Wittenberg Magazine-Summer 2007 by Wittenberg University

summer 2007

Teaching With A High-Tech Twist One-of-a-Kind Science Course OďŹ&#x20AC;ers Unique Learning Experience Overseas

Inspiration

remember a popular graduate school professor asking the students in his class to write their own obituaries. With mostly 20-somethings in the room, the task seemed daunting, but the exercise, in and of itself, proved most interesting. What would you want people to know about you and your life? What would you want people to say? For some reason, these last few weeks at Wittenberg made me recall this exercise. I think it’s because I’ve recently met, or have had the opportunity to get to know, some of the most inspiring individuals connected with our beloved college. And what people say about them could fill the annals of time. Head women’s basketball coach Pam Smith ’82 was one such person. After a 17-year battle with cancer, Pam passed away June 26, and the tributes and reflections alumni, students, colleagues and friends have shared from around the world have truly inspired all of us. I hope you have a chance to read them as well on our Web site (page 18). As President Erickson said in his message to campus following her death, “She embodied all that is great about Wittenberg,” and she did. Elizabeth Woodhouse was another. In her 90s, she penned four novels, and that was after receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees just a few years before. Elizabeth loved to learn, and as director of the Greater Springfield Daycare for 44 years and longtime Wittenberg Guild member, she inspired hundreds to do the same. Just days before her death, she made sure that future generations would continue to learn by creating a scholarship at the school she respected so much, our alma mater. Lastly, there are The Rev. David ’60 and Carol Matevia. They sold everything they had at one point, but the more they gave away, the more that came back to them. They have since committed $1 million to Wittenberg toward our campus ministry efforts, and the story of their journey is remarkable. I hope you enjoy it on page 22. Inspiring all, and I bet they never had to participate in the graduate school exercise to figure out how they might want to live their lives. On the cover Innovative Education – Students use high-tech tools as they explore Siccar Point, Scotland, during first-ever Roots of 21st-Century Science course .

Happy reading,

See story page 34.

Karen Saatkamp Gerboth ’93 Editor

Cover photo by Bob Raﬀerty ‘02

Wittenberg Magazine is published three times a year by Wittenberg University, Ofﬁce of University Communications.

in this issue ...

in this issue ... summer 2007

Graphic Designer Joyce Sutton

BOB RAFFERTY ‘02

Editor Director of University Communications Karen Saatkamp Gerboth ’93

Director of News Services and Sports Information Ryan Maurer Director of New Media and Webmaster Robert Rafferty ’02

Faithful Stewards David ’60 and Carol Matevia commit $1 million to endow campus pastor position.

Symbol of a School Weaver Chapel celebrates 50 years at the crossroads.

Distinguished Teacher History professor Scott Rosenberg inspires students to serve.

One-of-a-Kind-Course Overseas high-tech class brings new perspective on science.

Photo Editor Robert Gantt Coordinator of University Communications Phyllis Eberts ’00 Class Notes Editor Charyl Castillo

Address correspondence to: Editor, Wittenberg Magazine Wittenberg University P.O. Box 720 Springﬁeld, Ohio 45501-0720 Phone: (937) 327-6141 Fax: (937) 327-6112 E-mail: wittmagazine@wittenberg.edu www.wittenberg.edu Articles are expressly the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent ofﬁcial university policy. We reserve the right to edit correspondence for length and accuracy. We appreciate photo submissions, but because of their large number, we cannot return them.

Wittenberg University does not discriminate against otherwise qualiﬁed persons on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability unrelated to the student’s course of study, in admission or access to the university’s academic programs, activities, and facilities that are generally available to students, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other colleg-administered programs.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Editor, Wittenberg Magazine Wittenberg University P.O. Box 720 Springﬁeld, Ohio 45501-0720

ROBERT GANTT

Contributors Gabrielle Antoniadis Holly Shaw ’08 Jeff Smith ’96 John Strawn ’07 Erica Strauss ’08

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A Life Remembered Women’s Basketball Head Coach Pam Evans Smith ’82 (1959-2007)

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Around Myers Hollow Education Witt World Tiger Sports Alumni World Class Notes Calendar of Events Last Word

LETTERS

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I just ﬁnished reading the latest Wittenberg Magazine. I was transported back to my college days and thoroughly enjoyed the issue. Especially meaningful was “Ignite the Light.” Thank you for your hard work. Lois Allbeck ’47 Riverside, Calif.

| Movie Reunites Alumni Editor’s Note: This story prompted a news article in the Kokomo Tribune, which can be found on the magazine Web site at www.wittenberg.edu/magazine.

| Kudos I’ve just ﬁnished reading/perusing the Spring 2007 issue of Wittenberg Magazine. I couldn’t put it down! What a phenomenal job by everyone involved! So much human interest and great photography throughout! The new format is excellent. I appreciated and enjoyed every aspect of your production. Makes me even prouder to be an alumnus! Congratulations and best wishes! John Hayner ’58 Clearwater, Fla.

Just a brief note to congratulate you and your staff on an information-ﬁlled magazine – “A Light Ignited,” “The Last Word” by President Erickson certainly describes the positive improvements that are making Wittenberg a new strong force in liberal arts education among the nation’s best private schools. Wilma ’48 & Richard E. Werstler ’50 North Canton, Ohio

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I was privileged to attend and graduate from Wittenberg University in the spring of 1955. While at Wittenberg, I was also privileged to play four years of varsity baseball and basketball. During the 1953 season, one of our teammates on the basketball team was Charles “Chuck” Henry who happened to be the only African American player on the team. When the basketball team would travel south of the Ohio River to play games with such schools as Transylvania, Berea and Marshall University, Chuck Henry had to enter the restaurants through the kitchen door to eat with the kitchen help, and he also had to stay in an African American home or motel. The other 11 members of the team ate in the dining rooms of the restaurant and stayed in the nicer hotels. Unfortunately, none of the team members, myself included, objected to this kind of treatment of our teammate. Chuck graduated two years ahead of me, and our paths had not crossed since then until [2006]. While my wife and I were viewing the ﬁlm Glory Road…my memory was jogged. The ﬁlm was made from a true story about the Texas Western University basketball team in 1966, which won the National NCAA championship. In the Glory Road

film, the Texas Western coach, Don Haskins, recruited five African American players from the northern states to play on his basketball team because they happened to be the best basketball players he could find. The story is not so much about a national championship basketball team, but more about the segregation issues in the south during those years and how the black players took ridicule and yet emerged on top of the basketball world because of their perseverance. I remembered painfully how I (and the rest of the Wittenberg basketball team) failed to stand up for our teammate Chuck Henry 53 years ago. I told my wife I believed I owed an apology to my friend and former teammate, Chuck Henry. I looked in the alumni directory and located Chuck in Evansville, Ind., where he still serves as a pastor. I picked up the phone one day and called Chuck, and we had a great reunion over the telephone after a 53-year wait. It was at that time I asked him to forgive me and my other teammates for not standing up for him during those basketball trips in the 1950s while we all played on the Wittenberg basketball team. As a result of that phone call, Chuck and his wife, Wanda, came to Kokomo, Ind., last May, and he spoke at our inter-denominational men’s Bible fellowship…Chuck spoke to approximately 145 men and shared his faith journey. I had the opportunity to introduce Chuck to a standing ovation, and 35 minutes later he concluded his remarks to yet another standing ovation… I thought this story might have some interest for fellow alumni of Wittenberg University around the world… James R. Butcher ’55 Kokomo, Ind.

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President Announces New Lutheran Scholarship Program Wittenberg President Mark H. Erickson has announced a new scholarship initiative aimed at rewarding outstanding Lutheran students. In celebration of its afﬁliation with the Lutheran church for more than 160 years, Wittenberg will offer 50 scholarships each totaling $ 68,000 ($17,000 renewable over four years) beginning in the 2008-09 academic year, the program’s inaugural year. In addition to ﬁnancial support, the Lutheran Scholar-Leader Awards will provide opportunities for recipients to experience personal and spiritual growth during their time on campus. “We are excited about this opportunity as it not only ref lects our Lutheran heritage, but it also allows us to work

closely with Lutheran congregations across the country to attract the best and brightest Lutheran students to Wittenberg,” Erickson said. As part of the program, Wittenberg will be engaging Lutheran pastors currently serving congregations nationwide in the nominating process. Letters will be mailed to pastors asking them to nominate a member of their congregation for the scholarship. To qualify, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, be an active member of a Lutheran congregation and be admitted to the university. For more information on the program, contact Bob White, director of church relations, at rwhite@wittenberg.edu. ■

As another academic year concludes, two recent graduates are looking to begin a new scholarly journey, thanks to the prestigious Fulbright Program, which recently recognized them with awards. Allison Helmuth ’07 from Orrville, Ohio, and Andrew Scarponi ’07 from Akron, Ohio, will head overseas after graduation, quickly exchanging cap and gown for intense study and research as part of the flagship international education program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. As a Fulbright Scholar, Helmuth, an English major, will investigate the sustainability of urban poultry farming in Kingston, Jamaica. She plans to focus speciﬁcally on the life experiences of

men and women currently conducting farming in the country’s capital city. Scarponi, an East Asian Studies major, will travel to Chengdu, China, to study the functioning of open-air antiques markets. He hopes that by studying these bazaars, he will gain insight into the economic behavior of Chinese culture, which will help him understand the business practices of Chinese ﬁrms. Since 1996, nine Wittenberg students have received prestigious Fulbright scholarships, joining the long list of prominent Fulbright alumni, including Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, author Jonathan Franzen, opera singer Renee Fleming and other leading Americans in all ﬁelds. ■

ROBERT GANNT

Two Students Earn Prestigious Fulbright Awards

Andrew Scarponi ’07 summer 2007 3

Junior Adam Jara Named Goldwater Scholar

ROBERT GANTT

Adam Jara ’08 has received a prestigious s c hol a r s h ip f rom t he B a r r y M . Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, one of the

highest possible honors in undergraduate science education. The Goldwater Scholarship program was established by the United States Congress to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics, as well as encourage students to pursue careers in these f ields. Goldwater Scholars are selected annually on the basis of academic merit from a ﬁeld of more than 1,100 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. The one- and two-year scholarships awarded to the 317 undergraduate recipients for the 2006-07 academic year include reimbursements for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. ■

ABC News Journalist Supports Campus Fundraiser Emmy Award-winning journalist, senior correspondent for ABC News and author Jim Wooten addressed members of the Wittenberg community, April 12, as part of a fundraising effort to beneﬁt the southern African Kingdom of Lesotho. Wooten’s book, We Are All The Same: A Story of a Boy’s Courage and a Mother’s Love, helped to raise international awareness of AIDS in Africa. Although many students have read Wooten’s book in class, many others have traveled to Lesotho, where they have witnessed ﬁrsthand the devastation of the

AIDS epidemic during service trips to the impoverished nation. In all, 86 Wittenberg students have participated in three summer ﬁeld study programs where they not only attended lectures and completed academic research projects, but they also performed service with Habitat for Humanity, built playgrounds for orphanages and closely interacted with children whose lives have been impacted by AIDS. Wooten’s visit kicked-off the weekend fundraiser sponsored by the university’s St udent Senate t it led “Su r v ivor Wittenberg-Lesotho.” ■

Students Volunteer During Annual Celebrate Service Day Themed “Doing Good in the Neighborhood,” the annual Celebrate Service event brought students, faculty and staff together, April 21. From cleaning and painting at the Bridge House or Interfaith Hospitality Network to building a house at a Habitat for Humanity site or planting trees for the South Fountain Preservation Inc., participants helped their fellow Springfield neighbors. Organized by the Office of Community Service, the event marked the university’s sixth Celebrate Service event. Build a Better Wittenberg and Youth As Resources also sponsored the event. ■ 4 Wittenberg Magazine

International Service Sophomore Spearheads Founding Of First Rotaract Chapter Creating new ties to the Springfield community and the rest of the world, Wittenberg hosted Charter Night for its new Rotaract Club on April 16. Sponsored by the Springfield Rotary Club, the student organization is one of just three Rotaract Clubs in Rotary District 6670, which covers the southwest quadrant of Ohio. The club is the brainchild of Ozge Sayginer ’09 from Mersn, Turkey, who was a member of Interact, a Rotary organization for high school students, in her home country. “The importance of Rotary is very high in the international community,” said Sayginer, adding that high school and college programs are well-known in other countries. “While serving an internship at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., last summer, I received mail from my high school Interact Club and spent the next two months finding a sponsor to learn about starting a club at Wittenberg.”

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As part of a multi-partner, communitybased initiative, free wireless coverage, provided by Harborlink and paid for by Internet advertising, is planned for the entire Springfield Center City area and as far as Wittenberg’s Benham-Pence Student Center following the completion of Phase I. Complete covera ge of t he Wittenberg campus is expected by the end of 2008 as part of the ﬁvephase Partners in Wireless initiative. All of the hardware maintenance and support will be covered by Harborlink, and bandwidth is being donated by many of the partners in the initiative, including Wittenberg. ■

ROBERT GANTT

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Community Initiative Brings Wireless Coverage

Professors Participate In NSF Grant Project

Sayginer found that Springfield’s Rotary Club includes numerous members with ties to Wittenberg, including University President Mark H. Erickson and his wife Lin. She then approached Lin Erickson, who, along with local Rotary member Jane Deer, now serves as adviser for the newly formed group. In addition to establishing service credit, the organization will work to recruit new members in the fall. Future projects spearheaded by Rotaract will also include a landscaping program with the new high school, an ongoing relationship with the Springfield Peace Center and adopting a Leadership Clark County program on Wittenberg’s campus. Founded in 1905, Rotary was the world’s first service organization. Today, Rotary has more than 30,000 clubs in more than 160 countries, and Rotaract continues to grow with more than 8,000 Rotaract clubs in 155 countries and geographic areas, with an estimated membership of more than 186,000. ■

Four professors will participate in a unique $480,000 grant program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Amil Anderson, associate professor of chemistry, Margaret Goodman, associate professor of biology, Jim Noyes, professor emeritus of computer science and retired director of Wittenberg’s computational science program, and John Ritter, professor of geology, will be constructing computational science modules on topics as far ranging as genetic diversity within populations to the impact of land use change on watershed hydrology. The Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement grant (CCLI), titled “Development and Dissemination of Computational Science Educational Materials and Curricula at the Undergraduate Level,” is directed by Terry Lahm and Andrea Karkowski of Capital University. The grant program involves 35 authors from 14 colleges and universities in Ohio and Florida to produce 65 computational science modules over a four-year period. ■

Wisconsin Serves As Site For Unique Internship Program On May 28, eight Wittenberg interns and one from the University of Oregon ofﬁcially became part of the Eau Claire County government in Eau Claire, Wisc., and the city of Chippewa Falls, as part of Wittenberg’s Local Government Management Intern (LGMI) program. The only internationally backed undergraduate program of its kind, the nine-week program gives participants a hands-on learning experience in local government as it integrates classroom theory. The program was also featured on the local TV news shortly after the interns arrived. ■ summer 2007 5

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2007

Commencement

President Erickson congratulates Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Robert Chadwell Williams, left, internationally acclaimed architect Shoei Yoh, far right, and keynote speaker and journalist Juan Williams, center, who were recognized at the ceremony, each with an honorary degree. 6 Wittenberg Magazine

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORA FISHER â&#x20AC;&#x2122;07

photos by Robert Gantt

The sun shined brightly, and the Myers Hall bell tolled for a full 15 minutes on Commencement day, signaling an outdoor event for the ďŹ rst time in ďŹ ve years.

Some graduates took time to celebrate their accomplishments with their professors.

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The passing of light at Commencement as Ryan Deutschendorf, senior class president, physically passes the Wittenberg torch to the president of the class of 2008, Mark Preston.

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The 2007 Commencement marked the ﬁrst ceremony in the newly reconﬁgured Commencement Hollow where 414 graduates received their diplomas.

During the graduation ceremony, President Erickson dedicated the new Commencement Hollow by recognizing the contributions of Lewis Shaw ’66, who generously agreed to underwrite the cost of the transformation of Commencement Hollow into a beautifully landscaped, multifunctional outdoor venue. The new venue was dedicated in memory of Shaw’s mother “in honor of all parents whose sacriﬁce and support make Commencement possible.”

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Commencement also brought some surprises as Bob Richardson proposed to Ashley Alexander after she received her diploma.

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Lifelong Learner Creates Scholarship In Last Days

Pioneering Alumnus Leaves Theater Legacy Hailed by The New York Times upon his death in May as “pioneer in theater design and technology who helped bring automation to stagecraft,” George Izenour ’34 will forever be remembered for his inventions that changed the theatre la ndscape, including “a n electronic dimming system for stage lighting, the ﬁrst of its kind.” Known as the Izenour system, the 1947 invention was but one in his 94 years of life. He also designed a similar concept “in scenery work, inventing an electronic winch system to move scenery by remote control,” the Times reported. Harvard University later requested a specially designed theatre that could change from a thrust stage to

the Broadway-styled proscenium stage. Izenour fulﬁlled the request, which led to additional requests for convertible stages from around the world. Corwin Georges, professor of theatre and dance, fondly remembered Izenour. In addition to presenting him the Ohio Theatre Alliance’s Award for Distinguished Contributions, he also traveled with him to various theatres and shared an alumni program with him. “When I was with Mr. Izenour, I always noted that he embodied the qualities that we want our graduates to possess,” Georges said. “He was a thoughtful, ethical, articulate Renaissance man, and he will be dearly missed.” ■

Rath Earns Sought-After Science Scholarship Lara Rath ’08 has made a mark in her field of biological sciences as one of only 100 students nationwide to receive a prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Established just two years ago, the scholarship offers students more than just financial assistance for their education. NOAA supports undergraduate training in fields of oceanic and atmospheric science, research and technology, and the organization works to increase public understanding of environmental issues. The financial support is offered during junior and senior years of undergraduate study, providing a paid 10-week internship during the summer between these years. Rath is currently studying at the Duke Marine Laboratory, where the NOAA Scholarship afforded her the opportunity to take field courses in Singapore and Trinidad, as well as additional opportunities to network with NOAA officials. ■ 10 Wittenberg Magazine

Woodhouse lived that daily. At age 87, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Urbana University followed by her master’s degree in religious studies two years later at Catholic Distance University. By creating t he schola rship at Wittenberg, Woodhouse wanted to provide ﬁnancial assistance to deserving students who have demonstrated leadership skills and are accomplished in one or more of the following areas: language, literature, history, philosophy, art or music. ■

ROBERT GANTT

To meet Elizabeth Woodhouse was to witness true inspiration firsthand. Breast cancer recently took the longtime Wittenberg Guild member’s life, but the 95-year-old still inspired others to learn. Now students at Wittenberg will be able to continue Woodhouse’s mission – to learn something new every day – thanks to a $25,000 scholarship she established shortly before her death. “So many people study in school, walk up to get a diploma and stop learning,” she said. “Never stop learning.”

Reflecting Within WittSem Course Challenges Students To See Beyond Stereotypes When 17 Wittenberg students signed up for Assistant Professor of English Fitz Smith’s WittSem course titled “A Few Ideas That Changed The World: Christianity, Democracy and the Self,” it was simply their way of filling an academic requirement. Little did they know that the course would change their lives by leading them on a journey of self-exploration. A regular listener to NPR’s “This I Believe,” Smith incorporated a similar project into his WittSem, an integrated learning course taken during freshman year, by creating the “Believe in Belief” project. Smith asked his students, who came from differing backgrounds, to write an essay that examined their morals and values in-depth. “‘Believe in Belief’ doesn’t allow for generalizations,” Smith said. “Students have to be specific in their reflection, but there is enough leeway for creativity while still getting to a specific point.”

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Higgins Recognized For Teaching Excellence

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Associate Professor of Mathematics William Higgins was awarded the 2007 Ohio Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). Higgins is the second professor in the mathemetics department to receive the award following in the footsteps of Al Stickney, the 2001 recipient. Candidates are typically nominated by their university, which compiles letters of support from colleagues and students. Eligible candidates must be Ohio Section MAA members and must have at least ﬁve years of college-level teaching experience. As winner of the Ohio Section award, Higgins also becomes eligible for a national MAA award, the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching, which is given to just three professors from around the country. ■

Forum Discusses Downtown Revitalization With just a few blocks separating Wittenberg’s picturesque 95-acre campus and 120 acres of “underutilized” downtown Springfield land, it is natural that city leaders would seek input from students on how to revitalize the community. They got that in a lively campus forum, April 19. “The synergy created around renewed downtown investment – including a $ 300 million regiona l medica l facility development – is one of the greatest opportunities a community like Springfield can build upon,” said Executive Assistant to the Springfield City Manager Shannon Meadows ’99. As the course concluded, the students’ essays were submitted to the show’s producers in hopes they would be selected to be read on-air (anyone who had an essay selected automatically received an A on the project). Out of the 17 students in the class, 16 also volunteered to read their essays in class, creating a bond as the students saw one another as more than just another stereotyped classmate. “[The project] turned into an amazing, tremendous experience for me as a teacher, and for the students,” Smith said. “It’s not something they took lightly, and I would be willing to wager that every student could remember the essays of at least three other students. It turned the class into a group of people, rather than anonymous humans.” ■ – Erica Strauss ’08

“The Wittenberg market is signiﬁcant to downtown revitalization and success of commercial investment in the area. It is critical that city planners and local leaders understand the perceptions and expectations of university students when planning for a renewed urban community.” Meadows, who also serves as interim director of human relations, housing and neighborhood services for the City of Springﬁeld, and Heather Whitmore, Springf ield planning and zoning administrator, coordinated the meeting, which attracted more than 60 Wittenberg students, faculty and staff members. ■

Career Center Receives New Name And Makeover After engaging the expertise of students in Wittenberg’s Center for Applied Management (WittCAM), the Career Center will be connecting students’ passions with their professions in more strategic ways. Beginning this summer, the center will become WittPath Career Services in recognition of the role it plays throughout a student’s four years. The idea behind the new name and look reflects the fact that students need different career-related guidance and materials at each phase of their college journey. A first-year student, for example, may be interested in exploring career options. A junior, however, may want to hone interview skills or investigate internship opportunities. “Each student follows ‘the path’ differently,” said Career Services Director Karen Reynolds, “but the journey begins the first year.” ■

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Gulf Coast Region Beneﬁts From Skilled Students As residents in the Hurricane Katrinadevastated Gulf Coast region move from the cleanup stage to extensive re-building, 15 specia lly tra ined Wittenberg students assisted in the effort during spring break. All of the students, several of whom had previous experience with dry wall, electrical set up and general construction, received additional carpentry training by members of the Clark County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity in preparation for the second service trip to the area in two years. Together, they constructed a shed as a practice exercise. The shed was then donated to Habitat for Humanity to beneﬁt a local family in need. ■

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University Co-Sponsors Bioinformatics Conference Wittenberg, an educational leader in the ﬁeld computational science, will cosponsor the Ohio Conference on Bioinformatics, July 9-11, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, which will connect Ohio’s bioinformatics and bioscience research leaders. Wittenberg’s Director of Computational Science Eric Stahlberg, who also works for Ohio Supercomputer Center, is one of the sponsorship chairs and a member of the conference’s steering committee. Fadi Michael ’08, an intern in the Biopathology Center at Columbus Children’s Research Institute, will also present at the conference. ■

Internationally Known Music Professor Passes Away Thomas Kennedy, associate professor of Kennedy taught courses in conducting, music and director of band, died June 15 mu sic educ at ion, u nderst a nd ing at the age of 54 following a lengthy battle music and f lute. He also conducted with brain tumors. the Wittenberg Symphonic Band and Internationally known for his musical Wittenberg Chamber Orchestra. publications, Kennedy appeared as a guest In addition, Kennedy conducted conductor throughout the United States. the Springfield Youth Symphony, was As a professor at Wittenberg from 1991 assistant conductor of the Springfield until his disability retirement in 2005, Symphony, the conductor of the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra and flutist in the eclectic trio TOFT. An arranger and editor for Kalmus Music and many other publishing houses, Kennedy received his bachelor’s in music education from Indiana University, his master’s from The Pennsylvania State University and his doctorate from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Throughout his illness, alumni frequently wrote, visited and offered words of encouragement. A memorial service will be held on campus this fall. ■ 12 Wittenberg Magazine

Eight faculty members with an astonishing 219 years of combined service to the university recently retired from Wittenberg. Always active as a liaison to the East Asian Studies Program, Regina Entorf, associate professor and reference librarian, traveled to China in 2004 as a visiting scholar at Zhejiang University. As Thomas Library’s instruction coordinator, she also worked to promote information literacy in the classroom and to include it in the curriculum. Recipient of numerous awards, including four Fulbrights and the university’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the author of four books, James Huffman, H. Orth Hirt Professor of History, is considered one of the most respected East Asian Studies scholars in the world. William Kraus, professor of education and the former president of the Ohio Mathematics Education Leadership Council, published more than 20 instructional computer games used in schools and homes in the United States and Canada in his career, among his many other scholarly endeavors. Recipient of a Senior Fulbright Fellowship for study in Taiwan and an expert in Chinese language and literature, Stanley Mickel, professor of foreign languages and literature, authored Reading Chinese Newspapers: Tactics and Skills, published in 1992, which is still widely used at colleges throughout the United States. His Dictionary for Readers of Modern

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Chinese Prose also continues to be an innovative guide to the 250 grammatical markers most frequently used in modern Chinese writings. Founder of Wittenberg’s cutting-edge computational science program, which he also directed, James Noyes, professor of computer science, served as a Senior Research Fellow for the National Research Council and for several summers as a Fellow for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Gwendolyn Scheffel, adjunct assistant professor of music, has been recognized for her teaching by selection to Who’s Who Among American Teachers and was an audition winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She also served as coordinator of the Wittenberg Series for nearly 20 years. Recipient of the Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Excellence in Teaching at Wittenberg and opera singer, Kenneth Scheffel, associate professor of music, served as an adjudicator of advanced and professional music contests, festivals, and other competitions, and was invited to act as a consultant and evaluator of music programs in higher education during his career. In addition to teaching for the Bahamian Reef Environmental Educational Foundation, Carmen Trisler ’64, associate professor of education and biology, also inspired countless children to love insects through her entomology and environmental education workshops. Pat Clouse, associate professor of health, fitness and sport, also retired (see page 19). ■

ROBERT GANTT

As a self-proclaimed news junkie, Lydia Kisley ’10 was excited to see her letter to the editor printed in the opinion section of the March 22 issue of The New York Times: Case Study: A Student’s Free Speech. Kisley wrote in response to an article titled “Court Hears Whether a Drug Statement Is Protected Free Speech for Students,” regarding the “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” Supreme Court case. Her letter was not only published, she won the paper’s Letter to the Editor Contest and a $100 prize. “Of the thousands of letters written daily to The New York Times, we have a student who was accepted and given the lead position in the series of letters,” said Ed Hasecke, assistant professor of political science and one of three professors who facilitate the weekly New York Times Casual Conversations about Current Events discussion group on campus. “This is a very big deal.” “I read The New York Times that is offered on campus almost every day,” Kisley said. “I started to go to The New York Times discussion group regularly at the beginning of this semester and absolutely love it. It’s a great way to follow current events and hear different

opinions on them. You really get the chance to learn beyond the classroom.” The contest rewards the ﬁrst student published in any of the participating newspapers each semester, including the Springﬁeld News-Sun, Dayton Daily News, Columbus Dispatch, USA Today and The New York Times. ■

School Of Community Education Dean Retires Leaving behind a robust and greatly expanded program, Paul Parlato retired as dean of Wittenberg’s School of Community Education (SCE) after 26 years. During his tenure, SCE expanded its program offerings, enhanced existing programs and steadily increased the number of non-traditional adult graduates. Parlato also had a hand in transforming the university’s summer session, including campus courses, field studies abroad, independent study and internships for both traditional and non-traditional students. The school also now administers several notable summer academic camps. Parlato attributes much of the success and growth of SCE to his staff, especially Barb Mackey, director of community programs, who began at SCE the same year as Parlato. “The job has been demanding,” he said. “But seeing kids at the summer camps have experiences that change their view of the world, or watching the adults succeed – that has been very satisfying.” ■ ROBERT GANTT

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Freshman’s Letter Selected By The New York Times

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FACULTY

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Campus Notes

Cline Associate Professor of Chemistry

Andrews Professor of Statistics

For the U.S. Conference on Teaching Statistics, Doug Andrews, professor of statistics, co-organized and refereed a twoday peer-reviewed session of presentations, posters and interactive demonstrations, featuring best practices in statistics education. Andrews has also been chosen to take part in a group of statistics educators charged with standardizing curricula in post-introductory courses. Kristin Cline, associate professor of chemistry, and Mandy Reno ’07, presented their research on “Assessing the Surface Coverage of Substituted Phenyl Groups on Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes and the Impact on Electron Transfer Kinetics” at the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy in Chicago, Ill., earlier this year. Kristen Collier, director of community service, Robert Welker, professor of education, and Rachel Tune, pastor to the university, led a panel session titled “Integrating Service-Learning, Social Justice and Spirituality: Lessons Learned and Questions to be Answered” during the “Callings: Fostering Vocation through Community-Based Learning” conference at Santa Clara University. Kent Dixon, professor of English, has published two poems in Genie and online at the-teachers-voice.org. Dixon also finished in the top 20 for the Iowa Short Fiction Award for his collection of stories around the theme “Siren Songs,” and he made it to the semifinals in Sarabande Books’ fiction contest. He is working on a screenplay on Homer. Mimi Dixon, professor of English, has had her personal essay, “My Edens,” accepted for publication in the Fall 2007 issue of the literary journal The Pinch. 14 Wittenberg Magazine

Doubt Professor of Sociology

Dixon Professor of English

Collier Director of Community Service

Dixon Professor of English

The Chronicle of Higher Education noted Professor of Sociology Keith Doubt’s book, Understanding Evil: Lessons from Bosnia, in its book section explaining how it “[d]evelops a concept of ‘sociocide,’ or the murdering of society, to describe destruction in Bosnia from the level of the individual and the family to that of social institutions.”

Materials book series of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). He also presented a workshop, “A Horse of a Different Color – Do Students Like to be Challenged?” at the Ohio NExT gathering. He now begins his term as president of the Ohio Section of the MAA.

science, has published an article in Political Research Quarterly titled “Party Loyalty and Legislative Success: Are Loyal Majority Party Members More Successful in the U.S. House of Representatives?” Hasecke also presented a paper at the Midwest Political Science Conference in Chicago on the role of party loyalty in the Speaker’s decision to schedule legislation for a vote.

David L. Mason, professor of biology, presented a poster titled “High Resolution Light Microscopy Employing Labeled Antibodies Helpful with the Identiﬁcation of a Speciﬁc Type of Cancer,” at the Ohio Academy of Science. Mason and Lisa Martorano ’08 also presented “Evaluation of Selected Tumors and Cancers of Human Skin By Means of High Resolution Light Microscopy (HRLM), Immunomicroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).”

Justin Houseknecht, assistant professor of Trudy Faber, professor of music, was chemistry, recently had a paper published selected as one of 12 faculty/administrators in Chemical Physics Letters titled “Solidnationally to attend the Lilly Foundation- state O-17 NMR in carbohydrates” and sponsored Network Exchange on Religious another published in ChemBioChem titled Studies Conference at Loyola University “Biosynthetics precursors of fungal in Baltimore, Md., in April. She also just pyrrolizidines, the loline alkaloids.” He also completed a series of concerts in Germany, attended the Council on Undergraduate including at the Schlosskirche (Castle Research CUR Dialogues this March. Church) in Wittenberg, where Martin Douglas K. Lehman, director of Thomas Luther nailed his 95 Theses. Library and associate professor, delivered Marsha Frost, assistant professor of the keynote address at the Dade County economics and East Asian Studies, will Library Association Library Fair in Miami, spend her 2007-08 sabbatical teaching Fla., in March. The title of his talk was “The for CET at Capital Normal University in Crisis in Scholarly Communication: Why Beijing and also at the School of Foreign Open Access Matters to All Librarians!” Service of the National University of Lehman also reviewed Bayonets In The Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar on a Fulbright Wilderness: Anthony Wayne’s Legion in the Old Northwest by Alan D. Gaff for Material Lectureship. Culture: The Journal of the PAS. Ed Hasecke, assistant professor of political

William Higgins, associate professor of mathematics, attended the Joint Mathematics Meetings, where he served as a judge for the Student Poster Session and ended his six years as a member of the editorial board of the Classroom Resource

Alan McEvoy, professor of sociology, published an article titled “Dying in Pieces” in the March 2007 issue of the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other

Lehm Direct Library Profes

Proctor Associate Professor of History

Dementias. McEvoy was also a featured speaker at the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention & Risk Reduction Symposium in Washington, D.C. Terry Otten, professor emeritus of English, has published a review of a new book on Arthur Miller titled Miller and Middle America in the current issue of The Arthur Miller Newsletter. Adam Parker, assistant professor of mathematics, received the Omicron Delta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award. Parker was also named chair of CONCUR, the Ohio section of the Mathematics Association of America committee on curriculum. In addition, he presented talks at The Ohio State University, Ashland University, the University of Cincinnati and at Wittenberg. Jerry Pankhurst, professor of sociology, was invited to participate in the international conference, “Islam and Orthodoxy: Confrontation, Cohabitation, a nd Comparison” held in Vienna. Pankhurst served as a discussant and chaired the session on “Comparative Approaches to the Study of Islam and Orthodoxy.” Pankhurst also traveled to Moscow for nine weeks to carry out a research project on “Foundations of Russian Orthodox Faith and Practice,” in collaboration with scholars at the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Tammy Proctor, associate professor of history, is involved with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scout movement, the subject of her ﬁrst book. In November, Proctor will travel to Stockholm as the invited keynote speaker for a conference on Scouting, and she is co-organizing a 2008 international Scout symposium at Johns Hopkins University. In

Stickney Professor of Mathematics

addition, Proctor has been commissioned to write a centennial history of Girl Scouting and Guiding for the girls’ movement’s centennial in 2010.

calculator technology in the classroom, titled “Differential Equations on the Voyage 200 and TI-89” at the 19th International Conference on Technology John Ritter, professor of geology, attended the in Collegiate Mathematics in Boston, Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s “Getting Started with the Voyage 200” at 4th Geological Conference, “Caribbean the Teachers Teaching with Technology Exploration-Planning for the Next Century.” International Conference in Chicago, In addition to co-leading a daylong pre- and “Matrix Applications on the TI-84” at meeting fieldtrip in Trinidad’s Northern the Teachers Teaching with Technology Range mountains, he also presented two Regional Conference in Lima, Ohio. papers, one of which was the result of his work Carmen Trisler, associate professor there as a Fulbright Scholar. emeritus of biology, attended an advanced course on Aquatic Invertebrates at the Pamela Schindler, professor of management, Humboldt Field Research Station at Eagle has completed the 10th edition of Business Hill in Maine. Trisler sampled oligotrophic Research Methods, published by McGrawlakes and streams in Northern Maine Hill. The book will be introduced at the to identify aquatic insects and other Decision Sciences meeting in November invertebrates forming the ecological webs in for classroom distribution next spring. these environments. She is also conducting Schindler is also working on bringing the research locally using underwater light traps PowerPoint presentation that accompanies to examine the photo-taxicity of immature each chapter into the 21st century. J. Fitzpatrick Smith, assistant professor of aquatic insects. English, recently presented at the American Conference for Irish Studies at CUNY and at a conference on poet Ciaran Carson at Oxford University. Smith’s article on Paul Muldoon’s poetry was also published by Etudes Irlandaises, and Peter Lang has just extended a contract to publish a book-length manuscript based on Smith’s research on Irish writers Flann O’Brien and James Joyce.

Catherine Waggoner, professor of communication, gave an invited talk at the National Communication Association convention in San Antonio, Texas, on challenges faced by communication departments at small liberal arts colleges.

Carmiele Wilkerson, associate professor of English, presented a paper titled “Women, Immigration and Deportation: The Violence Against Women Act of Matthew J. Smith, associate professor of 1994” at the 32nd Annual Conference communication, presented “Intersections for of the Caribbean Studies Association Communication Programs: Consequences in June. The conference, “Alternative and Constructs of Adding Majors to Minors Interpretations of the Circum-Caribbean: and Minors to Majors” while attending the Interrogating Connections Across History, Eastern Communication Association, April Society, Culture and Performance,” was 26-29, in Providence, R.I. sponsored by the Universidade Federal da Al Stickney, professor of mathematics, Bahia in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. ■ presented three workshops on the use of summer 2007 15

AROUND MYERS HOLLOW

Lehman Director of Thomas Library and Associate Professor

Wilkerson Associate Professor of English

Ritter Professor of Geology

FACULTY

Mason Professor of Biology

EDUCATION

education

Engaging Educators

of them as part of a new program called the Wittenberg Educator Recruitment Team. “We want Wittenberg to have a presence in schools nationwide,” said Abby Nave ’04, admission counselor a n d t h e p r o g r a m ’s coordinator. “Educators interact with thousands of young people ever y day, and this program will allow our alumni in the ﬁeld of education to connect many of these young people directly with their alma mater.” For mer W it tenberg a d m i s s i on c o u n s e l o r Jen Fike Beckley ’98, an English teacher at HilliardDarby High School in Hilliard, Ohio, for the last six years, has already signed up to participate in the unique volunteer opportunity. In agreeing to participate, Beckley will receive a packet of materials from the admission ofﬁce to display in the school or distribute to her students. Items include a Wittenberg pennant, campus visit day brochures, an overview of the university and its mission, as well as an introduction to campus. “I think we [as teachers] have great potential to in f luenc e st udent s to ROBERT GANTT

ince its founding, Wittenberg has been a leader in teacher preparation with more than 10 percent of its alumni working in schools and classrooms across the country. This summer, the Ofﬁce of Admission will be working with many

16 Wittenberg Magazine

make good college choices, and if it ends up being Wittenberg, that’s great,” Beckley said. She also stressed the importance of developing strong relationships with school guidance counselors, noting that the materials being provided by Wittenberg can be a resource for such conversations between them and students. At the same time, additional volunteer programs are also being coordinated by the admission ofﬁce, which complement the new educator-targeted one. They include the creation of a High School Visit Team in which alumni “adopt” a high school in their respective geographic locations. Participants in this program also receive a packet of information, which they can then share with a guidance counselor or teacher in the school(s). “We want our alumni to develop strong ties with the schools they’ve adopted, especially with guidance counselors and teachers in the hopes that Wittenberg’s name becomes an even more familiar one in their respective schools,” Nave said. A lumni are a lso encouraged to participate on the College Fair team. “By attending one of the many college fairs with members of Wittenberg’s own admission team, participants quickly become the face of the university,” Nave said, “and that is by far the best advertisement for Wittenberg.” For more information on any or all of these programs, contact Nave at (877) 206-0322 ext. 6317. ■ – Karen Gerboth ’93

ROBERT GANTT

New Admission Project Connects Alumni Teachers

WITT WORLD

wittworld

witt

world wittworld

Sacred Sounds Weaver Chapel Connects Music And Ministry ike Martin Luther who composed hymns to teach the catechism, Weaver Chapel has worked collaboratively to develop programs that connect both music, liturgy and ministry for generations of students. The Rev. Larry Houff ’66, former associate pastor to the university, explained

choir, Schola Cantorum, served for liturgical services,” Houff said. “The pastors wore more formal vestments. The liturgy was more formal, and incense was used for the first time. Matins, held once a week, were very musical. Glorious – I still remember the sounds.”

that ties between the chapel and the music school became strong when President Stoughton hired L. David Miller, who held a master’s in sacred music. In addition, Stoughton hired Fred Jackish and Elmer F. Blackmer, who wedded the East coast (English) and Missouri (German) music and liturgy. Jackish led the chapel choir and played organ for Sunday services, which began being held on campus in December 1961. “The liturgical sensibilities were enhanced by that organ, and a men’s

Advent, Christmas, Sunday and weekday services were held during Houff ’s student years, and Reformation Choral Vespers had become a tradition upon his return as associate pastor in 1981. Houff personally developed the Medieval Candlemas and the German Language Epiphany services. Professor of Music Trudy Faber noted that Advent services have also evolved from those built solely upon the anticipation of the coming of Christ to Advent Thanksgiving, which

ROBERT GANTT

included hymns of thanksgiving and prophesies. The event eventually became the Wittenberg Series-sponsored annual Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas service, which includes prophesies, details the birth of Christ and offers carols for the hundreds of guests who annually attend. Gone, however, are St. Michael All Angels service; an Easter Vigil in conjunction with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; the Baroque Solo Cantata, and evening prayer services previously held three Sundays in a row, which featured soloists, ﬂutes, violins, recorders, cellos and harpsichords playing Buxtelude, Corelli, Telemann and Bach. The Ascension Jazz Eucharist, which brought together the Jan Arthur Trio and the University Jazz Ensemble (Johnny Lytle playing the vibraphone), also no longer exists. F a b e r, w h o p l a y s o r g a n a n d harpsichord and directs the Wittenberg Handbell Choir, added, however, that the annual Festival Choral Eucharist for the Reformation, commemorating Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses, continues to welcome a growing audience. Another popular tradition, the annual Community Sing of George Friedrich Handel’s “Messiah,” ﬁrst presented 26 years ago by Director of Community Programs Barb Mackey and co-sponsored by the Ruth B. and Thomas F. Mackey Charitable Gift Fund, also continues today. Sacred music compositions have debuted and continue to debut in Weaver Chapel as well. ■ – Phyllis Eberts ’00 summer 2007 17

TIGER SPORTS

tiger tiger sports

tiger sports

sports

In A League Of Her Own Legendary Coach Pam Evans Smith ’82 Remembered

A memorial Web site has been created for those wishing to share condolences, stories, thoughts and prayers about Smith. To date, more than 100 reﬂections have been received and posted at www.wittenberg.edu/pamsmith.

18 Wittenberg Magazine

am Evans Smith ’82, women’s basketball head coach, associate director of athletics and architect of the most successful women’s basketball program in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) history, died June 26 after a long battle with cancer. She was 47. “Although Pam will be remembered as a legendary coach and professor, her impact reached far beyond the basketball court,” said President Mark H. Erickson. “She touched the lives of countless students, faculty, staff and alumni. She taught us about courage, commitment, humility and caring. Pam was truly an extraordinary person who embodied all that is great about Wittenberg. It is hard to imagine that she is no longer with us. She will be greatly missed.” Smith, a 1999 Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor inductee, instructor and senior woman administrator, established herself as one of the premier women’s basketball coaches in NCAA Division III during a coaching career that spanned 21 seasons. The seven-time NCAC Coach of the Year compiled a 401-170 record after taking the reins of a struggling program prior to the 1986-87 season, along the way leading the Tigers to eight NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, twelve 20-win seasons and 11 NCAC regular season championships. Wittenberg won just four games the year before Smith accepted the challenge at her alma mater, and she helped the Tigers to seven victories in each of her ﬁrst two seasons, followed by an 11-win season in 1988-89. That set the stage

for a breakout 1989-90 campaign in which the Tigers posted a 26-3 record, including a perfect 12-0 NCAC regular season mark and a first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III tournament. Smith’s teams won NCAC regular season conference titles in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 and NCAC Tournament championships in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2003 and 2004. Through the end of the 2006-07 season, Smith ranked among the top 30 active NCAA Division III coaches in the country in both total wins and winning percentage. In 2004, the Tigers won the first two NCAA Division III Tournament games in school history while advancing to the Sweet 16. The next season, the Tigers extended their conference-record NCAC win streak to 36 games, and on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, it was declared Pam Smith Day in Springfield, Ohio, after she became just the 21st active women’s basketball coach at the NCAA Division III level to win 400 career games. A biology major at Wittenberg who went on to earn her master’s degree in physical education from Ithaca College, Smith also enjoyed a record-breaking career as a player in the Red & White between 1979-82. A memorial service was held in Weaver Chapel on July 1. Smith is survived by her husband, her parents, three brothers, a brother-in-law, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A sister preceded her death. ■ – Ryan Maurer

TIGER SPORTS

Seven Athletes To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Honor During Homecoming

Fry

Bennyhoﬀ Orr

Whitman

During Homecoming, Oct. 19-21, Earl Fry ’58, Jodi Bennyhoff Orr ’90, Steve Whitman ’75, Jim Kincaid ’84, Verna Tullis Rees ’52, Alex Turner ’66 and Jim Ingledue ’56 will join 165 fellow athletes already inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Honor. A three-year football starter and letterwinner, Fry served as team captain his senior year and received numerous honors throughout his career. He also founded the Wittenberg wrestling program. One of the ﬁnest women’s lacrosse players in Wittenberg history with multiple honors, Orr concluded her career as the program’s leading scorer,

Kincaid

Tullis Rees

and she remains No. 2 in career goals, assists and total points. The 1975 team MVP, four-year starter and letterwinner for the Tiger men’s lacrosse program, Whitman played the goalkeeper position. His 29 saves in an upset victory at Morgan State in 1975 ranks as the second-highest total in a game in school history. Kincaid was a four-year men’s golf letterwinner in the Red & White. Recipient of numerous honors, he was one of a select few players to participate in four NCAA Division III Tournaments. Winner of the Sweater Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Women’s

Turner

Ingledue

Athletic Association at the time, Tullis Rees was a multi-sport standout in field hockey, basketball and softball. One of the founding members of the cross country program in 1964, Turner was also one of Wittenberg’s first track and field All-Americans. He graduated with multiple school records. Ingledue was a football and baseball standout in his four years at Wittenberg, playing both offense and defense, and posting a career batting average of above .300, respectively. For more on these inductees, log on www.wittenberg.edu/athletics. ■ – Holly Shaw ’08

Men’s Volleyball Club Team Sets Up For Success ROBERT GANTT

ROBERT GANTT

The Wittenberg club men’s volleyball program may not be on par with their female compatriots on a national scale, but the Tigers have made plenty of noise on a regional level recently. In the 2005-06 season, Wittenberg reached the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) Division 2 Tournament semifinals after an upset win over Grand Valley State University. In 2006-07, the Tigers just missed duplicating that feat, advancing to the tourney’s quarterfinal round, thanks in part to a victory over The Ohio State University. Initiative is everything for this group of guys. The results speak for themselves. “It feels great to beat schools of such a large size,” said Ryan Charles ’08. “Some of the teams we have beaten in recent years have enrollments 10-15 times what Wittenberg’s is, but we have a Ryan Charles ’08 and great chemistry on our team and a work ethic that has allowed us David Huffman ’08 look to keep the to achieve some great things. momentum going “In addition, we have a great time together. It’s been a great next season. experience.” The team typically plays in five tournaments per school year, logging a total of 15 matches per season. It has played in tournaments at Michigan State University, Xavier University, Miami (Ohio) University and Ohio Northern University in recent years, and the Tigers have claimed victories over the University of Michigan, Indiana University and Western Michigan University, among others. As a club team, the men’s volleyball players receive funding from Student Senate that covers travel expenses and membership fees to the MIVA. In 2006-07, the Tigers had 10 players on their roster, led by team captains Glenn Leever ’07 and Derek Fugate ’07, with coaching assistance from Ashley Anderson ’08, a former member of the Tiger women’s volleyball team. ■ – Ryan Maurer summer 2007 19

TIGER SPORTS

Famed Coach Ray Mears Passes Away Ray Mears, the man credited with bringing Wittenberg men’s basketball into national prominence, died June 11 at the age of 80. Also the winningest coach in University of Tennessee men’s basketball history, Mears, a 1949 graduate of Miami University, took the reins of Wittenberg’s struggling program in 1956 and immediately turned the Tigers into the small college powerhouse of today. In his six years in Springﬁeld, Mears compiled a 121-23 record, good for an astounding .840 winning percentage. His teams captured three Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) regular season titles, three OAC Tournament titles and the 1961 NCAA College Division crown, and his Tiger teams were the No. 1 ranked defensive team in the nation four times. Mears left Wittenberg in 1963 to become head coach at the University of Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to seven national tournament appearances and three Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles. Mears was named SEC Coach of the Year in 1967. A 1987 Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor inductee and recipient of the 1996 Golden Anniversary Award, given by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Mears leaves his wife Dana Davis Mears ’61 and their three sons. ■ – Ryan Maurer

She didn’t end her college coaching career with a Super Bowl ring, but retiring Women’s Golf Head Coach Pat Clouse ‘64 still got a ceremonial ice bath at the conclusion of her last coaching appearance in which five Tigers broke the 100-stroke plateau. Such success helped to send Clouse, a certified health education specialist, out on a high note – not that she needed such a performance to secure her place in the Wittenberg history books. After playing a variety of sports during her undergraduate days at Wittenberg, Clouse was the first coach in the history of three different varsity programs – women’s swimming

ROBERT GANTT

Women’s Golf Head Coach Pat Clouse Retires

and diving (started in 1970), women’s lacrosse (1972) and women’s golf (2003) – and she taught thousands of students in a wide range of classes as a professor of health, ﬁtness and sport. A native of Aurora, Ohio, Clouse chose

Wittenberg in large part because of Betty Dillahunt ’46, who had a reputation for offering women’s athletics at Wittenberg. Hired by her alma mater four years after graduation, Clouse taught physical education classes and served as adviser of the Spray Misses, a synchronized swimming club on campus, which evolved into the successful varsity swimming & diving program of today. In 23 years as head coach, Clouse never had a losing dual meet record, and four individuals earned All-America awards. The program now stands as one of the best in the North Coast Athletic Conference. ■ – Ryan Maurer

ROBERT GANTT

Lamarre Named 2007 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar

20 Wittenberg Magazine

In recognition of his academic and athletic accomplishments, Manoach Lamarre ’09 from Miami, Fla., has been named a 2007 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar by Black Issues in Higher Education. The magazine named one male scholar-athlete of the year and one female scholar-athlete of the year in its April 5, 2007 issue. Lamarre, better known by his nickname Manny, was considered for the male award before being named to the second team in track and field. He is the second Wittenberg student-athlete to garner such recognition, following in the footsteps of 2002 NCAA Division III 110-meter hurdles champion Skip Ivery ’04 . “There are lots of students that stand out at Wittenberg. However, Manny is one of those guys whom you meet once, and you never forget,” said Forest Wortham, Wittenberg’s director of multicultural programs and the WAGE Womyn’s Center, who nominated Lamarre for the award. A leader on campus and political science major, Lamarre carries a 3.47 cumulative grade point average and has earned there All-NCAC honors in his first two collegiate seasons, thanks to backto-back third-place finishes in the indoor 55-meter dash, in addition to a third in the 2007 outdoor 100-meter dash. ■ – Ryan Maurer

Usi n g a m i x of se a sone d a nd inexperienced players in each match, the Tigers remained competitive throughout the five-match schedule. Wittenberg went a deceiving 1-4 on the trip, but Labrador was encouraged by his team’s ability to adapt to international rules and difﬁcult playing environments. “I like my players to be pushed outside of their comfort zone, and playing against internationally experienced opponents was an excellent way to achieve that,” Labrador said. “Our last trip in 2003 was an incredible success,” he added, “and it was a building block for a record-breaking season later that fall.” ■ – Ryan Maurer

PACO LABRADOR

Wittenberg’s volleyball team, which ﬁnished the last two seasons ranked No. 3 in the nation, took its game to another level as Head Coach Paco Labrador and his nationally ranked squad participated in a 12-day competitive trip to Spain. Nineteen current Tiger players, Labrador, assistant coach Brittany Baume and team manager Kara Guss ﬂew to Madrid on May 22, accompanied by “alumni and friends of the program.” They played a tri-match against semipro teams from Toledo and Alcobendas in Central Spain before heading north to the Rioja region to play two matches against provincial club teams and a match opposite the Spanish U-19 national team in Soria.

TIGER SPORTS

Volleyball Team Travels To Spain To Compete

Faculty Hit The Streets With Alumni

Walker Selected To Attend Leadership Conference Allison Walker ’08 did more than just hang out with Mickey and friends at the 11th annual National Collegiate Athletic A ssociation (NC A A) Foundation Leadership Conference May 27-31 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The track and ﬁeld standout gained new perspectives on her life as a student-athlete during a leadership conference. “The conference was a blast,” Walker said. “It was very rewarding, and I learned a lot of interesting information. It was a great way to make new friends, as well as learn about others and yourself.”

Walker is a three-year letterwinner in track and ﬁeld, and she has multiple AllNorth Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) designations to her credit in throwing events. Her specialty is the hammer throw, and she is the indoor and outdoor school record-holder in the event. Walker, who was selected for the conference from a pool of more than 1,30 0 nom i nat ion s, i s t he si x t h Wittenberg student-athlete to attend the event, annually billed as one of the largest non-competitive gatherings of NCAA student-athletes from Divisions – Ryan Maurer I, II and III. ■

ROBERT GANTT

Isaac Barnes ’99

Three faculty members and four alumni were among the nearly 7,000 runners who participated in the 26-mile Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati this May, finishing in winning fashion. Isaac Barnes ’99, who won two Wittenberg Invitational cross country meets while a student, was first to break the tape to take first place overall during his sixth appearance in the race with a time of 2:33:36. Finishing first overall in the half marathon was fellow alumnus T.J. Lentz ’89, who won the full marathon in 2004. Barnes’s sister, Becky ’04, placed 22nd out of nearly 3,000 in the women’s field, and Christine Maddox ’07 rounded out the alumni participants. Wittenberg faculty members were also well represented with Margaret Goodman, associate professor of biology, Tammy Proctor, associate professor of history, and Nancy McHugh, associate professor of philosophy. For more photos from the event, log on to www.wittenberg.edu/athletics. ■ – John Strawn ’07

summer 2007 21

ROBERT GANTT

In support of Wittenberg’s mission and its strategic plan, which aﬃrms the university’s Lutheran heritage, David ’60 and Carol Matevia recently committed $1 million to endow the campus pastor position.

The Rev. David ’60 & Carol Matevia

Faithful Stewards by Karen Saatkamp Gerboth ’93

portrait by Robert Gantt

IF THE WORD “HOME” can describe a relationship, David and Carol Matevia are shining examples of it. The ﬁrst time David put his arm around Carol, she vividly remembers feeling “completely at home.” The year was 1987, and the two were attending a synod meeting in Columbus, Ohio, after having met 10 weeks earlier at a music and worship workshop in Vandalia, Ohio.

22 Wittenberg Magazine

ROBERT GANTT

David, a pastor in Findlay, Ohio, at the time, was a bit angry with God for the 25 hour/8 day-a-week schedule he was working in service to God. Instrumental in the church merger between the Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and now newly single with his children on their own, David was feeling frustrated and lonesome. “I was at my wit’s end,” David says. That all changed in the parking lot outside the workshop facility when he heard Carol’s voice. Carol, a nurse, and her pastor, with whom she was attending the workshop, helped David unload his car, and soon Carol and David were crossing paths frequently at the workshop.

They also began to save in earnest for their retirement during their years in Georgetown following David’s heart attack in 1991. “I would be eligible for retirement in 1998, having completed 35 years of participation in the church’s retirement plan. We had little more than one another at the time, and every time we started to get ahead, God sent us someone who needed our savings more than we did.” Planning to retire in Georgetown, the couple began building their dream house together. They even designed it so they could hold worship services in their walk-out lower level. “We did everything out of our home,” Carol says.

“ Through the ministry of Wittenberg University and its pastor(s), the values of community service in the name of God, as we believe in the Lutheran church, will be taught for generations still unborn.” But God had other ideas, and just four weeks from the home’s “She was an answer to my prayer,” David says as a smile conveying sheer love and admiration stretches across his face. scheduled completion date, the couple headed to Michigan A turn to Carol and a gentle tap on his hand by Carol confirms City where David was called to serve another church. “We never even lived in the house,” Carol says. that the feeling is mutual. Always faithful in following where God leads, the couple A year later, they married, sold everything they had and headed to Indiana to see what God had in store for them. They never looked back, though. They also continued to grow in landed in the town of Howe, home to a small family cabin. their stewardship, regardless of location or circumstance. “But in God’s economy, the more we gave away in His name, Together they fixed it up, soliciting endless advice from local the more He made available to us to shepherd,” David says. lumber yard workers along the way. “They became our family,” Carol says. Once the cabin was “Today we find ourselves as stewards of more than we ever completed, they invited each and every worker to take a tour dreamed possible, and we have sought His guidance in how we are to use it.” to see the results of their words and materials. On May 10, the couple committed $1 million to Wittenberg Since then, the couple has built homes for others, while still opening their own home and hearts as devoted servants to endow the campus pastor position. “Carol and I have come to believe, with God’s guidance, that in ministry. Their time in Georgetown, Ky., reflects their devotion. this gift is how we are to witness to His love and mercy. He Called to begin a congregation in the town in 1989, David, trusted us with these resources to enable us to reach far more with Carol by his side, immersed themselves in the community lives than we could reach by ourselves. Through the ministry and in service to others. Recognizing the need for affordable of Wittenberg University and its pastor(s), the values of housing for the Toyota workers who would be coming to the community service in the name of God, as we believe in the Lutheran church, will be taught for generations still unborn,” area, the couple began building homes. “I met with presidents of banks, housing partners and the Matevias recently wrote as they reflected on their decision realtors,” David says. Eventually, the couple started their own to give to Wittenberg. “Our ministry will touch many lives because we have home-building business, building 12 homes while David served as president of the Home Builders Association. “We wanted to taken seriously our responsibility as stewards of His gracious provision for community. May it tell of His faithfulness.” ■ show people that this is what Lutherans do,” David says. summer 2007 23

50 Years at the Crossroads:

Weaver Chapel F

rom all points of campus and from a distance beyond, Weaver Chapel stands tall on the Wittenberg landscape, anchoring the university and serving as a centerpiece for faith and learning, community and

service, knowledge and truth. Fifty years have passed since the chapel’s dedication, and now Wittenberg Magazine takes readers back through the ﬁve decades – decades that deﬁned the chapel, the campus and those who found refuge and love within its walls. by Gabrielle Antoniadis

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summer 2007 25

ROBERT GANTT

Symbol of a School Can a building embody the spirit of a school? In the early 1950s, Wittenberg President Clarence C. Stoughton proposed the creation of a chapel-library for Wittenberg. He believed that such a building would be a living symbol of the intersection of faith and learning and of Wittenberg’s efforts to help students develop more fully. The history of Weaver Chapel bears out that vision. As Wittenberg students have entered the chapel in search of knowledge, faith, 26 Wittenberg Magazine

comfort or just beautiful music, the place itself has come to bind and strengthen the community. The events that have taken place inside Weaver Chapel prove that its original purpose “to show in unforgettable fashion that it is the wholeness of life that is the concern of Wittenberg College and the Church” has come to fruition. These words, from the program for the chapel’s dedication week ceremonies in September 1956, encapsulate Stoughton’s vision for the chapel-library. The theme

Inside the Chapel The long history of the chapel and library, and the great variety of art found within could fill a book. Here are just a few key historical and artistic highlights. ✦ Ground is broken on Jan. 8, 1954; the cornerstone is laid on Sept. 29, 1954. ✦ The chapel and library are complete and formally dedicated in September 1956. The common entrance to both the chapel and library under the tower was a deliberate symbol of the union of faith and learning. ✦ The chapel is named after Mr. and Mrs. Elgar Weaver of Brookville, Ohio, who donated the majority of funds for construction, and the library is named after its principal benefactors, Margaret and Harold O. Thomas of Canton, Ohio. ✦ The connection between the secular and the sacred was emphasized by the six limestone figures on the tower. Carved by Regis Milione, each is nine feet tall and weighs 3,800 pounds: on the chapel side are the figures of St. Paul, St. Augustine and Martin Luther; on the library side are John Milton, Gottfried Leibnitz and J.S. Bach. ✦ The tower is topped by a 92-foot metal cap and a 6-foot gold cross; total tower height is 212 feet. ✦ Architect T. Norman Mansell received a Special Guild Award in 1957 from the Church Architectural Guild “for his meritorious chapel on the Wittenberg campus.” ✦ There are three dominant symbols in the chapel: the Cross (with more than 40 different forms represented), the grapevine (a reminder of the words of Jesus, “I am the true vine…”) and the Word. ✦ Dedicated in 1981, the Mildred L. Veler Meditation Chapel in Weaver was conceived by Richard Veler ’58, professor emeritus of English, in memory of his mother. Inspired by what he found in European cathedrals, Veler hoped the meditation chapel would provide an intimate space for reflection and prayer. ✦ The three-manual, 52-rank Reuter organ contains eight to 10 miles of electrical wiring and 3,000 pipes. ✦ The original marble altar was hand-carved in Italy. It weighs 7 ½ tons. ✦ The orlon mural on the chancel arch, painted by Louis Ewald and James Bonelli of Philadelphia, recreates the story of the Bible, with the Old Testament story on the left and the New Testament story on the right. ✦ The original Thomas library held 200,000 volumes and 350 students; the expanded Thomas Library, completed in December 1981, held 482,150 volumes, 779 readers and greatly expanded audio-visual capability. ✦ The library contains several rare book collections, including the Luther and Reformation Collection.

of the opening ceremonies, “A College, the Church, and the Arts,” boldly expressed a new and unusual vision of the partnership of college and church, with the arts as a new element. That this was the overarching intention of the chapel-library was made very clear by the variety of religious, cultural and scholarly events during the weeklong dedication ceremonies: two plays, organ and choir concerts, lectures, seminars on architecture, libraries and drama, and a performance by the famous

Metropolitan Opera baritone, Robert McFerrin Sr. Everything from the location to the design of the building was intended to make the chapel a relevant and important part of campus life. Stoughton and architect Dr. T. Norman Mansell of Philadelphia together decided to place it to the east of Myers Hall, where it would connect the old campus and the new emerging campus – literally at the crossroads of the old and the new. The ﬁnal design – what Mansell

called “contemporary American” – took the colonial shapes originally envisioned by the board and gave them a contemporary feel, echoed the Gothic style of “Schlosskirche” (Castle Church) in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, but added the clean, functional lines of modern architecture. Just as the architecture incorporated modern trends while retaining traditional elements, so too throughout its 50-year history have the events, celebrations, forums, “teach-ins,” concerts and summer 2007 27

Marking Celebration and Achievement Fifty years ago, Jim ’50 and Diane Huston Wa lsh ’57 were the f irst Wittenberg couple to be married in the newly constructed Weaver Chapel. It was Thanksgiving Day 1956. “People really came,” remembers Diane, “even though we disturbed their Thanksgiving!” In fact, they ﬁlled the chapel with family and friends, and plenty of Wittenberg graduates. “Weaver was special to us because of our connection to Wittenberg,” Jim says. “But it was also just a beautiful place.” Since then, countless couples have chosen to be married in the chapel – W it tenberg a lu mni, facu lt y a nd Springﬁeld community members. And then there are the marriage proposals. More than a few students and alumni have selected Weaver as the place to pop the question. The chapel has also been the scene of other memorable celebrations. Alumni fondly remember the religious observances that drew large crowds, such as Advent Vespers, which in more recent years has become Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas, and the Reformation services. And for events that recognize achievement, nothing beats the pageantry of convocations held in Weaver, pa rticu la rly t he

28 Wittenberg Magazine

Honors Convocation – where students and faculty are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments – and the baccalaureate service where graduating seniors receive encouraging words as they prepare to make their mark on the world.

ROBERT GANTT

lectures held within the chapel reﬂected the tenor of the times, while remaining true to the chapel’s traditional purpose as a place for worship and faith.

Providing Comfort and Refuge, Fostering Faith The day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Larry Houff ’66 was working as a busboy at a campus sorority. As the bell tolled and students dispersed across campus, he had an urge to go to the chapel. “I thought I was going to be alone,” he remembers. But by then the chapel was already three-quarters full. Gravitating to the one place that might provide comfort, people came and held a spontaneous prayer service. “It was part of the experience of who we were and where we were and what was taking place,” he says. More recently, when the devastating events of Sept. 11, 2001 began to unfold, President Tipson called for a gathering in the chapel. He and several professors spoke, and Pastor Rachel Tune prayed, hoping to give students a sense of security and provide some solace. “The chapel was completely full, with people sitting in window wells, on the ﬂoor up front, and ﬂowing out of the narthex,” recalls Pastor Tune, who with co-Pastor Andy Tune, presided over numerous services throughout the week. Whether it is a student death or a national tragedy, students and staff

have been drawn to the chapel to cope with the aftermath of loss. Yet Weaver Chapel has also naturally been a place where students come to deepen or awaken a relationship with God, contemplate life or ﬁnd a quiet refuge. Though the schedule has changed over the years, regular worship services have always been held at Weaver. The many campus ministries also hold diverse events in the chapel, from concerts to Bible study to worship activities. These weekly opportunities for reﬂection and worship have provided generations of students with a sense of community and belonging – a kind of home away from home. In this regard especially, students repeatedly remember the warmth and acceptance they felt from the chapel’s pastors and staff. Even the

Weaver Chapel Pastors ✦ Ralph Krueger: 1950-65 ✦ Robert Edgar Karsten: 1965-72 ✦ Michael McDaniel: 1972-73 ✦ Howard Frederick Reisz Jr.: 1973-78 ✦ Michael David Wuchter: 1979-97 ✦ Larry John Houff: 1981-97 ✦ Thomas Heil: 1997-98

ROBERT GANTT

✦ Rachel and Andy Tune: 1999-present

“not-so-regulars” and very-infrequent visitors have found in Weaver a place for contemplation, relaxation and peace. Weaver has managed remarkably well to reflect the times – one 1973 alumna remembers attending services barefoot – while still being a traditional worship place. In the 1960s, as secularization became a societal trend, Pastor Robert Karsten diversified and expanded the chapel ministry and even held a dating workshop for students. The chapel continues to reflect the diversity of the student body with interdenominational and interfaith services.

Stimulating Discovery, Thought and Conscience As the site for forums, lectures and discussions, Weaver has been a kind of

crucible in which students begin their journey of self-discovery and take steps toward their total growth as people – an essential goal of a Wittenberg education. It has brought people together to question, listen and learn more about civil rights, the Vietnam War and a variety of social and political issues. In May 1970, as college campuses around the country reacted to the fatal shooting of four Kent State students, Wittenberg students and staff coordinated a day-long “teach-in” in Weaver Chapel. There were speeches, poetry, discussions and music, and people came and went throughout the day. Robin Skinner Prinz ’73 remembers the chapel being completely full: “It was a unique opportunity to express to the adults in our lives the foundation for our

beliefs and concerns about the Vietnam War, and it was appreciated that so many were there to listen.” About a year earlier, the chapel had been the site of a tenser gathering. In January 1969, Provost Allan O. Pfnister addressed a full chapel of angry students questioning the university’s racial policy. The discussions in Weaver were just one of many that took place on campus that ﬁnally culminated in an ofﬁcial university response to the students’ demands. Today the chapel remains a magnet for this kind of dialogue and peaceful dissent. To mark the anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, students and faculty organized a two-part peace vigil that included the reading of the names of those killed in Iraq, held in summer 2007 29

ROBERT GANTT

Hollenbeck, and a prayer service in the chapel. Professor Tim Bennett ’78, a participant, remarks, “Here is a way in which what we say we believe, who we say we are and what we do intersect for us. It is fantastic that the chapel provides the shelter for that.” Then there are those moments when a student has come to Weaver to hear a professor, political activist or scholar and has gone away inspired to do great things. When John McLaughlin ’64, then the Deputy Director of the CIA, returned to Wittenberg to address the 2001 graduating class, he recalled sitting in Weaver listening to Professor Margaret Ermarth’s riveting accounts of her adventures in the Soviet Union. It was an experience that, in his words, “sparked and nourished my interest in international affairs.” The chapel has served as the site for every Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Convocation and numerous other lectures throughout the years. Wittenberg students have had the chance to be inspired and challenged by such notable scholars, poets and activists as Harvard socio-biologist E.O. Wilson, poet Nikki Giovanni, and activist and author Michael Eric Dyson, to name a few.

Appreciating the Arts

anchor in the heart of the campus, its tower rises 212 feet into the air, visible True to Stoughton’s vision that the chapelfrom miles around. Symbolically, it library would provide Wittenberg with a connects the Wittenberg community in new opportunity to “deepen and vitalize its quest for knowledge and in times of the partnership of the Church and the crisis, celebration and remembrance, and arts,” the chapel contains in almost every reminds us of the inherent connection nook and cranny, a unique work of art – between faith, reason and the arts. from woodblock carvings to “art glass” This is true even for those who do not stained-glass windows to a massive orlon regularly attend worship services there, mural. With this variety of high-quality for through the events held within it, art found within its walls, the chapel has Weaver Chapel embodies the spiritual, certainly fulfilled one of its original intents cultural and academic goals of the to be “a silent sermon in Christianity.” Wittenberg experience. Featured in National Geographic in And that is just as Stoughton envisioned July 1961, the chapel’s unusual stained more than 50 years ago. ■ glass windows are particularly striking. The work of Oliver Smith, they reverse the usual technique by outlining the figures in lead and using colored glass as the background. The result is dramatic colored light splashing on the floor and pews – a Wittenberg memory shared by many faculty and alumni. Designed with a moveable lectern in its chancel, Weaver Chapel was always intended to be a performance space. Over the years, actors, dancers and musicians have thrilled the Wittenberg community with a whole range of artistic expression within the chapel walls.

Connecting a Community Weaver Chapel and Thomas Library anchor the Wittenberg community in obvious but also unseen ways. As a literal 30 Wittenberg Magazine

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ROBERT GANTT

 DISTINGUISHED T E AC H E R by Karen Saatkamp Gerboth ’93 portrait by Robert Gantt While waiting for a friend at New York’s Penn Station, Scott Rosenberg, then in his 20s, remembers conversing for roughly an hour with a homeless gentleman. Rosenberg told the man of his plans to enter the Peace Corps, and shared his enthusiasm about going to the southern African Kingdom of Lesotho to serve and ﬁght apartheid. summer 2007 31

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S U RV I VO R W I T T E N BE RG For Scott Rosenberg and Wittenberg students, Survivor is not just a television show; it’s a call to action. More than 15 campus organizations and athletic teams, along with Rosenberg, recently planned “Survivor: Wittenberg,” April 14-15, which raised more than $14,000 to help feed, clothe, house and educate HIV-positive children and other children orphaned by AIDS in the southern African Kingdom of Lesotho. In addition to supporting Habitat for Humanity

and the building of homes, “the funds will also pay the school fees for 40 orphans in the Maseru Children’s Village for the next eight years,” Rosenberg explained. More than 150 students participated in the two-day event, which also brought alumni back to campus to serve as judges for the Survivor-inspired games, activities and challenges that deﬁned the spring weekend. “Lesotho is an amazing place because the people

there do not focus as much on what they don’t have but are more appreciative of what they do have, and in many instances that is very little,” Rosenberg said. “It is a special place in many of our hearts, and we really want to give back to Lesotho what it has given to so many of us.” A portion of the proceeds will also benefit

Grassroots Soccer, which uses the power of soccer and prevention education to ﬁght AIDS. Ethan Zohn, who hosted the Wittenberg fundraising effort and founded the charitable organization, was the 2001 winner of CBS’ long-running reality TV series Survivor, where Africa served as the site.

32 Wittenberg Magazine

The gentleman listened, and soon thereafter asked, “Why do you want to go over there, when there are so many in need right here?” Rosenberg has never forgotten that conversation despite the passing of years. In fact, in some ways, the man’s question has guided Rosenberg during his own 20 years of volunteer service and his careerlong quest to engage students in the world, both overseas and close to home. “I want students to think, to be aware,” Rosenberg says. “I want them to understand why things are they way they are, and how and why things happen.” His current and former students also want people to know how Rosenberg’s dedication to service has inspired them to serve as well, so much so that they recently nominated him for Wittenberg’s prestigious faculty award, The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Rosenberg received the award in April, and says that one of his greatest joys in life is witnessing ﬁrsthand how quickly the walls of uneasiness erode when people serve. “When I served overseas, the experience opened my eyes and changed who I was,”

he says. “It made me want to get engaged with the world.” For three of the last four summers, Rosenberg has made sure that Wittenberg students also have that eye-opening opportunity, taking nearly 90 students in that time to Lesotho. In 2006, Rosenberg says he received a record number of applications – 60 in all. “I didn’t want to turn anyone away, but the maximum we can take right now is 35.” With each trip, Rosenberg admits that the respect he already has for his students grows even more. In Lesotho, “the students opened their hearts and minds. They cared, and they helped. It was amazing to see.” For the students, all of whom must take six Sunday seminars of cultureintensive orientation prior to the trip, the common refrain upon their return is “life-changing.” “There are only so many things you can learn from reading a book or talking with others who have a similar background as yourself,” says Pam Evans ’06, who participated in 2005. “But there is no limit to what you can learn from

 walking with a person from another country, working side by side with someone who speaks little or no English, hugging someone who can only offer a hug in gratitude, or watching a small child when they recognize your face.” As part of their time in Lesotho, the participants take classes at the National University of Lesotho, and they volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (HFH), building homes and digging pit latrines in the capital city of Maseru. They also spend time volunteering at area orphanages, including the Maseru Children’s Village, home to more than 40 orphans, many of whom are afflicted with AIDS. Lesotho has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world, affecting approximately 30 percent of the population. Students have cleared fields, created seed beds and set up farms, among other service projects at the orphanage. “To see our students play with terminally ill patients and spend time with children who don’t often get the one-on-one attention that they require, and above all to watch the attachment those kids form with our students, is overpowering,” Rosenberg says. He understands this attachment personally. Ever since Rosenberg’s Peace Corps days in Lesotho, he has considered the impoverished nation his “second home.” His office décor confirms it as mementos, throws and a large banner bearing the words: Habitat for Humanity Lesotho Office cover his walls. His family also understands the lifelong connection, having experienced the warmth of the Lesotho people with him. Rosenberg’s wife Crystal and their now two-year-old son Joshua have accompanied him, and his four-monthold daughter Diane will travel to Lesotho with them next year. R o s e n b e r g w ou l d a r g u e t h a t the experience benefited his son in immeasurable ways, even at nine months and again at 17 months, Joshua’s age when he made his second trip to Lesotho. “I watched him walk up to a young African boy and hold his hand, without fear and without hesitation. A connection was made in that moment.”

It’s those kinds of connections that make Rosenberg ref lect on his own childhood. A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Rosenberg remembers seeing something odd during his trips between home and school. Each day he would leave his hometown, head through Harlem and then arrive in Manhattan to attend a private school, and each day he would see his small world change color and composition drastically. “I remember going from white to black to white each day, and feeling that something is not right with this picture.” As time passed and his Peace Corps tenure began, Rosenberg realized that he couldn’t change the world by himself but that he could fight for justice and work to inspire others to do the same. He also found his passion along the way – teaching – and he has never looked back on his career choice. Today, Rosenberg teaches a range of courses on African history, including Settlers and Liberators in Southern Africa, and The Making of Apartheid. He also teaches a class on the Negro League and one on Contemporary Africa: The Roots of Genocide, which delves into the complex issues surrounding the deaths of millions in Rwanda, Uganda, the Sudan and Sierra Leone. “We need to try and understand why this happened and then make sure that it never happens again,” Rosenberg says. Rosenberg also hopes that his students in this course and in all his courses will begin to question more about what they read, hear, learn and see just as he has throughout his life. “Questions have pervaded what I do,” he says, noting that “you can’t change a situation until you understand how it developed.” Perhaps it’s that understanding, gained through firsthand experiences, intense study and related research, that now allows Rosenberg to answer with confidence the question posed to him by the homeless gentleman in Penn Station years before: “You serve abroad and you serve at home. You do both.” ■

RO SE N BE RG’ S RESUME Place of Birth: • The Bronx, N.Y.

Education: • B.A., Kenyon College (1989) • M.A.I.A., Ohio University (1992) • Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington (1998) • Joined Wittenberg faculty in 2000

Academic Honors: • SOCHE Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching (2006) • Omicron Delta Kappa Teaching Award for Excellence (2005) • Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Award (1995-96) • Honorary Member of the Classes of 2003 and 2004

Professional Activity: • Published, reviewed and presented more than 40 articles since 1999 • Served as U.S. editor of the online journal Safundi • Asked to review National Science Foundation grant proposal • Created study-abroad program in Lesotho • Served as adviser for Wittenberg’s Habitat for Humanity chapter • Established WittBuild, which raised money to fund the construction of a Springﬁeld home by Wittenberg students

Fun Facts: • Proud father of two, Joshua and Diane • Avid Mets fan and of baseball in general • Grateful Dead fan, attended 80 concerts

the

Roots of 21st-Centur y ~ Science ~ Only Course of Its Kind Takes Students Back in Time by Karen Saatkamp Gerboth ’93

or some people, tripping over a tree root might result in embarrassment, an expletive or even a sight injury. For Dan Fleisch, award-winning associate professor of physics, such a misstep resulted in an “a-ha” moment that has since led to a one-of-a-kind course with a high-tech twist. After his brief fall while conducting research in Cambridge, England, last year, Fleisch realized that the roots of much of modern science began in the labs, homes, locales and academic institutions across the United Kingdom. From there, the conceptual framework for a new course, appropriately titled “The Roots of 21st-Century Science,” took hold, and, like Newton beneath the apple tree, Fleisch’s brainstorm quickly became a full-ﬂedged undertaking. Upon his return to Wittenberg, Fleisch engaged fellow Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching recipient Tim Lewis, professor of biology, in the conversation, and together they spent 34 Wittenberg Magazine

nearly a year planning the innovative course. Fleisch enrolled in Lewis’ class on evolution, and the two met weekly. In November 2006, the two traveled to the United Kingdom to visit the proposed sites of study, and ﬁnalize the course’s goals and objectives. “We wanted to ﬁnd a way to take two seemingly unrelated disciplines, physics and biology, and weave them together using parts of the curriculum to tell the story,” Fleisch said. A s they continued to plan, the connections bet ween biolog y and physics quickly revealed themselves. The students would study the origin and development of two important

f ields of 21 s t -century science, the life sciences and electromagnetic telecommunications. W hile touring Engla nd, L ewis and Fleisch also realized the exciting technological opportunities a course of this kind could offer. “By incorporating a technological component, the traditional boundaries of the classroom would dissolve, and more peer-to-peer teaching would occur,” Lewis said. Leaders in integrating technology into their classes, Fleisch and Lewis quickly teamed up with Bob Rafferty ’02, director of new media and webmaster at Wittenberg, to work out all the hightech details. “Bob brought incredible knowledge and energy, and the course wouldn’t have been the same without him,” Lewis said.

HAVE TECHNOLOGY, WILL TRAVEL The digital hardware and software allowed students and faculty to keep working while criss-crossing the country.

iPod pre-loaded with various course materials and on which they could store the digital information produced as the course progressed. Rafferty would also accompany the class for the ﬁrst half of the course to ensure that everything went smoothly on the technical end. “Much of the work in this course will be done digitally through audio podcasts, videos that all of us shoot, edit and post online, as well as audio and video blogs, and every manner of digital imagery, including sound clips, videos and animations,” Lewis and Fleisch told the student participants as they prepared for their trip across the Atlantic. All of their work would then be featured on a special URL via Wittenberg’s Web site so that friends, family members, colleagues, the campus community and the world at-large could learn with them and share in their journey. Conversely, those following online would be able to ask questions and post comments, to which the students and faculty could discuss and respond.

The Journey Begins

SICCAR POINT

With equipment in hand, 10 students accepted the high-tech challenge and headed to the United Kingdom, May 14-30, to study the life sciences and electromagnetic telecommunications. share their knowledge with others.” They included Jessica McClish ’07 of With the course details ironed out Shelby, Ohio; Katherine Kalinoski ’08 and the high-tech component clear, of Granville, Ohio; Melissa Ketterman Fleisch and Lewis submitted a proposal to Wittenberg’s new Transformation ’08 of Cincinnati, Ohio; Nicholas Investment Fund to purchase the Gladman ’08 of Columbus, Ohio; necessary equipment to make their Caroline Rentz ’09 of Cincinnati, paperless class come to life. Upon Ohio; Erin Kapp ’09 of Gibsonia, Pa.; approval, the two quickly ordered three MacBook Pros – Apple’s high-end laptops – along with several digital video cameras, still cameras, and all the necessary digital audio and video recording peripherals. Additionally, each student received a 30-GByte video

The course kicked off along Scotland’s coast where participants studied the connections between geological processes and biological evolution.

Together, the three determined that the course would be virtually paperless, relying instead on rich media to engage students in their studies, as well as show and tell what they experience ﬁrsthand. “By visiting the actual locations at which the fundamental advances in the fields were made, students will learn not only the technical nature of those developments, but also the environmental and historical context in which they occurred,” Lewis explained. “Students will also learn to use a variety of digital hardware and software tools to enhance their understanding and to

summer 2007 35

in the online materials for the course. The life science thread concluded in Edinburgh where the cloning of Dolly the sheep occurred in 1995. “Edinburgh served as the perfect location in which to end our course because it is there where we were able to see just how far we’ve come in manipulation of the natural world,” Kalinoski wrote in her blog during the course. “In Darwin’s house we learned his theory for the origin of species. Darwin believed in evolution and the passing down of advantageous traits, but he did not know the mechanism by which MAXWELL LECTURE ROOM this was taking place. We then learned AT OLD CAVENDISH LAB AT how DNA was this mechanism as we CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY studied the discovery of its shape and structure at King’s College in London. Jaclyn Flickinger ’09 of South Amherst, By returning to Edinburgh, we were Ohio; Rebecca Ajer ’09 of Spring able to see how scientists have used this Valley, Calif.; Christopher Nyiri ’10 of discovery to successfully complete a Nashville, Tenn., and Lisa Kroupa ’10 highly controversial process; cloning,” of Cridersville, Ohio. she continued. Together with Fleisch, Lewis and In Cambridge, we “[also] visited the Rafferty, the students traveled distinct Sedgwick Museum and the Zoology yet related paths during the two-week Museum; both showed life through trek. The life science component of the ages and all of the small changes the course began in Edinburgh and 50 of organisms that have led to their miles to the east, where geologist James modern-day descendents (skeletal Hutton discovered conclusive evidence structures, habitat choice, etc.),” added of the Earth’s ancient age in the rock Nick Gladman ’08 in his blog. “Darwin formations in Siccar Point, Scotland. collected [similar] data and eventually The class then followed the “development published his book, On the Origin of of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution at Species, which was a radical idea at the Down House, and the discovery of the time and would advance biology into structure of DNA by Watson and Crick the next century.” at Cavendish Lab in Cambridge and The Telecommunications component Rosalind Franklin at King’s College in followed a similar path beginning with London,” Fleisch and Lewis explained “Michael Faraday’s work at the Royal Institution in London followed by the development of electromagnetic theory by James Clerk Maxwell,” Fleisch explained. As part of the students’ study of Maxwell, Fleisch arranged to use the late renowned physicist’s childhood home in Edinburgh, now owned by a foundation in his name, for a few of their classroom sessions. “In these rooms, we talked about DOWN HOUSE cultural, environmental and familial In addition to visiting the actual study where Charles Darwin penned On the Origin of Species, the students inﬂuences on the young James Clerk followed his path of thought through the home’s Maxwell, and students also learned gardens where he conducted numerous experiments. about the ground-breaking development 36 Wittenberg Magazine

in electrical science that was made by Michael Faraday in London in the year of Maxwell’s birth,” Fleisch noted. From there, students continued the telecommunications thread by studying the “development of radar by Robert Watson-Watt at Bawdsey Manor in East Anglia, and the ﬁrst transmission of radio waves across the Atlantic by Guglielmo Marconi,” Fleisch explained. The telecommunications thread culminated in Cornwall, home to the world’s largest satellite Earth station. “This site represents the modern course of telecommunications: all the work that Maxwell, Marconi, and others did which manifested itself in this modern day mass telecommunication complex in Cornwall,” Gladman wrote in his blog. “We’ve traveled to such historic sites in the ﬁeld of mass communication as the Lizard Wireless Station, Poldhu Wireless Station, and the Goonhilly Earth Station. All of these sites are important to the creation of radio and of modernday telecommunications.”

The Students Reﬂect

With each stop, the students immersed themselves in study and, like Gladman and Kalinoski, continued to share online much of what they learned. For some, the experience proved life-changing.

EDINBURGH

The birthplace of modern geoscience and also that of famed physicist James Clerk Maxwell, the town served as both the beginning and ending point during the course.

CAMBRIDGE “The history of

Cambridge is unbelievable because more than 60 Nobel Prize winners have studied in this town.” – Melissa Ketterman ’08

GOONHILLY EARTH STATION

“Here, over 60 satellites manage the wireless trafﬁc of the world, and through many exhibits and demonstrations, we learned a bit about how it is done. I still ﬁnd it hard to believe that these motionless, rather simplelooking dishes are receiving and processing billions of electromagnetic waves as we speak.” – Caroline Rentz ’09

BAWDSEY MANOR

“Bawdsey Manor is the place where Robert Watson-Watt and his team developed radar that essentially saved Britain during the Battle of Britain in World War II.” – Becca Ajer ’09

“Everything I learned during this trip is going to stay with me for the rest of my life,” Ajer wrote in her blog. “It was an amazing trip because of everything that went together,” she added. “The teachers, the group of students, the locations (and their history!), and the subject matter all came together for a fantastic learning experiment that was, in my opinion, a hands-down success.” “This entire trip has been absolutely amazing,” added Kroupa. “I can’t even put into words how great of an opportunity this was for me to be able to learn so much about physics and biology on a much deeper level than I ever would have in a classroom, by seeing and exploring where scientific breakthroughs actually happened. THE LIZARD AND POLDHU STATION “The first sight of today was Marconi’s first station “It’s awesome to see how everything in at the Lizard where he worked his radio up to an the course connected to each other and impressive range of 86 miles in 1901….Poldhu is where Marconi sent the first trans-Atlantic radio related to other subjects other than the signal in 1901.” – Chris Nyiri ’10 field that the scientific discoveries were being made in – a.k.a. the overlap between classes and returning to campus in August. biology and geology when Darwin Not only have you ignited the flame of realized that time was a major factor in learning and passed it on, you have created life, and evolution had to have occurred the desire to learn more…. I can only guess considering how old the rocks were that at the effort required to put this program Hutton found at Siccar Point,” continued together. Probably many hours spent over Kroupa, who, like all the participants, several years. From the results I see, it was also found many more interconnected definitely worth it. The value added to his threads between the two disciplines. college experience is priceless.” “I have learned much during this The students couldn’t agree more. class from geology to how to make “This course, without a doubt, has sound ethical decisions, from Faraday exceeded my expectations,” Kalinoski to Goonhilly,” Nyiri said. “I have seen concluded in her final blog. “I have learned the length and breadth of this nation, so much and have made many memories and I have seen their similarities and that I know will last a lifetime.” ■ differences. I have learned all that I can For more on the unique course, log on to about evolution and electromagnetism. www.wittenberg.edu, and click on the Roots My views and knowledge about both are of 21st-Century Science link. significantly different. I have now begun to see connections in science.” “I hadn’t known, DOLLY THE SHEEP AT Parents following their students’ for instance, THE ROYAL MUSEUM that Dolly wasn’t collective journey a lso expressed the first successful IN EDINBURGH gratitude and excitement for the course clone, full stop. Actually there were and the founders of it. two sheep (I think they “What a powerful and motivational were sheep) named Megan and Morag, program, ‘Exploring the Roots of who had been cloned st before. But they were 21 -Century Science,’ was for my son,” cloned from fetal cells, Jack Nyiri ’73 recently shared with not a differentiated adult cell, which is Fleisch and Lewis. one of the reasons “Not only has Chris’ knowledge of why Dolly made such huge headlines and science grown significantly, but his desire the other two didn’t.” to learn more is running rampant. He – Erin Kapp ’09 is motivated for his summer chemistry summer 2007 37

ALUMNI WORLD

alumni

alumniworld

world alumniworld

McCann Begins Tenure As Alumni Board President A founding member of Geneva Technical Services, L.L.C., an IT professional services ﬁrm based in Chicago, McCann currently serves as its director of operations. Her career in information technology began more than 10 years ago at another professional services organization where she held key recruiting and sales positions. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., McCann also volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, where she serves as a Wish Granter. In addition, she serves on the Wish Policy Committee and the Associate Board. McCann worked on the 2006 Wish Ball Committee for the 20th Anniversary Celebration and served as a chair of the 2007 Wish Ball where more than $960,000 was raised in support of the Foundation, an increase of $460,000 from the previous year. ■

Beals Leads Alumni Relations Eﬀorts

Petersen Tapped As Assistant Director

Linda Prain Beals ’87, interim director of alumni engagement, has been named the new director of alumni relations. Beals bring extensive experience to t he position, including more than 18 years in college admissions. “I’m honored to have t he opportunity to work with our amazing alumni on a daily basis,” Beals said. “Their stories and their lifelong connections to Wittenberg inspire me, and I hope that we, as a university, can celebrate these connections through a range of unique alumni programming efforts.” Originally from Avon, Conn., Beals has numerous connections to Wittenberg. Her brother is a 1984 graduate, and her sister graduated in 1989. She is also married to 1988 alumnus Brad Beals. Active on campus while a student, Beals, who majored in sociology, was a four-year letter winner in ﬁeld hockey, a Shifter and a member of Chi Omega sorority. She began her Wittenberg career in 1999 as an associate director of admission and served as interim director in 2004. ■

Ashley Petersen ’07 of Loveland, Ohio, has been named the assistant director of alumni relations. Peterson began her position on June 11. During her senior year, Petersen helped to develop the university’s Community Partners Program with Amy Holden ’07. Under the supervision of Lin Erickson, director of government, foundation and corporate relations in Wittenberg’s Office of Advancement, the program capitalizes on the institution’s urban setting as it seeks to “foster beneficial partnerships between community organizations and the university to improve the quality of life in the greater Springfield area.” As assistant director, Peterson will provide support for alumni programming and various Alumni Chapter activities. Wittenberg currently has 15 chapters in the United States, including Boston, Denver, Sarasota, Seattle, Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., and throughout Ohio. For more on all the chapters, log on to www.wittenberg.edu. ■

38 Wittenberg Magazine

ROBERT GANTT

s the new president of Wittenberg’s Alumni Board, Megan P. McCann ’93 has extensive ties to the university. After graduating with a B.A. in English, McCann worked for the Ofﬁce of Admission as an admission counselor, recruiting students from both stateside and abroad. She has remained connected to the college ever since, including serving on the Alumni Board for the last two years. “It is a great honor and privilege to continue supporting the university in this capacity,” McCann said. “I look most forward to working with all of our wonderful alumni who serve on our Alumni Board. The Board represents the interests of all our 25,000 living alumni, and I hope that we can ensure that their voices are heard as we work collectively to advance our alma mater.”

JOHN STRAWN ’07

Graeter’s Ice Cream Socials Set For July More than 300 alumni are expected to turn out for the second annual Graeter’s Ice Cream Social from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, at the Reading Road location in Cincinnati, and from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Monday, July 23, at the Bethel Road location in Columbus. Bring the family to enjoy a free scoop on Wittenberg during one of the university’s most popular summer events. For more information, call the Ofﬁce of Alumni Relations at (937) 327-6374. ■

Bike The Night In Colorado Join fellow Rocky Mountain alumni at the Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Classic, Aug. 18, in the Mile High City. The bike ride begins and ends at the State Capitol building in Denver. For more information, log on to www.moonlight-classic.com or call the Ofﬁce of Alumni Relations at (937) 327-6374. ■

Head To The Ballpark Thanks To Board Member And Alumnus David Boyle One of the principal owners and president of the New Haven County Cutters, Wittenberg board member David Boyle ’69 invites alumni to enjoy dinner and a game on him from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Short Porch at Yale Field in New Haven, Conn. Game begins at 7:05 p.m. Cheer on the Cutters as they battle the Sussex Skyhawks. If interested, please R.S.V.P. Linda Himes at (800) 677-7558 ext. 7432 or e-mail her at lhimes@wittenberg.edu. Linda can also provide directions upon request. ■

Alumni Gather In England

ALUMNI BOARD

Robert Kihlstrom ’66, center, recently welcomed alumni to his London home for an evening of conversation, cocktails and dinner. Those attending included Jennifer Keller Taylor ’93 and her husband, Wittenberg President Mark Erickson, Mandy Oleson ’03, Alyssa Nenstiel ’01 and James Wade ’69. ■

Beth A. Cavendish ‘81

Janet Thompson Jackson ‘84

Kenny Pope ‘99

Francisco J. Sanchez ’86

bethac623@yahoo.com

janet.jackson@washburn.edu

Kpope1234@yahoo.com

fsanch23@ford.com

Linda Weber Collins ‘80

Mark A. Knapp ‘90

Maryrose Preisel ‘83

Hank H. Sturges ‘73

lincoll@swbell.net

danish.ace@sbcglobal.net

m_preisel@hotmail.com

podman204@aol.com

Charles A. Giﬃn ‘00

Megan P. McCann ‘93

Stacy A. Rastauskas ‘98

Marc West ‘87

charles.a.giﬃn@jpmorgan.com

mmccann@genevallc.com

srastauskas@yahoo.com

mwest@bw.edu

Laurie A. Heckler Griﬃn ‘79

John D. Morris ‘83

lgriﬃn1@woh.rr.com

jdm9lives@aol.com

Stephanie Backity Rodelander ‘69

Vicki Hooper ‘78

Scott Ness ‘01

Joe Jacko ‘82 Jacko15@charter.net

Scottdeannaness@yahoo.com

Shannon O’Keefe ‘01 shannonokeef@hotmail.com

usmcmama@aol.com

JR Runkel ’95 jrrunkel@fortnerins.com summer 2007 39

CLASS NOTES

classnotes

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not

‘32 |

‘44 |

‘49 |

‘51 |

Freda Fourman Snider, a resident at Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, has celebrated her 97th birthday. Her teaching career brought her many honors and awards. Hobbies include reading and studying Ohio history.

Robert C. Arnholt, a retired airline pilot, lives in Miami, Fla. He goes on cruises with E. Dale Click ’41, ’43S, to assist him in conducting Maunday Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services aboard the ship.

Thomas J. and Margaret Jensen Brennan ’47 live in Newtown, Pa. Thomas is director of the water utility for the City of New Brunswick, N.J.

Vincent J. and Jacquelyn Grim DelMedico ’52 live in Akron, Ohio, where Del has expanded his mother’s business into two full-service furniture stores with decorating and reﬁnishing businesses.

‘35 | Charles H. Benner is professor emeritus of music education of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.

‘38 | Beatrice Remer Moore enjoys the drama group, the benevolent fund, music groups, and the health and wellness committee of the resident council at Panorama, a continuing care community in a wooded area in Lacey, Wash.

‘41 | E. Dale Click, Moorpark, Calif., has retired as pastor of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. He is the published author of 12 books.

‘42 | Betty Harris Maynard has retired to Suttons Bay, Mich. After 25 years in Florida, Louis E. Schwan has moved to Marion, Ind.

40 Wittenberg Magazine

‘46 | Jeanne Armstrong Braun was chosen “Tutor of the Year 2005” at the Clark County Literacy Center in Springﬁeld, Ohio. For the 18th consecutive year at the age of 81, she swam the 2006 One Mile Super Swim for Diabetes. As a retired music teacher, Ada Mason Ward of Hendersonville, N.C., is happy to continue singing in her church choir and encouraging young music students.

‘47 | Ruth Winner Marshall has retired as the assistant to the vice president of new accounts at the Denver National Bank in Colorado. Paul F. Pieper is a retired minister living in St. Petersburg, Fla. Ann Jones Shook recently celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary and also received recognition for practicing law for 50 years. She is a partner with Shook and Shook in North Olmsted, Ohio.

An active member of New Haven United Methodist Church, Donald E. Stebing of Fort Wayne, Ind., leads the Sunny Seniors Group and sings in the choir.

‘50 | Colleen Swisher Furry has retired from her position as a gifted and talented coordinator with the Zanesville Board of Education in Ohio. She moved to DuQuoin, Ill. Ward R. and Mary Catherine Augspuger Reiss live in Oak Park, Va., where Ward is a selfemployed farmer raising horse hay. Mary Catherine is a ﬂoral arranger for a local nursery. Richard E. and Wilma Maurer Werstler ’48 live in North Canton, Ohio. Richard, who is with the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, received the Individual Achievement Award from the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums.

William G. Ditzel has retired as owner of William Ditzel Production, Dayton, Ohio. Kenneth E. Johnson retired as owner of Pets Own Shop, Parma, Ohio. He lives in Huron, Ohio, where he enjoys gardening, walking in the woods, boating and enjoying wildlife. Ruth A. Leffel, a retired teacher and principal with the Springﬁeld City Schools in Ohio, celebrated her 100th birthday with a party at her church. James B. Metzger, who celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination, has served as pastor of four Lutheran congregations in Ohio. He lives in Alliance, Ohio.

‘52 | Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

The December 2006 exhibition, Seen in Solitude: Robert I. Kipniss Prints from the James F. White Collection at the Orlando Museum of Art, showcased his lithographs, drypoints and mezzotints created between 1968 and 2003.

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20 Fo D

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an th

The Class of 1952 extends its sympathy to Glenna Davenport Meckstroth on the loss of her husband, Michael, in May 2006. Glenna, who lives in New Knoxville, Ohio, is the author of two books: Tales from Great-Grandpa’s Trunk: A Lighthearted Look at Rural Life and Surviving World War II: Tales of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times, which has won awards from Bowling Green State University and the Ohio Genealogy Society.

Karl E. Weick ’58 Spends Life Studying Behavior Dr. George Crane, a consulting psychologist and syndicated columnist of “The Worry Clinic,” made a strong impression on then high school student Karl Weick – one which ignited a passion for psychology and set the course for his lifetime pursuit. “At Wittenberg I took a variety of psychology courses,” Weick said. “At Ohio State, I took a whole bunch of different things and found that I liked some more than others. We put together a composite of all those that held my interest and composed a major.” It was a time in history that placed him on the cutting edge of a new field, organizational behavior. Today Weick, the Rensis Likert Distinguished University Professor of Organizational Behavior and Psychology at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, continues to find consuming interest and challenge in teaching and research. His graduate-level teaching focuses on the craft of scholarship, social psychology of organizing and micro foundations of organization studies, while his executive education teaching focuses on the management of uncertainty through sense-making and improvisation. His research includes collective sense-making under pressure, medical errors, hand-offs in extreme events, high-reliability performance, improvisation and continuous change. Married to Karen Eickhoff ’58 and named a Wittenberg Fellow in 2005, Weick has served as a consultant to NASA, the National Science Foundation, the CIA, the Maritime Safety Committee, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Forest Service. “Research provides a concrete challenge to figure out what makes people rebound from set backs – to get a handle on what they may have done and to identify the anatomy of resilience. My entry point is more to help organizations think through what is needed,” Weick said, adding that organizations take the results and put into place those elements they think would work best in their environment. His book, The Social Psychology of Organizing, published in 1969 and revised in 1979, was designated by Inc Magazine (1996) as one of the nine best business books ever written. Weick’s latest book, Managing the Unexpected, co-authored with Kathleen Sutcliffe, will be published in August. – Phyllis Eberts ’00

Marylou Morgan Neff, a former eighth grade teacher with the New KensingtonArnold School, is an active member of her church and community. She resides at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, Pa.

‘53 |

‘55 | Ann Averhill Bohmer retired as a third-grade teacher from the Fort Greely School with the Delta-Greely School District #15 in Alaska. She lives in Warrenton, Mo., where she volunteers with the Child Evangelism Fellowship. Elinor Keller Brasher, West Cape May, N.J., is an art class teacher at the Center for Community Arts. James R. Butcher continues to practice law in Kokomo, Ind. He is very active in his church, and local and state charitable organizations, such as The Indiana Family Institute. He tells us that he is grateful for the education he received at Wittenberg. Janet Simecek Carothers of Houston, Texas, is retired as a speech therapist from the Pasadena Independent School District. She continues to do contract work and has become involved with Elderhostel trips.

John C. and Hazel Tulloss Stacy ’57 live in Crawfordsville, Ind. John retired as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church.

Margaret Calderwood Harrington of Yorba Linda, Calif., is retired and volunteering at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library.

‘54 |

John R. and Carolyn Beard Kenworthy ’52 own Kenworthy Enterprises Services Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Virginia Dixon Carlisle serves as a part-time parish associate at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Springﬁeld, Ohio. She enjoys traveling, learning, her children and grandchildren. Robert S. and Gloria Albright Kelly ’56 of Cedar Park, Texas, observed their 50th anniversary at a family gathering in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Robert E. Wing, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has retired as an investment executive with Fahnestock & Co.

‘56 | Christine Johnson Dull, Union, Ohio, co-founded the Dayton International Peace Museum. The museum provides exhibits and programs for schools in an effort to teach nonviolent choices to children. Christine is also developing peace museums in several countries in the Middle East.

summer 2007 41

CLASS NOTES

A professional artist from Zionsville, Ind., Edith Kellar Mahaney was selected as one of the “50 over 50” in a program launched by Kappa Delta sorority.

CLASS NOTES

Li’l Tigers Hayden Scully, daughter of Jo-El Shea Miller ‘99 Jacob Mitchell, son of Mitchell Jaworski ’91 Lloyd Travis, son of Jennifer Strattner Wright ’01 and husband Todd Hayden Miller, 7-1-06

Mitchell and Jacob, 10-17-06, Jaworski

Lloyd Wright, 3-19-06

Catherine Patricia, daughter of Sarah Timm Raynock ’93 Christopher Grant, son of Jennifer Groseclose Koval ’98 and husband Erik Emma Genevieve, daughter of Sarah Schmidt Jacquin ’97 and husband Jon

Catherine Raynock, 3-3-06

Ura Lantz Lazaroff, Piscataway, N.J., retired as a staff nurse from Morris Home Care. Frederick C. Michelson, Waverly, Ohio, has retired as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Austintown, Ohio. He was the speaker at the annual memorial service sponsored by the Conneaut Area Ministerial Association and the Conneaut Funeral Homes.

‘57 | Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

Barbara Behlen Amstutz retired as assistant director of the Youngstown Foundation in Ohio. She lives in Sarasota, Fla. Following his retirement, John E. Barringer of Charlotte, N.C., became very much involved with the World

42 Wittenberg Magazine

Christopher Koval, 5-16-06

Community Service through Rotary International. In recent years he has traveled to Bolivia, Honduras, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru as chair of 57 Rotary Clubs with projects on every continent except Antartica. His other volunteer commitments are with USO and Habitat for Humanity. Bette Lannert Fay of Columbus, Ohio, has retired as a certiﬁed public accountant. She camps and travels in her motor home whenever she can. Ann Brown Matheny celebrated the publication of her book, The Magic City, by traveling to exotic countries. She lives in Middlesboro, Ky. Before her retirement, Shirley Wigger Penn was a teacher with the Carmel Clay Schools in Indiana. She now lives in Fitchburg, Wis.

Emma Jacquin, 9-19-06

Richard D. Risner of Centerville, Ohio, has retired as a vice president with National City Mortgage Co. in Miamisburg, Ohio.

On Nov. 29, 2006, Larry G. Rader of Shiloh, Ohio, retired as a science teacher with the Crestview Schools in Ashland, Ohio.

James M. Schooler Jr. retired as professor of chemistry from North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C.

Charles F. and Judith Flook Sturtz ’59 are retired and live in Ashton, Md. Chuck, who retired as vice president for administrative affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park, Md., received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the public administration faculty of Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich., in 2005.

Eugene E. Urbanski, Elizabeth, Pa., married Mickeline on Nov. 26, 2005. Robert J. Wolf of Sierra Madre, Calif., has retired as a consultant.

‘58 | Gretchen Friederich LaRosa retired as a physical therapist with the Rochester City Schools in New York. Robert A. Lohnes, West Des Moines, Iowa, is emeritus professor of civil engineering and university professor at Iowa State University in Ames.

‘59 | Jack Lacey, Macomb, Mich., retired as pastor of Advent Lutheran Church, East Detroit, Mich. Ronald G. Mahan, Gaithersburg, Md., retired as a professor of English from LenoirRhyne College, Hickory, N.C.

Eugene W. and JoAnn Brodbeck Winﬁeld live in Archbold, Ohio. Eugene has retired as superintendent of schools with the Fulton County Board of Education.

‘60 | Skender Brame, Westerville, Ohio, is retired from Grand Slam U.S.A. On March 1, 2006, Edmund I. Csernyik retired from his medical practice in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He lives in Tallmadge, Ohio, and enjoys playing golf and visiting Carolina beaches. Laura L. Klick has retired as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Allentown, Pa. David P. Matevia, Eaton, Ohio, has retired from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Michigan City, Ind.

‘61 |

‘62 |

After 45 years teaching with the New Rochelle Schools in New York, Catherine E. Behrend has retired and plans to travel and enjoy life. She lives in Scarsdale, N.Y.

James H. Conrad, head of the special collections department at Gee Library at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas, writes a historical column in The Greenville Herald Banner. He won numerous awards from the Texas Historical Commission, East Texas Historical Association and the Texas Institute of Letters for his book on rural Texas black communities, Freedom Colonies: Independent Black Texans in the Age of Jim Crow.

Carolyn Bearss Cooper, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is a substitute teacher with the Las Virgenes School District. A. Harding Ganz, a history professor at The Ohio State University at Newark, recently toured the Balkans, sensing the transition from a half-century of communism. Bruce B. and Kristi Kaushagen Hathaway ’69 live in Bedford, Ohio. Bruce is now retired from the Lutheran Church of the Master. Lois Krejci Hornbostel of Columbus, Ohio, has retired as a medical technologist from a clinical laboratory. She enjoys canoeing, hiking, bicycling and skiing.

Carl W. Shannon, Monroe, Ohio, is retired from RollsRoyce Corp.

After 43 years as an active agent, Richard F. Keier has retired from Prudential with an emeritus contract. He serves as president of the City of Southﬁeld, Mich., Fire and Police Retirement Board, on the board of directors of CAPROC, LLC, as a moderator with the board of deacons at Northbrook Presbyterian Church in Beverly Hills, Mich., and on the executive committee of the Oakland County Republican Party.

D. Robert Webb, Clyde Hill, Wash., has retired from his position as an allergist-internist with Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Kirkland, Wash.

Thomas C. and Barbara Viskocil Staley ’62 live in Vandalia, Ohio. Barbara is a long-term care planner with Genworth Financial.

Geraldine Kubala Wilkowski is an associate in ministry at Christ the King Lutheran Church, VanNuys, Calif.

David A. and Margaret Frease Steele ’62 are retired and live in Grosse Pointe, Mich. Margaret was a middle school assistant principal with the Grosse Pointe Schools.

L. Joe “Larry” and Peggy Moser Osburn ’62 live in Parma, Ohio. Larry is a ski snowboard instructor at the Boston Mills Resort. India Pfeifer Pace, West Seneca, N.Y., retired as a level two teacher with the Hamburg Central Schools.

David L. Hickinbotham retired June 5, 2006, after teaching math and geography at Northridge Middle School in Springﬁeld, Ohio, for more than 35 years. He now owns and operates DLH Locomotive Works, a model train shop. Jerry J. and Diane McMillan Karp are retired and live in Avon, Ohio. Jerry was director of in-ﬂight services with Ryan International Airlines Inc.

Since her retirement, Ingrid Lehfeldt Briody, has moved to Stilwell, Kan., and has traveled to Japan, Russia, South Korea and China. Lana Henline Browne of Milton, Del., retired July 1, 2005, as executive director of enrollment services from Raritan Valley Community College, Somerville, N.J. Barbara Rutkowski Burgess, Mantua, Ohio, has retired as a global support lead analyst with the Eaton Corp. Ernest Eng, a retired guidance counselor from New York, N.Y., enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and skiing. Beckie Williamson Kahl of Pendleton, Ind., has retired as a human resources manager with USA Group, Fishers, Ind. Nancy Bergstrom Kincaid has retired as an owner of Kincaid’s Is Music Inc., Springﬁeld, Ohio.

Joan Russell Mercer, East Moline, Ill., retired as a legal clerk at Elini Hospital.

Paul N. Martinson, Minneapolis, Minn., retired as manager of sound editing with Bajus Jones Film Corp., Edina, Minn.

Janice Meyer Paul, Chalfont, Pa., is a sales associate with Century 21 Alliance Lansdale. She was honored as the “Agent of the Month” for sales in April 2006.

David L. and Susan Stettenbenz Monseau live in Brecksville, Ohio. David retired as an investment representative with New York Life.

Thomas O. and Nancy Slusser Reel ’63 live in Cumming, Ga. Tom retired in 2005 as president of Trafﬁc Safety Association, Lansing, Mich. He works part-time for the Safe America Foundation and as a marshal at a local golf club.

‘63 | William R. Behrens is a counselor at Wolf Point Junior/Senior High School in Michigan.

Layne B. Peiffer retired Jan. 3, 2007, as an historian with the U.S. Air Force at WrightPatterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He continues to live in Enon, Ohio. Thomas M. Stauffer is president and CEO of the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul. John D. and Carol Back Stroup ’66 live in Groveport, Ohio. John has retired as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Carol is a certiﬁed medical representative with Physicians Weight Loss. summer 2007 43

CLASS NOTES

Joyce Steiger Thackery, New Carlisle, Ohio, retired as a teacher from the Northwestern Local Schools, Springﬁeld, Ohio.

CLASS NOTES

Be sure to check out our online wedding album at www.wittenberg.edu/weddings

Wedding Album Sarah Spaid ’03 married Kyohei Ishida on July 1, 2006. The couple resides in Gainesville, Fla.

Jared McGrath ’01 married Marcelo Salazar on July 8, 2006. The couple resides in Washington, D.C.

Andrew P. Swasko has retired as a pilot with United Airlines, Chicago, Ill. He lives in Travelers Rest, S.C.

Janet Wolbaugh Gabbard, Springﬁeld, Ohio, retired as a teacher with the Mechanicsburg Schools.

‘64 |

David C. Gallagher, Bloomﬁeld Hills, Mich., retired as director of development at the Detroit Institute for Children.

Judith Garrety Bailey of New Carlisle, Ohio, retired as a substitute teacher from the Springﬁeld City School District. John J. Barsala Jr., Las Vegas, Nev., is a cost accountant with the Wynn Resorts. Albert V. Bellisari, Columbus, Ohio, retired as a DCT coordinator with the Lancaster City Schools. Dorothy J. Brown, West Chester, Ohio, has retired as owner of Versaprint Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. Sondra Speakman Bubenhofer is an acute rehabilitation social worker at the Marion General Hospital in Indiana. Nancy Walker Chandler of St. Petersburg, Fla., continues training and sponsorship in Croatia, India, Hungary and Senegal with Pioneers International, Orlando, Fla. 44 Wittenberg Magazine

Peggy Bell Mahan has retired as director of the Easttown Library and Information Center, Berwyn, Pa. She has moved to the Hershey’s Mill community in West Chester, Pa., from where she will be traveling to the Caribbean, Japan, Russia and Greece. Sanford C. and Judith Weber Mitchell live in Ashland, Ohio, where Sanford is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. Judith has retired as a substitute teacher with the Ashland City Schools. Mary Sue Sassaman Oehler of Richmond, Va., enjoys volunteering with the Cedarﬁeld UMC Retirement and Care Center, the Richmond Public Schools and her church during her retirement.

Diana Dubeck Rischling has retired from her position as a science teacher at Pine Creek High School, Colorado Springs, Colo. Richard L. and Wendy Schoenlein Schwerin are retired and live in Martinez, Calif. Wendy was an editor with Kvaerner. David W. Sherwood, a psychologist in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is serving a threeyear term on the board of directors of the Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association. Richard A. Sipley Jr., Dayton, Ohio, is with LexisNexis, Miamisburg, Ohio. Susan Williams Srnec retired as a branch manager in the Child Protective Services Dept. with the State of Oregon, Salem, Ore. She lives in Yachats, Ore.

‘65 | Robert C. Baden, St. Clair, Mich., has retired from Dominian Technologies.

Robert C. and Dawn Doerrer Barkman live in Longmeadow, Mass. Robert is a biology professor and chair of the department of education at Springﬁeld College. Dawn has retired as a librarian at East Longmeadow Public High School. Keith E. Crilow has retired as the Akron Service Center Manager with Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, Mogadore, Ohio, and moved to the Virgin Islands. Marguerite E. Holderle retired Jan. 31, 2006, as an art teacher at Chestnut Ridge School in Rochester, N.Y. Virginia Cook Kanter is senior editor at the National Ground Intelligence Center, Charlottesville, Va. Richard L. Sr. and Marilyn Eichman Kretschman live in Mentor, Ohio. Dick is an agent with United American Insurance Co. Marilyn retired as an elementary teacher with the Mentor Public Schools. She is an independent Longaberger consultant. Eric C. Young is an account executive with insure.com, Darien, Ill. Eric lives in Downers Grove, Ill.

‘66 | James S. Bennett, Washington, D.C., is a managing director with Black Rock Realty, Florham Park, N.J. The Class of 1966 extends its sympathy to Anne Barrett Gillespie of Norwood, Ohio, on the death of her husband, Ron. Anne works at Drackett Designs and Antiques in Montgomery, Ohio. Marianne Laine Haberbusch, Niceville, Fla., is a gift buyer for Bayou Book Co., an independent Hallmark Gold Crown store and full-service bookstore.

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Lynda Swander Ochs, Overland Park, Kan., teaches biology at Johnson County Community College.

James T. Dove ’61 Leads With Heart Even in his early years as a cardiologist, Dr. James Dove had a vision for excellence in patient care. “I wanted to create a practice large enough to provide the latest advances in cardiac treatment and provide a significant volume of personal care,” Dove recalled sharing with colleagues at the Springfield Clinic in Illinois, where his practice first began. “They told me it wouldn’t work.” They were wrong. Dove went on to found Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants Ltd, a non-profit, self-funded research foundation established in 1982, and today he serves as president emeritus of the 45-member group of cardiologists. “It has allowed me to do the special things I was trained to do,” he explained. “We have the ability to develop partnerships with 1,600 primary care physicians, and that brings a huge advantage.” Dove was also instrumental in forming Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital in the early 1990s, and he is credited with creating the largest heart program in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation. Such innovative thinking coupled with his commitment to patient care and teaching recently earned him the presidency of the American College of Cardiology. “I’ve had tremendous partners – we are a large dynamic group and have the same pattern of caring. We constantly learn from each other,” Dove said. “No one has been trained at the same institution, and each brings different ideas.” He added that the partners cover for each other and that has allowed him opportunities to participate in national and international events as well as continue to teach secondyear medical students using the latest technology available. At the same time, Dove remains involved in the education of undergraduates through the Dove Scholarship, which he and nephew Rick Dove ’80 created in 2001 to provide a one-half tuition scholarship to an outstanding junior pre-med student and a pre-law student at Wittenberg. Yet, despite his professional success, Dove said his family remains the most important to him – Carol, their daughter Laura and son Steven, and their five grandchildren. His patients’ families also count high on his list of priorities. “Nothing beats taking care of families,” Dove said. “They come to me at a difficult time. They are scared, and they have reason to be scared. To have the trust of families, to see them through their crises, there is no greater privilege.” – Phyllis Eberts ’00

Carol B. Purdy, Westbury, N.Y., has retired from teaching music with the North Merrick Public Schools. Carol, who has published articles in music education journals, continues to present workshops for music teachers on improvisation and string methods. Allan H. Slawson retired from teaching math with the Shaker Heights City Schools in Cleveland, Ohio. He now serves as an educational consultant for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. Janet Klingaman Wilk, Brunswick, Maine, has retired as a teacher from Mt. Ararat High School. Carol A. Zofko retired as an ABLE/GED teacher with the Warren City Schools in Ohio and moved to Daytona Beach, Fla.

‘67 | Harold S. Boat, Xenia, Ohio, has retired as a contract negotiator with the U.S. Air Force. Sue Peterka George, Cleveland, Ohio, retired as a counselor at Magniﬁcat High School. Following her retirement, Susan Mazuy Martin of Sussex, N.J., keeps busy visiting her children and traveling. She also serves as president of the Ladies’ Golf Association at a local club.

Judith Tharp Murray, Sacramento, Calif., retired as a teacher with the San Juan Uniﬁed School District, Carmichael, Calif. Gail A. Patton is a retired Lutheran pastor who does occasional supply preaching and interim work. She lives in Lyndhurst, Ohio, where she has returned to doing portraiture and sculpture. Caren Nelson Schubart is a school psychologist working with developmentally challenged, learning-disabled and emotionally distressed high-risk youth in the education support services department at Exeter Area High School in New Hampshire. Ma’Su Beneke Sweeney retired as a deputy clerk with the U.S. District Court, Tallahassee, Fla.

‘68 | Elaine Peck Christianson is a national board-certiﬁed teacher teaching special needs/exceptional children at Benvenue Elementary School in Rocky Mount, N.C. Planned Parenthood of Central Pennsylvania named Suellen Borgmann Craig president and chief executive ofﬁcer. Bonnie Beran Franks, Burton, Ohio, is with Newbury Family Practice. John F. Geib, St. James City, Fla., is the music director at Church of the Epiphany Episcopal. Carol McLees Holley, McKinney, Texas, has retired as a kindergarten teacher from New Adventures Elementary School in Broken Arrow, Okla. Linda Bayliss Johnson, Columbus, Ohio, retired as a social studies teacher from the Heath City School District. summer 2007 45

CLASS NOTES

Daniel A. Hoffman is a senior vice president and ﬁnancial consultant with RBC Dain Rauscher, Hartford, Conn.

CLASS NOTES

Anne Watkins Thayer is the media specialist at Pangborn Elementary School with the Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown, Md.

Barbara Kerr of San Carlos, Calif., is a vice president of human resources at Applera Corp. Barbara Westfall Larsen, Deerﬁeld Beach, Fla., retired as a reading resource specialist from the Park Ridge Elementary School. Richard A. Masciere, Westlake, Ohio, has retired as an application technician/ division director from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Fred L. and Margo VanZanten Schuttenberg live in Braselton, Ga. Margo retired as an elementary teacher with the Gwinnett County Schools, Dacula, Ga.

‘70 |

Charles Painter ’69

Thomas R. Haugsby is a professor/director of cooperative education at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Nancy O’Brien Instine, Cable, Ohio, retired as an LD tutor and department chair with the Triad Local Schools.

James M. Shade, Miamisburg, Ohio, retired as a counselor with the Kettering City Schools.

Timothy A. Linck, St. Michaels, Md., teaches at Saints Peter and Paul High School in Easton, Md.

Michael S. Steiner is a senior vice president with Sky Insurance, Wooster, Ohio.

Allen M. and Cozette Spittler Mitchell ’71 are retired and living in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Dewees Island, S.C. They enjoy ﬂy ﬁshing, woodturning, volunteer work and time with their family.

‘69 | Robert W. Berta Jr., LaCanada, Calif., retired as a consultant with Countrywide Investment Services. Susan Fleming Davis retired in May 2005, after more than 36 years of teaching in the New Philadelphia School System in Ohio. She currently volunteers at South School and with the Main Street Revitalization in downtown New Philadelphia. Joyce Coyne Dyer, who is director of writing and professor of English at Hiram College, was named the John S. Kenyon Chair in English. Joyce lives in Hudson, Ohio. Oscar H. Erb III, Loveland, Ohio, retired as a teacher with the Reading Community Schools.

46 Wittenberg Magazine

Charles V. Painter was selected Greater Western Ohio Conference Tennis Coach of the year. He currently teaches mathematics and coaches tennis at Beavercreek High School in Ohio. His 2006 boys’ tennis team won the GWOC, making it Charles’ eighth straight championship. Valmon J. Pezoldt, San Antonio, Texas, is a research scientist in the research and implementation department at Texas A&M University. G. Robert and Patricia Bronson Rose ’70 live in Sylvania, Ohio. Rob retired as a teacher and head baseball coach at Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio. He is now an assistant football coach at Start High School.

Beverly Hopkins Brown, Newtown, Pa., is an artist with a concentration in oil painting. She has earned numerous awards in solo and juried exhibitions. Trevor K. Buehler, New Philadelphia, Ohio, is director of business operations with the Ofﬁce of MRDD. Karen S. Chambers, New York, N.Y., is an editor with Las Vegas Home & Design, published by the Greenspun Media Group. Sharon Schmucker Heber retired as director of the division of environmental health with the State of Florida Department of Health. She lives in Dunnellon, Fla., and in western North Carolina. During her retirement, Sharon serves on technical public health advisory councils, does consulting work and volunteers with the Humane Society. David L. Jessee, Reston, Va., is an LAC economic growth team leader with Regional Sustainable Development. Roy S. Larson, North Tonawanda, N.Y., retired as a social studies teacher with the Williamsville Central School District. He is now a substitute teacher. Cynthia Wise Staudt, an associate professor who serves as chair of the English department at Walsh University, North Canton, Ohio, was recognized in the December 2006 edition of Ohio Magazine for her contribution and dedication to acheiving excellence in education.

‘71 | Kenneth E. Eldridge and Patricia J. Summerville ’72 live in Tampa, Fla. Kip is a senior vice president with Behringer Securities. Patricia is a consultant with Summer Ridge Renovators. Charles R. and Deborah Plichta Graham ’72 live in Saint Peters, Mo. Charles is a senior technical manager with Crosslink, St. Louis, Mo. Karen Aldridge Houck, Gatlinburg, Tenn., is a social worker with Safe Space. Susan Albrecht Johnson, Manhattan Beach, Calif., chairs the National Scoring Committee for U.S. Synchronized Swimming. She ran the synchronized swimming scoring for the FINA World Masters Aquatics Games at Stanford University, a Pan-American Age Group meet in Mexico, the FINA World Cup in Japan, the FINA World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, as well as the PanAmerican Games in Brazil. In addition she runs the scoring for several golf championships, including the U.S. Open and the U.S. Senior Open. Walter K. Knorr of Chicago, Ill., has become chief financial officer and vice president at the University of Illinois. Linda S. Lange, Denver, Colo., is president of Entrepreneur Support Systems Inc. Also an assistant professor of finance and accounting at Regis University School for Professional Studies, she is responsible for business department curriculum and assessment programs. Maureen March Marshall, Barre, Mass., is superintendent of North Middlesex School District in Townsend, Mass.

‘72 | Richard L. Acton is executive director of the Lexington County Community Mental Health Center in South Carolina. Gary L. Callahan, assistant dean for the School of Education and associate professor of music education at Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., was elected arts and sciences chair for the National Network for Education Renewal Tripartite Council. Janet Cook Davis, Hendersonville, N.C., teaches social studies at East Henderson High School, Flat Rock, N.C.

Bob Koechler ’75 and Stuart MacMillan ’73 on one of their regular Colorado golf outings

Charles T. Saunders Jr. received his master’s of arts degree in workforce development and education, with a concentration in adult teaching and learning, from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 10, 2006. Selena Neal Singletary retired after 31 years as director of human relations, housing and neighborhood services for the City of Springﬁeld, Ohio. Robert G. Wallace is a minister with Calvary United Methodist Church, York, Pa. Barbara Schultz Wheeler, Southﬁeld, Mich., has retired as a substitute teacher with the Berkley Schools. For the 36th year, Suzanne Valliquette Yager remains an elementary teacher with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida.

William C. Johnson, Lake Bluff, Ill., joined the One Eleven Group, a team of 11 professionals providing wealth planning services to individuals and corporations with Smith Barney, Deerﬁeld, Ill. R. Thomas Ray, who serves as the executive ofﬁcer for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Nairobi, Kenya, is transferring to Tel Aviv, Israel, to stage the West Bank/Gaza program. Nancy Swanson Rudary retired as an English instructor at Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, Mich., and moved to Wilmington, N.C. Elizabeth Vinton Shelton teaches fourth grade with the Little Miami Local Schools in Maineville, Ohio. Debra A. Warner, Dayton, Ohio, is with The Design Knowledge Co., Fairborn, Ohio.

‘73 | Jon Fickert has been elected to the Oak Harbor Village Council in Ohio.

High School Hall of Fame. Patricia is a lab administrator at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Robin Skinner Prinz is an attorney with Campbell Miller Zimmerman in Leesburg, Va. Nancy Anderson Quint, Allen Park, Mich., works in the education department at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. She is also a group facilitator with Weight Watchers. Nancy tells us she has many fond memories of her years at Witt. Dennis M. and Beth Hager Weibling ’75 live in Bellevue, Wash. Dennis is president of Rally Capital LLC, Kirkland, Wash.

‘74 | William A. Anderson, Chesterﬁeld, Mo., has been appointed vice president of

Be sure to check out our online wedding album at www.wittenberg.edu/weddings

development for Presbyterian Children’s Services in St. Louis, Mo. Rebecca B. Bartholomae is an associate with the Burdette Smith Group Inc., Fairfax, Va. Deborah Aszling Dicke of Clayton, Ohio, is a dental hygenist with Dr. Niles Syska in Englewood, Ohio. Jack D. and Beverly Capelle Dostal ’75 live in LaMesa, Calif. Jack is a senior engineer with Northrop Grumman Corp., San Diego, Calif. John A. Hrivnak is president of Facilities Resources Inc., St. Charles, Ill. Terry D. Merz has retired as an English teacher and football coach with the Hamilton City Schools in Ohio.

Wedding Album Christianna Kretschmann ’03 and Justin Johnson were married on July 9, 2005. They live in Clearwater, Fla.

Emily Brown ’00 and Mark Seyler were married on Aug. 5, 2006, in London, England. The couple lives in Great Malvern, U.K.

Alexis Bruce ’01 married Adam Staudt ’00 on June 26, 2004. The couple lives in St. Louis, Mo.

Kenneth and Patricia McConnell Kroviak ’76 live in Plano, Texas. Ken, an investor, was inducted into the Cuyahoga Heights summer 2007 47

CLASS NOTES

Linda Siegfried McClarren, Alliance, Ohio, retired after 35 years as an elementary music teacher at West Branch School. Organist and director of music at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, she has taught private piano and organ throughout her career. In December 2006, Linda was a featured vocalist at the Ladies Night Out program at the Alliance Woman’s Club.

CLASS NOTES

R. Keith and Cynthia Reynolds Overly ’77 live in Dublin, Ohio. Keith is executive director with the Ohio Public Employees Deferred Compensation Program. Cynthia is a program specialist in the College of Education at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. David M. and Elaine Smith Siegel ’76 live in Portland, Ore., where David is director of planning and communications for Parametrix Inc. Also president of the American Planning Association, he became heavily involved in New Orleans’ rebuilding through planning. Dennis M. Simon is professor of political science at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

‘75 | Thomas E. Bayrer is director of marketing with Norfolk Southern Corp., Roanoke, Va. Martha Mohn Brady of Wyndmoor, Pa., is a partner with the Oxbridge Group, Philadelphia, Pa. Jeffrey M. and Rita Zoia Brown live in Columbus, Ohio, where Rita is a partner with Pretzels By Design.

Mark J. Brown, professor of philosophy at Ashland University in Ohio, is founder and co-pastor of Providence Church. He recently spoke on “The Gospel of Judas and Claims to Authority: Are There Other Gospels?” at the Orrville Public Library.

Junior College and chancel choir director at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. He is also the founding conductor of the Lutheran Youth Choir of North America. Pam is department chair of foreign languages at Batavia High School.

Paul A. and Cynthia Pierce Liefeld ’76 live in Sewickley, Pa. Cynthia has been appointed vice president of academic affairs at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Robert A. Weible, Rocky River, Ohio, is chair of security and corporate government practice with Baker & Hostetler.

Theodore R. and Susan Nussbaum Lisle ’76 live in Gastonia, N.C. Ted is a senior systems analyst with CHF Industries Inc. Richard B. and Sherrie Kostohryz Markwood live in Perrysburg, Ohio. Sherry teaches English at Toledo Christian School. Kenneth C. Robinson is a consultant in Bentonville, Ark. Lawrence P. Rudd is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Nevada State College, Henderson, Nev. Philip D. and Pamela Gunsaullus Spencer live in Naperville, Ill. Phil is professor of music and director of choral and vocal music at Joliet

Steven R. Whitman, La Jolla, Calif., is a controller with SYS Technologies, San Diego, Calif. Diane Stultz Wood, Fairborn, Ohio, retired as a teacher with the Springﬁeld City School District.

‘76 | Barbara Amling retired as special education supervisor with the Trumbull County Education Service Center. She lives in Youngstown, Ohio. Lynn Townsend Feindel is a special needs aide with the Pleasanton School District in California. Michelle High Gossett teaches art at Catholic Central Elementary School, the Springﬁeld Museum of Art

and at Clark State University in Springfield, Ohio. She also owns Decorum Interiors and is a keyboardist/musician with several local bands. Robert Moore celebrated 25 years as executive director of the Coalition for Peace Action, a citizens group based in Princeton, N.J., which fights for the abolition of nuclear weapons. He is also pastor of East Brunswick Congregational Church. Pamela Hotel Poe, Milford, Ohio, is fiscal support coordinator with Clermont County. Brinker International Inc., a leader in casual dining, has named Greg L. Walther senior vice president and president of global business development. He will be responsible for the growth, development and management of equity and franchise relationships for all Brinker restaurants outside the United States. Dale E. Williams Jr., Upper Arlington, Ohio, is an assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice in Columbus, Ohio. He prosecutes white-collar criminals who commit bank fraud and securities fraud. Susan A. Wolven, Cincinnati, Ohio, retired as a social worker with Hamilton County Family Services. She is doing hospice volunteer work with VITAS.

‘77 |

Gamma Phi Beta sisters Maureen Murphy Westin ’78, Patty Valentine Kristoﬀ ’79, Erik West, Abby Vaile ’77, Jan Koogler Gera ’78, Deborah Redinger Kompanik ’78, Morgan West, Janet Pierce ’89, Jill Withers Morgan ’79, Cheryl Gatchel Petty ’78 and Diane McCowan Kropla ’77 gathered in Las Vegas in memory of Susan Pawlosky West ’78.

48 Wittenberg Magazine

Tamara Makdad Albrecht, a lecturer in music history and organ at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., is director/ instructor for the university’s Children’s Music Development Center. She is also organist/ choirmaster at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church. In 2005 Morningstar Music Publishers released her children’s choir resource book, Singing through

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Cynthia Zager Godwin is a screenwriter and science teacher in Santa Clarita, Calif. Susan Potter Phillips, Seguin, Texas, is a music therapist at Baptist Medical Center. Kathryn Allan Smith teaches at the Elyria City Schools in Ohio. Richard K. Tracy of Lake Orion, Mich., is with Dura Automotive.

The Rev. J. Michael Nace ’70

‘78 |

Combines Ministry And Music

Susan L. Blackburn, Carlisle, Pa., is a professional development manager with I.B.M., Mechanicsburg, Pa.

As a prison chaplain in New York, The Rev. J. Michael Nace has always found a way to weave music into his life. Even as a child, Nace recalls listening to’60s folk music on the radio every evening. “The ’60s music was more intellectual and poetic and had more of a message,” said Nace, who taught himself to play the guitar during the decade. “That always captivated me – the ability to craft a song to capture people with words.” While in college, Nace wrote several songs and played in a student band called Mr. Poet and the 30+3, performing frequently at The Witt’s End, a nearby coffeehouse. The group attempted to launch a music career by recording Nace’s song “Only a Boy,” but it never achieved national success. After graduation, with his music career stalled and Vietnam troubling him, Nace realized that he had been “running from a call to the ministry,” so he enrolled in the Hamma School of Theology, where he earned his M.Div. in 1975. Yet, his passion for music remained strong even during a year of street ministry in Springfield, which inspired him to write the songs “Friend” and “Heavy Duty Lord.” As the years passed, Nace continued to write, but it was his wife Sylvie who finally encouraged him to enter the recording studio after hearing him perform in recent years during religious services at the prison. The result is the 2006 release of Nace’s CD Here I Am in Buffalo, featuring 10 songs written by Nace, including “Julia,” which he says was inspired by a young woman he saw in Wittenberg’s dining hall years ago. “I didn’t know her, but she had a mystique about her, and she always looked lonely,” he said. Nace credits Wittenberg with giving him the “freedom to be inquisitive, to ask questions, to be myself, to become what I was meant to be.” Today he works to integrate that philosophy into his ministry and music. In fact, many of Nace’s songs have a soulful, reflective quality. “I want [the CD] to open a window for them – to think, to just slow down a bit, to listen to what their life is saying to them.” – Debbie Ritter

Jane D. Bock, Lake View Terrace, Calif., is a mental health program supervisor with the Children’s Bureau of Southern California. She also teaches part-time at the University of Southern California. Her adoption of 10year-old Maggie was ﬁnalized in March 2006. Donald M. Crawford has accepted the position of North America Far East counsel with Harman International Industries Inc., a maker of audio, multimedia and infotainment products. Don, who lives in Birmingham, Mich., will focus on Harman’s automotive business. Brian S. and Linda Mendenhall Doyle live in Spring, Texas. Brian is principal of Northline Elementary School with the Houston Independent Schools. Karen L. Flynn teaches English at Brighton High School in Rochester, N.Y.

Thomas D. Hill, Painesville, Ohio, owns an investment company in Mentor, Ohio. Joan Pursley Luccisano, West Islip, N.Y., is a registered dental hygienist in Brightwaters, N.Y. Robin C. Martin, Westerville, Ohio, is a ﬁnancial manager with JPMorgan and Chase. Charles J. Ronkos is vice president of exploration with Goldcorp Inc., Reno, Nev. Rebecca Kelly Samson, Powell, Ohio, is with the Heartland Bank, Gahanna, Ohio. Gary W. and Penny Collins Sitler ’80 live in Granville, Ohio. Gary owns Flint Ridge Energy Ltd. Penny is with Ofﬁnger Management Co. Kathleen Lewis Ston is a substitute teacher with the Sidney City Schools in Ohio. Peabody Energy of St. Louis, Mo., has named Robyn Helmer Tallon vice president of organizational development. Her responsibilities include developing talent strategies and management systems. Linda Jennings Williams, Dayton, Ohio, is division chief of joint depot maintenance activities group with the U.S. Army at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

‘79 | Mark D. and Stephanie Mayer Inglis live in Fairﬁeld, Conn. Mark is CFO with TSG Capital Group, Southport, Conn. Stephanie is vice president of client service with Al Filippone Associates. Jeffrey L. Marion is a research biologist who conducts research, monitoring and technical assistance, and leads a ﬁeld station at the Patuxent Wildlife

summer 2007 49

CLASS NOTES

the Church Year. Tamara also composed the music for the four-act play/cantata, The Grief and the Promise, which won ﬁrst prize at Unﬁnished Works.

CLASS NOTES

Samuel M. Mofﬁe, who manages two sports bars in Youngstown, Ohio, is the author of the recently published book Swap.

Research Center in Blacksburg, Va. The station is afﬁliated with the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources. Timothy R. Reynolds is the artistic director for the Hilton Head Choral Society in South Carolina. Babak Sabi is vice president of corporate quality with the Intel Corp., Portland, Ore. Charles C. and Sharon Witte Thompson ’81 live in Fort Thomas, Ky. They own EXIT Realty First in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chuck also serves as president of First Thompson Corp.

‘80 | Helen K. Brown, a certified public accountant, has attained partner status at Riester, Lump & Burton in Mansfield, Ohio. Janna Spence Christiansen is a teacher assistant at Durant Road Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C. Cynthia Kalinich DeRosa owns Vision Consultants in Londonderry, N.H. She develops raw land into subdivisions and sets up model homes. Stephanie Woods Eurez, Pataskala, Ohio, is an investment officer with Huntington Investment Co., Upper Arlington, Ohio. James G. Flaherty, an attorney practicing in Westerville, Ohio, is serving as governor for Rotary District 6690 in southeast Ohio. Donald R. Groff, Bethesda, Md., is with the National Capitol Poison Center, Washington, D.C. Joanne Martin Guttman of Connersville, Ind., is a family physician with the Brookville Clinic. Joanne, who several years ago also established the

50 Wittenberg Magazine

Vance Ross, Tyrone Curtis ’82, Tim Moore ’83, Tony Roseboro ’82 and Mick Carter ’82 traveled to Huntington, W.Va., to see High School All-American O.J. Mayo.

Community Free Clinic, the ﬁrst of its kind in her area, has received many awards for its success.

Daniel G. Walker is chief operating ofﬁcer with Greater Cincinnati Gastroenterology Association in Ohio.

Jean Campbell Herp is at the Louisville Seminary in Kentucky.

‘82 |

Joan Nash Rizer of Springﬁeld, Ohio, retired as a teaching associate at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Richard H. Summy, Souderton, Pa., is the new senior pastor at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing. Cindy Roth Weeks, an art teacher at St. Mary School in Vermilion, Ohio, also substitute teaches with the Vermilion Local Schools. Cindy is an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society.

‘81 | Kevin J. Dollhopf is a vice president with Worldwide Real Estate in Winston-Salem, N.C. David K. Hallquist owns a contracting service in Pickerington, Ohio. Timothy A. Mattern, Springﬁeld, Ohio, is human resource director at B & D Transport. David W. Robertson, Westerville, Ohio, is a senior staff attorney with the State of Ohio, Dept. of Jobs and Family Services in Columbus, Ohio.

Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

Christopher P. and Phyllis Tucker Frebis live in Indian Springs, Ohio. Christopher is a statistician with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Phyllis is a medical technologist at the Cincinnati Veterinary Laboratory.

Mark N. Nedde married Brid Nicholson on Nov. 11, 2006. Mark, who lives in Madison, N.J., is a principal consultant with PeopleSoft Systems, Teaneck, N.J. Kenneth R. Saltzman, Bradford, N.Y., celebrated his 25th and ﬁnal season as production manager of the Springﬁeld Summer Arts Festival in Ohio. He is stage managing the world premiere opera, Cyrano. Robin J. Strickler lives in Rwanda and is the head of a secondary school in Rwamagana. The school will use expeditionary learning/outward bound as its pedagogical framework and will focus on environmental sustainability.

‘83 | Sarah Burns Blume, Newton, Mass., is with the Boston Lyric Opera.

Kevin W. and Jan Beinkampen Fuller ’84 live in Lebanon, Ohio. Kevin is a vice president with Bilbrey Construction Inc. Jan is a page at the Lebanon Public Library.

William M. Demarest, Ocoee, Fla., is a senior ﬁnancial analyst with Afﬁliated Computer Services Inc.

Stewart E. Hengsteler is a real estate development consultant in Castle Rock, Colo.

Jeffrey D. Freedman, Wilmette, Ill., is president of Manus Health Systems, Chicago, Ill.

Karen Johnson Johnson, Raleigh, N.C., is an independent associate with USANA Health Sciences.

Daland R. and Lisa Strong Juberg ’82 live in Indianapolis, Ind. Daland is with Dow AgroSciences.

David C. Keefer is a managing director with GE Energy Financial Services. He lives in Ridgeﬁeld, Conn.

Janice M. Kuder, Iola, Wis., is pastor of St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Marion, Wis.

Laura Rahn Merchak, Loveland, Ohio, is a research chemist at Advanced Testing Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Cheryl Amato Lidawer, Cleveland, Ohio, is the managing partner of Southwest Texas Capital’s Beachwood ofﬁce in Chagrin Highlands. She specializes in investment banking, insurance and retirement planning.

Matthew Charles with siblings Rose, David and Rachel, children of Amy Powell Hahn ’92

Matthew Hahn, 5-31-05, Rose, 7, David, 6, and Rachel, 4

Austin, Kaitlyn, Logan and Jake, children of Ryan Carter ’94 and Kelly Birkhimer ’95

Lewis S. Klatt is an assistant professor of English at Marietta College in Ohio. His favorite college memory is going to Young’s Jersey Dairy for the best ice cream and milkshakes. Christopher B. and Martha McCall McConaughey ’86 live in Scituate, Mass., where Chris is a group account director with Fidelity. Dean J. Nolle teaches AP economics and AP government and coaches boys’ football and girls’ varsity basketball at American Heritage School in Plantation, Fla. Kevin R. Risner is a reference librarian at the WashingtonCenterville Public Library in Ohio. Dorothy L. Schuette, a senior corporate recruiter with Independent Financial, Purchase, N.Y., lives in Norwalk, Conn.

Austin, 10, Kaitlyn, 14, Logan, 7, and Jake, 20 months, Carter

Maryrose Preisel, White Plains, N.Y., is a vice president/product manager with Oppenheimer Asset Management, New York, N.Y. Joan Crnkovich Seidel, Kent, Ohio, is a health educator at the Robinson Memorial Hospital. Ellen S. Shimer is a special education facilitator with the Humble Independent School District in Kingwood, Texas. April Smith Sweeney is a homemaker in Hilliard, Ohio. Carole Dole Sylvester, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a technology manager with General Electric. Kevan H. Truman, a thirdgrade teacher at Central Elementary School in Wilmette, Ill., received the 2006 Golden Apple Teaching Award for the greater Chicago area. The award included a

cash prize, a computer and paid sabbatical to study at Northwestern University in Evanston.

‘84 | Gregory A. Carpenter has appeared in leading and supporting roles with the Cleveland Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Sarasota Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Central City Opera and the Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia. He is director of development with Opera Colorado in Denver, Colo. Paul E. Dennis, New Albany, Ohio, is an optometrist with Gahanna Eyecare Associates. John D. and Ruth Seltzer Gorman ’83, live in London, Ohio. In 2006, John recorded his ﬁrst CD, “Hopeful Thoughts”.

J. Brian and Carrie-Jo Baker Hanna ’89 live in Springﬁeld, Ohio. Brian is a ﬁnancial adviser with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Carrie teaches at Hayward Middle School. Jack W. Imes, senior vice president of commercial lending at Century National Bank, was named “Daybreak Rotarian of the Year” in Zanesville, Ohio, for his successful management as campaign chair of the 12 Days of Christmas fundraiser. He also serves on the board of directors of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce, Quality Care Partners and the West Muskingum Youth League. In addition, Jack served as campaign vice chair for the United Way. Deborah Benton Kitchin, a Shaklee products distributor in Richmond, Ind., is active in the battle to save the local arboretum from commercial development.

‘85 | In August 2006, Michael W. Jenkins accepted the position of CFO with AccuSpec Electronics Services, Erie, Pa. Michael lives in Waterford, Pa. Penelope Hamilton Kauffman, Columbus, Ohio, is an international student outreach staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ. Kathleen Knapil Kristofco teaches with the Wooster City Schools in Ohio. Bryant K. Lemon has been hired as the equal employment opportunity compliance ofﬁcer for the City of Canton, Ohio. Laura E. Mather, Boston, Mass., is in real estate with Taurus Investment Holdings LLC. Peggy Tulloss Monroe of Villa Hills, Ky., is an account manager with dunnhumbyUSA.

summer 2007 51

CLASS NOTES

Li’l Tigers

William E. Brueckner III of Rochester, N.Y., is a partner in the law firm of Ernstrom & Dreste LLP. He practices in the areas of bankruptcy and commerical litigation, and environmental law. Tracey Demko Collins, Westlake, Ohio, is senior vice president/senior sales manager of private banking with KeyBank, Rocky River, Ohio. William O.H. Freund, Raleigh, N.C., is with Verizon Business, Cary, N.C. Karla L. Hahn, Silver Spring, Md., is director of the office of scholarly communication with the Association of Research Libraries. Timothy A. Isaly is the assistant principal at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas. Kimberlee C. Murphy is a consultant and evaluator with Evaluation Insights in Lawrence, Kan. J. Michael Redinger, Strongsville, Ohio, is a wealth management specialist and financial adviser with Raymond James and Associates in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also active in his community as a volunteer policeman and on the board of Catholic Charities.

Steven G. and Kristen Ersing Roach ’87 live in Dublin, Ohio. Steven is a senior scientist manager with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Kristen is a consultant/grant writer. Theodore A. Somes, Trafford, Pa., is a sourcing/materials lead with the Westinghouse Electric Co., Monroeville, Pa.

‘87 | William L. and Corinne Sweeterman Bongers ’88 live in Strongsville, Ohio. William teaches seventh grade at the Westlake School. Corinne teaches ﬁfth grade with the Strongsville City Schools. Amy McDorman Bossong, West Grove, Pa., is an analyst with the Department of Defense. Richard W. and Laura Botto Comstock ’88 live in Fairlawn, Ohio. Richard is a senior vice president and branch manager with Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Andrew B. Crane, Cincinnati, Ohio, is with LexisNexis, Miamisburg, Ohio. Kathryn Kneubel Gentner teaches at Evening Street Elementary School in Worthington, Ohio.

Jon A. Higbie Jr., Tyrone, Ga., is a vice president, chief scientist with Revenue Analytics Inc., Atlanta, Ga. Stephan L. Jackson, Brigantine, N.J., is a senior vice president with the Gameologist Group LLC, a minority-owned New Jersey game development company. His design efforts have assisted the development of an urban hip-hop based board game titled, “BLINGBING The Takeover, Part 1”. Stephan is also doing voiceovers for major promotions for the upcoming reality TV show, The Takeover, Season 1. Kevin C. North is director of operations with CPC/Churmac Industries, Chillicothe, Ohio. Shelly M. Peet, Solon, Ohio, has been elected vice president, chief information ofﬁcer with Nordson Corp.

‘88 | Karen Mader Liljegren, Oak Park Heights, Minn., is a casualty claim representative with Country Insurance and Financial Services, St. Paul, Minn. Lisa K. Mannix is the medical director at Headache Associates and ClinExcel Research, West Chester, Ohio. In October 2006, Stuart I. Paterson, received his captain’s license through the U.S. Coast Guard. He started his own fishing business, Northport Charters Ltd., and formed the Northport Captains Association in New York. The Heritage Center of Springfield, Ohio, has named Roger C. Sherrock the interim chief executive officer.

Deb Ric Zwick, Keli McCormick Asmar, Nancy Cleary Tarapchak, Laura Davidson Saito, Kris Nelson Ellis and Stephanie Rath DiGena, all class of 1988, reunited in New York City.

52 Wittenberg Magazine

Robert E. Tack Jr. is with Tack Realty LLC, a capital retail group in Washington, D.C.

Jeanne Danley Teahan, Glendale, Calif., is a vice president of SAP release management with Warner Brothers, Burbank, Ohio.

ROBERT GANTT

CLASS NOTES

‘86 |

Mary C. Thomas, Maplewood, N.J., is a librarian at Madison High School. Margaret E. Tighe, Arlington, Va., is a partner with Strategic Healthcare, Washington, D.C.

‘89 | Karen VanBuren Baran, Yardley, Pa., teaches with the Pennsbury School System. Julie Strauss Bernys, Bay Village, Ohio, and her husband, William, announce the birth of Aaron Edward, July 28, 2006. Albert Bryan Jr. has been nominated by the governor to head the labor department of the Virgin Islands. Albert lives in Christiansted. George P. Doorley, Campbell, Calif., has completed Harvard University’s program for senior executives in state and local government. He is an executive manager for the Santa Clara County District Attorney, San Jose, Calif. Amy Fuchs Haitonic and her husband, Emil, welcomed home Eliot Lin from Tainan, Taiwan, on Nov. 18, 2006. Eliot was born Jan 24, 2006. They live in Fremont, Ohio. Michael D. Lawrence, a lieutenant commander with the U.S. Navy, is serving as a staff judge advocate aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk.

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Erich J. Wasner, Detroit, Mich., owns Authentic Restoration LLC.

Sue Fralick ’78, Karen Scott-Pine ’89, Melinda Massie ’93 and Beth Frock ’04 Proudly Serve Together in Springfield Sue Fralick, Karen Scott-Pine, Melinda Massie and Beth Frock have found purpose and passion while working together at Mental Health Services for Clark County (MHSCC). A psychology major, Fralick served an internship through MHSCC, which eventually converted to full-time employment, a master’s in mental health counseling and two independent counselor licenses. Currently vice president of Adult and Youth Outpatient Services, Fralick has been with the organization for 29 years during which time she has helped to create a grant-funded, partial hospital program called Youth Challenges for emotionally disturbed youth ages 5-17. Fellow colleague sociology major Karen Scott-Pine ’89 previously worked as a family therapist in Butler County after graduate school before returning to Springfield to work at MHSCC on the inpatient unit in 1997. “When there was an opening for the family therapy position in the middle age (9-12) room, I jumped at it,” she said. From previous experience in a partial program, she knew that was her favorite work environment and age group. She also serves as the clinical supervisor. Massie majored in philosophy and began work with MHSCC as a student. She moved home to Alaska after graduation and worked at Anchorage Center for Families before returning to Springfield where she began as a room counselor with Youth Challenges. Recently she began work as supervisor for a Clark County MR/DD program. Frock, a psychology major and sociology minor, learned of an opening at MHSCC after graduation and joined the Youth Challenges team in November 2004. “Since joining this team, I have gained extensive knowledge in the field of mental health illnesses and therapeutic interventions,” Frock said. She now leads psycho-educational groups daily on a variety of topics and writes treatment objectives based on the emotional and developmental needs and diagnoses of clients. Each finds it rewarding when a child leaves having learned tools and skills they can use in the community and for life. – Phyllis Eberts ’00

John L. Jr. and Jennifer Stewart Weppler ’91 live in Independence, Ky., where John is a consultant. Karen Haddad Ziton formed Visualytic Solutions Inc., a business analytics consulting ﬁrm in North Royalton, Ohio.

‘90 | Elizabeth Mumford Cowan, Portage, Mich., is currently on the voice faculty at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich. David A. and Dina Assad Draeger ’91 live in Kernersville, N.C. Dave owns Say It With Style. Dina is an attorney.

Robin Adair Kaffine, Wellsboro, Pa., is assistant director of financial aid at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. She is pursuing her M.Ed. in library and information technology. Bryan J. Lethcoe, Houston, Texas, and his wife, Mary, announce the birth of their daughter, Katherine Isabelle, June 28, 2006. In July 2006, Bryan was promoted to commander, U.S. Navy Reserve, and is serving in Fort Worth, Texas. On Jan. 11, 2007, Stephanie Bankson Martin was featured as the pediatric orthopedic surgeon on The Discovery Channel’s series, Surgery Saved My Life, in the episode “Rebuild My Legs.” Stephanie lives in Atlanta, Ga. James G. Jr. and Katherine Swasko O’Brien announce the birth of their fourth child, Olive Lucille, Sept. 7, 2006. They live in McKinney, Texas. Stephen S. and Heidi Koenig Shanor ’91, live in Roswell, N.M. Stephen, a shareholder in the law firm of Atwood, Malone, Turner & Sabin, has been sworn in as the secretary/ treasurer of the State Bar of New Mexico.

Christopher G. Greenfelder, Navarre, Ohio, is director of accounting, consumer oils and baking with the J.M. Smucker Co., Orrville, Ohio. David C. Hart, Alameda, Calif., is a corporate bond trader with Ross, Sinclaire & Associates in San Francisco, Calif. He is also the founder and chief winemaker of J&S Estates, a producer of Napa Valley cabernet and meritage wines. Teri Rathbun Howe, University Heights, Ohio, is director of annual giving at the Laurel School.

Stephen S. Shanor ’90

Monica Anderson Williams, Massillon, Ohio, teaches second grade at Beldon Elementary School, Canton, Ohio. summer 2007 53

CLASS NOTES

Randy A. and Beth Kerber Sears ’91 live in Covington, Ohio. The Darke County College Access Program has named Beth as its part-time interim director. She will direct the program and advise students at Greenville High School for this academic year. Beth also operates a public relations business and writes a column for the Dayton Daily News.

CLASS NOTES

Be sure to check out our online wedding album at www.wittenberg.edu/weddings

Wedding Album Mark Nedde ’82 married Brid Nicholson on Nov. 11 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Summit, N.J. The couple lives in Madison, N.J.

Mary Eddlemon ’02 and John Abernathy II were married June 24, 2006, in Nashville, Tenn. They live near Harrisonburg, Va.

‘91 | Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

Kristina Ackley Baumler of Herndon, Va., and her husband, Steve, announce the birth of Luke Chalfant, Feb. 24, 2006. Kristina, a strategic communications manager with Freddie Mac in McLean, Va., is the chair for the Reston Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Katherine Westgate Blackstock is a professional education specialist with Biosense Webster Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif. Kimberly Warner Bottoms and her husband, David, announce the birth of their second son, Tate Warner, Oct. 13, 2006. They live in Burlingame, Calif.

Mary Wilson ’00 and Matthew Ogdahl ’99 were married on Jan. 24, 2004, in Van Wert, Ohio. The couple lives in Coopersville, Mich.

Mike Southard ’04 married Jackie Comer ’05 on June 17, 2006. The couple lives in Dayton, Ohio.

Ryan Kerr ’04 and Abbie Klene ’04 were married on Dec. 31, 2005. They live in Brown Deer, Wis.

Nancy Crum Cianﬂone, Poway, Calif., and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of Lucas Christian on Oct. 16, 2006. Nancy is an infectious diseases physician and researcher in San Diego, Calif. Anne Kinney Dacey, Sydney, Australia, and her husband, Rick, announce the birth of Lacklan Andrew, Oct. 3, 2005. William F. and Jeanie Dzuro Denkewalter ’93 announce the birth of Faith Raegan. They live in Urbana, Ohio. Bill, a law partner with Harris, Denkewalter & Smack LLC, serves as corporate secretary/ treasurer. He has been appointed to the Champaign Residential Services Inc. board of trustees. Douglas A. Eyman, Okemos, Mich., is pursuing his Ph.D. in rhetoric and writing at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Leonardo G. Ganem is CFO with Som Livre Records in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

54 Wittenberg Magazine

Julie Hauter Heidelberg, Odessa, Fla., is with the University Solutions Group Inc. Stephen M. Heinle is director of Camp Kooch-I-Ching in International Falls, Minn. Barbara Rosi Helms and her husband, James, announce the birth of Luke Daniel, Oct. 14, 2006. They live in Durham, N.C. Denice Richardson Hoendorf is founding consultant and team leader with The Happy Soul, Springfield, Ohio. Mitchell A. Jaworski Jr., Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Kimmie announce the birth of Jacob Mitchell, Oct. 17, 2006. Mitchell is CEO of operations, sales and acquisitions with Lock Jaw Entertainment, a nightclub consulting firm in Dayton, Ohio.

Suzanne Sauers Luebbe, Liberty Township, Ohio, is a senior actuarial analyst with The Ohio Casualty Group. W. John and Alyssa Hilkene Mako ’92 live in Morrisville, N.C. John is a scientist and laboratory manager with LaamScience Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C. Thomas J. O’Toole Jr. is an education data management specialist with DDESS Area Service Center, Peachtree City, Ga. Jenny E. Robb is an associate curator and assistant professor at The Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library, Columbus, Ohio. Keith D. Shields, Canton, Mich., is director of analytics and international risk management with the Ford Motor Credit Co., Dearborn, Mich. Joianne Shortz Smith, Mt. Prospect, Ill., and her husband, David, announce the birth of Noah Liam, April 26, 2006.

Andrew L. Southam and Sharon Ruden Sweet ’88 live in Carmel, Ind. Sharon is a content manager with LexisNexis. Jennifer Zingsheim White has joined CustomScoop, a leader in customizable media monitoring technology and services, as vice president of products and services. She is living in Nashua, N.H. Gregory R. Zenko lives in Rocky River, Ohio. He is area vice president of sales with Hill-Rom.

Albert W. Pearson, Boulder, Colo., and his wife, Britt, announce the birth of Anders William, Oct. 15, 2006. Albert is product manager with Lodestar Corp. Marc D. and Susan Woodford Schroeder ’94 live in Waxhaw, N.C. Marc is chief marketing ofﬁcer with Critical Point Group.

Timothy A. Dadson, Washington, D.C., is a legal counsel with webMethods Inc., Fairfax, Va.

Kris A. and Elise deLanglade Spriggs live in Springﬁeld, Ohio. Elise is an attorney practicing with Kegler Brown, Hill & Ritter LPA, Columbus, Ohio. She assists clients with legislative and regulatory matters and advocates their interests before the legislature and state agencies.

Heather Phelps Foisset, Columbus, Ohio, is an ofﬁce administrator with Buckingham, Doolittle, Broughs LLP.

Amy Dunham Strand is an assistant adjunct professor at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Douglas T. Gould, Wynnewood, Pa., is an attorney with Pizonka, Reilley, Bello & McGrory P.C., King of Prussia, Pa.

Mark E. Szarko, Belmont, Mass., is a humanities reference and instruction librarian at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.

‘92 | Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

Amy Powell Hahn and her husband, Philip, announce the birth of Matthew Charles, May 31, 2005. They live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kimberly Hazel Henderson, Aurora, Ohio, teaches with the Kenston School District. Michelle L. McCord, Lewis Center, Ohio, teaches English at Olentangy High School. Robert A. and Lauren Miller Montagnese ’93 live in Pataskala, Ohio. Rob serves as president of the Licking Memorial Health Systems and the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Greg Slawson ‘92 and his unique jazz-inspired quartet, Kassaba, which he founded in 2002, continue to perform, including in Centerville, Ohio, July 22, and at Easton in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 22.

Sara Lewis Newton, Itasca, Ill., is deputy director with Camelot Community Care, Bensenville, Ill.

Lisa Breed Moorhouse, South Portland, Maine, is program coordinator with the public health division of the City of Portland.

Diana L. Torok has temporarily relocated to Westport, Conn., after purchasing Wagon Bow Ranch in Kingman, Ariz. The Town of Trout Creek, the airstrip and Broken Spoke Saloon will be completed in 2007. Kevin W. and Laura Silvestri Wieland ’93 announce the birth of Kristin Faith on Nov. 5, 2006. They live in Cherry Hill, N.J.

‘93 | Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

Melissa Hand Bedell, Bexley, Ohio, is a retired attorney who is an active community volunteer in Columbus, Ohio.

summer 2007 55

CLASS NOTES

Juliet Dupuy Gardner, Kensington, Md., and her husband, Stephen, announce the birth of Ryan Patrick, Sept. 6, 2006.

CLASS NOTES

Eric J. Borgelt, Skaneateles, N.Y., is a marketing manager at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. Barry C. and Laura Hillman Burden ’92 live in Madison, Wis., where Barry serves as a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin. Emily Carpenter Dahs, Lewis Center, Ohio, is a vice president of human resources generalist with the Huntington Bank, Columbus, Ohio. Elizabeth S. Davis married Keith Benham, June 25, 2005. Elizabeth is the director of library services for MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS, a nonproﬁt organization, which promotes early literacy in lowincome areas of Tucson, Ariz. F. Carl and Sarah Walden Feitler ’94 of Longmont, Colo., announce the birth of Rose, April 1, 2006. John C. and Karen Saatkamp Gerboth are pleased to announce the birth of twin daughters, Abby Corinne and Lauren Nicole on Oct. 19, 2006. They live in Columbus, Ohio. Theodore M. Henry and his wife, Cynthia, announce the birth of Margaret Ann, May 26, 2006. They live in Westlake, Ohio. Theodore is a territory sales manager with Titan Industries, South Gate, Calif. Amy Lucas Hobbs, Park City, Utah, is a graphic designer/ photographer with Lewis, Wolcott & Dornbush Real Estate. Vladimir V. Kouznetsov is with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Moscow, Russia. Patricia Niles Malvar is a brand development director with Unilever Philippines in Manila. Steven T. and Heather Hague Ralph ’92 live in Rochester, N.Y., where Steven is a vice president with Ralph Pontiac Honda Inc. 56 Wittenberg Magazine

Sarah Timm Raynock and her husband, J.P., welcomed a daughter, Catherine Patricia, March 3, 2006. They live in Emmaus, Pa. Sarah is a manager of loan delivery products with Sallie Mae, Reston, Va. Megan L. Sitcer and Bob Culbertson were married July 22, 2006. They live in Burlington, N.J. Kurt R. Tennebar, Alpharetta, Ga., is a systems engineer with Occam Networks, Atlanta, Ga.

‘94 | Thomas A. Bolden, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a teacher and the head softball and football coach at Colerain High School. Ross W. Bradley, Peachtree City, Ga., and his wife, Tammy, announce the birth of Elizabeth Anne, April 2, 2006. Ross has been promoted to division manager, vascular medicine with Genentech Inc. Ryan J. and Kelly Birkhimer Carter ’95 announce the birth of Jake Reilly, April 1, 2005. They live in Portsmouth, Ohio. Ryan is president of Carbon Enterprises Inc., Circleville, Ohio. Tonya Casey Colvin is a senior ﬁnancial analyst with Belden, Richmond, Ind. Sheryl Matthews Crowell, Rockford, Ill., is an accountant at Amcore Bank. Keith J. and Krista Felger Hays welcomed their third child, Owen Christian, Feb. 19, 2006. They live in Indianapolis, Ind. Keith is an attorney with Segal McCambridge Singer Mahoney. Christopher W. Huffman, Atlanta, Ga., is an assistant professor of history at Kennesaw State University.

Eric R. Maley and his wife, Rebecca, announce the birth of Kathryn Elise, Feb. 7, 2006. They live in Ann Arbor, Mich. Trisha L. Manning lives in Grandview Heights, Ohio. A counselor in private practice, she has been named to the TriVillage Mentor League board of directors. Aaron S. and Jeanne Marie Garman Manse announce the birth of their son, Caleb Jason, April 22, 2006. They live in Maple Grove, Minn. Pamela Ehresman Pennock, Plymouth, Mich., is assistant professor of history at the University of MichiganDearborn. Her book, Advertising Sin and Sickness: The Politics of Alcohol and Tobacco Marketing, 1950-1990 was published by Northern Illinois University Press. Gretchen L. Rice, Holliston, Mass., is director of marketing with Lionbridge. Jason M. and Amy Saccullo Robichaud ’93 announce the birth of Lily. They have moved to Asheville, N.C., where they work in the mental health field with troubled adolescents and families at Families Together Inc. Alexandra E. Teller is with Colorado Canines, the first all natural dog and cat emporium in Boulder, Colo. Jeffrey D. Tincher, Glenmoore, Pa., and his wife, Cathy, celebrated the birth of their second child, Kaleigh Nicole, Aug. 20, 2006. Jeff is a developer and trainer for Springhouse Education and Consulting Services in Exton, Pa. Robbie J. and Karen Hiser Walczak announce the birth of Jason David, Dec. 19, 2005. They live in Fishers, Ind. Robbie is a product support supervisor with Thermo Fisher Scientific, Indianapolis, Ind.

Dawn Kramer Wayt is with The Guild, Madison, Wis.

‘95 | Alicia M. Altizer, Lafayette, Ind., is a research scientist at Cook Biotech Inc. Ellen M. Boeder is a primary therapist at the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, Colo. Andrew B. Colbow is a development manager with Optasite LLC, Atlanta, Ga. In June 2006, Dexter D. Davis received his M.B.A. in management from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas. He lives in Eagan, Ohio. Dexter is a business consultant with Target Corp. Erin Scott Hennigan of Cable, Ohio, is a tax professional with Instant Tax Service. She serves as a lead vocalist with Stampede, a band which regularly performs in London, Hilliard and Columbus, Ohio. Brian J. and Jennifer Laatz Koch live in Charlotte, N.C. Brian owns Cutbait Creative, which provides advertising, marketing and other design solutions to small to mid-market companies. He spearheaded a fundraising campaign among his high school classmates to beneﬁt their hometown library, Loudonville Public Library in Ohio. On Dec. 23, 2006, Allison Kessler Kroft received her Ph.D. in political science from Loyola University, Chicago, Ill. She lives in Chesterton, Ind. James F. Nealon is a staff attorney with the Honorable James Brogan in the Second District Court of Appeals in Dayton, Ohio. He lives in Xenia, Ohio.

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Rayvel E. and Nicole Ford Watts ’96 live in Columbus, Ohio. Rayvel is a vice president of sales with Clock Wise Information Technology. Nicole is a merchandising planner with Victoria’s Secret Corporate.

Jake Kallgren ’06, Angela Trego ’04, Kevin Rose ’03 And Charlie McFarland ’92 Look To Revitalize University’s Hometown Jake Kallgren, Angela Trego, Kevin Rose and Charlie McFarland have more than just a degree from Wittenberg in common. The four service-oriented alumni share a commitment to revitalizing the Springfield community, and they are putting their ideals into action through their work at the Turner Foundation, which is dedicated to improving life in Springfield and Clark County. McFarland and Trego have a particularly keen interest in the rejuvenation of Springfield – this is their hometown. McFarland, controller of the foundation, knew he wanted to raise his family here and do his part to enhance the community. “The work that we do changes lives, and in a community of our size, you can see that on a daily basis,” he said. “That makes every day rewarding.” Trego, who is involved with the Turner Foundation’s economic development initiatives, says that what she has learned about Springfield since working at the foundation has given her an increased sense of pride about the place she grew up. “Springfield has a lot in store for its future and that is very exciting,” she said. For Rose and Kallgren, building the future of Springfield means putting their history degrees to work. Knowing local history, Kallgren noted, inspires community pride and helps people envision the future. Rose said he especially enjoys challenging people’s perception of history and preservation, and helping them discover Springfield’s fascinating history and architecture, which he calls some of the country’s best. He credits his Wittenberg professors with helping him see history “as a way to better understand ourselves and make informed decisions in the future.” This acknowledgment of Wittenberg’s influence is echoed by the others as well. They say the community service program instilled in them the desire to give back and helped them understand how to approach societal problems proactively. Trego sums it up in a uniquely Wittenberg way: “We are exercising our light and passing it on to the community.” – Gabrielle Antoniadis

Jennifer L. Wightman, Woodstock, Ga., is a project manager with International Services. Christopher T. Wolfe serves as a pension consultant in the Phoenix, Ariz., ofﬁce of The Standard.

‘96 |

president, community banker and sales executive for the Muskingum County market. Heath J. Grissinger and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of Alex Matthew, Sept. 8, 2006. They live in Ashland, Ohio, where Heath teaches with the Ashland City Schools. Bethany Young Hardy of Arlington, Va., is the communications director at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, Washington, D.C. The IOM was chartered by Congress to advise the nation on public health issues. Linda M. Hermiller has completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. She is in private practice as an endocrinologist with Patient First Physicians Group in Northern Kentucky.

Nicole K. Allison, New York, N.Y., is a senior manager of club marketing with the National Hockey League.

Johanna Shubert Kalons practices dentistry with Kalons and Glidewell in Charlotte, N.C.

Eric N. and Kelley Elder Columber of Colchester, Vt., announce the birth of Ellis John, July 29, 2006. Eric is an associate with McCormick, Fitzpatrick, Kasper & Burcha. Kelley is an executive director with the American Heart Association.

Brian J. and Cindi Combs Lorenz ’98 live in Germantown, Md. Brian is a senior network and security administrator for DRS Technologies. Cindi coordinates marketing and public relations for Shady Grove Fertility Centers in Rockville, Md.

Jeffrey S. and Erika Lindgren Dawson welcomed their third child, Kate, in May 2006. They live in Lutz, Fla. Jeffrey is an institutional sales representative with Raymond James & Associates Financial, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Lauren Grimes Maner of Nags Head, N.C., and her husband, Trahey, announce the birth of Amelia Kate, May 11, 2006. Lauren is the ofﬁce manager of her husband’s dental practice.

Andrew S. and Bridget Dickson Dix ’95 have moved to New Concord, Ohio, where Andrew has been named assistant publisher of The Daily & Sunday Jeffersonian. The Huntington Bank appointed Bridget to assistant vice

April Helderman Miller of Galloway, Ohio, is a senior curriculum research associate with MarkED., a not-for-proﬁt organization in Columbus, Ohio, that creates educational materials for use in high school marketing and business classes. summer 2007 57

CLASS NOTES

Michele Jones Teufel of Lincoln University, Pa., and her husband, James, announce the birth of a son, May 25, 2005. Michele is a study delivery leader with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, Del.

CLASS NOTES

Li’l Tigers Lucas Christian, son of Nancy Crum Cianﬂone ’91 and husband Michael Tate, son of Kim Warner Bottoms ’91 and husband David

Lucas Cianﬂone, 10-16-06

Tate Bottoms, 10-13-06

Madeline Shields, 4-3-04

Madeline Grace, daughter of Keith Shields ’91 and wife Karen Kaleigh and Logan, daughter and son of Jeffrey Tincher ‘94 Kristin Faith and Hunter, children of Laura Silvestri Weiland ’93 and husband Kevin

Kaleigh Tincher, 8-20-06

Lisa M. Mirolo, Plain City, Ohio, is with Verizon Business, Hilliard, Ohio. Natalie Nicole was born Nov. 28, 2006, to John R. Ness and his wife, Emily. They live in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Brett and Kimberly Burnette Norris announce the birth of their son, Benjamin David, Aug. 21, 2006 in San Diego, Calif. The board of directors of the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Ohio has appointed Natalie Saikaly Ronayne as its executive director. Corey I. Rossen, who owns Rozi’s Wine House Inc. in Lakewood, Ohio, has founded a charity event in Cleveland, to beneﬁt congenital heart disease. In November 2005, Elisa A. Tattar of Eagan, Minn. received her doctorate of psychology from the 58 Wittenberg Magazine

Logan Tincher, 10-21-04

Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Minneapolis, Minn. She is a clinical psychologist at the Minnesota Security Hospital. Dianne Frank Williams and her husband, Andrew, announce the birth of their ﬁrst child, Estella Rae, Aug. 15, 2006. Dianne is a professional ﬂutist with four solo CDs. Christopher S. Zalewski is pursuing his Ph.D. in genetics and molecular biology at the University of California-Davis at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

‘97 |

Kristin, 11-5-06, and Hunter, 4, Weiland

representation efforts on federal issues, coordinates OHA’s federal government affairs, serves as a liaison with national health care organizations and serves as OHA’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Matthew E. Downard, Powell, Ohio, is with Aldo Shoes. Sarah Schmidt Jacquin and her husband, Jon, announce the birth of Emma Genevieve, Sept. 19, 2006. They live in Littleton, Colo. Misty Dunlap King is a realtor with Stoney Ridge Realty in Bryan, Ohio.

Class Reunion, Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-21, 2007

Dominic L. LaFay is an alternative therapist in Canal Fulton, Ohio.

Jonathan S. Archey of New Albany, Ohio, is manager of federal relations with the Ohio Hospital Association. He coordinates advocacy and

Kevin C. and Erin Ford Murphy ’00 live in Granger, Ind. Kevin is an IT project manager in South Bend, Ind.

John E. and Hope Simonsen Paes ’96 live in Westerville, Ohio. John is a physician at The Ohio State Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. Timothy B.A. Smith is chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer with Air Force Villages, San Antonio, Texas. Suzanne Michel Ten Hagen and her husband, Peter, announce the birth of Greta Michel, Nov. 3, 2006. They currently reside in Cranberry Township, Pa. Nicholas S. Wolf and his wife, Tara, announce the birth of Lyndi Sue, Aug. 23, 2006. They live in Fremont, Ohio, where Nick is a teacher/coach at Fremont Ross High School. Kathleen Atkins Woodry and her husband, Stephen, announce the birth of their daughter, Laura Margaret, on Dec. 21, 2006. They live in Mountain Brook, Ala.

Amy Olmi Amendol teaches fifth grade with the Boardman Local Schools in Ohio. On April 21, 2006, Catherine M. Bettcher married Praveen Dayalu in Ann Arbor, Mich. Catherine is a physician at the University of Michigan where she practices family medicine with obstetrics and teaches medical students and residents. Andrew J. and Melanie Nehls Burow ’97 live in Boulder, Colo. Andrew is an academic adviser in the psychology department at the University of Colorado. Jeffrey A. Culp of Waynesboro, Va., is a board-certified internal medicine physician. He is completing a fellowship in allergy and immunology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Stephen G. Fabyan is pastor of the House of Prayer for All Nations and the Promised Land Complex, Columbus, Ohio. Sarah J. Jurewicz is a visual art and art history professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Jennifer Groseclose Koval of Westerville, Ohio, and her husband, Erik, announce the birth of their first child, Christopher Grant, on May 16, 2006.

Brent P. Montgomery is a sales marketer with Projects Unlimited Inc., Dayton, Ohio. Maria C. Nikokirakis of Upper Arlington, Ohio, married Matthew Courser, April 29, 2006. Maria has completed her residency in internal medicine/pediatrics at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She is in private practice with TriVillage Family Health. As a former high school English teacher, Carla R. Sarratt draws from her classroom experiences in her ﬁrst novel, FRESHMAN FOCUS, the ﬁrst book in the Carter G. Woodson High School series. Carla lives in Charlotte, N.C. Erin Dasler Shah, Stillwater, Minn., is a senior accountant with William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minn.

‘99 | James H. Barnes IV, Santa Fe, N.M., is a technical staff member at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Mandy Sears Bartel is a sanitarian with the Hamilton County General Health District in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kristin A. Bengtson is a museum educator of Asian art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in California.

the program director for the Wood River Y.M.C.A. Vanessa, executive director with Citizens for Smart Growth, is pursuing her master’s degree at the Presido School of Management, San Francisco, Calif. Sarah T. Hamman is a postdoctoral research associate at the Environmental Science Institute, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin. Kelly J. Klopfer and Jeremy D. Rager were married May 12, 2006. They live in Dover, Ohio, where Kelly is employed by Get Fit Management Team Inc. Anna M. Liechty received her master’s degree in school administration from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne in May 2006. She teaches mathematics at Mt. Hope High School in Bristol, R.I. David R. Morrison is a compliance coordinator with Arlington County in Virginia. Matthew B. and Mary Wilson Ogdahl ’00 live in Coopersville, Mich. Matt is an engineer for Smith’s Aerospace, Grand Rapids, Mich. Mary is a research assistant with Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon, Mich. Michael H. Oliver, Aquebogue, N.Y., is with Morgan Stanley, Smithtown, N.Y.

Kathleen L. Mackie of Plymouth, Mich., is a professor at Cleary University, Ypsilanti, Mich.

Hilary A. Brenner of Lyndhurst, Ohio, is an inhouse attorney for Broadway Finance, Cleveland, Ohio.

Adrianne Everingham Pence, Dublin, Ohio, is an occupational therapist at Riverside Hospital.

Rick A. McAlister is a capital campaign and planning coordinator with the Health Adventure, Asheville, N.C.

Jeannette Knesper Carman and her husband, Marshall, announce the birth of Iris Anne, Jan. 24, 2006. Jenny is a clinical social worker with Walden Family Services, San Diego, Calif.

Dawn M. Reinhardt is a deal manager for Commercial Defeasance LLC in Charlotte, N.C.

On March 30, 2006, Andrew A. and Stacy Walker McIntyre welcomed the arrival of their second child, Madelynn Michaela. They live in Noblesville, Ind.

Jason P. and Vanessa Crossgrove Fry live in Ketchum, Idaho. Jason is

Olivier F. Roux, Washington, D.C., is pursuing his master’s degree at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, New York. N.Y.

Melissa D. Sandoval, Medway, Ohio, is a community health research assistant at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio. Beth K. Sawyer teaches third grade at J.G. Hening Elementary School, Richmond, Va. Jo-El Miller Shea and her husband, Declan, announce the birth of Hayden Scully, July 1, 2006. They live in New York, N.Y. Michael P. III and Cara Riggle Shebak live in North Ridgeville, Ohio. Michael has joined Hartland & Co., as a support consultant. John A. Shumate, Buford, Ga., married Shana Salah, July 8, 2006. John is regional sports marketing manager with Gatorade.

‘00 | W. Anderson and Kristin Bolzman Bearden live in Essexville, Mich. Kristin is a physician’s assistant in Saginaw, Mich. Emily C. Brown and Mark H. Seyler were married on Aug. 5, 2006. They live in Great Malvern, Worcestershire, United Kingdom. Emily teaches primary school in Hereford. Brian F. and Carisa Clagg Davis ’01 announce the births of Sydney Jean and Addison Nicole. They live in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Brian is a supervisor with State Farm Life Insurance Co. Inspired by her own experiences, Suﬁy James Davis has been purchasing tickets for the homeless of Columbus, Ohio, to view the movie, Pursuit of Happyness. In recognition of her generosity, she was invited to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

summer 2007 59

CLASS NOTES

‘98 |

CLASS NOTES

Adam B. and Cassie Hogan Eskew have moved to Atlanta, Ga. Cassie is a customer service representative with Career Builder.

Fred W. VonDerLage of Seattle, Wash., is a marketing coordinator with Grubb & Ellis, a national commercial real estate ﬁrm in Bellevue, Wash.

Jillian E. Hauger lives in Bay Village, Ohio. She is an outdoor educator with Nature’s Classroom at Camp Muskingum, Carrollton, Ohio.

Anna W. Frank and Brandon M. Lambert ’95 were united in marriage Sept. 16, 2006. They live in Springﬁeld, Ohio.

‘01 |

Cara L. Henke is with ITT Technical Institute, Fort Wayne, Ind.

On June 10, 2006, Leslie A. Howell married Michael D. Herald. They live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Leslie teaches kindergarten with the Lakota Local Schools. Sarah E. Kneuss, Stone Creek, Ohio, is deputy director of the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections. Tyson J. Lemon, Springﬁeld, Ohio, and his wife, Sarah, announce the birth of Olivia Ann, Aug. 21, 2005. Tyson is a sales/operation manager with Sunbelt Rentals Inc. Scott H. and Jonnett Odom Maurer ’01 live in Seattle, Wash., where Jonnett is a recruiter for the Peace Corps. Jeanna Smith McElroy, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and her husband, Craig, announce the birth of Luke, April 8, 2006. In July 2006, Theodore Pickett Jr. received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. He is a staff therapist in the counseling center at the University of Maryland, College Park, Md. April D. Smith is a teachingchildren-to-read coordinator with the Clark County Literacy Coalition, Springﬁeld, Ohio. Craig D. Vasil and Catherine A. Christian were married June 17, 2006. They live in Dayton, Ohio. Craig is a counselor at Fairborn High School.

Brent C. Branson was married to Kelly Geist, Aug. 5, 2006. They live in Pickerington, Ohio. Brent is a buyer for Carmax Inc. Louis M. Brown II and Alicia A. Augustin were married May 20, 2006. They live in Chicago, Ill. Louis is employed at Smith Barney. Alexis L. Bruce married Adam W. Staudt ’00 on June 26, 2004. They live in St. Louis, Mo. Alexis works for the St. Louis University School of Public Health as a program coordinator for public health and community capacity development. Adam owns A&A Construction, specializing in all aspects of home remodeling, renovations and repairs. Theresa B. Conway was married to Randy Wilson on Aug. 12, 2006. Theresa is pursuing graduate studies in biophysics at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. Angela M. Davis is a network specialist in the computing services department at Clark State Community College, Springﬁeld, Ohio. Jamil R. Dillon received an M.A. in construction and real estate from Denver University in Colorado in the spring of 2005. He works in the construction and real estate industry. Michael P. and Jane Curtis Falcone live in Montclair, N.J. Jane is an employee loyalty specialist with the Avis Budget Group.

Larisa M. Kruze, Portland, Maine, is assistant director of international programs at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. Suzanne M. Mahan married David Rasmussen on May 22, 2005. They live in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Jared G. McGrath married Marcelo Salazar July 8, 2006. They live in Washington, D.C., where Jared is pursuing graduate studies at George Washington University. Evan P. and Kelly Schneider O’Connor ’03 live in Ann Arbor, Mich. Kelly is a senior financial aid adviser at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Mich. Craig M. Oney, Columbus, Ohio, is a branch manager/ assistant vice president at Farmers Citizens Bank, Worthington, Ohio. Georgia Petroudi, from Nicosia, Cyprus, is pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. Her thesis is titled Revised Works of the 20th Century. Meghan J. Poth has become a certified public accountant. She is a member of the audit staff with Wilson, Shannon and Snow, Newark, Ohio. Brandon J. Schmitt is pursuing graduate studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. Earl A. Walker is a technical account manager with Thermo Fisher Scientific, Rockford, Ill.

60 Wittenberg Magazine

Alexander C. Welp married Jodi E. Steffes July 29, 2006. They live in Plainﬁeld, Ill. Alexander is employed by Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp. of Naperville, Ill. Kristen Gleeson Williams, Urbana, Ohio, is director of music at Graham South Elementary School. A trained vocalist, she is also a ﬂutist. L. Todd and Jennifer Strattner Wright are proud to announce the birth of their son, Lloyd Travis, March 19, 2006. They reside in Silver Spring, Md.

‘02 | Nicholas R. Allen is a plant accountant with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Mich. Philip N. and Andrea Beard Arner ’03 live in Columbus, Ohio. Phil graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in June 2006. He is with the Erdey Searcy Eye Group. Andi continues to teach at the Arts Impact Middle School. Kristen K. Baughman is employed by Print Masters Ltd. and owns Sunrise Market in Zanesville, Ohio. Kirsten E. Bertsch, Arlington, Va., is an economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Michelle C. Bolin received her master’s degree in library and information science from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., in December 2006. Mary F. Eddlemon and John T. Abernathy II were married June 24, 2006. They live near Harrisonburg, Va., where Mary is a library assistant at James Madison University. Emily M. Gersbach has married John D. “JD” Clark. They live in Sugar Grove, Ill. JD is a vice president with Avenue Motors, Batavia, Ill.

A sc in in

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cr D he T en Pe G N “ on or

Matthew C. and Erin Athy Hazelton ’00 live in Newark, Ohio. Erin is a research analyst with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Columbus, Ohio. MacKenzie S. Hill, Upper Arlington, Ohio, is with the Independence School District.

Rebecca O’Flaherty ’95 Finds Art In Insects As a forensic entomologist, someone who studies insects at crime scenes, Rebecca O’Flaherty has developed an innovative way to inspire children and adults to appreciate the creepy-crawling critters in their world using a medium most comfortable to her, maggots. Since 2001, O’Flaherty has taught thousands of elementary schoolaged children, law enforcement experts and all ages in between how to paint using the worm-shaped larva of flies as their guide. Called Maggot Art, O’Flaherty’s trademarked program, which she devised and launched while at the University of Hawaii, aims to break down people’s fears of insects. “I tend to target young elementary students, second- and thirdgraders, because I find that at that age, most children are enthusiastic, uninhibited and extremely open to new ideas,” O’Flaherty explained in a press release at the University of California at Davis, where she is a doctoral student. “They haven’t developed aversions to insects, and we’re able to instill in them an appreciation for and interest in all organisms, no matter how disgusting those organisms may be perceived to be.” Her teaching tools are simple: white copier paper, non-toxic water-based paint, forceps and lots of live maggots gleaned from her research on blowflies. Her students then dip the maggots in various colors and let them loose on the paper to see what designs develop. In addition to bringing her program to kids’ classrooms and criminal investigation labs, she also hosts a program during UCDavis’ annual Picnic Day, attracting more than 2,000 participants to her table. Her work has even been featured on the set of CBS’ popular TV series CSI, which commissioned a piece for the show’s forensic entomologist and leading character Gil Grissom played by William Petersen. Titled “Ancient Offering,” the framed artwork hangs in Grissom’s CSI office. O’Flaherty’s work has also been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. “The beauty of the Maggot Art program is its ability to give handson, non-threatening experience with an insect that most people fear or loathe,” she said. “I love my work.” – Karen Gerboth ’93

Sarah R. Holliday, Toledo, Ohio, is with the Flower Hospital, Sylvania, Ohio. Peter N. and Debra Lenarz Lalli live in Parma, Ohio. Debra received her master’s degree in educational technology from BaldwinWallace College, Berea, Ohio, in May 2006. She teaches second grade at Chippewa Elementary with the BrecksvilleBroadview Heights Schools. Karamagi Rujumba is a staff reporter at the Pittsburgh PostGazette in Pennsylvania. Bryan T. Simpson is a group sales consultant with Unum Provident, Charlotte, N.C.

‘03 | Jill M. Bradley is a recruitment coordinator with the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Kathryn Hritz Brown, Hilliard, Ohio, is an intervention specialist at Mill Valley Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio. In December 2006, she received her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. Amanda J. Clapp is with NEOLA Inc., Stow, Ohio.

Eric D. Cusick and Brittany J. Young were married June 24, 2006. They live in Kettering, Ohio. Eric is a history teacher and tennis coach at Beavercreek High School. Melissa A. “Mysi” Hall is a management assistant for the Village of Huntley, Ill. Whitney W. Hendricks, West Palm Beach, Fla., is a registered nurse at the Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach, Fla. Ashley M. Hill of Hilliard, Ohio, is a photography assistant with HR Imaging, Delaware, Ohio. Emily A. Johnson and Jason T. Norris were married July 8, 2006. They live in Bucyrus, Ohio. Tiffany L. Keller and Andrew J. Cocklin of Massillon, Ohio, were married Oct. 15, 2005. Christianna A. Kretschmann married Justin E. Johnson on July 9, 2005. They live in Clearwater, Fla., where Christianna is a GIS technician with the City of Clearwater. Brian C. and Erin Gallagher Kuhn ’04 live in Springﬁeld, Ohio, where Brian is a member of the education department at the Advanced Virtual Engine Test Cell (AVETEC). He has also been promoted to lead instructor at STARBASE Wright-Patt. Quin L. Kurth, Naples, Fla., is a project manager with Turrell & Associates Inc., a marine and environmental consulting ﬁrm. Lucinda R. Morgan is an English-as-a-second-language teacher with the Grand Canadian Academy at the Nanjing Foreign Language School in China.

Joshua M. Curtis is with GBQ Partners, Columbus, Ohio. summer 2007 61

CLASS NOTES

Anna Rose was born to Tiffanie McQuinn Gustin and her husband, Alan, on Nov. 16, 2006. They live in Dayton, Ohio.

CLASS NOTES

Li’l Tigers Grace and Lily, daughters of Jason ’92 and Amy Saccullo ’93 Robichaud

Katherine M. Behrens, Elk Grove Village, Ill., teaches Spanish at Deer Path Middle School-West in Lake Forest, Ill. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in Spanish at Middlebury College in Vermont. The wedding of Matthew J. Bushey and Natalie C. Shirk took place on Sept. 30, 2006. They live in Xenia, Ohio. Matthew is employed by the Washington Court House City Schools.

Grace, 3, and Lily, nine months, Robichaud

Ellie and Madelynn Michaela, daughters of Stacy Walker ’98 and Andrew McIntyre ’98

Sarah M. Charles has married Gregory C. Luerman. They live in Louisville, Ky., where Greg is pursuing his Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Louisville. Jessica D. Counts is a senior statistical analyst with ACNielsen, Schaumburg, Ill. Jessica L. Davis, Zanesville, Ohio, is a sales representative with Pﬁzer Pharmaceuticals.

Ellie and Madelynn, 3-30-06, McIntyre

Lauren Nicole, Erin Renee and Abby Corinne, daughters of John ’93 and Karen Saatkamp Gerboth ’93

Myra A. Fete is a staff technical information specialist at Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio.

Lauren, 10-19-06, Erin, 2, and Abby, 10-19-06, Gerboth

Lora L. Nutbrown married Nathaniel T. Greene ’04 on Sept. 4, 2005. They live in Rochester, N.Y. Lora earned her M.A. degree in psychological and brain sciences from Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., on June 11, 2006. Nate is a graduate student at the University of Rochester. Sara J. O’Donnell, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is a clinical affairs specialist at Inverness Medical Professional Diagnostics, Scarborough, Maine. Santina M. Onorini, Cincinnati, Ohio, has joined the law ﬁrm of Ritter & Randolph LLC. Her practice will focus on business and corporate law, estate and charitable planning, 62 Wittenberg Magazine

domestic relations, litigation, personal injury, probate, estate and trust administration.

Sarah E. Spaid married Kyohei Ishida on July 1, 2006. They live in Gainesville, Fla.

Jonathan R. Orr is an agent with State Farm Insurance, Towson, Md.

William R. White, Columbus, Ohio, is a photographer with ReMax.

Meredith A. Porter was married to Jared E. Simon, July 15, 2006. They live in Fayetteville, N.C. Meredith, who received a master’s degree in literacy from Ashland University in Ohio, in 2006, is a teacher.

Brent D. Yekisa and Amy Hall were married July 23, 2006. They live in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Brent is employed by Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Hannah D. Powell, Springﬁeld, Ohio, is director of education programs with Keys to Improving Dayton Schools. Christina M. Rose, Columbus, Ohio, is an account manager with Paycor.

Valerie Fidder Doersen, Highland Heights, Ohio, teaches English and journalism and is the student newspaper adviser at Shaker Heights High School.

‘04 | Jennifer Biehl Abraham, Aurora, Ill., has been promoted to site ranger with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Laura E. Austen, Springﬁeld, Ohio, is with South Community Behavioral Healthcare, Dayton, Ohio.

Michael A. Hart, Washington, D.C., is an international card services representative with the World Bank Group. Douglas F. Hartunian, South Boston, Mass., is an operations specialist-Tokyo group with Brown Brothers Harriman, Boston, Mass. Abigail L. Klene and Ryan D. Kerr were united in marriage Dec. 31, 2005. They live in Brown Deer Wis. Alexis M. Miller is with AME, Columbus, Ohio. Lindsay M. Nelson and Joshua B. Hose of Massillon, Ohio, celebrated their marriage June 24, 2006.

Krystal M. Renszel is pursuing her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology at Kent State University in Ohio. Nathaniel J. and Rebekah Hackett Schipper live in Holland, Mich. Rebekah coordinates student activities at Hope College. Jennifer L. Schwab, Sandusky, Ohio, teaches sixth grade with the Margaretta School District in Vickery, Ohio.

On June 17, 2006, Jaclyn L. Comer and Michael J. Southard ’04 exchanged wedding vows. They live in Dayton, Ohio. Jackie teaches math at Beavercreek High School. Michael is a manager with Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill. Jessica N. Dennis, Toledo, Ohio, is a substitute teacher with the Oregon City Schools. Branden M. Fisher was inducted into the Mariemont High School Athletic Hall of Fame in Ohio. He retains the school’s all-time scoring record in basketball with 1,244 points. Raymar D. Hampshire is a ﬁnancial adviser with Merrill Lynch, New Brunswick, N.J.

Jason E. Seegert of Alexandria, Va., was promoted to consultant with Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company.

Jennifer L. Hider and Matthew P. McSorley ’04 of Wesley Chapel, Fla., were married July 15, 2006. They are with the Pasco County School Board.

In July 2005, Lauren E. Snider married Charles N. Thompson. They live in Centerville, Ohio. Chad is pursuing his Ph.D. in industrial organization psychology at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.

Kathryn A. Houchens is pursuing an interior design degree in Denver, Colo.

Ryan R. and Kendra Athy Stevenson ’02 have moved to Fort Myers, Fla. Kendra is an educator with the Gateway Charter School.

‘05 | Kelly A. Bezilla and Daniel R. Shifﬂet ’04 were united in marriage on Feb. 18, 2006. They live in Kikai, Japan, where Kelly is an assistant language teacher. In 2006, Daniel received his master’s degree in mathematics from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Sarah E. Buchenroth, Worthington, Ohio, teaches English as a second language with the Southwestern City Schools, Grove City, Ohio.

Chinthaka E. Jayawardhana, Columbus, Ohio, has been promoted to senior fund accountant with BISYS Fund. U.S. Army second lieutenant, Bryan K. Kujawa has enrolled as a medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. Ashley Lands is a middle school math teacher, a science specialist, and an intramural softball coach at Jerome Lippman Jewish Community Day School in Akron, Ohio. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling at Malone College, Canton, Ohio. Joyce L. McGovern married Alan Strancar June 17, 2006. They live in Columbus, Ohio. Joyce is with the Dublin City Schools.

Daniel J. Murphy, Neptune Beach, Fla., is a recuriter with Aerotek Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. Laura L. Patch, Springfield, Ohio, is an administrative assistant at NuBethel Center of Excellence, Dayton, Ohio. Oscar Pellon is pursuing graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Toni M. Pope is a case manager with the Mental Health Association in Springfield, Ohio. Eileen M. Quinn, Glenview Nas, Ill., is a financial analyst with Grant Thornton LLP, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. Michael J. Rill, Columbus, Ohio, is a materials specialist with TNT Logistics North America. Miriam C. Ryman is director of undergraduate studies at Duke University, Durham, N.C. Miriam lives in Graham, N.C. Jacob R. Thomas, New Albany, Ohio, is a bank stock specialist with Community Banc Investments Inc., New Concord, Ohio. Christopher M. Vennefron, Hamilton, Ohio, is a business forecaster with Take 2 Interactive. Colleen Herzog Walters is director of physician relations with Community Mercy Health Partners, Springfield, Ohio. Marci K. Walton is a graduate hall director while pursuing her master’s degree in college student personnel at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She won the CSP Community Spirit Award, which is bestowed upon one student annually who best exemplifies the values and characteristics of the CSP program.

Dana M. Wilkinson is an environmental educator at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College in Indiana.

‘06 | David A. Bazzel, Tipp City, Ohio, is a ﬁnancial adviser with Ameriprise Financial. Isaac Boye-Arthur, Atlanta, Ga., is a research associate scientist at Anagen Technology. Jared E. Collins, Ashland, Ohio, is a research biologist at WIL Researching Laboratories LLC. Andrea Carroll Dehne lives in Reading, Ohio. David J. DeLamatre, Oldtown, Md., is a counselor with Three Springs Inc. Matthew R. Foster is with Owens Corning, Granville, Ohio. Molly Johns Franz is a development assistant with the Playhouse Square Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio. Stephanie M. Friedman teaches at the Chalk Preschool, Chicago, Ill. Crystal R. Groce is a ﬁnancial services support representative on the special relations/whirehouse new business team in the annuity new business department in the individual investment operations area with Nationwide. David M. Herzog is an actor at the Downstairs Cabaret Theatre, Rochester, N.Y. Jonathan M. Kirkwood is a branch manager with Stanley Steemer, Philadelphia, Pa. Lamarr E. Lewis is a disk jockey in Dayton, Ohio. Annastasia Pfeifer Martin teaches with the School District of Hillsborough County, Brandon, Fla.

summer 2007 63

CLASS NOTES

Jennifer N. Pearson, Fairborn, Ohio, received her master’s degree in health service administration from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, in December 2006. She has also completed her residency with Community Mercy Health Partners.

CLASS NOTES

Dymond L. McDonald, a former recipient of the Last Dollar Grant Award, was the featured speaker at the Future Begins Today annual awards reception in Troy, Ohio. Anna Finkelstein Michael is an artist living in Springfield, Ohio. In September and October of 2006, her work was exhibited at Arts Interface. Lisa M. Nicholls is a GIS mapping technician in the assessor’s office for Canyon County in Caldwell, Idaho. Stacy A. Ogbeide is a graduate student assistant in the department of human environmental sciences at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Okla. Christopher M. Petrik is a management analyst with BearingPoint Inc., Atlanta, Ga. Alexandra J. Pressler is a customer logistics and financial coordinator with Procter & Gamble, Mason, Ohio. Callie S. Riley is with the board of education with the City of Kuji in Japan. Andrea N. Rossow of Springfield, Ohio, is the museum operations coordinator with The Westcott House Foundation. In October 2006, she coordinated the 38th annual conference of Wittenberg University’s Pioneer America Society and Association for the Preservation of Artifacts and Landscapes. Justin E. Theriault is a member of Love Sick Radio, a rock band in Grove City, Ohio. In the summer of 2006, the band played on U.S. military bases as part of a USO music tour in the Marshall Islands, Guam, South Korea, Singapore and the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The quartet also played the Terror Club in Singapore. On June 10, 2006, Timothy A. Ward married Rachel Cawthorn. They live in Heath, Ohio, where Tim is employed by Lowe’s. 64 Wittenberg Magazine

In Memoriam

’28 | Pauline Pond Earnhart died Oct. 30, 2006 in Urbana, Ohio. She was a teacher in the Champaign County School System, retiring in 1967. Surviving are a daughter, four sons, 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a sister. Preceding her in death were a sister and brother-in-law, Alan C. ’28 and Lillian Pond Squire ’27, two brothers, Willis V. Pond ’29 and Millard Z. Pond ’30, and a sister-in-law, Loretta Zenk Pond ’31.

’30 | Ruth Richison Miller Allen of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Aug. 22, 2005. A member of Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines and Alpha Xi Delta sorority, she was a retired church business administrator. In 1997, she received the “Mentor of the Year” award for reading to kindergarten and ﬁrst-grade children at Ben Franklin School in Wichita Falls, Texas. Survivors include a daughter, a son, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a greatgreat-grandchild, a sister and brother-in-law, James R. ’29 and Louise Richison Collins Price ’28, and a nephew and his wife, David R. ’54 and Jane Shy Collins ’73. She was preceded in death by her ﬁrst husband, Roy A. Miller ’29, a sister and brother-in-law, George C. ’26 and Pauline Richison Collins ’26, and a brother and sister-inlaw, Rush R. Jr. ’33 and Grace Milner Richison ’31. Louise Romig Haas, Bellevue, Ohio, died Nov. 20, 2006. Before teaching in the Bellevue School System, she taught with the Carey public schools for several years. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Bellevue Hospital reception desk for 30 years. A daughter and numerous nieces and nephews survive. She was

preceded in death by a son, Steven C. Haas ’64, and a brother, Truman D. Romig ’26. Gretchen Crider Houston, formerly of Mansﬁeld, Ohio, died May 1, 2006, in Washington Township, N.J. Before her retirement, she was a teacher with the Mansﬁeld Board of Education. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church and Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Survivors include a daughter, two sons, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

’31 | Marie Schneider Belles of El Paso, Texas, passed away Dec. 3, 2006. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Kappa Delta sorority. A former social worker, she volunteered for the Council on Aging and at Sun Towers Hospital. She and her family established the Belles Family Scholarship at Wittenberg. Surviving are two sons, A. Gilbert Belles ’62 and Robert M. Belles ’57, a daughter-in-law, Barbara Hahn Belles ’58, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband, Alfred G. Belles ’31 and a cousin, Velma Mayer Mitchell ’30, predeceased her.

’32 | J. Leroy Fagan, Cincinnati, Ohio, died Dec. 31, 2006. A member of the Lutheran Church, he enjoyed traveling and collecting antique glassware and china. He is survived by three daughters, ﬁve grandchildren and ﬁve great-grandchildren.

’33 | Margaret Beattie Hudak, formerly of Lorain, Ohio, died Feb. 23, 2007, in Elyria, Ohio. She began her career in the children’s department of the Lorain Public Library before becoming a library associate with the bookmobile, retiring in 1975. Following her retirement, she served on the Library Board of Trustees

for 17 years, including a term as secretary, and volunteered with several library associations. An active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, she served as president of the Lorain County Church Women, as a citizen representative to the Lorain City School Board of Education and as a member of the mayor’s committee on human relations. She is survived by a daughter, two sons and several grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband, Joseph J. Hudak ’40. Margaret Schwyn Moorhead died in Pemberville, Ohio, on Feb. 26, 2007. A member of First Presbyterian Church and Alpha Delta Pi sorority, she taught music in Ohio public schools for 16 years in West Alexandria, Findlay and Maumee. She also directed adult and children’s church choirs for 12 years. After retiring, she continued to play piano and organ part-time for several churches. Surviving are two daughters, Ann Moorhead Tubbs ’66 and Joan Moorhead Rehlin ’71, a son-in-law, James M. Rehlin ’70, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A sister, Helen Schwyn Traver ’35, and two sisters-in-law, Katherine Moorhead ’30 and Marie Moorhead ’32, preceded her in death. Ruth Benner Patton, formerly of Allegan, Mich., died Oct. 28, 2004, in Kalamazoo, Mich. She was an active member of First Congregational Church and many other community service organizations. A teacher for eight years with the Fort Recovery Schools in Ohio, she is survived by a daughter, a son, seven grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren and a brother, Charles H. Benner ’35.

’34 | Fred E. Shelton Jr. of Centerville, Ohio, passed away Jan. 29, 2007. After 34 years with Standard Register, he

Formerly of Urbana, Ohio, Myrtle Christensen Hegele Snarr passed away Oct. 18, 2006, in Georgetown, Ind. A former public school music teacher, she was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, serving as the ﬁrst woman president of the church council and congregation. Surviving are a daughter, Sandra Hegele Tooman ’61, three sons, a step-son, a stepdaughter, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a sister. Her ﬁrst husband, Richard H. Hegele ’33, preceded her in death.

’35 | Katherine F. Harshbarger of Centerville, Ohio, passed away Oct. 13, 2006. Her memberships included First Lutheran Church, Chi Omega sorority, the Dayton Business and Professional Women’s Club, and the Y.M.C.A. She was employed for more than 40 years in the ofﬁce of Miami Jacobs College. An accomplished violinist, she enjoyed playing with a variety of music ensembles. After her retirement, she volunteered in her church ofﬁce and at the Once Around Shop and the Linden House Gift Shop at Bethany Lutheran Village. A

sister survives. Another sister, Norma Harshbarger Crowell ’29, and a cousin Jane Yost White ’42, predeceased her. Ruth Valbracht Failing Johnson, Austin, Texas, died Feb. 26, 2007. She worked as a clerk for the WPA, played the organ for 40 years at a Lutheran parish in Burbank, Calif., worked as a secretary at Lockheed Aircraft, and taught junior high and high school English and social studies. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and First English Lutheran Church. Surviving are a daughter, Charlotte Failing Gilman ’60, a stepson, a granddaughter, two great-grandsons, a sister-in-law, Lois Winkler Valbracht ’38, two cousins, Beverly Koch Browder ’58 and Barbara Koch Ettinger ’61, a niece, Susan Valbracht Flemr ’67, and a nephew, Louis E. Valbracht ’69. Preceding her in death were her ﬁrst husband, Loraine A. Failing ’31, her parents, Edward F. ’12 and Edna Ziegler Valbracht ’13, a sister, Margaret L. Valbracht ’40, two brothers, Louis H. Valbracht ’38 and Edward L. Valbracht ’43, and cousins, Walter A. Koch ’40 and Harold E. Koch ’52. Jack W. Miles, a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, died Nov. 15, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio. A family practice physician from 1940-98, he was on staff at Mt. Carmel Medical Center, where he served as president, chair of the department of family practice medical advisory committee and on the bi-laws committee. He also served as president of the Franklin County Academy of Family Practice and the Cancer Society, and on the Columbus Board of Health and the Southwest Board of Mental Health. An active member of numerous other professional, community and fraternal organizations, he was named recipient of the Mt. Carmel Physician of the Year

Award in 1999. Two sons, a daughter, two grandsons and a brother survive. Helen McGinnis Springer, Traverse City, Mich., passed away May 22, 2006. A member of the Grand Traverse Rock and Mineral Club, she was active in the NMC Barbecue and worked as a sales clerk at the Cradle to Teen Shop for many years. She is survived by three sons, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

’36 | Walter B. Bauer Jr., a lifelong resident of Springﬁeld, Ohio, died Jan. 23, 2007. In 1996, after more than 50 years of service, he retired from the William Bayley Co. He spent much of his career designing architectural windows and jail bars. A member of Christ Episcopal Church, he is survived by his wife, three daughters, three step-children, four grandchildren, ﬁve stepgrandchildren, a sister, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his mother, Marie Myers Bauer 1906, and a sister, Betty Bauer Windle ’26.

’37 | Formerly of Beaver Falls, Pa., Helen Leigh Davidson died Nov. 22, 2006, in Damariscotta, Maine. She taught elementary school in Beaver Falls for 10 years before retiring to Port St. Lucie, Fla., in 1978. An active churchwoman, she was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Beaver Falls, Pa., Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Port St. Lucie, Fla., and St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Other memberships include Gamma Phi Beta sorority, St. Mary’s Rector’s Guild, the Women’s Club, Outlook Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution and several bridge clubs. Surviving are two daughters, including Margaret

Davidson Bonesteel ’68, ﬁve grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Two sisters, Genevieve Leigh McCandless ’28 and Virginia Leigh Baer ’33, predeceased her. Norvin G. Smith of Troy, Ohio, passed away Jan. 10, 2007. A member of First United Methodist Church, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and numerous other fraternal and community organizations, he was a physical trainer for pilots and initiated a recreational naval program in Honolulu, Hawaii, during World War II. He was hired by Troy City Schools as a teacher and coach, and continued working there until 1975, when he retired as athletic director. He was also the ﬁrst recreational director in Troy where he established many new programs. Surviving are his wife, a son, three granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren. A brother, Lawrence W. Smith ’28, preceded him in death. Ruth Myers Stevenson, Muncie, Ind., died Jan. 25, 2005. She was instructor of nurses and later superintendent of nurses at Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. Her memberships included Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and the Y.W.C.A. She enjoyed playing tennis, golf and traveling. The recipient of a 35-year award for volunteering with the Red Cross, she is survived by her husband, Frank L. Stevenson ’35, a daughter, two sons, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

’38 | Joe B. Work of Plymouth, Mass., a research scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project, died Sept. 20, 2004. He was a research scientist from 1944-59 at Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee and Hanford Lab in Richland, Wash. He later joined the Atomic Energy Commission, which became the Energy Research and Development Administration. summer 2007 65

CLASS NOTES

retired in 1970 as director of administrative services. He served on the government committee of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, the board of directors for the Better Business Bureau, and taught office management, work simplification and records management at the University of Dayton, Sinclair Community College, The Ohio State University, Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin. He also taught first aid classes for the American Red Cross and was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Oakwood. Surviving are a son, Fred E. Shelton III, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

CLASS NOTES

He was a manager in Germantown, Md., and retired in 1980. A member of Second Church of Plymouth and Phi Mu Delta fraternity, he is survived by his wife, Margaret Pershing Work ’41, two daughters, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a niece, Patricia Pershing Newman ’63. Preceding him in death were a brother, Robert C. Work ’42, his father-in-law, Benjamin H. Pershing ’12, his mother-in-law, Vera Miller Pershing ’15, and a brotherin-law and sister-in-law, John J. ’39 and Ruth Knollenberg Pershing ’39.

’39 | Helen Ashley Frye, Tipp City, Ohio, died Sept. 30, 2006. During World War II, she worked in hospitals for the Red Cross. She taught elementary education in the Tipp City Schools and tutored homebound children for the Ohio Department of Education. She retired as executive secretary for Dolly Inc. after 30 years. A member of Zion Lutheran Church, she is survived by a brother, and several nieces and nephews. Richard A. Johnson of South Bend, Ind., died Feb. 24, 2007. A member of Clay United Methodist Church and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Ghent, Belgium. He was a sales representative with the Sherwin Williams Paint Co. for 22 years, retiring in 1979. Three sons, two grandchildren, a sister and two nephews survive. A cousin, Frank N. Nevins Jr. ’39, preceded him in death. Previously from South Pasadena, Fla., Aileen Branning Hackenberg Marlowe passed away July 16, 2006, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Formerly a high school teacher in Wern, Ohio, she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and

66 Wittenberg Magazine

the Lutheran Church. She is survived by four daughters, two step-sons, 14 grandchildren, including Jennifer Marlowe Smith ’92, Alison Marlowe Belfrage ’93 and Charles R. Marlowe III ’96, and 11 greatgrandchildren. Her first husband, Charles A. Hackenberg ’34, preceded her in death. William F. Martin of Burlington, Vt., died July 29, 2004. A member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, he served as an aviator with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his discharge, he joined the Vermont Air National Guard and continued to fly with the 134th Fighter Squadron. He was president and manager of Martin LTD for many years. Active in his community, he was a member of the First Congregational Church, the U.S. Handball Association, the Vermont Old Cemetery Association, the Burlington Fire Commission, Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He is survived by a son, a daughter, seven grandchildren and a greatgrandson. David L. Reeves died Feb. 12, 2007, in Pittsboro, N.C. A member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he retired in 1982 as president of the Loose Leaf Services division of Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. His wife and a step-daughter survive. His first wife, Floy Moll Reeves ’39, preceded him in death.

’41 | Earle R. McKeever Jr. passed away Feb. 22, 2007, in Eugene, Ore. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II where he performed occasionally with the Glenn Miller Army Band. He taught music and served as the band director and music supervisor at Nampa High School in Idaho for 20 years. He later served as superintendent of music education for the Eugene School District in

Oregon, retiring to continue to teach privately for many years. In 1985, he received the Distinguished Music Educator Award from the NW Bandmasters Association. He was a charter member of the Eugene Symphonic Band and played with it until 2005. Surviving are two sons, a daughter, ﬁve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

’43 |

Virginia Fenton Rice of Marigold, Miss., died on Dec. 14, 2006. A former resident of Satellite Beach, Fla., Springﬁeld, Ohio, and Cleveland, Miss., she was a schoolteacher and an associate of the Clark County Common Pleas Court. An active member of the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches, she is survived by two daughters, a step-son and his wife, K. Richard ’60 and Mary Bogardus Rice ’61, eight grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren and a sister.

’44 |

’42 | Janice Jones Stoddard, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, died Dec. 21, 2006. After 22 years as a physical education teacher and volleyball coach, she retired in 1985 from Nordonia High School, Macedonia, Ohio. Her teams won district championships in 1972 and 1975. She was inducted into the Nordonia High School Athletic Department Hall of Honor in 1995. Following retirement, she was a volunteer at the Quirk Senior Center. A member of Chi Omega sorority and numerous professional and community organizations, she is survived by two sons, including Lawrence G. Stoddard ’72, two granddaughters and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne A. Stoddard ’42, and a brother, James R. Jones Jr. ’50. Ann Case Weinland, a 55-year resident of Clintonville, Ohio, died Feb. 2, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio. A member of Kappa Delta

sorority, she was employed in broadcasting. She was a devoted member of Karl Road Christian Church and a former member of Fourth Avenue Christian Church. Two sons, ﬁve grandchildren, a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews survive.

Vera Ryan Eibe, Springﬁeld, Ohio, passed away Oct. 23, 2006. She retired from the Springﬁeld City Schools after 44 years as a teacher. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and numerous professional, fraternal and community organizations. Surviving are a daughter, a grandson, a sister-in-law, Betty Eakins Ryan ’40, and two nephews. Her father, Charles S. Ryan ’21, predeceased her.

L. Gene Bandy ’62 M.Ed., formerly of Springfield, Ohio, passed away Dec. 11, 2006, in Clearwater, Fla. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and served as a lieutenant with the U.S. Navy during World War II. An English teacher with the Springfield City Schools, he was a member of LST Group, Veteran’s Group in Ohio and Union Street Methodist Church. Two daughters survive. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Fortney Bandy ’60, and his mother, Opal Coe Bandy Bolen ’22. Ruth Gerber Newlin of Dayton, Ohio, died Dec. 1, 2006. A homemaker, she was a member of Fairmont Presbyterian Church and Chi Omega sorority. She is survived by her husband, John R. Newlin ’42, three daughters, including Joan Newlin Foulke ’79 and Nancy Newlin Fricke ’99, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, including Joseph E. ’65 and Lillian Rogers Newlin ’75, Barbara Gillman Saffian ’70, Susan

’46 | A long-time resident of Springfield, Ohio, William E. Laub Jr. died Dec. 10, 2006. A member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, he served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He received a battlefield commission while serving with the 2nd Armor Division in Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. A podiatrist for more than 40 years, he was past president of the Fraternal Order of Police Associates, chief of the Springfield Police Reserve and a deputy sheriff with the Clark County Sheriff’s Dept. A son, a daughter, a grandson and a brother survive.

’47 | Dovie Pyles Collin of Springfield, Ohio, passed away Jan. 20, 2007. Her first position was teaching grades 1-8 at a oneroom rural school near Yellow Springs, Ohio. She moved to California in 1939 and taught Spanish-speaking children until she retired in 1966. A member of Emery Chapel United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women at Story Hypes Methodist Church, and the D.A.V., she traveled around the world and loved to sing and listen to music. Her survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Marion Ruesswig Hatten passed away on Dec. 22, 2006, in Tucson, Ariz. During World War II, she served as a typist for the U.S. Air Force cadets at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. A homemaker, she is survived by her husband, five children and a sister-in-law, Mary Horn Reusswig ’47. A brother, James A. Reusswig ’47, predeceased her.

Harry L. McDonald Jr. of Hendersonville, N.C., passed away Dec. 15, 2005. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy Reserves in the Asiatic-Paciﬁc and American Theaters. He retired in 1982 after 35 years as a computer/ programming system analyst with Inland Steel Industries in East Chicago, Ind. A member of St. James Episcopal Church, he was an active volunteer with the St. James Medical Loan Closet. He is survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren and ﬁve great-grandchildren. Juanita Richards Miller died Dec. 23, 2006, in Phoenix, Ariz. She taught at Evanston Township High School for a time before moving to Pakistan, Germany, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Brazil and Washington, D.C., where her husband served in the U.S. Foreign Service. She was the curator and director of the Robert E. Lee boyhood home in Alexandria, Va., and volunteered for the Cornell and Morse museums in Winter Park, Fla. A daughter and a son survive.

’48 | Charles W. Middaugh passed away Dec. 21, 2006, in Greenacres, Wash. A member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a former personnel director and psychologist in the division of criminology at the Illinois State Penitentiary, Joliet, Ill. His wife, four children and three grandchildren survive. His ﬁrst wife, Esta Rader Middaugh ’49, preceded him in death. Janet Johnson Wheatcraft, a resident of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died Oct. 10, 2006. She taught vocal music for grades 1-9 for ﬁve years before retiring to become a homemaker. A soloist and choir member for the United Methodist Church, she taught in the Methodist Preschool for several years and at the Crafty Fox, where she

exhibited and sold her works at art and craft fairs. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and served as worthy matron for ﬁve terms with the Eastern Star. Survivors include her husband, two daughters, a son, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

’49 | Formerly of Zanesville, Ohio, Charles W. Furry died March 6, 2003, in New Concord, Ohio. He served as a captain with the U.S. Medical Service Corps during World War II and was a member of the Cornerstone Full Gospel Church in Duncan Falls. A psychiatric social worker, he retired from the Muskingum Comprehensive Mental Health Center. Surviving are his wife, Colleen Swisher Furry ’50, two sons, a daughter and nine grandchildren.

’50 | Kay M. Glaesner, Springﬁeld, Ohio, died Dec. 11, 2006. He achieved the rank of colonel during his 10 years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force, receiving numerous honors for his actions during World War II, including the Legion of Merit Award. For another 23 years, he continued to serve with the U.S. Air Force Reserves, heading the anti-friction bearing department at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He devoted 56 years of his life to the Lutheran ministry, 36 years at St. John’s Lutheran Church where he started the “Drive-In Church Service.” As a champion for quality care for the mentally retarded and mentally ill, he served as president of the Ohio Mental Health Association, the Clark County Mental Health Association and St. Luke Mission. As an advocate for modern nursing homes, including facilities for Alzheimer’s patients, he founded the St. John’s Nursing Center and Oakwood Village. Among his many awards, he received ﬁve George Washington Freedom Awards,

an Alumni Citation and an honorary Doctor of Science from Wittenberg, and was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. A member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, he is survived by a sister, two nephews, an aunt and several cousins. Kohler M. Kreis, Baton Rouge, La., died March 10, 2007. During World War II, he served under Gen. George Patton for four years, including the D-Day invasion at Utah Beach, and received the Bronze Star. Following his discharge, he continued to serve with the Ohio National Guard for several years. He worked as an accountant and business manager for several companies. He was active in the Masons and the Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, three sons, five grandchildren, one step-grandchild and five greatgrandchildren. A brother, John C. Kreis ’54, and an aunt, Dora Kreis ’30, preceded him in death. Robert W. Lutz of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, died Jan. 31, 2007. A member of Dorm League, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a staff sergeant for four years as a member of the U.S. Air Force Bands during the Korean War. His career spanned 32 years as band director and instrumental music teacher with the Revere School District. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1985. A lifelong active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he was a 40-year officer of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, retiring with the rank of captain. He officiated for the All American Parade Judges and the All American Judges Association. Surviving are two daughters, including Linda Lutz Cash ’81. His wife, Marie Johnson Lutz ’50, predeceased him. Hugh J. McClaran of Springfield, Ohio, passed away Dec. 7, 2006. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross after flying 89 missions as a reconnaissance pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps in summer 2007 67

CLASS NOTES

Gillman Whitmore ’74, Sarah C. Newlin ’96 and David R. Newlin ’98. Another cousin, Vivian Coblentz Gillman ’39, preceded her in death.

CLASS NOTES

the European Theatre during World War II. He worked in the furniture business for most of his life and retired from Wren’s Department Store in 1978. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Phillips McClaran ’76, a son, a daughter, four grandchildren, a brother and three sisters, including Patsy McClaran Mooradian ’57.

from Allison Engineering and later served as a consultant. Surviving are his wife, Marion Bolster Fisher ’49, two daughters, including Lee Fisher Baron ’77, a son-in-law, Keith W. Baron ’77, three grandchildren and a sister, Elizabeth Fisher Jenkinson ’49. Preceding him in death was a brother, Everett B. Fisher ’49.

Jack R. Sherick died Jan. 5, 2006, in Medway, Ohio. He was a veteran of World War II and retired from Wright Patterson Air Force Base where he worked as an art illustrator. A musician, music lover and artist, he was a member of First United Methodist Church and Wilma’s Goodtime Kitchen Band. He is survived by his wife, two sons, ﬁve grandchildren, a greatgrandchild, a brother, Nathan W. Sherick ’49, and a brother-inlaw, Charles S. Dibert ’50.

Robert B. Harrison of Columbus, Ohio, died Jan. 14, 2007. During World War II, he served as a medical corpsman with the U.S. Army on the U.S.S. Hope Hospital Ship in the South Paciﬁc. A member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he retired from the Bureau of Employment Services of the State of Ohio. He is survived by his wife, four children, seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Richard O. Harrison ’52.

Deane L. Wallace of Urbana, Ohio, passed away Jan. 30, 2007. A member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, he served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. A former farmer, he retired as assistant superintendent with Miami East Local School District. He was a general manager of the Clark County Fairgrounds, an assistant to the Ohio State fair manager and a partner with Ross Building Co. Surviving are three daughters, four grandchildren, including Kraig W. Neer ’01, four step-grandchildren, a greatgrandson and a sister. His mother, Edna Field Wallace 1907, preceded him in death.

’51 | Formerly of Indianapolis, Ind., Albert L. Fisher passed away Oct. 8, 2006, in Jackson, Mich. A member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and Beta Theta Pi fraternity, he was a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Air Corps in China during World War II. He retired as an engineer

68 Wittenberg Magazine

William A. Leuby Jr., Granville, Ohio, died Dec. 2, 2006. A member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he served with the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. His 39-year career at Ohio Power included a succession of management positions in Columbus, Ironton, Canton, Newark and Portsmouth. He retired in 1993 as division manager in Lima, Ohio. An active member of the community, he held civic roles including various leadership positions with numerous organizations. His many honors include being named Kentucky Colonel in 1979, Citizen of the Year Award Southeastern Ohio Regional Council, Church Council and a 1982 Award for National Excellence from President Ronald Reagan for the Scioto Economic Development Corp. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Searl Leuby ’54, a son, a daughter and ﬁve grandchildren. Ann Ritter Marks of Mansﬁeld, Ohio, passed away Nov. 8, 2006. A former

receptionist in a medical office and an art instructor, she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and a local garden club. Survivors include four sons, five grandchildren and a niece, Barbara Marks Bogner ’68. Preceding her in death were her husband, John D. Marks ’52, a sister, Jane Ritter Heinze ’50, and a brother-in-law, Robert C. Marks ’41. Paul N. Pyle, Springfield, Ohio, died Nov. 26, 2006. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. After 30 years, he retired as a general foreman from International Harvester. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jane Rockel Violet, Springfield, Ohio, passed away on Jan. 20, 2007. For more than 15 years, she was a medical librarian at Community Hospital. A volunteer for St. Vincent DePaul, she was an active member of the community as a board member with Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the Animal Welfare League. Three children and seven grandchildren survive. Preceding her in death were her husband, James B. Violet ’51, her father, Peter C. Rockel ’21, a brother, John D. Rockel ’52, and a brother-in-law, Charles O. Violet ’55.

’52 | Carolyn Burke Ditzel of Kettering, Ohio, passed away Nov. 24, 2006. She taught for two years at Keifer Junior High School in Springﬁeld, Ohio, before moving to J.R. Prass Elementary School where she taught for 29 years. A member of Christ United Methodist Church, Delta Zeta sorority, Kettering Noon Optimist Club and P.E.O. Chapter Z of Kettering, she volunteered at Miami Valley Hospital. Her

memory will be cherished by two daughters, a son and three grandchildren.

’54 | Edwin O. McGinnis died Dec. 10, 2006, in Springfield, Ohio. A member of Dorm League, he served as a corporal with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a teacher and basketball coach at Jefferson Elementary School for 20 years. Active in the sports community, he was the sandlot director of the recreation department at Municipal Stadium and was inducted into the Clark County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004. Following his retirement, he was a dormitory supervisor with Hamilton Stores Inc. in Yellowstone National Park in Montana. He is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren, a brother and a sister. Mary Harper Rector died Dec. 21, 2006, in Dayton, Ohio. A lifetime resident of London, Ohio, she taught school for 35 years in Madison and Franklin Counties. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, the Madison County Historical Society and numerous other professional organizations. Four daughters, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a sister survive. Helen Rush Updike of Troy, Ohio, died Dec. 18, 2006. She was a member of First United Church of Christ, ABWA, Mother’s Club, OEA, NEA, Troy Senior Citizens and Kappa Delta sorority. An educator with the Troy City Schools for more than 41 years, including 35 years at Concord Elementary School, she was an avid euchre player and enjoyed bingo. A son, two grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, two sisters and two nieces survive. Preceding her in death were an aunt, Lulu Rush Weaver ’17, and a cousin, Helen E. Deaton ’35.

Kathleen Barger Lopez, Springﬁeld, Ohio, passed away Nov. 3, 2006. A member of Bethel Lutheran Church, the Animal Welfare League and Elderly United, she volunteered at the Petticrew Center and as a tutor in the STARS program at Lincoln Elementary School. She is survived by numerous cousins, including Lewis B. Barger ’52.

’56 | Robert E. Zoeller ’59S died Nov. 5, 2006, in Fremont, Ohio, A member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, he served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was ordained into the Lutheran Church in America in 1959 and served several churches in Michigan and Ohio before becoming visitation pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont. He retired in 1995. Surviving are his wife, a son, three daughters, including Diana Zoeller Fallot ’80, 13 grandchildren and a greatgrandson.

’58 | Jacque J. Ward of Golden Valley, Minn., passed away Oct. 31, 2006. A member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, he was a former administrator with the Michigan Supreme Court in Detroit, Mich., and a ﬁnancial adviser with American Express in Minneapolis, Minn. He was a skilled craftsman, a passionate ﬁsherman and a genealogist. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Thresher Ward ’59, a son, a daughter, Elisabeth Ward Young ’82, six grandchildren, a brother, Donald R. Ward ’51, two sisters, Suzanne Ward Roller ’52 and Jacquelyn Ward Juergens ’56, and a brother-inlaw, U. Timothy Juergens ’55.

’60 | Donn H. Bichsel, The Villages, Fla., died on Oct. 11, 2006. A member of Beta

Theta Pi fraternity, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a sergeant in Army Intelligence. After 21 years with Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Ill., he retired in 1996 as vice president of development and public affairs. An active member of the community, he was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Indian Princesses and as a member and elder at First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a son, a daughter, a grandson, a sister, a nephew, Steven C. Bichsel ’85, a niece, Dana Bichsel Appel ’83, and a cousin, Douglas C. Zahm ’70.

’61 | Lynn M. Price died July 23, 2006. A member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. After seven years in marketing with Reddi-Whip in Fort Wayne, Ind., he moved to Monroe, Mich., to begin a 25-year, six-state regional management career with Carnation (Nestle) Co. In 2002, he retired to Brevard, N.C., where he died. Active in Boy Scouts, he was an avid outdoorsman, who volunteered for many years as a pet therapist in a local nursing home. Survivors include his wife, Roberta Stickler Price ’60, two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, a sister and a brother-in-law, G. Kent Stickler ’63.

’62 | Marie Hugelheim Ebersole of Shelby, Ohio, died Nov. 2, 2006. She had been employed with GMAC in New York, Nationwide Insurance, Norfolk Redevelopment Program, and AK Steel. Her most current employer was Effective Marketing Solutions in Mansﬁeld, Ohio. A member of First Lutheran Church, Delta Zeta sorority and the Bridge Club, she enjoyed traveling. Her husband, two daughters, two sons, six grandchildren, a sister and a brother survive.

’63 | Larry L. Hill, Springfield, Ohio, died Nov. 14, 2006. He was a teacher, principal and superintendent of the Greenon School District and served as Mad River Township trustee for 16 years. He was a member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity and First United Church of Christ, where he was a deacon and choir member. His civic involvements included tenures as president of the Enon Lions Club, Springfield Optimists Club, Clark County Men’s Republican Club and Phi Delta Kappa. A 32nd degree Mason, he received many honors in his lifetime, most recently being named Enon Citizen of the Year in 2005. His survivors include his wife, Leila Storts Hill ’59, a daughter, a granddaughter, a brother and five sisters. Edith Leming Kleintop Pratt Skinrood, formerly of Springfield, Ohio, died Jan. 27, 2007, in Pensacola, Fla. She held teaching positions in the Tennessee and Ohio school systems and at Wittenberg. Her art was exhibited in various shows, and she was a published poet. A member of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, she is survived by numerous step-children, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. G. Robert Sollars of Wilmington, Ohio, died Nov. 20, 2006. During the Korean War era, he served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force as an air traffic controller and administrative office manager. He held numerous positions in education and business before beginning his career in 1986 as a personnel manager with Consolidated Ceramic Products Inc., Blanchester, Ohio. He retired from there in 2001 as vice president. He was also involved in the real estate business in Ocala, Fla. An active member of the community, he served as president of Community Improvement Corp. and the

Clinton County/Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving three terms as a member of the Wilmington City Council. He is survived by his wife, two sons, three step-sons, and nine grandchildren. A brother, John C. Milstead ’53, predeceased him.

’64 | Delbert G. Keltto died April 29, 2004, in Rochester, Minn. A Lutheran minister, he served congregations in Salem, S.D., Underwood, Washburn, Coleharbor, Fargo and Crosby, N.D., Mentor, Ohio, and Springfield, Ill. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and a brother. Linda Ellis Potts of Avon Lake, Ohio, and formerly of Greenville, N.C., died Oct. 4, 2006. From 1964-70, she was a fourth and fifth grade teacher for the Sandusky Schools in Ohio, and the Kalamazoo and St. Clair Shores Schools in Michigan. She organized and managed the Avon Lake Library Shop from 1993 until her retirement in 2003. She was an active member of the Avon Lake High School P.T.A. and was honored in 1996 with the creation of the annual Potts Award. A member of Delta Gamma sorority, she was past president of Avon Lake Women’s Association and Presbyterian Women, a former Girl Scout leader, a deacon at Avon Lake Presbyterian Church and served as president of the Northeast Ohio M.S.A. of Museum Managers. Her husband, two daughters, a son, three grandchildren and a sister survive. On Dec. 9, 2005, B. Wyatt Taylor passed away in Pittsburgh, Pa. During the Vietnam War era, he served as a commanding officer with the U.S. Coast Guard in the Philippines, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He was a member of Bower Hill Community Church, Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

summer 2007 69

CLASS NOTES

’55 |

CLASS NOTES

A self-employed tax consultant, he is survived by a brother, ﬁve nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

’65 | Judith Olesko Lowe died Feb. 10, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio. She was a member of Columbus Sail and Power Squadron and was past cocommander of the Sea Gals Auxiliary. She was employed for 20 years by Checkfree Corp., Dublin, Ohio. Her husband, a daughter and seven grandchildren survive. Lena Feeser Skillings, Springfield, Ohio, died Feb. 10, 2007. She taught fifth and sixth grades in the Springfield Local School District at Rockway Elementary School for 21 years, retiring in 1979. She was a member of Plattsburg United Church of Christ, Clark County Homemakers, Clark County Retired Teachers Association and Eastern Star. Surviving are two sons, including Leslie E. Skillings Jr. ’63, two granddaughters, a sister, a brother, and many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Harry R. Feeser ’61. Preceding her in death were a sister, Clara Feeser Stewart ’66, a brother, Charles R. Feeser ’51, and a cousin, Leonore Feeser Barringer ’15.

’66 | Catherine Forfare Davis, Victorville, Calif., passed away Dec. 14, 2006. She began her teaching career in Springﬁeld, Ohio, before moving to California, where she was a mentor teacher and an adviser for class, newspaper and drama clubs for 40 years, retiring from the Barstow Uniﬁed School District. Six children, 11 grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and a brother survive. Preceding her in death was her husband, George T. Davis ’59.

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John H. Keithley ’68S, Dayton, Ohio, died Oct. 27, 2006. During World War II, he served as a staff sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific and stateside during the Korean War. A pastor, he served Salem Lutheran Church, Miamisburg, Ohio, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Mansfield, Ohio, Eternal Light Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilmington, Ohio, and retired in September 1990 from St. John’s Ingomar Lutheran Church in West Alexandria, Ohio. Survivors include his wife, a son, three daughters, six grandchildren and two sisters. Edna Rivers Locke, formerly of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away Oct. 18, 2006, in Waynesville, Ohio. A member of the Crossview Christian Church and the Warren County Teachers Association, she taught school for 25 years. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and teaching Sunday school. A daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a sister survive.

’70 | Formerly of Findlay, Ohio, David M. Cibulka, passed away Jan. 20, 2007, in North Canton, Ohio. He was retired from Sodexho. He leaves behind two sisters, two nieces, a great-nephew and a greatniece.

’71 | Byron R. Johnson of Huntingdon Township, Pa., died June 22, 2004. For the past seven years, he was a chemist for PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, Pa. A member of the American Chemical Society and various professional scientiﬁc organizations, he enjoyed gardening. Surviving are his wife, Anita Kemp Johnson ’69, ﬁve brothers, a sister, and several nieces and nephews.

’72 |

’74 |

Ben R. Giambrone of Irondequoit, N.Y., died Feb. 9, 2007. He worked in the insurance business before coming to Rochester, N.Y., to serve at Mercer Human Resource Consulting for 25 years. Following his retirement from that company, he became president of Compeer Inc. He was active on the executive committee of the Rochester Press-Radio Club, was chair of the board of the Geva Theater and was vice-chair of the board of the Mary Cariola Children’s Center. A member of the Church of the Transﬁguration and Beta Theta Pi fraternity, he is survived by his wife, Pamela Bronson Giambrone ’73, two sons, a daughter, his mother, a sister and a sister-in-law, Patricia Bronson Rose ’70.

Robert L. Cline, Lyndhurst, Ohio, died Nov. 2, 2006. A World War II U.S. Army veteran, he was an accountant and a scheduler in production control at Bell Aircraft before changing careers. As a Lutheran minister, he was a pastor of churches in Millersburg and Minerva, Ohio, before becoming spiritual leader at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lyndhurst. Following his retirement after 23 years of service, he headed Lutheran Children’s Aid and Family Services until 2001. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother.

James D. McKnight of Washington, Vt., died Feb. 2, 2006, in Los Angeles, Calif. As an attorney, he worked in the Washington County state attorney’s ofﬁce before being elected Orange County state attorney in 1978, a position he held until 2002. A member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, he enjoyed ﬁshing, golf, history, literature, and rock and roll. Surviving are a son, two sisters, two nephews, and a niece.

’73 | James W. Lantz of Lancaster, Ohio, died Dec. 24, 2006. A member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a retired employee of the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services and was active with the Fairﬁeld Humane Society. A son, a daughter, his parents, a sister and three nieces survive. An uncle, Clark G. Axline 1901, predeceased him.

’85 | Laurel Rowe Metty of Clarksville, Ohio, died Dec. 18, 2005. A Girl Scout leader and a tutor and volunteer at Harland Butlerville Elementary School, she was employed at Hamilton County MRDD. Survivors include her husband, a daughter, her mother, a sister, Amy Rowe Tuell ’82, two brothers, three nieces and two nephews. Patty Lichtenberg Miller, Columbus, Ohio, passed away Oct. 11, 2006. A former cargo handler with Emery Worldwide in Vandalia, Ohio, she was associated with Trinity Lutheran and Bexley Hall Seminaries. She recently worked on the Lutheran Habitat House in Richmond, Ind. Her husband, a sister, several brothers, and several nieces and nephews survive.

’05 | Sondra Glass Iiames of Casstown, Ohio, died Dec. 19, 2006. A registered nurse with CIC certiﬁcation, she was an infection control consultant with the State of Ohio. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and APIC. Survivors include her husband, two sons, two sisters and two brothers.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar of

calendarevents

events

August 29 Wittenberg Series Event – 11 a.m. Weaver Chapel Opening Convocation, Bishop Mark Hanson

September 19 Wittenberg Series Event – 7:30 p.m. Arena, HPER Center IBM Lecture, Marcia McNutt

28-30 Family Weekend 28-29 Wittenberg Choir Variety Show – TBA, Krieg Hall

October 7 Music at Wittenberg – 3 p.m. Krieg Hall Faculty artist recital, Stephen Siek, piano

10 Wittenberg Series Event – 7:30 p.m. Arena, HPER Center Leventhal Lecture, Brigitte Gabriel

19-21 Homecoming/Reunion Weekend 20 Music at Wittenberg – 4 p.m. Krieg Hall Faculty Artist Recital, Daniel Kazez, cello, Richard York, clarinet

21 Music at Wittenberg – 3 p.m. Weaver Chapel Bishop Mark Hanson, Aug. 29

Symphonic Band Concert

24 Music at Wittenberg – 7 p.m. Krieg Hall Guest Artist Recital, Michael Gould, Sakuhachi (tentative)

28 Wittenberg Series Event – 7:30 p.m. Weaver Chapel Festival Choral Eucharist for the Reformation

29 Wittenberg Series Event – 7:30 p.m. Weaver Chapel Sauer Symposium, Dr. Mark Swanson

November 3 Music at Wittenberg – 3 p.m. Krieg Hall Guest Artist Recital, Cynthia Lawing, piano (tentative)

12 Music at Wittenberg – 8 p.m. Krieg Hall Flute Choir Concert

14 Wittenberg Series Event – 7:30 p.m. Kuss Auditorium,

Chamber Orchestra, Nov. 18

Clark State Performing Arts Center Tentative Dance Event – Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

18 Music at Wittenberg – 3 p.m. Weaver Chapel Chamber Orchestra Concert

Brigitte Gabriel, Oct. 10 summer 2007 71

ROBERT GANTT

LAST WORD

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Wittenberg At Its Best

ROBERT GANTT

President Erickson Reﬂects On Commencement 2007

wish you could have all been on campus May 12 for this year’s graduation ceremony. It was one of those glorious days that will forever be etched into the memories of those who were there. As I left Commencement Hollow on that day, I remarked to my wife, Lin, “I am not sure how we can ever top this day.” Yes, this Commencement marked the ﬁrst outdoor ceremony in ﬁve years. That alone was cause for great celebration. The sky was a bright blue, and the day was simply beautiful, but that was only the beginning; this day was amazing for many reasons. Commencement Hollow had just been transformed into a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, thanks to the generosity of board member Lewis Shaw ’66. The end result is simply spectacular! To make the day even better, Lewis and his wife, Janet, joined us, with Lewis serving as honorary marshal. Yes, after giving this wonderful gift, we put him to work!

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As the faculty, distinguished guests and I sat on the new stage area looking out at the sea of black caps and gowns, the focus of the day became abundantly clear – our wonderful graduates, who will literally change the world. Included among them were two Fulbright award-winners, Peace Corps volunteers, Teach for America participants and top athletes. I also think of Karell Pelle, a native of Cameroon who was born in Belgium, grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to Wittenberg. She now heads to Harvard on a full-ride to pursue her Ph.D. in immunology and infectious diseases so that she can help developing countries ﬁght tropical diseases. She is but one example of this incredibly talented class that lives and breathes our motto, “Having Light We Pass It On To Others.” Our honorar y degree recipients provided yet another highlight of the day. World-renowned architect Shoei Yoh, who came to Wittenberg in the late 1960s as an exchange student, whispered to me as he received his honorary degree, “Suddenly 40 years is but a second, I feel like I am home.” Pulitzer-Prize nominee Robert C. Williams, internationally known expert on Russia, former Provost of Davidson, and the parent of a 1988 Wittenberg graduate was equally moved by his honorary degree and commented on the remarkable relationships our students build with their professors. Finally, Juan Williams, award- winning journalist and our Commencement speaker, made the following comment at the end of the day, “I should have had my son (who will attend Haverford this fall) look at Wittenberg.”

A beautiful day, splendid new setting, outstanding graduates, wonderful honorary degree recipients, and a great Commencement speaker – you would think that was enough, but we had one more surprise. As I concluded handing out diplomas to our graduates and prepared to close the program, I heard from behind me Juan Williams and Professor Gerry Hudson ask, “Did you see what happened?” I said, “I did not,” to which they replied, “We think one of the students just proposed marriage to another.” I approached the podium armed with my new information and said, “Is it true that one of you just proposed to another member of this class?” I heard a murmur in the crowd. It was clear that a small fraction of the audience had, indeed, witnessed the marriage proposal. I then asked the two young people to stand up and they did, one young man all the way on the right side of the assembled graduates and a young woman all the way on the left. I then suggested that as a newly engaged couple, they should at least sit together (I have learned something about such things from my 28 years of marriage). What followed next was magical. They ran to the middle of the hollow where they met, leapt into each others arms and kissed. The audience erupted into thunderous applause. It was, indeed, an unforgettable moment to top off an unforgettable day. As the crowd quieted and the couple ﬁnally ﬁnished their surprising long kiss, I did something college presidents almost never do, I quoted a beer commercial stating, “It simply doesn’t get any better than this.” ■

ROBERT GANTT

homecoming October 19-21, 2007

reunions to be celebrated:

10th, 15th, 25th, 50th & 55th

Celebrate the ‘07 Wonders of Witt this year during the university’s favorite annual alumni event. Reunite, reminisce and reﬂect throughout the three-day weekend. For more information and the latest updates, log on to www.wittenberg.edu/homecoming.

Friday, Oct.19

Saturday, Oct. 20

1 Campus Tours

1 Family Fun Fest

1 Career Day

1 All-Alumni Brunch and Awards Presentation

1 Classroom Experience 1 Athletics Hall of Honor Dinner 1 All-Campus Welcome with Faculty Band Witt FREE 1 Alumni Golf Outing 1 Reunions with Departments

Sunday, Oct. 21

1 Alumni Association Meeting 1 Tiger Tailgate 1 Football vs. Ohio Wesleyan 1 Men’s and Women’s Soccer 1 Concerned Black Students’ Barbecue 1 Reunion Receptions for the Classes of ‘52, ‘57, ‘82, ‘91-’92-’93 cluster, ‘97 1 Weaver Chapel Worship Service 1 Farewell Brunch 1 Field Hockey

Timeless Tranquility Summer at Wittenberg photos courtesy of University Communications

Wittenberg University Ward Street at North Wittenberg Avenue Post Ofﬁce Box 720 Springﬁeld, Ohio 45501-0720

Non-Proﬁt Org. U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, OH Permit No. 4416