Defiance College Welcomes Its 18th President Mark C. Gordon

October 5-11, 2009! Mark Your Calendars!

More activities than EVER!

REUNION GROUPS: 1969 Football Team Baseball Teams Softball Teams Wrestling Teams BASA Members Choir & Performing Arts Schauffler Social Work Christian Education Legacy Families Veterans Golden Reunion Classes

HI

GHLI

GHTS

Installation of President Mark C. Gordon

Thursday night fireworks/pep rally/concert

Alumni Leadership presentations

Second annual Celebrate DC Dinner

Homecoming Run/Walk

Hall of Fame Breakfast

Webster Street Festival

Yellow Jacket Football vs. Manchester

find more at http://alumni.defiance.edu

Summer 2009 �

The Magazine

Visit the DC website - www.defiance.edu

Vol. 99, No. 1 Summer 2009

Editorial Board & StaffKathy Punches ’96 Editor, Director of Public Relations and Marketing Rev. David Plant ’73 Director of Alumni and Parent RelationsMichele Tinker Director of Annual GivingDebbie Richard ’02, ’04 Assistant Director of MarketingRyan Imbrock Layout and Graphic Design

FeaturesWelcome ------------------------------------------------- 2Defiance College appoints 18th president

Progress ------------------------------------------------- 3Update on the largest campaign in DC history

Education ----------------------------------------------- 4A program with a tradition of excellence

Youth Sport---------------------------------------------- 6Shaped by those who lead

Excited --------------------------------------------------- 8Alumni share how DC helped shape their educational futures

Granting--------------------------------------------------12A new on-campus service program awards $12,000

Legacy----------------------------------------------------14The Derricotte children create a scholarship

Continuing Research ---------------------------------15Dr. Bernard Mikula’s genetic research spans 50 years

Passions --------------------------------------------------16Mark Shy ’75 says success rooted in DC experience

Recognition ---------------------------------------------18Faculty scholarly achievements

Symposium----------------------------------------------19With two keynote speakers, McMaster event a success

Selected---------------------------------------------------20Carnegie Foundation recognizes community commitment

Athletics -------------------------------------------------21Update from the Field House

Events ----------------------------------------------------22DCAN has alumni events scheduled across America

Class Notes-----------------------------------------------24

Defiance college

Trustee FellowsBill Bishop ’93Dr. Dean Colwell ’64Dr. William M. Finerty, Jr.E. Keith Hubbard ’57Duncan R. Jamieson ’62Diane KaiserMargaret F. Mills ’67

Board of TrusteesJoyce C. Anderson ’66 Keith Bell, Sr. ’78Edward Buhl ’73Thomas Callan ’66Dr. Lillian Dunlap ’68Dr. Allen GasparCheryl Hahr ’68James Hamilton ’72Eric HenchJohn HornsThomas K. HubbardKarl Ideman ’67Dr. Rita A. KissnerTimothy Leuzarder ’67Philip Mallott ’78Mark Moats

Alumni Executive BoardWayne BuchananCynthia Cordero ’06Jan Craig ’69Lisa Crumit-Hancock ’91Jon Gathman ’96Matt Gilroy ’02Jim Hamilton ’72Rob Harris ’80

Duncan Jamieson ’62Charlotte Johannigman ’94Jason LaBounty ’03Carolyn Mann ’74John Mikesell ’03Mary Beth Royal ’98Doug Short ’66

Dr. Terrence W. Rettig ’68Stuart F. Sakosits ’68Kyle ShongClara S. SimmonsWilliam J. SmallDavid StuckeyJohn W. Weaner

Glen NewcomerRev. Dr. Roger D. PerlMark Shy ’75Barb J. Silvis ’72Shaune M. Skinner ’75Dr. Bonnie SloanGeorge Smart ’67David Speakman ’63Steve VanDemark ’76Honorary TrusteesGeraldine R. Boomer ’69Dr. Edwin S. CharlesDr. Amos J. White

Welcome

�

welcometo Defiance college

Mark C. Gordon is appointed as Defiance College’s 18th president after a five-month national search

by Kathy Punches ’96, Director of Public Relations and Marketing

Mark C. Gordon, dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

and a former faculty member at Columbia University, has been named president of Defiance College. He is the 18th president in the 159-year history of the College. The announcement, which culminates a five-month national search process, was made on February 13 by Philip Mallott, chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Gordon as Defiance College’s 18th president,” said Mallott. “Mark is an innovative and dynamic individual who has had tremendous success leading the growth and development of the law school at Detroit Mercy. Throughout his career, he has clearly demonstrated his commitment to civic responsibility and service learning, qualities that are the foundation of our mission at Defiance College. “We’re very excited about the possibilities for the future of Defiance College under Mark’s leadership and look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Defiance community during the coming months.”

Gordon, who has led the substantial growth of the UDM Law School for the past six and a half years, will assume the Defiance presidency this summer. Of his appointment to Defiance, Gordon said, “I am honored and delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful team of trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students and alumni. My wife, Anne, and our two boys, Chris and Charlie,

look forward to being members of the Defiance community.” He added, “I am inspired by Defiance’s accomplishments already and even more excited by its potential.” Under his leadership, the UDM Law School has developed and implemented nationally recognized exemplary public service programs, a unique international approach, and curricular innovations focused on success in getting jobs for its students. The school’s enrollment has nearly doubled during Gordon’s tenure as dean. Gordon earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, a master’s degree in international affairs with a certificate from the Russian Institute from Columbia University School of International Affairs, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College at Columbia University. For six years he was associate professor in the practice of public affairs in the

School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. While at Columbia, he was director of the Urban Habitat Project that identified and analyzed innovative approaches to urbanization around the world and offered training for local officials in dealing with the challenges of urbanization. Prior to arriving at Columbia, Gordon was general deputy assistant secretary for community planning and development in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gordon will succeed Dr. Gerald Wood who stepped down as Defiance president in 2008. Dr. Charles Warren served as interim president during the 2008-2009 academic year.

“I am inspired by Defiance’s accomplishments already and even more excited by its potential.” -- Mark C. Gordon, new DC president

Mark C. Gordon

Look for more

on Defiance College’s

NEW president

in the next issue!

Summer 2009 ◆ �

In the Winter 2008 issue of The Defiance College Magazine, we introduced the public phase of our comprehensive campaign entitled The Transforming Difference: A Campaign to Defy the Ordinary. The committee plans to bring you updates on important issues as

they arise during the remainder of the campaign, our largest in College history. As of May 13, 2009, we have received in gifts and pledges totaling $14.2 million – 54.7% of the $26 million goal. We are delighted with the progress since entering the public phase of the campaign in October 2008, particularly during this difficult economy. Your gifts have made a difference. Thank you! These are exciting times at DC!

1. CAPITALPROJECTS–Goal$13,300,000 Committed:$3,036,000(22.8%)

AcademicFacilities:• Tenzer Hall renovation and addition -

Project renovation complete. ResidenceHalls:

• McReynolds and Whitney Hall Renovations - Whitney Hall has been completed. McReynolds will be scheduled next.

Recreation,Sports,CommunityFacilities:• Wellness and Fitness Center/Field House -

A gathering place for students who want to keep fit and enjoy recreational opportunities, including Weaner/McMaster renovation.

• Schomburg Auditorium Renovation - Funds for disabled seating, stage flooring, proscenium curtain, new sound system, and restroom remodeling are still needed.

2. ENDOWMENTPRIORITIES-Goal$6,800,000 Committed:$6,669,000(98.1%)FacultyandProgramEndowment:

• Faculty Research and Professional Engagement These funds will foster professional growth and scholarship for an already dedicated faculty.

• Development of Academic Programs*Sustaining stellar and developing dynamic academic programs are essential to enhancing the ongoing reputation of the College. Endowment for new programs is still needed.

• Student Support - A source of revenue to make a Defiance College education available to financially deserving and talented students.

3. CURRENTPRIORITIES-Goal$5,900,000 Committed:$4,524,000(76.7%)

• Annual FundThe Annual Fund is the margin of excellence that helps ensure quality across the campus.

progressthe transforming difference

An update on A Campaign to Defy the Ordinary,the largest campaign in College history

CAPITALPROJECTSGoal$13,300,000

Committed$3,036,000(22.8%)

ENDOWMENTPRIORITIESGoal$6,800,000

Committed$6,669,000(98.1%)

CURRENTPRIORITIESGoal$5,900,000

Committed$4,524,000(76.7%)

$26,000,000TOTAlGOAl$14,200,000 CoMMiTTED

*These figures include outright and planned gifts.

Education

�

educationa TradiTion of ExcEllEncE

A high percentage of teachers in Northwest Ohio and beyond got their start in the DC education program

The Teacher Education Program at Defiance College has a tradition of

excellence, producing quality graduates for many decades. A high percentage of DC alumni are teachers and administrators in schools throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond. One of the largest majors on campus, the program strives to put the best teachers out in the field by creating a curricular framework that aligns with the College’s mission of community engagement and responsible citizenship. This emphasis, coupled with a strong foundation in the liberal arts provided to students in all academic programs, allows the Education Division to remain a strong and vibrant program. As evidence that its

approach to preparing future teachers works, the division boasts a 100 percent pass rate for the Praxis II, a part of the teacher licensure and certification process. Overall, the Education Program represents DC well. “The Teacher Education Program continues to be an area of great strength for Defiance College,” says Dr. Jo Ann Burkhardt, associate professor of education, head of teacher education, and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Education program. “The combination of highly trained and committed teacher education faculty, skilled partners in the public school system, and students who are motivated to become teacher-leaders is a powerful one.” Superintendents who hire DC graduates

consistently observe that DC students are well prepared to meet the challenges of today’s classrooms. Students are required to take multiple methods classes and are continually evaluated on their progress. An education council, consisting of professors in the education major as well as professors from other divisions, evaluates students from a holistic perspective. This, coupled with state and federal guidelines, helps to keep the program at its peak level. Burkhardt, who has led the program for three years, wasn’t always sure she wanted to be in higher education. Originally from Cleveland, she first came to the Defiance area in 1976 to teach special education in the Northeastern Local School District. After serving as principal of two high schools - Fayette High School and Ottawa Hills High School in Toledo - Burkhardt wanted a break from education and embarked on another career path. Burkhardt enrolled at and graduated from the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute and started her own business doing high-end catering. She first connected with Defiance College when she taught a research and design class as a part-time instructor in 1999. “I loved how everyone at Defiance was very serious about the mission of the college,” says Burkhardt. “So when a full-time position opened up, I applied.” She’s been helping to sustain the Education program at DC ever since. Burkhardt explains that Defiance College works with 25-30 school districts in the four-county area to place students for observations and internships. DC faculty members have cultivated a good rapport with area school districts, which provides optimal opportunities for aspiring teachers to receive real-world experience from highly qualified teachers and coaches.Dr. Jo Ann Burkhardt, head of teacher education at DC,

is also a McMaster Fellow to Cambodia.

Summer 2009 ◆ �

DC faculty and supervising teachers stress to student teachers the impact, both positive and negative, they can have on children. “Students entering the education profession have a tremendous responsibility. Teachers work with a very vulnerable population,” says Burkhardt. “Who hasn’t been affected by a teacher, whether good or bad? We remind students when they go out into the school system that their actions not only affect themselves, but also the students entrusted to them, the college and the education major.” Not only does the Education division produce quality teachers, it has also been at the forefront of the College’s service learning and civic engagement initiatives. “It’s important that students realize the importance of service and civic engagement

within the classroom,” says Burkhardt. And they have. Defiance College students organized a project to help kindergarteners improve their reading skills and simultaneously meet the needs of residents of senior centers and elder care homes who didn’t get many visitors and were starved for company. The project incorporated both groups by having the kindergarten students read to the seniors, thereby meeting two community needs. On a broader scale, faculty and students in the Education program have been actively involved in projects through the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity. Burkhardt, fellow faculty member Diane Kaiser, and Education students began a McMaster School project in 2004 that focused on the educational needs of the Guatemalan

community of Chiquimulilla, a small town located near the El Salvador border. While in Chiquimulilla the group identified access to educational materials as a significant issue. They observed that several students would either share a book or were taught without books because texts were not available. This wasn’t a problem just for Chiquimulilla, but a contributing factor to the high percentage of illiteracy in rural populations throughout Guatemala. The faculty and students worked with the community of Chiquimulilla for several years, eventually opening a library in 2007 with 100 starter books and bookshelves that would serve not only the school, but also the community. Education faculty members and students have also been involved with the McMaster School project in Cambodia for five years now. Dr. Burkhardt and Dr. Fred Coulter have conducted teacher trainings, and Dr. Tim Rickabaugh has worked on health education. Student projects have included teaching pedagogies around algebra, geography, and literacy. “It’s important that our students and faculty are involved in the McMaster School,” says Burkhardt. “We are fortunate to have the tools necessary to excel in this work. It’s a rewarding experience to help others.” Alumni of the Education program have excelled in their professional lives. Defiance College boasts college presidents, deans, division chairs, professors, teachers, administrators, coaches and many others who work in the education profession. Successful alumni display the qualities of a Defiance College education, and prospective and incoming students find these successes proof of an outstanding academic program. u

“The combination of highly trained and committed teacher education faculty, skilled partners in the public school system, and students who are motivated to become teacher leaders is a powerful one.”

-- Dr. Jo Ann Burkhardt, associate professor of education, head of teacher

education, and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Education program

Education students held their second Family Fun Day this spring to promote literacy.

Youth Sport

�

youth sportshaped by those who lead

For professors Rickabaugh and Lydum, youth sport leadership plays an important role in coaching and recreation

by Debbie Richard, ’02, ’04, Assistant Director of Marketing

Youth sport today is overtly competitive and comes equipped with parents

who have created the stereotypical “sports parent” in the news. In many areas, sports are exclusive, require sign-up fees or cut less talented athletes from teams by the time they reach their early teens. “Sport is ubiquitous. No matter where you go in the world, people gather for organized physical activity,” says Matt Lydum, assistant professor of education and assistant track and field coach. “To understand why youth sport in the U.S. has become so competitive, we must consider factors such as media portrayals of sport and

commercialism. Hyper competitive youth sport is not congruent with the original intention of the Olympic movement or the function of sport in school.” While countries, communities and schools are trying to find the best of the best, many kids and teens are turned off by sports either because of the competitiveness or because they just don’t enjoy it. “Seventy-five percent of kids who choose to be part of organized sports, drop out by age thirteen,” says Dr. Tim Rickabaugh, professor of exercise science. “The way we approach U.S. youth sport is often counterproductive. We should

encourage kids to have more fun when playing sports and allow all kids who want to play to have an opportunity to participate until at least their early teens.” Both Rickabaugh and Lydum feel there are changes coming with regard to coaching and recreational leadership. “Few public school districts require coaches to obtain a coaching license,” says Rickabaugh. “Until recently, most Ohio public schools did not require a coaching license, only proof of an injury prevention class.” “The issue with untrained coaches is that they often don’t know what to focus on or what the correct guidelines are for working with youth,” says Lydum. The National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education is considering

offering an alternative option for coaches looking for licensure. Prospective

coaches would take courses at local colleges and graduate with coaching credentials. Rickabaugh and Lydum both feel the additional training would be very beneficial for coaches and the youth they will work with. After serving as head coach of the San Francisco State Gators for eight years and United States Olympic Committee representative at the International Olympic Academy, Lydum has some very firm ideas about sports. “We teach our students to look at the bigger picture when it comes to youth athletics,” says Lydum. One of the first projects Defiance College sport science students work on is a service learning project for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of The 100 Black Men. The group consists of leading African American men in business, government, technology and public affairs “We teach our students to look at

the bigger picture when it comes to youth athletics.”

-- Matt Lydum, DC professor/coach

Professor Matt Lydum works with local elementary students.

Summer 2009 ◆ �

dedicated to helping African American youth by providing scholarships and mentoring. The organization has a Youth Movement initiative within which they collect information from, on average, 200 children in the Bay Area. The information is sent to Defiance College students for input into a spreadsheet and returned to the organization. The DC students are also able to use the information to form statistical models on youth organic skills –such as running, jumping, throwing, etc. From this information and information they collect locally and compare with the Bay Area information, students can begin thinking about and discussing the basic physical literacy of youth – child obesity and ability to access childhood sports. “We also teach the students that they will need to create a variety of physical activities for youth. Not every school or organization they are placed in will have access to sports equipment,” says Lydum. “It is in these situations that our students will need to be leaders - places where it is most needed, not where it is easiest.” “DC doesn’t have a major or minor in coaching,” says Rickabaugh, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University who previously taught in the Central Michigan University Health Science division. “Because of changes to the physical education curriculum to meet national requirements, only a small amount of time is spent on coaching education, and the focus is primarily on educational theory. I don’t want to change the focus of physical education, and would like us to offer

coaching education outside of the physical education curriculum. “We have recently changed our Sport Science program to Exercise Science,” says Rickabaugh. “This allows the program to establish a more accurate identity. Exercise Science will focus on health, fitness and wellness, but not health education or physical education. It is within this program that a coaching certificate program could be available.” While developing a coaching education concentration, Rickabaugh tries to reach current Exercise Science students and teach them there is more to coaching than game strategy and administration. “Youth sport leadership is an important area

within Exercise Science. Students need to understand that youth will face many issues when entering sports – whether it’s from parents, other youth, coaches, or even the early specialization process.” One tool Rickabaugh uses is the Youth Athlete Development Model (Wuerth, Lee, and Alfermann, 2004, and Hestrom and Gould, 2004) which proposes three developmental stages to show how youth should be introduced to sports. Stage 1 is for ages 6-12 and is called the “Romance Stage.” In this stage youth are encouraged to have fun and develop a love of the sport. In Stage 2, the “Precision Phase,” youth ages 12-15 focus on developing sport-specific skills. The final stage, called the “Integration Phase,” is for ages 15 and up and has an intrinsic focus on athletic performance. This is where the student takes primary control over his or her own athletic development. Students are often surprised to start with development models, but this forms the basis for which the Exercise Science program wants students to be focused – on youth and how to best work with and encourage them to have fun. To see if it was working, a survey was given to students graduating from 2004 thru 2006, which showed that 88 percent of DC Exercise Science students felt a strong obligation to provide youth sport leadership upon graduation. There are sure to be more changes in the future. Sports are an American pastime, and youth physical fitness is becoming more of a concern, not only for athletes but for all children. The recent changes in Exercise Science are just another step in the development of quality majors available at Defiance College.

Pam Borton ’87, University of Minnesota head women’s basketball coach, met members of the DC basketball team during a game in Ann Arbor in March.

Dr. Tim Rickabaugh and students work with youngsters in a physical activities class.

Excited

�

KEN JONES ’69 A passion for teaching

Ken Jones ’69 is a well-known figure in education in northwest Ohio.

He has been a math teacher, guidance counselor, basketball coach, principal, and for the majority of his professional career, district superintendent. He retired from the Ayersville School District in 1999 and went to work for General Motors for three years. However, “I got a little itchy to get back into the education business,” he relates, and in 2002 he accepted the position of superintendent at Evergreen Local Schools. “Teaching has always been a passion

of mine,” Ken explains. “As I have done the different jobs in education, I’ve tried to maintain the teacher focus. I’ve always enjoyed that part of the process of education.” However, the challenges of a superintendent’s position are always about finances, he admits. “I’ve been a superintendent for 26 years, and in those 26 years, I’ve had 29 tax issues on the ballot between the two districts. This is probably the most important job of a superintendent. What’s unfortunate about it is the time that it takes away from the role as an educational leader.” Ken has announced his retirement at the end of the current school year. While his plans include spending more time in a warmer climate, he wants to get into educational consulting, helping educators and administrators in their work. Thinking over his years in education, Ken relates, “The joy of this position is the ability to have an impact on students and their future. Although at times the focus is different than you might want, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Originally from Continental, Ken was recruited to play basketball for DC by Marv Hohenberger and had the chance to help with coaching duties with freshmen his senior year, which he calls a fabulous experience. Ken is married to his high school sweetheart, Trish, who attended DC for her two-year teacher’s license. They live in Wauseon and have three children and four grandchildren.

excitedfOr EducatiON

Alumni share how Defiance College helped shape their futures in education

Trish and Ken Jones

dON aMMONS ’71Mind-expanding education

Dr. Don Ammons ’71 contends that while he learned how to

teach at Defiance College, he also learned how to learn. “Attending DC taught me how to be a learner, and taught me how to educate myself.” After leaving DC, Don worked in mental health while pursuing his master’s and Ph.D., and then followed a career path that led him first to teach counseling and human services, then to serve as dean of arts and sciences at Trident Technical College, and to his current position

as vice president for academic affairs at Gaston College in Dallas, NC, where he has been for eight years. “Now I am having to learn things in terms of engineering technologies, health sciences, nursing, all those areas, as well as the general education core, and business information technologies. You have to become an expert in those fields to be able to promote and evaluate all those programs. “When the economy gets bad, we’re workforce development,” Don said, relating his appreciation for community colleges. “Our average student age is 27, maybe higher. The two-year college is part of the economic development machine – you have to be responsive to the community, and be able to change on a dime. It’s been a real challenge.” Thinking back to his time at DC, Don relates, “When people talk about a liberal arts education, where you prepare the whole person to think and problem solve in many unique areas – that’s the kind of preparation I needed to supervise disciplines in which I’ve had no training at all. It’s very mind-expanding.” He and his wife, Jackie, reside in Gastonia, NC.

Don Ammons

Profiles written by Michele Tinker, Director of Annual Giving

Summer 2009 ◆ �

KEitH BELL ’78Directing academic programming

Having previously spent 29 years in education, last year Keith Bell ’78 became the director of secondary

academic affairs for Westerville City Schools. In this position, he is responsible for the supervision and direction of all academic programming, development of new academic programming, and the supervision of principals and assistant principals of three high schools and four middle schools in this suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Keith relates his new job to using a different lens, looking at decisions and directions from a district perspective. Plus, he adds, he now has no school bells driving his day. Looking back at his time at college, Keith reflects, “It was Defiance that allowed me to test my theories and develop practical experiences that still benefit me today.” While his

parents made him understand how important it was to be able to work with all kinds of people, he was able to cultivate this ability at Defiance College, he explains. “Had I not listened to Garnett Smith, my business teacher and advisor, I would not be in the position I am today. She took the extra time to not only assist me with a graduate assistantship, but also to see my true calling. I listened!” Keith and his wife, Toni, live in the Columbus area and have two children, Keith Jr. and Joshua. He has served on the Defiance College Board of Trustees since 2004.

raE GaMBLEr ’81Getting students

to learn

“Science is a way to

solve the problems of the world!” Spoken like the true science teacher Rae Gambler ’81 has been for the past 28 years. She has been teaching sixth grade science at Defiance Middle School for the last 14 years, and her goal for her

students is simple: getting them to learn. Asked about her penchant for science, Rae relates that she has always wanted to blow things up and experiment. Her favorite part of the year is Experiment Week, where her classes make slime, silly putty, and mystery goop. She feels that most of the students like science, which makes the job easier. They might ask, “Why do we have to learn this?” about math or social studies, but not science. “No two days are the same,” Rae explains. She likes the hands-on part of science, where students who may not be book smart are learning because they’re doing. She enjoys seeing their reaction to what they do in class, especially the messy projects. Rae received both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Defiance College and has also taught some graduate level classes at the college, sharing what she’s learned with other teachers. Rae has the distinction of being in the Defiance Academic Hall of Fame, and was recently awarded the Master Teacher national certification, which recognizes excellence inside and outside the classroom through consistent leadership, focused collaboration and distinguished teaching and continued professional growth. Rae has been involved with the Defiance High School quiz bowl team for 20 years, and works with the sixth grade quiz team as well. She and her husband, Bob, live in Bryan, Ohio.

Rae Gambler

Brad PLONKa ’02Growing a charter school

A native of the Detroit area, Brad Plonka ’02 is now settled happily in California. When he first relocated, Brad taught

world history in a Los Angeles middle school and then joined the new Magnolia Science Academy in Venice. Here he is glad to be out of the traditional classroom, teaching physical education and also serving as discipline coordinator, or dean. In this capacity, he works with setting policies through the academy, making sure the students are following the handbook, and communicating with parents and staff.

Magnolia Science Academy is a tuition-free public charter school, which provides an emphasis on mathematics, science and technology. Currently, the academy teaches children in grades six through eight, but will eventually be a 6-12 school. “We are a first-year program, growing in size each year as a grade level is added,” Brad explains, adding that the

expectation is that next year’s student body will be 250, compared to 125 this year. “We currently have a waiting list for the academy,“ he adds. Brad also coaches basketball. About his team, he says, “We’re growing. We weren’t as good as the Yellow Jackets were this past year.” He would like to coach football someday. “Without playing football at DC for four years, without the guidance from the coaches, without learning about teamwork, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” His wife, Lisa, is a native of Southern California and a veterinarian. Lisa and Brad live in Encino with their new daughter, Lily.

Brad Plonka

Keith Bell

Excited

10

tiM rEttiG ’96Changing the way teachers work

“We shot for the stars, but we hit the moon.” Bryan High School

assistant principal and DC alumnus Tim Rettig ’96 said of a recent school district-wide technology initiative. Technology director at the time, Tim was involved in an effort to put a laptop in the hands of every student. While this wasn’t realized, Tim reports that Bryan now has a highly developed technology network, and each teacher has his or her own laptop. Because

of this, the faculty has the same access at home or on trips as they do sitting at their desk in school. Tim said he’s repeatedly heard the comment, “You’ve changed the way I work,” especially from those teachers with a passion for what they do. Recalling faculty that had a special impact on his time at DC, Tim remembers Dr. Jon Daniels, as one of the greatest teachers he’s experienced, as well as Dr. Patricia Olsen, Professor Jim Bray, and Dr. Don Knueve. Tim played football for four years at DC and participated in the Chamber Singers as well, where he met his wife, Tammie Kappen Rettig ’98. Tammie, a science and education major, is currently devoting her time to being home with their two young daughters, Maggie and Emma. The Rettigs reside in Bryan.

tiffaNY aLLOMONG ZiPfEL ’01Teaching with a Golden Rule

Tiffany Allomong Zipfel ’01 believes many of life’s lessons are taught in Phys. Ed. Every

incident in the gym can be a learning experience, according to this physical education teacher at Defiance Junior High School. “Sportsmanship is about how you treat others. The Golden Rule is my biggest thing,” she explains. Respect and self-respect are topics that frequently come up for discussion, especially during what her eighth graders call Zipfel’s Ponderisms, Friday chat sessions with her classes.

Tiffany believes that as a physical education teacher, she meets the students on a different level than a classroom teacher or even guidance counselor might, and this establishes a unique rapport. She feels that compassion is something she learned from

her professors at DC and what she brings to her work with the students. And it’s something her students gave back to her when she was struggling with her mother’s illness and recent death. Starting college at Indiana-Purdue University’s Fort Wayne campus, she transferred to DC after her first year. “I came from a small town, and it meant a lot to come to Defiance College and have that one-on-one relationship with faculty - that was a big plus for me. No one knew who I was at IPFW.” Tiffany says she often thinks, “What would Professor (Duane) Hocking say to me if I did that? Or, what would Professor Hocking expect of me?” Tiffany is married to Fritz Zipfel, another DC alumnus of the class of 1998 who also works for the Defiance City Schools. They have a three-year-old son, Brezlen, and they live in Defiance.

Tiffany Allomong Zipfel

StEVE BraNcHEau ’07Making sense

of mathematics

Steve Brancheau ’07 is in his

second year at St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy in Toledo where he teaches honors algebra II, trigonometry, functional analysis, and probability and statistics to sophomores and seniors. He is also an assistant coach to St.

John’s acclaimed football team. “Math has just always made sense to me. I love teaching, and I always knew I wanted to coach,” Steve says. Math is used in every facet of life, he explains to his students, from the obvious ones, such as going to the store, to more abstract uses, such as applying logic if you’re an attorney. He brings a lot of energy to the classroom, and works to get to know his students individually, so he can relate the subject to them on a personal level and keep them interested. As an example of making math applicable to the students’ lives, a recent class project for his probability and statistics class involved charting everyone’s cellphone usage, and using this information to help define, use, and implement important terms such as mean, median, outlier, variance, and standard deviation. A favorite exercise of Steve’s is to ask students to write down three things they’ve learned in his class, something they liked about the class, as well as something they didn’t like. Steve feels privileged to be part of the Titans’ football program. Aside from his love of the game, he appreciates how coaching helps him get to know students on a more personal level outside the classroom setting. Steve enjoyed his years at Defiance College. Reminiscing, he said, “I have a lot of fond memories from DC and the people that I have met there. I feel that DC has helped mold me into the teacher, coach, and person that I am today.”

Steve Brancheau

Tim Rettig and family

Summer 2009 ◆ 11

KELLY HOPSON ’08Non-traditional education success

Kelly admits to being nervous about going back to college. Married and with one child, she had been providing daycare

in her home, and her enjoyment in working with the children daily guided her decision to pursue a degree in early childhood education at Defiance College. Being a non-traditional student wasn’t easy, and this was compounded by the arrival of her second son in the middle of her studies. Kelly remembers going to education professor Fred Coulter saying, “I don’t know if I can do this!” However, thanks to the flexibility of the professors and the support of DC’s Center for Adult and Graduate Programs, she graduated with her B.S. in Education last May. In fact, she was selected to be a spokesperson for the adult program in a recent marketing campaign. Now teaching kindergarten at Noble Elementary School in Defiance, Kelly says, “This is my dream! This is what I always

wanted to do.” She thinks the new all-day, every-day kindergarten format at Noble gives the teacher time to fit everything in, while leaving room for hands-on activities and fun. It gives the children a more consistent routine, Kelly states. “I feel they’re achieving more.” Kelly credits her husband, Aaron, for his support and his willingness to take on extra work to help her reach her goal. She and Aaron, and sons, Alex and Konnor, live in Defiance.

Kelly Hopson

HONOrarY dOctOratEDefiance College awards Dr. Robert Head ’76

at the 2009 commencement ceremony

Dr. Robert L. Head ’76 was recently named the 17th president of Rockford

College in Illinois and was the 2009 Defiance College commencement speaker. Dr. Head’s outstanding commitment to civic engagement and to the field of education was recognized by DC with the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony. Dr. Head has an impressive background which includes many years of experience in the banking industry. He served as vice-president, trust services at Toledo Trust Co., in Ohio, and vice-president, trust services at Northern Trust Co. in Chicago during the ‘80s and ‘90s. The change to higher education came after a stint on the board of trustees at Defiance College. Dr. Head’s first academic appointment was at Benedictine University, Lisle, Ill., where he was an associate

professor of business and vice-president of administration. Then, in 2001, he accepted the presidency at Urbana University in Ohio, a school similar to Rockford College with approximately 1,500 students. At Urbana, Dr. Head is credited with increasing enrollment by 20 percent and doubling the residential population, attracting more international students to campus, expanding academic programs, creating partnerships with business and industry, and spearheading a successful $6 million capital campaign for a new

student center, educational endowment, athletic stadium, and other campus improvements. Dr. Head has a bachelor’s degree in management from Defiance College; a master’s in business administration from the University of Toledo; a master’s in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine; and his doctorate in organization development, also from Benedictine. He also attended the Institute for Educational

Management at Harvard University. Dr. Head and his wife, Sheryl, are active in the community of Rockford and have three grown children. u

Dr. Robert L. Head

“When people talk about a liberal arts

education, where you prepare the whole

person to think and problem-solve in many

unique areas, that’s the kind of preparation I needed to supervise

disciplines in which I’ve had no training at all. It’s very mind-expanding.”

-- Dr. Don Ammons ’71,

Teacher education alum

Granting

12

grantingDC Creates new philanthropists

Defiance College students take part in a new service program that awards $12,000 to local agencies

by Debbie Richard, ’02, ’04, Assistant Director of Marketing

Students complete many forms of service throughout their time at Defiance

College. They work in the community, travel throughout the nation and the world, organize book and food drives, volunteer in schools, and conduct research projects that benefit community partners. A new form of service was recently introduced to DC students - the service of giving back to the community in the form of philanthropic assistance. This opportunity was incorporated into three classes, which included philanthropic projects that awarded $12,000 in mini-grants. The Campus Connects Student Philanthropy Program (CCSPP) was made possible by a grant from Ohio Campus Compact, the manager of the grant program established by Cincinnati philanthropist Roger Grein. Having overcome many challenges as a youth, Grein prospered and flourished as the result of help from other people. Because of this, he was easily attracted to create a student philanthropy project when he heard about a college successfully running a similar program. Grein felt it would “help students learn how to be engaged citizens and understand the important role philanthropy plays in the health of our communities, our nation, and the world.” Campus Compact awarded the grants for the 2008-09 school year. Defiance College’s McMaster School for Advancing Humanity was one of seven Ohio and Kentucky institutions awarded the grant. “Given the important role that private philanthropists have in addressing the critical issues that face us, it is important to understand the power and role of philanthropy,” said Dr. Laurie Worrall, Dean

of the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity. “Most Defiance College students understand community organizations as volunteers. Having hands-on philanthropic experience will allow students in their future careers to understand the complexity of applying for and receiving grant monies as well as understand non-profit organizations from a philanthropic perspective.” The DC students designed mission statements for their mini-grant programs and processes for awarding their funds. Each class distributed applications to numerous local agencies and then went through a selection process. More than 25 area agencies submitted applications for the grants. The three courses awarded two $4,000 and two $2,000 grants.

The students presented the first grant recipients with their awards at a November luncheon on the DC campus. “The students have every reason to be proud of what they did,” said Dr. Marian Plant, associate professor of Christian education. Her Beyond Volunteerism religion class chose to award Legal Aid of Northwestern Ohio a $4,000 grant to provide legal aid services to area individuals in need. “I had an idea of what the focus for the project would be,” she said. “However, it wasn’t what the students saw.” Dr. Plant’s class focused on how the organizations would make a difference at the root level of a social injustice. They also wanted to help fund a program that was already in place, so that the grant funding

Legal Aid of Western Ohio was the recipient of a $4,000 grant from Dr. Marian Plant’s religion class.

Summer 2009 ◆ 13

could be put to use immediately. Assistant Professor of Sociology Alesia Yakos-Brown’s class also focused on giving grant monies to a program that was already in place. Her Macro Practices Social Work class awarded Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission and Ravens Care Inc. each a $2,000 grant to assist low income clients with transportation needs. Yakos-Brown’s class, as part of the course, completed a community assessment of the five-county area. It was from this assessment that the group identified transportation as an area of community need. When writing the proposal request, the group asked for organizations to submit grant requests for projects that fit this need. “As with any experience we have with the College, it was a wonderful and powerful experience,” said Angie Franklin, Community Services Director for Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission. “Even though it was a small grant, in the grand scheme of things, we were more excited about receiving this grant because of its connection to Defiance College. It’s also a unique and creative way to get students involved in social justice issues and learn more about the community.” A $4,000 grant from Dr. Michelle Tabit’s Latin American History class was awarded to

PathStone, formerly known as Rural Opportunities, to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault within the northwest Ohio migrant Latino population. “It was harder than I thought it would be, but very rewarding,” said sophomore Rebekka Zeigler. “Because all but one of the grant requests was for organizations that we had had some personal involvement with, it was sometimes hard to keep the emotional side out of the decision-making process. We had to remind ourselves to restrict our decision based on the information provided on the proposal request, not the personal experiences.” Junior Kristal Hober also enjoyed the program. “Dr. Plant is known for getting students involved in class, above the normal course work, but this was beyond that,” she said. “We were the ones to make all the decisions. We wrote the mission, the vision, sent out the letters, met with the organizations and chose the organization. It was a great experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to choose and grant funding that you know is going to a good cause.”

The grant was originally provided as seed funding to establish an on-going program for students to continue to make grants. The program was to have been funded 100 percent for the first two years, 50 percent the third year and none the fourth year, requiring the development of a new stream of funding from an external source to sustain the program. However, as the nation has fallen on hard economic

times, so too has the funding for the CCSPP. The program has been suspended until further notice and will not be funded this upcoming year. The McMaster School for Advancing Humanity is working with the College’s Office of Institutional Advancement on alternative ways to replace the grant funding. The McMaster School will need to raise $13,000 each year to support its program in philanthropy. Roger Grein said “Expose students to the needs of others. It changes

their hearts.” The philanthropy program is certainly a unique opportunity for students to look at service from a different perspective. It’s also a chance for them to experience the impact of giving within the community and how those funds can be multiplied to benefit a larger group.

If you think supporting the McMaster School’s philanthropy program is

something you might be interested in, please contact Dr. Laurie Worrall, Dean of the McMaster School of

Advancing Humanity, at (419) 783-2553 or lworrall@defiance.edu.

Support Students

Supporting Philanthropy

Macro Practices social work class, above, and Latin

American History class, right, awarded grants.

Legacy

14

legacyby Kathy Punches ’96, Director of Public Relations and Marketing

When Ray Derricotte graduated from Defiance College in 1950, he began

what would become a long college tradition for members of his family. In fact, all eight of Ray and Jean Derricotte’s children attended DC. Though his children enjoyed the benefits of having a parent on the college staff with their father as the College’s controller for 35 years, Ray believes they were attracted to the college for what it offers in the classroom and on campus. Now the Derricotte children have joined to honor their parents with creation of the Raymond and Jean Derricotte Endowment Scholarship Fund at Defiance College. The scholarship will recognize and give financial assistance to persons enrolled or planning to enroll as fulltime undergraduate students. Son Chuck said, “When my brothers and sisters first discussed establishing a scholarship recognizing our parents and their achievements, it just made sense. We realized how many lives they have touched from school involvement, church, community activities and coach, to den mother. This excludes the time and commitment that both had and continue to have with Defiance College.” A Defiance native, Ray briefly attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., after graduating from Defiance High School. He was drafted into military service at 18. Returning to Defiance after World War II, he studied accounting and business at Defiance College through the GI Bill. In 1960, he was approached by then-president Kevin McCann about the position of director of the college’s business office. Over the years, Ray worked with four DC presidents – McCann, W. Noel Johnston, Marvin Ludwig, and James Harris.

Education has always been a high priority in the Derricotte family. Ray served on the Ayersville Board of Education for 24 years. “The children knew from the minute they started school that they would go to college,” Ray recalled in an interview at the time of his retirement. And they all did go to college. Receiving diplomas from Defiance College were: Ramona Slocum ’75, who now lives in Chagrin Falls; Raymond Jr. (Chip) ’76, Lorain; Susan Dinardo ’78, Aurora; Laura ’83, Beechwood; Charles (Chuck) ’86, Amherst; Thomas ’95, living and working

in Germany; and Tammy Watts ’99, Columbus. Son Schon, Amherst, attended DC but received his degree from another institution. The siblings looked for a way to show appreciation to their parents for the example they have set. “When we started talking about forming a scholarship, I really thought it was the perfect idea,” said Tom. “Sometimes

Left to right, seated: Jean and Ray; standing: Tom, Chuck, Laura, Tammy, Schon, Ramona, Susan, Chip. At

right, daughter Tammy and Dad work on a service project during Tammy’s time as a DC student.

of nearly 60 years at dcDerricotte children choose to honor parents

through a Defiance College scholarship

Summer 2009 ◆ 15

continuing researchDr. Mikula’s genetic research

spans 50 years

it is hard to quantify the good things they have done, but this is one way to put it in a physical reminder that hopefully will go on forever. “I have always thought that we (the kids) are their legacy, and what we do reflects on them, so it is up to us to be the best people that we can be and follow their example. They have always been and will be my role models. Hopefully, this will provide the same opportunity to others.” Daughter Ramona expressed that her parents have done a good job of building a strong, healthy family – which now consists of eight children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way. “Mom and Dad have given us their love and have lived their values. The lives they have built for all of us have been built on a foundation of faith, commitment to family and community, and a firm belief in the value of education.” Chuck added that he and his siblings hope this scholarship will enable their parents to continue having a positive influence on Defiance College students and their future success for years to come. He said, “We would encourage anyone that would like to distinguish their parents or other major influence in their lives to make this same commitment.” Ray retired from Defiance College in 1995 at which time he was honored with the title of Controller Emeritus. He and Jean continue to reside in their family home on Defiance’s east side.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Raymond and Jean Derricotte Scholarship, you

may do so online at www.defiance.edu or send to Defiance College,

Office of Institutional Advancement, at 701 N. Clinton Street, Defiance,

OH 43512. Make your check payable to Defiance College and make note

of the scholarship on the memo line. Information for creating an endowed

scholarship may be obtained by contacting the Office of Institutional

Advancement at 419-783-2371.

Raymond andJean Derricotte

Scholarship

Little work has been done to show how genetic systems can respond to

environmental conditions with changes that are heritable. A grant from the Kettering Foundation to Defiance College in the early 1960s made it possible for Dr. Bernie Mikula, now professor emeritus, and his students to carry out research under controlled environmental conditions. The idea that temperature and light can have heritable effects on genetic systems has been ignored and/or considered impossible through most of the 20th century, according to Dr. Mikula. It seems appropriate that this “scientific dogma” be challenged by someone in a school named Defiance! In annual meetings over the past 50 years, he and his students have had the opportunity to spread the word to the universities. Dr. Mikula says they are finally beginning to pay attention. Younger generations of geneticists don’t find it quite as difficult to accept the role of environment as having heritable effects on the gene. The titles of some of Dr. Mikula’s work listed on the Internet reflect the direction in which he has directed efforts over the past 50 years. The work presented at this year’s Maize Genetics Conference was an amplification of work that DC alumnus Anthony Studer and Dr. Mikula worked on in the 1990s, and that he presented at the International Genetics Conference in Australia in 2003. The two growth chambers the College was able to purchase back in the 60s are only four feet by eight feet, so Dr. Mikula and his students couldn’t grow much corn in them, but they found out that the corn plant only needs to be under controlled conditions for the first two weeks at 32 degrees or three weeks at 22 degrees. In fact, the temperature is very important even for a period of just two days. The plants receive “instruction” in that early period when they are only about eight inches tall. Two months later when the plants are harvested from the field, it is found that they “remember” the conditions in the two- or three-week-old period. The controlled conditions in the growth chambers have left a memory that is “remembered” two months later and also in the next generation. Since the plants are much smaller at this early period, more of them could be treated then moved to the field to mature for a “memory check.” Dr. Mikula attended and gave a poster presentation at the 2009 Maize Genetics Conference held in St. Charles, Ill. Anthony Studer, currently a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, presented a paper at the conference.

Dr. Margaret Noble Mikula and Dr. Bernie Mikula in front of Tenzer Hall.

Passions

16

passionsin life and profession

From spinning 45s to creating his own business, Mark Shy’s successes are rooted in his DC experience

by Jeremy Ball ‘04 communication arts graduate, a guest contributor

Shy is his last name, but it’s certainly not his approach to life.

Spend a little time with Mark Shy and you learn quickly that the guy is passionate about living life and passionate about his professional work. A 1975 graduate of Defiance College, the communication arts major has had an interesting career path; one he readily admits was not by design. He is the president of Renovators, Inc., a commercial and residential renovation company founded in 1994, in Columbus, Ohio. As a student and Theta Xi brother, Mark thrived in the arts. He spent much of his time in Sisson Hall as a character actor and working in behind-the-scenes roles, primarily in set design, makeup design, and props. Mark was a feature writer for The Defender and a disc jockey for WDCW-AM, the former campus radio station, where he served as general manager his senior year and established an internship program with various radio stations. It was WDCW where Mark would lead his first renovation. “The radio station was in bad shape, it was awful,” said Shy, “and the college didn’t have any money to fix it.” Sisson Hall had burned down just two years prior and the theater program suffered because of it. Mark knew he couldn’t let the station fail too, so he and his fellow staffers donated their stipends to pay for a renovation

and equipment upgrade. The station lived to spin another 45, but Mark had no idea this event would foretell his career. Mark’s young career saw airtime as a

radio intern in Columbus, Ohio, with WCOL-AM/FM. He worked in radio for a few years when an unexpected job offer made him consider a change. “I loved my radio gig and suddenly I was offered a job in

sales with a construction company,” Shy said, relating he was surprised and excited. “It was better money, and my parents said I was stupid not to take it, so I did.” What followed was a six-year assignment in construction sales. But Mark’s interest in a leadership role prompted yet another change. Mark completed one How to Start a Business course at a local community college and created Renovators, Inc. The company has posted annual sales as great as $12 million

“Dr. (Jan) Younger really encouraged me when I was just an average guy. He saw potential.”

-- Mark Shy ’75

Now a successful Columbus businessman, Mark Shy ’75 has stayed connected to his alma mater.

Summer 2009 ◆ 17

Defiance College Alumni Varsity D presented its annual Coach of the Year awards recently to Rich Thiel ’00, Tinora High School girls basketball coach, and Vernon Kiehl ’80, Perrysburg High School cross country and track and field coach.

Thiel’s team at Tinora set a school record for most wins in a season with a 22-3 record during 2007-08. The team advanced to the regional semi-finals. Thiel was recognized as Crescent-News Coach of the Year, District VII Coach of the Year, and AP Northwest District Coach of the Year. In 2006-07, the team earned a 16-6 overall record and won its sectional championship.

Thiel graduated from DC in 2000 where he was a standout on the football team, earning individual honors in multiple seasons. He was a member of the baseball team his junior and senior years. Thiel and his wife, Andrea, reside in Archbold with their two daughters. Kiehl, a 1980 graduate of DC, has coached track and field and

cross country at Perrysburg High School where his teams and athletes have received numerous honors. During his tenure, his track and field teams have earned a dual meet record of 283-81-2 in 23 years as well as an overall meet record of 2103-1470-2. He has coached eight Northern Lakes League team champions and has been named NLL Coach of the Year eight times. During eight years as head cross country coach, his dual meet record has been 67-51, and overall record is 940-739.

At DC, Kiehl lettered four years in track and three years in football. He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Perrysburg.

and has had up to 60 employees. (Not bad for a few years’ experience and one business course.) Mark’s affinity for Defiance College has kept him engaged. His work with former President Dr. Jim Harris to upgrade campus facilities earned him a seat on the Board of Trustees. When Schomburg Auditorium underwent its long overdue renovation last year, Renovators, Inc. provided gift-in-kind services to help with the project. Speaking to his career success, Mark says nothing is more rewarding than being an entrepreneur, and he is quick to offer that his successes are rooted in his DC experience. He is humbled by the support of great mentors. “Dr. (Jan) Younger really encouraged me when I was just an average guy. He saw potential,” Shy said of the man who chaired the

Communications Department and who he considers a friend to this day. Dr. Younger speaks highly of Mark but admits he was a work in progress. “Mark didn’t come to me as a polished student,” said Younger, “But he had the vision and passion to make the station better, he stayed with it.” Dr. Younger joked that the radio staff was so determined that they strung together wire with chewing gum. “They had a strong desire to excel.” That same desire has Mark engaged in various commitments in the Columbus region. Mark has served on the Board of Directors of MAP Furniture Bank, is an active leader in his church’s men’s ministries, and he is a life-long member and volunteer for Boy Scouts of America. Mark is especially fond of attending DC with his twin brothers, Larry and Garry. Mark resides in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Becky, and their two teenage sons, Jeff and Zach.

CoaCh of the year awardsAlumni Varsity ‘D’ presents the annual honors

to Rich Thiel ’00 and Vernon Kiehl ’80

Vernon Kiehl Rich Thiel

Shy as a DC disc jockey

Recognition

18

recognitionfaculty scholarly achievements

Workshops, conferences, research opportunities,publications, and presentations

Dr. Wayne Buchanan, associate professor of business administration, recently presented two workshops for the Family Justice Center on “Starting Your Own Business” and “Taking Control of Your

Budget/Finances.” Each was attended by Family Justice Center clients and members.

Dr. Todd Comer, assistant professor of English, gave three presentations during 2008 including: “Teaching Ideology, Identity, and Violence Virtually: Or, How Getting a Second Life Could Save

Your First Life,” at the International Lilly Conference on College Teaching held at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; “The Godlike Non-Domesticity of the Doctor: Who Saves us from the Imperialism of History,” at the Film and History Conference held in Chicago; and “Alan Moore’s V for Vendette: Disability as Ethico-Political Opening,” at the Canadian Disability Studies Association/Congress of the Humanities, held in Vancouver, Canada.

Stefan Hall, assistant professor of communication and media studies, presented his paper, “Time Enough to Play: The Intersection of Video Game Mechanics and Narrative,” at the 30th annual

International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts in Orlando, Fla. At the conference he also chaired a session on “Representing Memory and Time” in the visual and

performing arts. Professor Hall has also had an article published on Case the Chuck Wagon, a rare game for the Atari 2600 system and an early example of a video game used for product advertising for the Collector’s Corner feature in gamesTM magazine, No. 78 (December 2008). He also wrote a Forum on the Arts column entitled “From Hot Rod to Hot Mod: Customizing Computers from the Inside Out” for the Phi Kappa Phi Journal, Vol. X, No. X (Fall 2008) as well as a book review of Mechademia 1: Emerging Worlds of Anime and Manga (edited by Frency Lunning) in the Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, Vol. 18, No. 3. In February, Professor Hall introduced the film “A Boy and His Dog” as part of the Gish Film Series at Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Mary Catherine (MC) Harper’s article on the oeuvre of Connie Willis is appearing in the current issue of The New York Review of Science Fiction. The article, “Connie Willis: Of Fused Genres, Marriage

Plots, and Meta-Gender,” is a study of the satiric style of Willis and her propensity for crossing the feminist/romance genre divide in such science fiction stories as To Say Nothing of the Dog, Remake, and Bellwether. After decades of writing – and winning six Nebula and six Hugo awards for her stunning fiction – Willis still remains a challenge to literary critics, especially feminist literary critics. Harper, associate professor of English, addresses these challenges in her 7,000-word article. Also, in October 2008, she presented the topic, “The ‘Meta’ Way to an Integrative Learning Community” at the Association for Integrative Studies Conference in Springfield, Ill.

Dr. Doug Kane, assistant professor of biology, will team with researchers from the Ohio State University, Kent State University, and Niagara University to investigate phosphorus load, transport and

biological use in Lake Erie and its tributaries in order to determine triggers of harmful algal blooms. This $167,040 grant is supported through the Ohio Lake Erie Commission’s Lake Erie Protection Fund. Please visit http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=278285 to learn more about this project and others. He will also team with researchers from the University of Toledo, the Ohio State University, and Heidelberg University on intensive monitoring of the Maumee River watershed and western basin of Lake Erie through a USEPA grant of approximately $100,000 to track phosphorus and algae levels in these areas.

Dr. Tim Rickabaugh, professor of exercise science, and Randi Lydum (below left), director of retention and the first-year experience, recently attended the Annual Conference for the First-Year Experience in Orlando, Fla. They were also participants in pre-conference workshops on strategies to make the first-year experience more effective.

Summer 2009 ◆ 19

symposiumfeatures sustainable development

With two keynote speakers, student presentations, and a dance marathon, the 2009 McMaster Symposium is a success

The fifth annual McMaster Symposium/Global Summit was held in April,

featuring two and a half days of presentations and discussions on this year’s theme, “Humanity at the Crossroads: Challenges to Sustainable Community Development.” A variety of student- and faculty-led sessions addressed this topic and provided avenues for critical reflection on the sustainability of the way we live and consume on campus, in communities, and around the world. Keynote speakers were Dr. Margaret Lowman and Ruby Sales. Lowman is a pioneer in the science of canopy ecology. For 30 years, she has designed hot-air balloons and walkways for treetop exploration to solve mysteries in the world’s forests, with special expertise on the links between insect pests and ecosystem health. Affectionately called the grandmother of canopy research, she has explored all three major rain forests of the world - Africa, Australia/Asia, and the Neotropics (including the Amazon). Lowman facilitates policy solutions using science education as a tool, drawing upon a lifetime of research and conservation. Her international network and passion for science have led her into leadership roles where she seeks best practices to solve environmental challenges. She is currently Director of Environmental Initiatives and Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at New College of Florida. She is the

author of Life in the Treetops and It’s a Jungle Up There: More Tales from the Treetops. Sales is a civil rights activist, social critic, and public theologian. She grew up during the Civil Rights Movement and became a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. She taught

full-time at Spelman College and Bucknell University. Longing to continue her work in social justice, Sales created two kitchen table projects, Black Women’s Voices and Images and Women of All Colors. Both of these organizations provided common spaces for women to come together to preserve and promote their voices and lives.

She is a prolific writer whose sermons and social critiques are widely acclaimed and circulated. Sales received a Certificate of Gratitude for her work on “Eyes on the Prize,” a documentary series about the Civil Rights Movement. In 2000, Dan Rather spotlighted Sales on his American Dream

segment, and the History Makers organization selected her as a History Maker in 2004. The symposium closed with a student-led dance marathon for the Children’s Miracle Network. The event

raised more than $4,000 to go to St. Vincent Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo.

Treasure Bacon, above top, at her poster presentation. Dr. Margaret Lowman, above left, with students. Ruby Sales presenting at

the McMaster Symposium.

Selected

20

selectedfor community engagement

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teachingrecognizes DC for commitment to community

Defiance College was one of 119 U.S. colleges and universities selected by The

Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to receive its 2008 Community Engagement Classification. The classification provides a way for institutions to describe their identity and commitment to the community with a public and nationally recognized classification. “We are delighted and honored that the Foundation has recognized Defiance College for the Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships classification on its most recent selection process, ” said Dr. Charles Warren, interim president. “Our faculty, student and staff colleagues work creatively and successfully to carefully integrate academic, cultural and civic engagement in the service of our campus and broader communities.” Institutions chosen to receive the classification were placed into one of three categories: Curricular Engagement – describes teaching, learning and scholarship which engage faculty, students and community in mutually beneficial and respectful collaboration. Their interactions address community-identified needs, deepen students’ civic and academic learning, enhance community well-being and enrich the scholarship of the institution. Outreach and Partnerships – describes two different but related approaches to community engagement. The first focuses on the application and provision of institutional resources for community use with benefits to both campus and community. The latter focuses on collaborative interactions with community and related scholarship for the mutually beneficial exchange, exploration and application of knowledge, information and resources (research, capacity building, economic development, etc).

Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships – describes institutions with substantial commitments in both areas.Defiance College was classified in the Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnership classification. Colleges and universities with an institutional focus on community engagement were invited to apply for the classification. In order to be selected into any of the three categories, institutions had to provide descriptions and examples of practices of community engagement that showed alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent

policy and research center that classifies universities and colleges for research purposes. It defines community engagement as the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The Community Engagement classification, released in 2006, gives institutions another way to differentiate themselves within the research parameters and relative to other colleges and universities. The new classification is elective, allowing institutions to choose to participate by completing an application.

Citizen and Bonner Leaders travel to Jamaica for an annual service project.

Summer 2009 ◆ 21

athleticsupdate from the field house

Tournament berth, All-HCAC honors, career highs, and more

by Seth Mikel, Sports Information DirectorJordon Bruner, Graduate Assistant SID

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Defiance College men’s basketball team turned in another impressive

campaign on the hardwood and finished third in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference with a 12-4 mark, while ending at 18-9 overall. The Yellow Jackets and first-year head coach, Kyle Brumett, struggled out of the gates before hitting their stride and reaching the HCAC Semifinal game for the third-straight year. The 18 victories for DC in 2008-09 marked the third year in a row that Defiance has racked up 17-or-more wins and gave the Yellow Jackets a record of 54-26 (.675%) during that time. The 2008-09 season marked the final collegiate campaign for one of the finest players to ever wear the DC uniform, as Anthony Pettaway completed his stellar career with the Jackets. Pettaway averaged 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds a night for Defiance and set new career highs with 453 points, 256 boards, 50 assists and 30 blocks. The six-foot, eight-inch center ends his career ranked 11th in school history with 1,477 points, second with 75 blocks and sixth with 767 rebounds and 617 made field goals.Pettaway was honored for his fine season by being named as one of 12 players to be selected First-Team All-HCAC. Pettaway was joined on that list by junior teammates Mike Floyd and Nick Sales, while another junior, Heath Armstrong, was named Honorable Mention All-HCAC. Floyd ended 10th in the nation with 6.8 assists per outing. The 178-assist total marked the fifth-highest single-season total in Defiance history. Floyd also moved into second in DC history on the all-time list with 367 career helpers and set a new HCAC

single-game record by dishing out 16 assists in a 93-79 win against Geneva. Sales joined Pettaway and Floyd as a First-Team All-HCAC player after setting new career highs with 27 games started, 434 points scored, 235 rebounds and 30 steals during his junior campaign. The forward ranked ninth in the nation with a blistering 63.8-percent clip from the floor. The accurate shooting only bolstered Sales’ hold on the highest career shooting percentage in Defiance history, as he now stands with a 62.6-percent clip through three seasons. Armstrong rounded out the accolades for the Yellow Jackets, taking Honorable Mention All-HCAC honors after cracking the DC starting lineup and setting new career

highs in nearly every key statistic during his junior season.

WoMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Defiance College women’s basketball team finished its season 9-16 with a 5-11

mark in the HCAC, narrowly missing the conference tournament. The Jackets were one of the most prolific teams in the nation from beyond the arc, leading the conference and ranking nationally with their seven three-point field goals per game. DC set a HCAC record with 112 three-pointers in league contests, while topping the school’s single-season mark with a total of 167 treys on the year.

Following the season, Defiance placed three players on the All-HCAC Team, as Shavonda Price, Holly Stein and Tasha Stucke each received recognition. Price established herself as one of the most versatile athletes in the conference in her initial campaign with the Jackets, earning a spot on the HCAC

All-Freshman Team to go along with her Honorable Mention All-HCAC honors.Stein received All-HCAC honors for the first time in her career, after leading the team with 11.9 points per game. The sophomore guard reached double-figures in 15 of her 20 games this season, while ranking third in the conference with her 1.45 three-point field goals per contest. Stucke set career-highs in nearly every statistical category, making her first appearance on the All-HCAC Team. The sophomore guard’s 98 assists ranked her third in the conference, as she dished out nearly one-third of DC’s total assists on the year.

Anthony Pettaway, above, Holly Stein, right

Events

22

eventsall across america

DCAN has a full schedule of events planned for 2009and a revamped Yellow Jacket Classic is set for June

What’s in a region?

YOU ARE! Defiance College has had more than 90 alumni events in the last

18 months, as the Institutional Advancement team has hit the road in an effort

to meet our 10,000 alumni and friends of the college. Events and get-togethers

have taken place in 33 different regions across the country, and we’re pleased

with the connections DC is making with an ever-expanding circle of alumni.

While the schedule (to the right) shows the dates of upcoming events and

regions to be visited, our on-line list of events at http://alumni.defiance.edu

will have the most complete and updated information.

How can you be part of this DC alumni activity?

1. Help us communicate with you more effectively. Go to the alumni

website, (http://alumni.defiance.edu/) and confirm that your personal

information is correct, or make any necessary changes. If you haven’t

registered on the alumni website, don’t delay any longer!

2. If you can’t find a DCAN (Defiance College Alumni Network) event in

your area, give us a call and help us set up one. We’ll do most of the work,

if you’ll be our area contact and help host the event at your home, place of

business or a local venue.

3. Be sure to read the e-mail or snail-mail communications from DC. That’s

the best way to stay up to date with what’s happening here and in your region.

4. Come back for a visit! You’ll love what you see on campus, and there’s

always something fun going on: athletic events, plays, speakers and student

presentations. And don’t forget to stop by the IA office in Defiance Hall, for

a personal tour, a quick update on college news, or a chocolate fix. We’ve

always got time to chat.

Dave Plant

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Gretchen McGinley

Alumni Network Coordinator

MAY(3) Michigan* Coffee with President Gordon(10) All Regions - Commencement(15) OH-Lucas County*Mud Hens Game(19) Sandusky*Dinner at Berardi’s

JUNE(8-11) Philadelphia Regional Events*(12-13) All RegionsRegional Leadership Training at DC(14) Columbus*Clippers Baseball Game(16) OH-Lucas County*Mamma Mia! at the Stranahan(27) All RegionsYellow Jacket Classic Golf Outing(28-29) Grand Rapids, MI*Attended by President Gordon

July(16) Fort Wayne, IN*Tin Caps Baseball Game(17) Indianapolis*(TBD) ChicagoRegional Events (TBD) New York/NewJersey* (TBD) OH-Cleveland* (TBD) OH-Akron*

DCAN Schedule of Events

Summer 2009 ◆ 23

AUGUsT(15) OH-SanduskyWine Fest and Campaign Kick-Off(20) MI-Jackson*Campaign Kick-Off Events (18) OH-Cincinnati (TBD) OH-Dayton

sEPTEMBERCampaign Kick-Off Events (10) Colorado (22-30) Massachusetts/Connecticut (22-30) Boston/E. Mass/New Hamp (22-30) New York/NewJersey

OCTOBER(5-11) All RegionsHomecomingCampaign Kick-Off Events (TBD) Cleveland/Akron

NOvEMBERRegional Events (TBD) Carolinas* (TBD) Pennsylvania*Campaign Kick-Off Events (5) OH-Lima/van Wert (17) OH-Lucas County (TBD) Atlanta (TBD) Maryland/Delaware/DC

* Regional DCAN events

For more event information contact:Dave Plant

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations419-783-2572

dplant@defiance.edu1-800-520-GO DC

It’s official. The Yellow Jacket Classic on June 27 has gone through a major upgrade and the Alumni varsity D Board of Directors wants everyone to be part of

it. The highlights on this page show that the event is bigger and better, with great prizes and an opportunity to win $1,000,000! The golf will be followed by a terrific dinner and auction. It will be a great day for

those who play and those who help sponsor the event. And what if you aren’t a golfer? A trip to sauder village is being planned for family members who may be

in town but not into golfing. The trip will be done in time so that family members can attend the banquet.

All alumni and friends of Defiance College are welcome to be part of the day with the proceeds going toward the annual work of supporting Defiance

College athletics and a five-year goal to help our alumni athletic organization build the new fitness and athletic field house. To seek more information or register your

participation go to the alumni website http://alumni.defiance.edu and click on the Yellow Jacket Classic tab or call the Alumni Office at 419-783-2572. Plan to be part of this great day.

Mike SnyderChair, Alumni varsity D

The Alumni varsity D welcomes you to the 2009 Yellow Jacket Classic hosted at Kettenring Country Club on saturday,

June 27.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11:00 a.m. Registration Practice Range sandwiches

Noon shootouts

12:15 p.m. shotgun start

6:00 p.m. Banquet and Live Auction

INDIvIDUAL PLAYER REGIsTRATION $125.00/GOLFER

INCLUDED IN PRICE: 18 Holes of Golf Banquet Welcome Bag Prizes For Following Contests $1,000,000 shootout $100,000 shootout Putting Contest Longest Drive Contest Closest To Pin

To register for the Yellow Jacket Classic:http://alumni.defiance.edu

use the Yellow Jacket Classic tab

Yellow Jacket Classic INFOrmaTION

SpONSOrSHIp OppOrTUNITIES YJC Tournament Sponsor ......................$3,000 (4) Golf invitations and (8) Dinner invitations $1,000,000 shootout sponsor Main Banner and Major signs Front placement all print publications Introductions at all activities Advertising to 6,000 local alumniYJC Major Sponsor ................................$2,000 (4) Golf invitations and (4) Dinner invitations $100,000 shootout sponsor Major signs Placement in all print publications Introductions at all activities Advertising to 6,000 local alumniYJC ACE Sponsor .................................$1,000 (2) Golf invitations and (2) Dinner invitations Putting contest sponsor special sign posting Placement in all print publications Introductions at banquetYJC Eagle Sponsor ...................................$500 (1) Golf invitation and (1) Dinner invitation List in banquet print publication Primary sponsor of any one of the following Lunch, Banquet, Golf Ball Welcome Bag, Closest to Pin, Longest Drive Contest, Par 3 Hole or Hole 1 or 9YJC Birdie Sponsor ...................................$250 (1) Golf invitation and (1) Dinner invitation Tee box and banquet table sponsor with sign List in banquet print publicationYJC Par Sponsor ........................................$100 Tee box and banquet table sponsor with sign List in banquet print publicationYJC Patron Sponsor ....................................$50 Practice range general sign List in banquet print publication

Alumni Class Notes

24

class notesD C A l u m n i

The 50’sRev. James O’Brien ’55 celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination into the ministry of the United Church of Christ on November 9, 2008. Christ Congregational UCC in Brockton, MA (a merger of all the UCC churches in that city) invited him to preach on that day and dedicated a new processional cross in honor of the occasion. Those present included former parishioners from Barrington, RI; Holliston, MA; Augusta, ME; Atlanta, GA; and St. Augustine, FL, as well as a surprising number who had attended his ordination 50 years ago!

Dana McClure ’57 has retired from the Mansfield City Schools after 30 years of teaching. During that time he established McClure Computer/Business Consulting. He has been married to his wife, Sue, for

53 years. They have two children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Dana says he is “still alive and kicking, although not as high as in 1957.”

The 60’sDr. Harry Eastridge ’63 was awarded Superintendent of the Year for Ohio by the American Association of School Administrators in San Francisco in February 2009.

Walter H. Becker ’60 and his wife, Joan, are grandparents of two boys and three girls. Walter enjoys playing golf, photography, and still has time left for “honey do projects.”

Sally (Rhoades) Snyder ’62 recently published her second children’s book, If It’s to Be, It’s Up to Me. She has been traveling to area schools and libraries for book signing events. Sally and her husband Mike ’64 reside in Defiance.

David Gynn ’65 was recently elected vice president of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. David currently resides in Kent, OH.

Rex Spencer ’66 retired from education in 2003. He continues to substitute teach in northern Darke County and Mercer County and is a historical presenter for student field trips at the Garst Museum in Greenville, OH. Rex also became a grandfather on October 19, 2007. He currently resides in Celina, OH.

Michael Kline ’68 retired in 2007. He continues to serves on city council for the City of Englewood and occasionally performs consultant work. He and his wife, Peg, are enjoying their retirement by traveling and spoiling their grandchildren. The Klines reside in Clayton, OH.

Thomas Vershum ’68 and his wife, Nancy, became grandparents on November 8, 2008, to Madelyn Francis Gillentine. Madelyn was born in Dallas to Holly and Jim Gillentine. The Vershums reside in Archbold, OH.

The 70’sSuzanne Ludwig ’70 and Ron Sauer were married in 2008. The couple currently resides in Amherst, OH.

Dr. John Decker ’70 was inducted into the Wauseon High School Hall of Fame. While at Wauseon High School, John earned nine letters in football, wrestling, track and baseball. He was All-Ohio in football and wrestling, running for more than 1,100 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. He went on to earn All-American honors while at Defiance College.

After accepting his first coaching position 34 years ago, Larry Holden ’70 won his 400th game in January 2009 as the head basketball coach at Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, FL. As Larry explains, “It’s more about the kids that played for me, the coaches that coached for me, and all the people that supported our program. I think that means more to me than saying I have 400 wins when I look back on my career.”

Ronald Burdick ’73 has been selected to chair the Genealogy and Local History Discussion Group, 2008-2010. The Discussion Group is a part of the Local History Section of the Reference and User Services Association, American Library Association. In January 2009, the Discussion Group hosted a forum on digitizing local history resources held at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver.

Janice (Terhune) Notte ’75 retired in June 2008 after 33 years of teaching at Paterson Public Schools in Paterson, NJ. She also served as the technology coordinator in the district. She and her husband, Steve, reside in Oakland, NJ.

Larry Taylor ’75 retired in June 2008 from Crestview High School in Convoy, OH, after 33 years of teaching and coaching. He moved to Independence, KY, in July and is presently substitute teaching at Kenton County Schools. The Taylors currently reside in Independence, KY.

In March of 2008 Dr. Theresa (Ranzau) Bowen ’76 was promoted from an instructional designer at Strayer University to campus dean. Theresa and her family reside in Lakeridge, VA.

Denise Hench ’76 and her husband, Mark, became grandparents on November 4, 2008, to Donevin Jeremiah Hench. Donevin was born in Defiance to Beth and Anthony Hench. The Henches reside in Defiance.

James Thompson ’76 and his wife, Roxanne, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on October 18, 2008. The Thompsons reside in Angola, IN.

Craig Frisinger ’77 and his wife, Mary, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 11, 2008. They celebrated their special occasion with a family dinner on their anniversary. The Frisingers reside in Defiance.

Kristie (Wilkins) Schultheis ’79 is celebrating the birth of her first grandchild, Emma Ruth. Emma was born on November 15, 2008.

mAil in the form on page 26

Write A note on your annual fund

pledge card

e-mAil us atalumni@defiance.edu

Summer 2009 25

The 80’sBrad Spitnale ’80 was promoted to western market area president for First Federal Bank. He has been with First Federal Bank since 1999 and has 27 years of banking experience. He and his wife, Rebecca (Cromly) ’92, have four children and reside in Defiance.

Curtis McBride ’81 and his wife, Lindi, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on December 16, 2008, with a party hosted by their daughters, Kelly and Suzi. The McBrides reside in Defiance.

Douglas DeCola ’82 was recognized for his service by the Northwestern Ohio Education Association. Doug is in his 22nd year of teaching and has worked as an intervention specialist at Fairview Middle School. Doug and his wife Paula (Bok) ’84 reside in Ney, OH. Their daughter, Erica, is a current DC student. Daniel Daugherty ’84 was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Marines on May 1, 2008. He has also been assigned to the Courts-Martial Bench as the Circuit Military Judge, Marine Corps Trial Judiciary, at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Scott Roth ’85 and his wife, Gwen, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on November 19, 2008. The couple has two children, Lance and Garrett, both at home. The Roths reside in Defiance.

Dr. Martin Miller ’86 accepted the position as the middle school principal for Ayersville Local Schools. He was previously the principal at Paulding Elementary School. Martin and his wife, Nancy (Wiseman), reside in Defiance.

After taking early retirement from his Canadian companies, Jose Arroyave ’88 is currently working as a volunteer business advisor with CESO, Canadian Executives Services Overseas. Jose with his wife Ruth, children Victoria, Allen and Sebastian are currently living in Guatemala and for the next three years will remain in that country serving with CESO and in the missionary ministry they started

a couple years ago, Christians Without Borders. Their ministry’s mission is to aid drug addicts and alcoholics in a spiritual and physical restoration. So far the centers have 250 people in treatment. During 2008, Jose completed his master’s degree in pastoral ministries at the University of Theology in California.

Don Martindale ’88 was recently hired as the linebacker coach for the Denver Broncos. Don entered the coaching ranks as an assistant at Defiance College in 1986 and 1987. He spent several years coaching at the high school level, up through the college level, on to the national level. Don previously coached for the Oakland Raiders. Don’s family includes his wife Laura, daughter, Cassie, and son, Ty.

Loretta Neff ’89 married Pier Bjorklund in Sandy Lane, Barbados, on October 7, 2007. They recently celebrated their first anniversary. They split their time between Defiance and West Palm Beach, FL.

The 90’sMark “Boxer” Green ’90 is currently residing in Lima, OH, and is the owner of a car dealership. He is planning to move to Florida this summer to start an additional business.

Greg Snider ’90 has joined the office of Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate as a full-time real estate agent. Greg and his wife, Shelly, have one son, Gage, and one daughter, Mason. The Snider family resides near Continental.

Dr. Mary (Hallock) Morris ’91, assistant professor of political science and action director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Southern Indiana, was the recipient of the USI Foundation’s 2008-2009 Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award. Morris is in her sixth year at USI.

Dr. (MAJ) Mark Lee ’92 is stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina as a comptroller instructor for the Finance Schoolhouse for the U.S. Army. He will be instructing officers and civilians in various finance courses taught throughout the Department of Defense involving all branches of the military and the Department of State. Mark resides in Columbia, SC.

Douglas Franzdorf ’92 and Sheila Fredrick were married on September 5, 2008, at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Defiance. The couple resides in Defiance.

Jeremy Stober ’93 was the recipient of The Crescent-News Volleyball Coach of the Year award. Jeremy was able to lead his Kalida team to its second PCL title in as many years and its fifth 19-plus win season since 2002. In 11 years at the helm, Stober has built a program with an astounding 174-78 record and has earned five PCL, four sectional and four district titles.

Craig Miller ’93 and his wife, Kathleen, announce the birth of their daughter, Megan Marie, on November 11, 2008. Megan has a sister, Samantha. The Millers reside in St. Mary’s, OH.

Jonathan Gathman ’96 and his wife, Angela, announce the birth of their son, Ryan Hunter, on December 15, 2008. The Gathman family resides in Defiance.

Shari (Schafer) Rubinstein ’96 and her husband, Jeremy, announce the birth of their daughter, Faith Kali, on March 25, 2008. She was welcomed by big brothers, Tate, 7; Tanner, 5; and Trey, 2. Shari teaches fourth grade at Tinora Elementary in Defiance and resides with her family in Napoleon, OH.

Robert Mojica ’97 and his wife, Adrienne, announce the birth of their twin daughters, Jayln Marie and Jocelyn Ann, on September 30, 2008. The girls have four siblings, Ariana, Lacey, Alexandra, and Brandon. The Mojica family resides in Bryan, OH.

Christopher Lewis ’98 and his wife, Shauna, announce the birth of their son, Connor Richard, on January 11, 2009. He has one sibling, Carson Ronald. The Lewis family currently resides in Rochelle, IL.

Mark ’99 and Jamie (Dahms) Pelfrey ’99 announce the arrival of their second son, Ryan Christopher, on February 23, 2009, at 3:46 pm. Ryan weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20.5 inches in length. Jakob, who is almost 5, is excited to be a big brother. The family is doing well and resides in Lebanon, OH.

The 00’sJody Call ’00 and Brad Schroeder were married on November 1, 2008 in the Trinity United Methodist Church in Defiance. Jody is currently employed at Defiance Metal Products. The Schroeders reside in Defiance.

Erik ’00 and Sara “Megan” (Conner) Hassid ’00 announce the birth of their second child, Nicholas Samuel, on October 21, 2008. Nicholas joins his sister, Emma, who is now 2½ and is talking a mile a minute. Erik started a new job with Agrana Fruit U.S. in January of 2009 and the Hassids are now residing in Barberton, OH.

Jose Arroyave ’88 and family

Loretta Neff ’89 and Pier Bjorklund

Alumni Class Notes

26

Jennifer (Bahler) Schwiebert ’00 and her husband, Kevin, are proud to announce the birth of their second child, Todd Richard, on November 21, 2007. Todd joins big sister, Olivia Kennedy, born on April 15, 2004. Jen is currently a stay-at-home mom. The family resides in Florida, OH.

Trent Hesselschwardt ’00 and his wife, Natalie, announce the birth of their daughter, Vada Sue, on December 12, 2008. Vada has two siblings, Gil and Beau. The Hesselschwardt family resides in Defiance.

Michelle (Hoellrich) Hacker ’00 and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of their son, Isaac Austin. Isaac was born on November 6, 2008. Isaac has one sibling, Mason Andrew. The Hacker family resides in Sylvania, OH.

Robert Shamy ’00 and his wife, Tara (Langel) ’00, announce the birth of their daughter, Amelia.

Amelia was born on October 30, 2008 and has two siblings, Lyza and Owen. Rob is a vice president of commercial lending with Signature Bank, and Tara is a pediatrician at Franklin Park Pediatrics. The Shamy family resides in Sylvania, OH.

Kristina Snyder ’00 and David Friedman were married on October 25, 2008. The couple resides in Holland, OH.

Timothy Meienburg ’00 and his wife, Lori, announce the birth of their son, Brody Scott, on January 2, 2009. The Meienburg family resides in Defiance.

Erin (Picklesimer) Andrews ’00 and her husband, Jim, announce the birth of their daughter, Clara Barbara, on September 28, 2008. The Andrews reside in Plain City, OH.

Laura Kline ’01 has been promoted to senior trust officer, vice president at Reliance Financial Services. Laura joined the State Bank and Trust Co.

in March 1999 and has held positions in human resources, corporate training, and marketing. In March 2006, she joined Reliance Financial Services. Laura and her husband, Kevin, reside in Defiance with their two sons.

Brittany (Sierer) Daeger ’02 and her husband, Brian, would like to announce the birth of their son, Max Robert. Max was born on September 30, 2008. Brittany, Brian, and Max reside in Paulding, OH.

Amy (Griffith) Hoffman ’02 was promoted to assistant vice president, loan review officer, at the State Bank and Trust Co. Amy resides in Defiance with her husband, Steve, and their two children.

Jackie (Broering) Homan ’02 earned her master’s degree in pastoral studies with emphasis on youth ministry in August 2008 from Loyola University in New Orleans. Jackie, her husband, Adam, and their son, Evan, reside in Findlay, OH.

Kristi (Beechy) Littrell ’02 and her husband, David, would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Savannah Lee, born on October 15, 2008. David, Kristi, and Savannah reside in South Bend, IN.

Nathan Schaublin ’02 and his wife, Stephanie, announce the birth of their daughter, Ella, on January 6, 2009. Ella has one sibling, Alec, 2. The Schaublins reside in Napoleon, OH.

Sandra (Storeholder) Strickler ’02 and her husband, Mark, announce the birth of their son, Bryce James on October 1, 2008. Sandra, Mark, and Bryce reside in Defiance.

After teaching five years in the Pike-Delta-York School District, Jennifer (Bernath) Burkholder ’03 is now a kindergarten teacher in the Archbold School District. Jennifer and her husband reside in West Unity, OH.

Angela (Mester) Kelly ’03 became the office manager and sales and marketing coordinator for Milestone Medical. She received the Certified Meeting Professional designation in August 2008. Angela and her husband, Kevin ’02, currently reside in Bloomingdale, MI.

D J Lutz ’03 was recently hired as the head varsity football coach at Britton-Deerfield, MI. D J played wide receiver for the Yellow Jackets. He and his wife, Heather, reside in Lambertville, MI.

William Zartman ’03 and his wife, Emily, announce the birth of their son, Brady William, on December 23, 2008. Brady has one sibling, Addison, 2½. The Zartmans currently reside in Defiance.

Tracy Baughman ’04 has earned the designation of Certified Investment Management Analyst. He is approximately one of 150 people in Ohio to hold this designation. He is currently vice president, senior investment administrator at Reliance Financial Services. He and his wife, Heather, have two children, Zachary and Sarah. The Baughman family resides in Defiance.

Kristen Gerity ’04 and John Piper ’04 were married on December 6, 2008. The couple resides in Lima, OH.

Keep in Touch

Mail this form to: Alumni Office, Defiance College, 701 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512, or email your news to: alumni@defiance.edu.

We’d like to know about your new job, recent marriage, new member of the family, new address, or other happenings in your life. For photos, please send those of Defiance College people only, identify everyone, and label the back with your name and address. If you are moving, please send this form in with your new address.

name: __________________________________________________________________

maiden name: _______________________________________ Class Year: _______

Address: _________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________________

e-mail: ___________________________________________________________________

news: ____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Summer 2009 27

Abigail (Monosmith) Hyde ’04 and her husband, Jonathan, announce the birth of their third child, a daughter named Melody Joy, on January 30, 2009. The Hyde family resides in Fort Wayne, IN.

Jacob Linder ’04 and his wife, Shannon, would like to announce the birth of their second child, Caden Patrick, on January 13, 2009 who joins his sister, Bella. Jacob recently started a new career with Protective Life Insurance Corporation as a marketing business analyst. The Linder family resides in Batavia, OH.

Christin (McCabe) Mashburn ’04 and her husband, Mark, announce the birth of their son, Joseph Douglas, born on Sunday, March 8, 2009. The Mashburns reside in Columbus, OH.

Rachel Niese ’04 and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of their first child, a son, Colin Michael, on July 29, 2008. Rachel and her family reside in Leipsic, OH.

Amanda Reagle ’04 and Marc Troyer were married on November 29, 2008, at the St. John United Church of Christ in Defiance. Amanda is currently the secretary at Fairview Elementary, and Marc is a self-employed farmer. The couple resides in Butler, IN.

Douglas ’04 and Sandy (Lammers) Wilkinson ’03 are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jayden Douglas. Jayden was born on August 25, 2008 and weighed 7 lbs. 3oz. Doug accepted the head men’s golf coach position with Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC, in August 2008. The team had a solid fall season in which they finished in the top three in four of their six tournaments. Douglas and his family will be moving to Central South Carolina, but currently reside in Chapin, SC.

Michael Wolfe ’04 joined the Defiance College faculty as assistant professor of business administration. He is in his final year of his doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. Michael resides in Granville, OH.

Amy Woodring ’04 was awarded the Promising Leader award by the Northwestern Ohio Education Association. Amy is a fifth-year biology instructor at Fairview High School.

Amber (Miller) Brown ’05 and her husband, Chad, announce the birth of their son, Samuel Lee, on September 26, 2008. Amber received her master of science in biomedical sciences physician assistant studies in 2007. She recently joined the Napoleon Clinic as a physician’s assistant. Amber, Chad, and Samuel reside in Oakwood, OH.

Heather (Rehrig) Custer ’05 and her husband, Travis, announce the birth of their daughter, Olivia Rae, on August, 2008. Heather, Travis, and Olivia reside in Independence, KY.

Christopher Newcomb ’05 graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School on September 14, 2008, and is currently employed at the Iarocci Law Firm in Conneaut, OH.

Eric Schwab ’06 and Lindy Stemen ’06 were married on July 12, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, OH. Eric is currently employed as a substitute teacher at Western Buckeye ESC, and Lindy is a special education teacher at Parkway Elementary School. The new couple resides in Van Wert, OH.

Jami Koenn ’06 and Dan Sullivan were married on November 22, 2008, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Paulding, OH. Jami is the Center Director at the Sylvan Learning Center in Defiance, OH. The Sullivans reside in Continental, OH.

Virginia (Duncan) Becker ’06 was the recipient of a “Day Made Better” surprise gift of $1,000 worth of supplies as part of a national Office Max sponsored program. She is an elementary teacher in Defiance.

Kara (Jones) Miller ’06 and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Elizabeth, on September 22, 2008. Kara, Ryan, and Hannah reside in Napoleon, OH.

Curtis ’05 and Valerie (Roberts) Mullholand ’05 would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Ava Marie, on August 6, 2008. The Mullholands reside in Forest, OH.

Julie Bok ’08 announces the birth of her daughter, Trinity Jean, on October 9, 2008. Julie and Trinity reside in Defiance.

Samantha Friend ’08 and Nathan Donaldson were married on August 16, 2008 at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Samantha is currently employed at Defiance Catholic School and Rite Aid Pharmacy. Nathan is employed at Defiance Metal Products. The Friends reside in Continental, OH.

Adam Warnement ’07 and Jennelle Hammer ’07 were married on January 2, 2009. Adam and Jennelle reside in Findlay, OH.

DeathsLloyd H. Sharpe ’21 Wauseon, OH –January 26, 2009

Alice (Clear) Plummer ’27 Oxford, OH – May 15, 2008

Howard L. Pfost ’34 Wauseon, OH – November 13, 2008

Helen (Mosena) Clements ’37 Morris, IL – July 27, 2008

Dr. Paul C. Vernier ’39 Kettering, OH – November 19, 2008

Harland Hiedepriem ’40 Defiance, OH – August 6, 2006

Dr. Virgil Graber ’41 Findlay, OH – November 1, 2008

Bettyann Kirtley ’42 Denver, CO – November 4, 2008

Dr. H. Lowell Hoffman ’43 Sandusky, OH – November 2, 2008

Alice (Watson) Planta ’44 Gloucester, MA – June 11, 2008

Dorothy Maxson ’47Winterpark, FL – January 14, 2008

Dorothy (Krebehenne) Evritt ’48 Jacksonville Beach, FL – November 22, 2008

Wanda Stock ’48 Cridersville, OH – February 27, 2009

Ralph Hammersmith ’49 Defiance, OH – November 15, 2008

Virginia (Ginny) Lee Coressel ’49 Defiance, OH – December 4, 2008

Richard Lantz ’50 Grabill, IN – April 23, 2008

Bill Welker ’50 Murphy, NC – February 12, 2009

Shirley (Godbehere) Hogg ’51 Glendale, AZ – April 12, 2008

Richard Robnolte ’52 Fort Wayne, IN – February 1, 2009

Constance (Zogaib) Sutherland ’52 Oakfield, NY – February 2, 2009

Donald R. Ziegler ’52 Defiance, OH – November 4, 2007

Daniel Ward ’53 Midland, MI – September 18, 2008

Donald L. Hoblet ’61 Archbold, OH – January 10, 2009

Delmar Brown ’62 Sherwood, OH – October 30, 2008

Joseph Douglas Mashburn

Colin Michael Niese

Alumni Class Notes

28

Charlene (Wortz) Bubp ’62 Coldwater, OH – October 17, 2008

Alfred Howard ’63 Defiance, OH – October 3, 2008

Inga Strait ’63 Hicksville, OH – November 18, 2008

Ola Mae Gerig ’64 North Baltimore, OH—Januray 2, 2009

Anne Pikosky ’68 Planville, CT – November 6, 2008

Margaret “Peg” (Moriatry) Zappulla ’71 Windsor, CT – February 19, 2009

Robert Holmes ’72 Willard, OH – April 1, 2008

John Houck ’72 Newport Beach, CA – September 26, 2008

Matthew Beatty ’73 Fort Collins, CO – September 19, 2008

Stephen B. Andrews, Sr. ’74 Lancaster, PA – December 30, 2008

Phillip Omer ’74 Spartanburg, SC – December 23, 2008

Dennis Benvenuto ’75 Chardon, OH – December, 2008

Harry Coil, Jr. ’78 New Haven, IN – October 26, 2008

Robin (Anderson) Burton ’80 Columbus, OH – September 16, 2008

Grant Straley ’80 Deshler, OH—January 23, 2009

David Srodes ’89 Montpelier, OH – November 30, 2008

James Warncke ’95 Maumee, OH – September 19, 2008

Angela (Lothamer) Switzer ’99 Paulding, OH – September 5, 2005

Defiance College Alumni Varsity D recognized Craig Rutter earlier this year

as Honorary Letterman for 2009. The Honorary Letterman Award recognizes individuals for their continued commitment and unselfish service to Defiance College athletics. Alumni Varsity D represents 1,200 student athletes who earned varsity letters at Defiance College. Rutter is currently assistant athletic director for student-athlete engagement, experiential learning coordinator, head women’s golf coach, and an associate professor of sport science. He has been the “voice of the Yellow Jackets” for several years, serving as announcer at DC football and basketball games. Rutter came to Defiance College as head baseball coach in 1983 and served in that capacity through the 2001 season. During that time, his teams amassed 286 wins, placing him atop the list for coaching victories in baseball at DC. Rutter was named the Hoosier-Buckeye Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in 1985 and the Association of Mideast Colleges Coach of the Year in 1995 after winning the AMC conference title. In the spring of 2002, Defiance College paid tribute to his efforts as head baseball coach by renaming Alumni Field, Craig A. Rutter Field. From 2001-06, Rutter served the College as director of service learning, providing opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alums, and community partners to participate in service experiences locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. He led three trips to Biloxi, Miss., before and after Hurricane Katrina, to aid the people in that area. He has taken service teams to the Oglala Lakota Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, S.D., the second poorest county in the United States; to inner-city Detroit to assist the Good News Gang Metro and Detroit World Outreach with

service projects in the local neighborhoods; and he has directed 18 trips to Jamaica, serving the people of that country through the building of homes, teaching in the schools, and witnessing to the children in three orphanages. He and his wife, Gayle, have three daughters and five granddaughters and are expecting their sixth grandchild in mid-July.

rutterhonoreD bY AVD

Alumni Varsity ‘D’ recognizes Craig Rutteras the Honorary Letterman for 2009

Craig Rutter

Record BreakingSeason!

SoftBall 2009

The Defiance College softball team had another outstanding season, claiming its second straight Heartland tournament title and NCAA Regional Final Four berth. Among its accomplishments:

u School record 30 victories (overall record: 30-16) u Second-straight HCAC Tournament title u Second-Straight NCAA Regional Final Four appearance u School’s Fourth NCAA Tournament Appearance u Five All-HCAC honorees u One All-Region Selection u Two All-Regional Tournament selections u Coach Holava claimed 100th career victory u Team set six school records (at-bats, home runs, total bases, putouts, fielding percentage and innings pitched) u Several individual career records

Zarembski wraps up outstanding DC careerDefiance College’s Brad Zarembski claimed three HCAC high jump crowns, two All-Ohio Out-door titles while garnering All-American recognition in 2007. He also excelled in the classroom at DC, ending his time on campus with a 3.89 cumulative grade-point average. That success led to multiple academic honors. Zarembski will continue his education and athletic career at Long Beach State next fall, where he will pursue an MBA degree.

Non-Profit Org.U. S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 265

Defiance OH 43512701 North CliNtoN Street DefiaNCe, oh 43512

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

200thBirthday Celebration

Defiance College and the City of Defiance invite you to rediscover a life you thought you knew...

Abraham LincolnThe engaging series, that reflects on the multiple facets of arguably our greatest president, continues with the final four

presentations in September.

Michelle Tabit (Sept. 10), Mark Neely, Jr. (Oct. 11), Gerald Wood (Oct. 29), and Donald Buerk (Nov. 12) will guide you

through the distinguished life of Lincoln.

Printed on Recycled Paper