge of being at the forefront of national and global health with his personal experiences.

650 DONORS

OVERWHELMING SUPPORT Thanks to the support of more than 650 donors, this year’s total of over $116,450 for Giving Tuesday was more than double last year’s gifts of roughly $50,000. These gifts support areas across campus including the Findlay Fund, scholarships, the Mazza Museum, campus ministries, and athletics.

NEW TRADITION The second annual Letters to Santa Drive-Thru, an event on campus that provides a safe and convenient way for children in the community to celebrate the holidays and see Santa, took place in December.

EMSWELLER RETIRES After 23 years of exemplary service to the University of Findlay, Dave Emsweller, vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, retired from the University as 2021 came to a close.

L A U R I TA N A M E D Brandi Laurita was named Vice President of Student Affairs, beginning Jan. 1, following Emsweller’s retirement.

She previously served as the University’s Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator since June 2015.

RETURN O F F U N D AY S U N D AY Kicking-off the first in-person session since 2020 with “Let’s Go LEGO!” Funday Sunday returned in-person on March 6 with its themed, family-friendly learning extravaganza designed to encourage artistic expression, enhance literacy knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills.

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SING ON

U n i v e rsi ty o f Fi n d l ay Di stinguis hed A lumna Jeanne (Wolf e ’71) Ke l l y B Y

J A C K

For Findlay College/University of Findlay alumna Jeanne (Wolfe ’71) Kelly, music, long ago, became a way of life. Now, it has earned her a spot alongside some terrifically recognizable people on the inaugural HelpAge USA 60 over 60 list, an honor given to 60 Americans over 60 who are making significant contributions to society at the local, national, or international level.

With her on the 60 over 60 award list are instantly recognizable names like Tom Hanks, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dolly Parton, and Jimmy Carter, among many others. “I thought when I was contacted about it and read the list that someone was playing a joke on me,” she said. “These are great people. People who have contributed a great deal to the aging community. Encore has certainly done that also. I am thrilled to be included on this list.”

Jeanne, who regularly signs her correspondence with the call to “SING ON,” felt compelled at a young age to use her vocal talents to express herself. She attended a small high school in her hometown of Catasauqua, PA, and was first inspired, she said, by a very good chorus conductor who took an interest in her and encouraged her to sing. “I was in all-state chorus, was chosen to go up to Boston to sing, was in a big national chorus,” she said, “and I initially wanted to go to college in Philadelphia, but my father chose Findlay College for me, as it was a safer place for his daughter, so off to Findlay I went!”

Through Susanne Aultz, a voice instructor at Findlay College, Jeanne really became interested in the possibility of voice as a career and not simply as a passion. At the end of her sophomore year, Jeanne was accepted to the prestigious Ambler Music Festival on the campus of Temple University, where, in its heyday, the stage was graced by legendary performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. It went so well that the head of the choral program tried to poach Jeanne and get her to finish out her academic career there. “My father said no,” she explained. “[But] through singing at that festival, I realized for sure that it was actually

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what I wanted to do for a living.”

Later, Jeanne created Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over the age of 55. It boasts 15 chorales and six Encore ROCKS rock and roll choruses, as well as a chorale in New York City. Jeanne also started a choral program, Sentimental Journey Singers, for those with early Alzheimer’s or dementia. All of the organizations and programs have had extremely therapeutic results for everyone involved. “[To perform together] is physically, mentally, and emotionally important for all of the singers,” she explained. “The best thing you can do for your lungs is sing, and, psychologically speaking, it’s great to be around people who share your interest.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, like it did for nearly everything in its path, created a challenge for the program.

“Suddenly everyone was in their house and fighting isolation,” Jeanne said. “We had to do something.” So, she and husband Larry, a partner on the business side of Encore, started Encore University, an online program offering sessions on musical theory, technique, and music history, as well as choral rehearsals and frequent sing-a-longs. It became a huge success, both nationally and internationally.

Jeanne recently stepped down as the artistic director of Encore, but will remain the conductor of three of the chorales.

In her retirement from directing the program, Jeanne and Larry plan to sail their boat to the Bahamas in the fall. It’s yet another way that she can discover new joys for the same reason that she nurtures singing in herself and in others: keeping the spark lit well into life.

Jeanne presented “Achieving Mental and Physical Happiness through Involvement with the Arts” at UF’s Fridays at Findlay executive speaker series in March, and said it’s an equally meaningful honor to do such things for her alma mater. To UF students, she offers the same advice that she does for the older creative performers under her guidance.

“You have to always be absolutely driven,” she said. “You can’t stop that passion for even one day.”

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Faculty of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Contemplate Ethical Leadership B Y

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F

or students at University of Findlay, no matter their focus or major, working with and toward ultimate truth – truth stripped bare of the adornments and biases that often diminish its meaning and might – is vastly important. According to the UF faculty who are most familiar with it, part of their goal is Buchanan, Ph. D., assistant professor of history. to both model it and to instill it within the students She explained that students need to know how to who come to the University with little knowledge “rationally analyze, synthesize, put context in, and of how overwhelmingly necessary using it really is; use various data sources, which can be evidence quite often, they said, students aren’t even aware of of various kinds.” It may seem like a fairly simple how to get to it. concept as a whole – use reliable sources and, This quest for truth in its purest form is only perhaps more importantly, understand what they authentic when it comes as a result of thinking are – but it’s often not utilized to its full potential, both critically and creatively, and by learning which can, at the least, be frustrating, and at the from those who lead the way ethically. At the most, lead to damaging students’ credibility. forefront of this path toward discovery are UF’s The process of getting students to think professors, particularly those within the creative critically begins by finding out why they are often and deep-thinking confines of the College of Arts, not doing so already when they arrive at UF. Part Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) who of the reason, according to Ron Tulley, Ph.D., consistently probe the deeper issues that require, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and for many UF students, a great deal of guided Social Sciences, is that they’ve been taught from contemplation. an early age a rather formulaic and calculated The beginning of the journey for this truth for way of finding truth in their academic pursuits, students starts by obtaining and utilizing the tools so that their minds might not even be open to that assist them in getting there. These tools can be thinking critically and to digging deeper. “Many defined and provided by professors like Elizabeth of our students have spent a lifetime of doing rote memorization of very basic, rote things. They’re not really employing the skills that they don’t even know they have,” Tulley said.

The goal, then, is unlearning the habits that don’t encourage creativity and originality.

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“Part of the unlearning is to understand that it’s okay to not know and to have more questions than you have answers,” said Dr. Sarah Fedirka

Elizabeth F. Buchanan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History

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When rote habits get coupled with the culture that students are immersed in, the idea of copying someone else’s work is often reinforced as being acceptable. “There’s a certain aspect that we see in younger people with memetic culture, particularly in social media,” added Kit Medjesky, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication. “They think, ‘I’ll reproduce this content in this sort of memetic way. I’ll make the same TikTok that that person made because it was successful,’ in order to get used to the form. The problem is, they’re not willing to take the risk to create something new, to be the original. It’s bleeding in from how much they get from the social media culture.”

The challenge for professors, as a result of students’ ingrained habits, is opening up a new world to those who have arrived out of twelve years of building upon their conventions while growing up with so many outlets for information.

The key is making them realize that it’s acceptable – oftentimes valuable, even – to be unsure. “Part of the unlearning is to understand that it’s okay to not know and to have more questions than you have answers,” said Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of English. “Critical thinking starts with basic curiosity, and I find that

Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of English

Kit Medjesky, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication

Ronald J. Tulley, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Robert K Postic, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences

Jaymelee Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Forensic Science

my students are hesitant to be curious or express curiosity because the stakes are too high for them.”

So, how do we encourage students to “unlearn” this rigid approach to education? According to Tulley, we show them that, along with being okay about not knowing everything, they also shouldn’t be afraid to fail along the way to finding out the answers. “I think that’s the fundamental thing,” he said. “These are students. They’re supposed to fail and fail spectacularly; that’s how they learn.” He went on to add that, although grades are certainly important, “ultimately if you get an A and get out of the class having learned nothing, it’s pointless.”

When students are so attached to G.P.A. that the wider picture can’t be seen, it can quite reliably lead to them all but forgetting what is outside of the black and white box where critical thought is located.

Jaymelee Kim, Ph.D., associate professor of forensic science, suggests that, in fairness, this method of contemplation frequently doesn’t even occur to young students. She told of a student in her research group who “never really asked why. She’s a great student, an A student, who Matthew Stolick, Professor of Philosophy

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did well on everything. It totally blew my mind.

That wasn’t a natural sort of question [for her].”

This is where the real work for students starts to blossom. Alongside classmates who bring a myriad of experiences and opinions, and guided by professors like Kim, they see other possibilities, and aren’t in fear of stumbling now and then. “Being in a research group – she loved it,” Kim further added. “She delved into it and started developing her own research projects. Part of that critical and creative thinking, too, is being willing to go into the unknown areas and push the boundaries.”

“What we bring together [at UF] is a sensibility of how these silos can be broken down, and to inform our students that you don’t have to think

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of discipline as having walls around it,” Tulley offered. “The very nature of what we do at college is broadening horizons. That has to be part of this critical process too.”

Of course, in order for students to really benefit from this method of research and reason, it needs to affect not only their meaningful lives as students across the curriculum, but also as alumni with productive careers, as well as in other areas of life before and after graduation. Robert Postic, Ph.D., professor of political science and chair of the department of behavioral sciences, said, however, that students and young people quite often compartmentalize their knowledge, thus not carrying it into other areas of their life. “There’s

that disconnect that’s there,” he said. “To me, that falls under critical thinking. The idea to take the knowledge and these experiences and apply them to totally different situations.” And that’s why professors begin this effort to broaden horizons early and often.

Matthew Stolick, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, said that on the very first day of class in his introduction to philosophy class, he asks his students, “What is the ultimate meaning of life?” as a springboard to creative and critical thought.

“What I want them to see,” he said, “is that there is none; or that there are a lot. As a philosopher, my goal is to get to the truth. It’s personal and real.

Once we get them there, they’re on their way.”

As students at UF dedicate their lives to the word “education,” it’s equally crucial that they commit to the word “truth,” for there are bigger and better areas of our lives that go well beyond letters and numbers. There are ideas. There are hypotheses. There are discoveries.

But it takes a lot of thinking to get there.

Want to hear more?

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Class Notes 1970s The deep thinkers of University of Findlay view the world from a wide lens. Our alumni, faculty, and students with minds for art, writing, history, music, and all of the other great avenues for creative thought, help make sense out of the world. We are proud of their talent and thankful for their dedication to helping us find our way through both the successes and challenges of life. I encourage you to have a meaningful conversation with any and all of our Oilers and to learn about what drives us, as UF family, toward lasting success. Go Oilers!

Janice (Stewart ’72) Nemcik of Park City, Utah, retired from teaching in the Park City School District & University of Utah.

1980s Matthew Miller ’86 of Houston, Texas is the founder of Abba Psychotherapy Group in Houston, Texas.

Will Wagner ’86 of Findlay, is director, global procurement at IAP Worldwide in Cape Canaveral, FL. Deb (Ryan ’87) Mains of Scottsdale, AZ is senior director - business process management at Honeywell in Phoenix, AZ.

1990s Lisa (Miller ’93) Haggar of Lexington, KY is human resources manager at McLane Company in Nicholasville, KY. Jennifer (Garber ’94) Roth of Spring, Texas is Donor Relations Coordinator at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

Jason Menchhofer ’96 of Rossburg, Ohio, is Health Commissioner at Mercer County Health District in Celina, Ohio.

Nicole (Hauenstein ’99) Burgy, President Alumni Association Board of Governors

coach - Engineering, Business, and Undecided Students, and Instructor - Career Eval and Self Eval course, Orientation course, and New Beginnings, Rocket Reboot, Retention Board - Engineering at University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.

Barbara Lockard M ’04 of Findlay is the author of two books.

Lauren (Lambrecht ’04 MBA ’20) Mosher of Hampshire, IL is a community health worker at Centene Corporation in St. Louis, MO.

2000s

Kelly Hancock ’05 of Napoleon, Ohio is the senior marketing manager - Digital Products at Midwest Tape/ hoopla Digital in Holland, Ohio.

Michael Kantner ’04 MBA ’06 of Sylvania, Ohio is a success

Suzanne (Stetz ’06) Graham of Hilliard, Ohio is a human resources

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manager for the National Registry of EMTs in Columbus, Ohio.

Katie (Klosterman ’06) Paulus of Lebanon, Ohio is the executive director at ViaQuest in Grove City, Ohio.

Kim (Schiewer-Balko ’07) Miller of Findlay is a Kindergarten teacher with Findlay City Schools.

Stephen Reichley ’09 of Starkville, MS is associate director of the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security for Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. Carla (Sizemore 09) Towers of Carey, Ohio is a Graphic Designer for QT2 in Tiffin, Ohio.

Class Notes

2010s

Miranda (Schwartz ’14) Williams of Allison Bowers Powell, Ohio is chief ’10 of Columbus, of staff of The Ohio Ohio is the Department of Health co-founder of in Columbus, Ohio.

Willow PR in Columbus, Ohio. Emily Momberg ’15 of Toledo, Ohio is care coordinator for Beyond Health Care in Toledo, Ohio.

Brennan Williams ’11 of Kansas City, MO, is the director, Youth Soccer Programming at Sporting Kansas City in Kansas City, MO.

Jessica Gildersleeve ’16 of Milan, Ohio is an HSE manager for LEWCO in Sandusky, Ohio.

Heather (Spraw ’18 M ‘20) Borders of Bowling Green, Ohio is customer relations business manager at Principle Business Enterprises in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Alysa Martin ’19 of Pittsford, NY is an HIV clinical pharmacy specialist for University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY

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Marriages & Births Marriages Eric Filip ’08 and Danielle (Foote) Filip were married on Oct. 6, 2018. They reside in Hinckley, Ohio.

Macey (Brandeberry '15) Pentz and Kyle Pentz were married on Oct. 19, 2021. They reside in Canton, Ohio.

Sonja (Jackson ’05) Hazen and Jared Hazen were wed on Sept. 4, 2021. They live in Porters Corner, NY.

Jason Menchhofer ’96 and Kelley Kaeffenberger were wed on Sept. 25, 2021. They live in Rossburg, Ohio.

1 D.J. Everett ’14 and Sarah (Sanchez) Everett

Madison (Simmons ‘17) Hopcia and Jake Hopcia were wed on Oct. 2, 2021. They live in Alexander, NY.

2 Natalie (Swift ’19) Ramseyer and Josiah

Andrew Burmeister ’17 and Molly (Burkett ’17) Burmeister were married on Aug. 3, 2020.

They reside in Gibsonburg, Ohio.

were married on Oct. 2, 2021. They reside in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Ramseyer were married on Sept. 18, 2021. They reside in Orrville, Ohio.

Births 3 Emily (Siefker ’18) Hollar and Evan Hollar

7 Samantha (Kuhlman ’19) VanFossen and

4 Danielle (Lemieux ’16) Crook and Michael

8 Stacy Walterbusch ’10 M ’14 and Josh

’18 welcomed their son Lucas Hollar on Sept. 28, 2021.

Matthew VanFossen welcomed son Elijah Scott VanFossen on Jan. 14, 2022.

Crook welcomed their son Oliver Thomas Crook on June 22, 2021.

Sealscott welcomed their son Owen Russell Sealscott on Feb. 26, 2022.

5 Torie (Allgire ’19) Ellerbrock and Tyler

9 Allison (Welly ’04 M ’06) Kuhnle and Mark

6 Erin (Wren ’14) Pence and Tyler Pence

Amy Treadwell '00 and Justin Carr welcomed daughter Elyse Madeleine Carr on Jan. 16, 2022.

Ellerbrock ’19 welcomed daughter Salem Rose Ellerbrock on April 9, 2021.

welcomed son Fred Bradley Pence on Dec. 13, 2021.

Class notes for this issue were received by April 30, 2022.

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26 | Summer 2021 2022

Kuhnle ’02 welcomed daughter Adrianna Marie Kuhnle on April 29, 2021.

Class Notes

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8

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In Memory 1940s

1970s

Royal P. Kear '45 Martha Evans Beach ‘49 Wayne F. Shively '49

William A. Calderhead '70 Robert M. Campbell '71 Cheryl D. Miller '71 Sue (Showers) Van Gorden '71 Nellie L. Branan '73 Michael E. Lieb '77 David A. Maisch '75 Ben Finch Jr. ‘79

1950s Donald W. Bartow '51 Carl Sleasman ‘52 W. Stanley Darrah ‘55 Richard P. Kreimendahl '55 William M. Misamore '56 Trent Oelberg ‘59

1960s Finis Bandy ‘62 Paul P. Helms '62 Donald W. Pickens '62 Joseph H. Williams, Jr. '62 Carl R. Meyer '63 Trenton P. Oelberg '63 Jerry P. Cramer '64 Thomas A. Rectorschek '64 Steven R. Kuhlman '65 Kenneth Heffner ‘66 Susan (Rossman) Whittington '66 Sharon L. Bender '69 D. Ned Hoffman '69

1980s Curt F. Morman '82 William A. Fleck '83 Mark A. Palte '89

1990s Rita H. Duran '93 Roger L. Wireman '94, '96 Donna J. (Coppes) Coon '96 Mark G. LaMaster '99 Larry S. Smith '99

2000s DonAnntha Thacker '02 Dominic Francis ‘02 Carolyn D. (Salyer) Slone '03 Brian J. Ringwald '05 Chasidy N. (Thompson) Mayle '07 Toby M. Shehorn '13

Odell C. Barry ‘65, a football and track standout at Findlay College, who went on to play for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, passed away on January 3, 2022.

Barry unofficially tied world records in the 100 and 220-yard dashes and was a standout running back for the Oilers football squad. He went on to play the 1964 and 1965 seasons for the Broncos in the former American Football League, and was one of the league's top punt and kickoff return specialists, until an injury led to the the end of his career. Afterward, Barry stayed in Colorado, running a youth football camp in the community and serving on city council in Northglenn, CO for much of the 1970s. He became the first African American mayor in Colorado of a mid-sized or larger city when he defeated the Northglenn incumbent in 1979 and served a two-year term. He later went into business, owning restaurants and starting a real estate firm. He was chairman of the site selection committee that led to the construction of Empower Field at Mile High

28 | Summer 2022

Katlyn N. Laudick '15 James L. Novak '20 Mikahla K. Conrad '21

Friends Chris E. Babcock Danny E. Ballinger Charles R. Blake Barbara A. Bowers Charles E. Boyd Betty J. Bozo Lois J. Brooks Joe E. Brown Ashley F. Bryan Helen Buck Bryan V. Cavins Myron C. Cline Mary J. Cosiano Donna L. Davis Miles G. Davis, Jr. Miriam J. Deerwester Barbara J. Dysinger Lanell M. English David E. Foltz Sandra K. Halcomb Joel B. Harris Karen A. Hassan Michael M. Janton Christina A. Johnson Jean A. Lee

William C. Lishawa Frances M. Longberry Carolyn H. Margraf Jean D. Meadows Brooks A. Mick Charles J. Miller Jerry Pinkney Maurice A. Poland Peter J. Potosky Joan L. Ramig Margene P. Reese Thomas L. Renninger Sharon M. Rider William P. Rowe Anna C. Scarbrough Cynthia L. Schrier Karis M. Schroeder Gaven A. Smith Patricia L. Snook James Staschiak Terry L. Strahm Julie F. Teeple Robert A. Theis Glenda C. Treece Duane Vaughan Paul R. Weinandy Michael P. Whalen Patricia A. Wolfe Vivian J. Yewey

and helped bring major league baseball to Denver. He was a 1995 inductee to the Toledo, Ohio City Athletic League Hall of Fame, a member of the University of Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame, and was a University of Findlay Distinguished Alumni.

Clark Bradley, retired riding instructor in the Western Equestrian Studies Program and assistant coach for the western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team at University of Findlay, passed away on January 18. Bradley began his teaching career with Findlay in 1977. His time at UF included many celebrated accomplishments, among them, coaching over 50 individual national champions on the western IHSA team and leading the western team to winning seven IHSA/American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Team National Championships and five AQHA High-Point Open Rider National Champions. In 2001, he was named the AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year; he was inducted into the

Class Notes

National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame and the All-American Quarter Horse Congress Hall of Fame; and he served as president of the NRHA and was a member of the NRHA board of directors for 27 years. He was also a respected and sought-after judge for the AQHA, the NRHA and the National Snaffle Bit Association. After retiring from UF, Bradley said that he was proud of how “professionally competitive” UF students are and that it was “rewarding to see the progress of students and [UF’s] horses” over his lengthy career.

Gilbert Richard (Dick) Kern, Jr., Ph.D., ‘54, former president of Winebrenner Theological Seminary and Professor Emeritus of Findlay College/University of Findlay, passed away on January 3. He attended Findlay College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954, then a Bachelor of Divinity from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in 1958, and, lastly, a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Dick joined the faculty of Winebrenner in 1960, became president of that institution from 1963 to 1970, and later received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Winebrenner in 1981.

Following his tenure at Winebrenner, Dick joined the faculty of Findlay College/University of Findlay as a history professor until his retirement in 1998. The UF Board of Trustees conferred on him a Golden Diploma in 2004, and the Loyalty Society presented him with a Lifetime Loyalty Award in 2014. He authored numerous works, including the definitive history of the University of Findlay, “Findlay College, the First Dominic M. “Dom” Francis, '02 was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, March 31, 2022 near Bluffton, Ohio. He was born in Bluffton on August 9, 1979 to Robert and Vicky (Bratcher) Francis and they survive. Dom graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1998 and then the University of Findlay in 2002 where he played football. He married Ricki Davis on June 21, 2010, and she survives along with a son, Blake Francis of Van Buren, daughter, Taylor (Matthew Hill). He served on the Findlay Police Department and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Bluffton Police Department where he served the community for 11 years. During those years, Officer Francis was awarded the Officer of the Year award twice, multiple Letters of Commendation, The Chief’s Leadership Award and a Bluffton Police Department, Life Saving Award to name a few. Officer Francis also served as a Captain for the Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District for several years.

He was also honored by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers as Top Cop and earned the Ohio EMS, Star of Life multiple times. Dom was very active with Cory-Rawson High School where he was a strength and conditioning coach, football coach, substitute teacher and bus driver. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Indian Lake and driving his boat.

Hundred Years,” which garnered him the Outstanding Local History Award from the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums in 1986. He was named a Distinguished Alumni of Findlay College in April 1989 for his work.

Ruth C. Walters passed away on Feb. 28, 2022. Ruth graduated from Monongahela High School and continued her education at The College of Wooster, earning a bachelor's degree, and then a master's degree from West Virginia University. She taught Spanish and English at Connellsville Area High School until her retirement. Teaching was her chosen field and she pursued it vigorously, often following the success stories of many of her students for years after their graduation. Ruth was a member of the UF C.T. Fox Society and will be remembered for her interest in all areas of education, political concerns, and her family.

Mary Ann (Heitmeyer) Charnes of the Savannah Lakes Village, wife of A.R. Charnes, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 21, 2022 while completing their “bucket list” trip in South America. She was born in Ottawa, Ohio to Joseph and Lucille Heitmeyer. Mary Ann was a graduate of St. Peter and Paul High School in Ottawa and attended the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.

While working for Marathon Oil Company, Mary Ann met A.R. Charnes, a Findlay College basketball player, and they began the journey of a lifetime that lasted almost 60 years. Mary Ann was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and served as a member of the AAMC Foundation Board. She was involved in the Savannah Lakes Village and served as the President of the WGA, as well as being on a variety of boards and organizations. Mary Ann and A.R. were very active with the University of Findlay and an annual memorial scholarship was established in their names. She spent her life giving and serving others and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Throughout this journey, Mary Ann befriended all who crossed her path, but it was her family that brought her the greatest joy. As the matriarch, she provided the foundation that binds her family together. Memorial contributions, in memory of Mary Ann, may be sent to the A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes Scholarship Fund through mail at: Division of University Advancement, University of Findlay, Attn: A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes Scholarship Fund, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, Ohio 45840.

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Alumni Association Board of Governors 2021-22 Officers President Nicole (Hauenstein '99) Burgy Vice President Suzzette R. Boyd '97 Past President DeMya Wimberly '94

S AV E T H E D AT E O C T. 7 - 9 , 2 0 2 2

Elected Representatives (3 year terms) Pastor Kenneth E. Brandt '81 Ann K. DeHaven '70 Preston J. Eberlyn '15 Kimberly A. Grilliot '81 Adam Hechko, D.V.M. '02 Michael W. Kantner '04 Forrest G. Miller '17 Kathy L. Myers '09 Dean L. Plott '93 Alissa R. Preston '01 William E. Rumbold '74 Jennifer R. Schoenberger '99 ​Dr. Brian P. Treece '01 MAE '02 Margaret E. Wetzler '92 Samuel J. Yates '16 Student Representatives (2 year appointments) College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences​ Elaine Schaffter College of Science Victoria Ritzler​

YOU’RE invited

CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF GALA SATURDAY, OCT. 8, 2022 30 | Summer 2022

College of Health Professions Caitlin Bidlack College of Education Ruthanna Sparkman College of Business Gracie Clement College of Pharmacy Zoey Cook SGA President Heather Brimmer ​ UAA​ President Olivia Pauly

Archives From the 1962 Findlay College Argus

An Arial View of Campus

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