9i果冻制作厂Editorial Staff, Author at 9i果冻制作厂 Towers

Coalition for the Good of Otterbein

Hey, What鈥檚 So Great
about the Coalition for
the Common Good?

“The most common questions that I hear about the Coalition for the Common Good (CCG) are very direct: How does 9i果冻制作厂benefit from the Coalition for the Common Good? Why did we invest money and give up our graduate programs? These excellent questions deserve thoughtful answers. Let鈥檚 start by examining the financial model of the Coalition.”
~ Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

Hey, What鈥檚 So Great
about the Coalition for
the Common Good?

The cornerstone of the CCG is creating a shared graduate and adult learner program that will grow revenue for Coalition members by expanding the reach of Otterbein鈥檚 graduate programs and by continuing to add new programs as more members join the CCG. Now exceptional 9i果冻制作厂programs, like the Master鈥檚 of Athletic Training or the graduate Nursing programs, will be offered on the East and West Coast at Antioch鈥檚 established locations. Alternatively, Antioch University graduate programs like Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Non-profit Management will expand offerings in central Ohio.

Antioch is the right partner for this work. Antioch University has been one of the nation鈥檚 leaders in serving graduate students and working adults since the 1960s. It has the infrastructure and expertise to provide engaging and personalized educational opportunities to working adults through online, low residency, and face-to-face programs. This flexibility is what adult and working professionals expect. That infrastructure also allows the CCG to engage with local industry and service organizations to provide professional and workforce development opportunities serving a broad spectrum of staff and clients, including seminars, stackable certificates, online adult degree completion, and advanced degrees.

What does 9i果冻制作厂get in return for investing in the Coalition for the Common Good and transferring most of our graduate programs to Antioch University? First, 9i果冻制作厂receives annual payments from Antioch that reimburse the net revenue that was generated by the transferred programs, so 9i果冻制作厂doesn鈥檛 lose anything. Then, as programs expand and enrollment grows, the Coalition pays 9i果冻制作厂an additional share of the revenue that all graduate and adult learner programs earn, after all program expenses are covered. Over time, this model generates significantly more revenue than 9i果冻制作厂was able to generate by offering those programs on our own. The Coalition has also created a Support Services Organization that will allow us to negotiate better terms with vendors, increase the bench strength of our staff, and create back-office efficiencies that will generate savings for both universities and future members.

The CCG also is a way for 9i果冻制作厂to distinguish itself from other liberal arts-focused schools. Students still get to work with engaged faculty focused on teaching excellence in small classes that provide real opportunities for student-faculty engagement, while also having the benefits of a large system. Students have expressed excitement about opportunities for accelerated degree programs, access to more job and internship opportunities through an expanded alumni network, and the opportunity to take courses from other member institutions. In market research, prospective undergraduate students overwhelmingly indicated that benefits like these would make them more interested in attending a school that is part of a national system of higher education institutions.

The Graduate Early Admission Pathways (GEAPs) allow 9i果冻制作厂undergraduates to take up to nine credits of graduate coursework 鈥� at no additional cost 鈥� while still an undergraduate, and those credits count towards both the graduate degree and the undergraduate degree. This reduces the time to graduation and the cost of a degree for students seeking professional master鈥檚 degrees. In addition to the 15 approved GEAPs, we are developing new pathways with a focus on Nursing, Education, and Couples and Family Therapy. 9i果冻制作厂undergraduates also now have access to new study abroad opportunities in partnership with Antioch. The first opportunity is a joint study abroad trip to the Galapagos Islands in May 2025. Similar opportunities will expand with every new member that joins the Coalition. We are developing study away programs that let 9i果冻制作厂undergraduates have immersive experiences on other Antioch campuses. These opportunities enrich the undergraduate experience and help provide stronger outcomes for our students after graduation.

Co-founding the Coalition for the Common Good lets 9i果冻制作厂focus on what we do best 鈥� teaching undergraduates. 9i果冻制作厂will further benefit by building a distinctive market identity, taking our graduate programs national, better serving our students, and expanding the reach of our mission with a partner that clearly shares our values of service to others and education for a more just society.

What are the current
Graduate Early Admission Pathway Programs?

Art Therapy
Athletic Training
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Conservation Biology
Environmental Education
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies, Science Teaching and Learning
Exercise and Health Science
Healthcare Administration
Human Service Administration
Individualized Studies in Environmental Studies
Individualized Studies in the Humanities
Individualized Studies in the Social Sciences
MBA/Management
Non-profit Management
Social Justice and Sustainability

GEAP Student Leah Locke ’25, Psychology, BS

Leah Locke ’25 is currently enrolled in the Graduate Early Admission Pathway for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has set her sights on becoming a mental health counselor with a master鈥檚 degree in clinical mental health counseling to be completed in 2027. On campus Leah is involved in Otterbein’s Honors program, Kappa Phi Omega, and minors in Spanish and Latin American Studies

Jefferson Blackburn-Smith is the Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, 9i果冻制作厂, and Vice President for Communications, Coalition for the Common Good. He has developed and implemented new partnerships with Central Ohio school districts and community colleges to create new opportunities to underserved populations to earn a higher education degree.

Coach Forges a Healthier Path for Youth Soccer

STOP BREAKING MY FUTURE PLAYERS

9i果冻制作厂women鈥檚 soccer coach Brandon Koons 鈥�94, MAT鈥�98, P鈥�23.

The women鈥檚 soccer team circles around Coach Koons.

Brandon Koons 鈥�94, MAT鈥�98, P鈥�23 is no stranger to success on the soccer field. His 347 victories over 26 seasons as head coach of the 9i果冻制作厂women鈥檚 soccer team is proof of that. He has also proven to be a strong leader and steward of the sport of soccer. But recent worrisome trends in youth sports have driven him to try out a new role 鈥� published author.

鈥淚 take it seriously because the content is important to me, but I kind of accidentally got into it,鈥� Koons said of his new book.

70% of kids drop out of organized youth sports by age 13, and nearly 10% of youth athletes experience burnout.

The book, Stop Breaking My Future Players: A College Coach鈥檚 Plea to Coaches, Parents, and Referees, was published in May 2024 and sheds light on the traps that parents and coaches push their children toward while highlighting healthier pathways in youth sports. It was borne simply out of Koons鈥� desire to make people more aware of the increasing dropout rate in youth sports, the reasons behind it, and how it can potentially be reversed.

鈥淚 just sat down one day and wrote down every clich茅 and every ridiculous thing I hear that people don鈥檛 understand the path they鈥檙e going down when they say it. I wrote down about 55 comments and organized them into things that parents say, things that coaches say, and things that refs say, and they kind of looked like chapters, so I decided to put it into book form,鈥� Koons said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think people fully understand that what they say can damage their kid, and the number one reason kids quit sports is that they鈥檙e not having fun anymore.鈥�

A frequent contributor to NSCAA Soccer Journal and author of eight DVDs on soccer fundamentals for Championship Productions, Koons is also heavily involved in coaching soccer at the youth and club levels, making him an authority on the issues addressed in his book.

Koons Sharing An Emotional Moment With GK Tara Carter After Advancing To Final Four Through A Shootout In Iowa.

According to a report released in January 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 70% of children drop out of organized youth sports by age 13, and nearly 10% of youth athletes experience burnout.

While it was initially a venture in venting, once Koons had everything typed, printed, and sitting on a shelf in his office, 9i果冻制作厂head volleyball coach Monica Wright MBA鈥�13 stumbled upon those 98 pages and encouraged him to get them published as a book. He did just that, and the impact has been far-reaching. He had sold roughly 160 copies as of mid-December, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Simply put, according to Koons, the focus in youth athletics needs to return to things kids can control such as effort, learning, and development rather than on rankings and a win-at-all-costs mindset.

鈥淲e need to stop focusing on things that are out of our control and start focusing on all the wonderful benefits you can get from participation in athletics,鈥� he said.

The women鈥檚 soccer team circles around Coach Koons.

Koons, the winningest coach in Ohio Athletic Conference women鈥檚 soccer history, has a deep connection to central Ohio, Otterbein, and the sport of soccer. A Westerville native, he earned both his bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology in 1994 and master鈥檚 degree in teaching in 1998 from Otterbein. He played four years on the varsity soccer team at 9i果冻制作厂and then served as an assistant coach on the men鈥檚 soccer team from 1995 to 1998 before taking over the women鈥檚 program in 1999.

In 26 years as head coach of the women鈥檚 team at Otterbein, Koons has never had a losing season, picking up 11 OAC regular-season championships, seven OAC Tournament championships, and seven NCAA Tournament appearances along the way. His 2010 team was the first OAC program to make the Final Four.

His secret to this success? Recruiting good students with positive attitudes who were raised in supportive family cultures that also happen to be good soccer players. Instilling the program鈥檚 six core values of camaraderie, class, competitive edge, discipline, empathy, and pride has helped as well. At its core, the 9i果冻制作厂women鈥檚 soccer program is one that embodies the positive elements of sports that Koons discusses in his book, and the success speaks for itself.

鈥淚 polled our women鈥檚 soccer players at the end of the season and asked them why they play soccer. I gave them about 10 choices to rank, and winning was fourth or fifth on that list for the team as a whole,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o even for players whose goal it is to win a conference championship every year, winning is fourth or fifth on their list. They鈥檙e getting so many other benefits from playing.鈥�

2018 Team After Claiming OAC Tournament Crown

Letter from President Comerford, Spring 2025

鈥婦ear Alumni and Friends,

9i果冻制作厂is in the business of changing lives.

It鈥檚 what we do. We do it with success because of the exceptional people who share in the work every day 鈥� professors, mentors, coaches, and counselors.

Take 9i果冻制作厂women鈥檚 soccer coach Brandon Koons 鈥�93, MAT鈥�98, P鈥�23 as an example. The winningest coach in Ohio Athletic Conference women鈥檚 soccer history isn鈥檛 writing a book about the art of winning. Instead, this coach is sharing his advice after 26 seasons of coaching at 9i果冻制作厂in hopes of helping students, families, and other coaches remember what鈥檚 most important about caring for and motivating young athletes and why he thinks losing focus of that is how you lose players and kill their passion.

9i果冻制作厂changes lives with its new ideas that push boundaries and enrich the educational experience. The driving force of our innovation is focused on expanding opportunities for students. The Graduate Early Admission Pathways program is just one example of the benefit of the Coalition for the Common Good to 9i果冻制作厂and our students.

You can see evidence of this transformation in some of the seniors of the Class of 2025. It鈥檚 not only what they鈥檝e done or how much they鈥檝e achieved or even what their plans are post-graduation 鈥� all of which are impressive. What strikes me is how much our graduates say they鈥檝e grown and what their teachers, their courses, their experiences, and their friends have meant to them in learning about who they are and who they have the potential to be.

Make no mistake. Lives are also changed with the help of faithful friends and the 9i果冻制作厂bond they share. From roommates whose post-graduation adventure led to a lifetime of memories to the multi-generation 鈥�Round Robin鈥� tradition that created a scholarship fund. We also remember the legacy of several Cardinals whose loss is felt by those who respected, valued, and cherished them. Throughout their lives, Vernon Pack 鈥�50, Mark Thresher 鈥�78, P鈥�05, and Bill Evans 鈥�56, together with their friends and families, offered this University and our students more than we might ever expect.

These leaders were modest and understated in their generosity. They credited 9i果冻制作厂for giving them something important in their youth and then spent their lives giving back far more. They enriched our community with traditions, progress, a visionary eye, and the steadfast belief that, with some investment, Otterbein鈥檚 best days would always be ahead of us. 9i果冻制作厂is far better, as am I, for the legacies of these forever friends.

Thanks to all of you for your friendship to Otterbein, now and in the days ahead. Our 9i果冻制作厂community of scholars, leaders, and friends remains a welcome symbol of integrity, possibility, and good.

Sincerely,

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

9i果冻制作厂Legacy Family Initiative

Share Your Family Story and Make a Difference for Future Generations

Ted And Eileen Huston — Ted Huston 鈥�57, with his late wife, Eileen Fagan Huston 鈥�57, on graduation day at Otterbein, in front of Cochran Hall.

Since 1847, generations of 9i果冻制作厂family members have called our beautiful campus home. 9i果冻制作厂Legacy Families hold a special place in the history of our alma mater, and a special place in our hearts, too. As traditions and pride are passed from generation to generation, every Legacy Family weaves its own unique 9i果冻制作厂story.

鈥淲ith 15 members of our family attending Otterbein, dating back to the 1930s, it is a pleasure to participate in this special Family Legacy Initiative supporting the rebirth of the Campus Center.鈥�
鈥� Dr. John T. Huston 鈥�57, P鈥�85, P鈥�89

We鈥檇 like to help you tell your story.

As part of the Campus Center Renovation Project, we鈥檙e creating a unique opportunity to showcase our 9i果冻制作厂Legacy Families by giving our multi-generational families an opportunity to make a lasting impact. In the same way that families provide love, support, and a sense of belonging, we are committed to providing these same ideals to our students at Otterbein.

For more information, contact: Kathleen Bonte at kbonte@otterbein.edu or 614-823-2707.

Learn more at: www.otterbein.edu/21stCenturyCampusCenter

Deadline to participate is June 30, 2025!

Alumni, Families, and Friends Celebrate Equine Program鈥檚 Success and Future

Otterbein鈥檚 equine community came together in September to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science. The 2024 Equine Gala was an inspirational evening that highlighted the impact of the program on students, alumni, and families, and the experiences that have created rewarding careers, lifetime memories, and friendships.

To say that Otterbein鈥檚 Equine Science program has changed the lives of many of its students would be an understatement. Greg Schmid 鈥�09, DVM, served as the event鈥檚 emcee, and shared, 鈥淚t鈥檚 really wonderful that we鈥檙e all here to support the health and wellness initiatives for all the amazing horses at the barn.鈥�

Schmid shared the influence that staff and faculty members had on him, including business manager Kari Briggs 鈥�03, MBA鈥�11, department chair Dr. Sherri Birmingham 鈥�01, and professor emerita Dr. Maria Calderone, who also received the inaugural Industry Leader Award at the event.

In addition, several influential alumni and donors were honored at the gala, including the Plaumann-Wilson Family, who received the Philanthropic Impact Award.

Rebecca Knopf 鈥�15 was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award and shared, 鈥淭he things I learned from the equine program at Otterbein, I use every day in my work at Square Peg … every horse has something to teach you.鈥�

Jocelyn Pierce 鈥�09 and emcee Greg Schmid 鈥�09 with 9i果冻制作厂horse, Ted.

Rebecca Knopf 鈥�15 with rider at Square Peg.

John Lindberg, president of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, which named Otterbein鈥檚 facility 15 years ago and received the 2024 Mary B. Thomas 鈥�28 Commitment to 9i果冻制作厂Award, shared, 鈥淎ustin Knowlton had a passion for horses. This project always had a lot of synergy with our Foundation, and I think Mr. Knowlton would be very, very proud that the Center has his name on it, and that we鈥檝e been able to support Otterbein.鈥�

There was a spirit of appreciation and generosity in the air at the Gala, with attendees and supporters giving back to the program that made a difference in their lives. The event raised more than $90,000 through donations and a silent auction, which included a $25,000 gift from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. Equine artist Alexandra Lederman 鈥�18 donated a commissioned piece of art, and Jules Richter 鈥�24 served as the event photographer. Lifetime equestrian and 9i果冻制作厂trustee Karin Yaffe Stump 鈥�80 thanked the countless alumni, volunteers, donors, faculty, and staff who helped to build the program over the years. 鈥淲orking and living with horses is a special lifestyle. Horses teach discipline, resilience, determination, and grit 鈥� skills that are essential to navigating our lives.鈥�

Equestrian and 9i果冻制作厂Trustee Karin Yaffe Stump 鈥�80 rallied the gala attendees to support the program.

Oil on canvas painting donated by Alexandra Lederman 鈥�18.

To learn more, visit www.otterbein.edu/EquineCenter15.

Stay in the loop about Equine program news by updating your contact information at www.otterbein.edu/alumni/update.

9i果冻制作厂Names New Vice President for Institutional Advancement

9i果冻制作厂 has chosen Floyd Akins as its new vice president for institutional advancement. Akins will lead a team of staff in the offices of Development, Advancement Services, Engagement, Events & Conferences, and The Point.

Conferences, and The Point. 鈥�9i果冻制作厂has been in my sights for a while for its culture, the mission of the institution, and now because of its energetic and enthusiastic president who wants to take 9i果冻制作厂to the next level,鈥� said Akins. Akins has more than 35 years of experience in higher education. He most recently served as vice president for advancement for the University of Toledo, where he oversaw a team of more than 40 staff and led the foundation鈥檚 second largest fundraising year, bringing in $36 million for the university in FY23.

Akins impressed the 9i果冻制作厂community with his record of success in leading and mentoring teams to tangible results in fundraising and relationship-building. As associate vice president for advancement at Michigan State University, Akins led a team that raised $232 million in FY21. As assistant vice chancellor for development for The University of Tennessee Foundation, his team increased the Corporate and Foundation Engagement (CFE) fundraising total by more than 200% over three years.

He is familiar with the higher education market in central Ohio, having worked as senior associate vice president for university development and vice president of The Ohio State University Foundation from 2010-2012.

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to find someone with a proven record of success in principal gifts, major gifts, corporate and foundations relations, and advancement services. Floyd Akins has all that. It鈥檚 exceedingly rare to find someone with that resume who shares Otterbein’s values. Floyd has that, too, and we are fortunate to have him join our leadership team,鈥� said President John Comerford.

Our sincere gratitude to these alumni and friends who have recently made generous gifts to 9i果冻制作厂鈥� Spring 2025

Roger and Betty Neff P鈥�83, P鈥�85 made an additional gift of $25,000 to the Roger H. and Betty A. Neff Endowed Scholarship for Education, which supports students pursuing Global Studies (formerly International Studies) or studies that reflect a global perspective.

9i果冻制作厂Sociology Professor Emerita Eva A. Sebo and Ohio State University Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Emeritus Stephen A. Sebo founded The Eva and Stephen Sebo Endowed Scholarship in Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies to support junior or senior students studying this field. They also founded The Stephen and Eva Sebo Endowed Scholarship in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to benefit outstanding, incoming full-time undergraduate students with high academic achievement in these fields.

Mark Plaumann P鈥�22 and Marilyn Wilson P鈥�22, parents of Mason Plaumann 鈥�22, were instrumental in the support of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science 15th Anniversary Gala. They also continued their support of the 9i果冻制作厂Fund and the Plaumann Family Equine Endowment to provide resources for the Equine Science program and Equestrian Team. This support fully funded the equine endowment, the first of its kind for the program.

Marilyn Harpster P鈥�99 provided $10,000 to further invest in the Dr. Joseph and Marilyn Harpster Engineering Award, which supports full-time undergraduate students pursuing an Engineering degree.

The Teresa A. Petch 鈥�51 Endowed Fund was created through a $25,000 gift from Dr. John E. and Deidre L. Finnegan to honor Petch, an accomplished educator and musician who performed with the Cleveland Choir and the Canton Civic Opera. The scholarship benefits undergraduates pursuing a degree in the area of Music.

Kathleen Fernandez Hillibish 鈥�71 has arranged for a generous gift to support the Hillibish Unrestricted Annuity, the Hillibish Endowment Annuity to benefit the Courtright Memorial Library, and the 9i果冻制作厂Fund. Fernandez Hillibish said the well-rounded education she received at 9i果冻制作厂served her well in her chosen occupation as a history museum professional.

The Kathryn Irene Briggs Starcher Trust provided 9i果冻制作厂with $120,000 for the Kathryn I. Briggs and Ronald R. Starcher Scholarship, which will support one student at a time for four years of studies at Otterbein.

Dr. Richard J. Smolen and Karen Hohnhorst Strand 鈥�68 each provided funding to establish the Smolen/Strand Scholarship in honor of Susan Hohnhorst Smolen 鈥�66, Richard鈥檚 late wife of 57 years and Karen鈥檚 sister. Susan was a proud Theta Nu sister and educator. Her family will support rising juniors or seniors majoring in Education in perpetuity through this $50,000 scholarship.

Virginia Phillippi Longmire 鈥�55 gave a generous donation to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. This renovation improves the safety and accessibility of the second floor of the Campus Center, as well as culinary offerings for the 9i果冻制作厂campus.

Jennifer Nichols Day 鈥�89 has supported the 9i果冻制作厂Fund with a gift of $35,000.

Alan R. Goff 鈥�75 and Coral Harris H鈥�23, longtime partners in Otterbein鈥檚 priorities, generously donated to the Promise House, the Rolling Green Fund, and Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. Goff and Harris are active on campus as members of the Lifelong Learning Community (LLC), patrons of 9i果冻制作厂arts performances, and volunteers with the Courtright Memorial Library and other projects.

Trailblazer Alumna Bequeaths $900,000 to 9i果冻制作厂Endowment

Dr. Carol Thompson

During her time as an 9i果冻制作厂student, the late Carol Thompson 鈥�61 fully embraced every opportunity to get involved in college life. To say she was a trailblazer is an understatement. As a first-generation college student in the late 鈥�50s, Thompson was on the tennis, basketball, and field hockey teams; participated in choir, Torch & Key, the Women鈥檚 Athletic Association; and was a member of Kappa Phi Omega sorority.

In her 1961 50th reunion memory book, Thompson shared, 鈥淢y years in the quiet peaceful village were four of the happiest years of my life. The educational experience in the classrooms exceeded my expectations. My student work experiences contributed greatly to my education; it was one of my jobs that exposed me to the possibilities of graduate school. My extracurricular activities helped me to grow in leadership abilities, and the intercollegiate sports I played provided many joyous hours of participation and skill development.鈥�

After completing her degree in Education at Otterbein, she later obtained her master’s and doctorate degrees in Physical Education from the University of Illinois and The Ohio State University, respectively. A true lifelong learner, she spent 37 years in higher education at Baldwin-Wallace University, teaching, coaching, and eventually earning the role of associate academic dean.

Thompson passed away in July 2023, and in October 2023 the University learned of her incredible $900,000 gift to Otterbein鈥檚 endowment through her close friend, Carol Heskett, trustee of the Carol Thompson Trust. This transformational gift, and Carol Thompson鈥檚 legacy of seizing every opportunity as a first-generation college student, will live on through generations of 9i果冻制作厂students to come.

The Roush Family Foundation has donated an additional $250,000 to support the Campus Center Renovation Project and $50,000 to support improvements to the Rike Center court floor and bleachers. During a recent hard-hat tour, Foundation members and guests felt it was important to honor the legacies of the Roush Family Foundation founders and to invest in Otterbein鈥檚 current and future students in this way.

Nancy Jean Smith 鈥�72 committed $30,000 to establish the Nancy Jean Smith Endowed Scholarship in Arts and Humanities. Smith spent 30 years as a local public librarian and takes joy in the lifetime of inspiration she acquired for art and the humanities from former 9i果冻制作厂art history professor Lillian Frank.

Dr. Fred E. 鈥�79 and Deborah Webber 鈥�80 Benedict donated $25,000 to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project.

Brian E. 鈥�93 and Gwendolyn Swigart 鈥�93 Nichols pledged $35,000 to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project.

Alan Waterhouse 鈥�82 and Dr. Beena Wycliffe donated $11,847 to be split evenly to support the 9i果冻制作厂Fund and the Waterhouse Family Scholarship, which honors the legacy of Alan鈥檚 father, George Alan Waterhouse, by providing financial support to students from Richland County.

A gift has been bestowed to the 9i果冻制作厂Fund from the estates of Robert and Ruth Osbahr, parents of Nancy Osbahr DeBell 鈥�77 and Mark Osbahr 鈥�81, and parents-in-law of Fred DeBell 鈥�76.

Gretchen Freeman Hargis ’77 and Trustee Jonathan R. Hargis ’79 contributed $50,000 to conclude their $100,000 total commitment to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project.

Chris 鈥�77 and Karen Kaiser donated $28,550 to support the Campus Center Renovation Project, the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship, and the 9i果冻制作厂Fund.

Trustee Emeritus Dr. John T. 鈥淭ed鈥� Huston 鈥�57, P鈥�85, P鈥�89 gave $37,050 to support the Campus Center Renovations and the Promise House. With lead gifts from Ted, along with Michael 鈥�86, P鈥�16, P鈥�21 and Lisa Collins 鈥�86, P鈥�16, P鈥�21 Huston and John P. 鈥�89, P鈥�04 and Lisa Rindfuss 鈥�88, P鈥�04 Huston, the Huston family is joining together to give as a legacy family to support the Campus Center. Fifteen members of the Huston family have attended Otterbein.

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation donated $25,000 to benefit the Department of Equine Science in honor of the gala celebrating 15 years of excellence at the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science.

The Vida S. Clements Foundation granted a total of $165,000 to support The Point; the Rike Center Bleacher Renovation Project; the Sports Film Digitalization Project spearheaded by the Courtright Memorial Library staff; the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship; the 鈥淥鈥� Club; and the Vida S. Clements Endowed Scholarship to support full-time students.

The 9i果冻制作厂鈥淥鈥� Club has continued its long legacy of supporting students with a recent $75,160 gift to fund the Rike Center Bleachers Renovation Project and the assistant sports information position.

Former 9i果冻制作厂Trustee and Chair Emerita Cheryl Herbert provided over $100,000 to establish the Cheryl Sinden Endowed Fund for Student Success. This gift will support several aspects of the 9i果冻制作厂READY career and professional preparation program, including the first-ever 9i果冻制作厂READY Day.

Dr. David L. Ward 鈥�74 gave $100,000 toward the founding of the David Lee Ward 鈥�74 Endowed Scholarship. Ward is an accomplished scientist and physician who credits the scholarship he received at 9i果冻制作厂in shaping his future. He is proud to create the same opportunity for students to realize their educational and professional goals.

James A. and Kathleen Rutherford P鈥�99 provided $50,000 to further build the James A. and Kathleen Rutherford Endowed Scholarship, which places a special emphasis on fostering the education of first-generation students.

The John B. and Olive S. Cook Foundation granted $12,300 to provide funds to support the Riley Auditorium Lighting Project and the Olive S. Cook 鈥�24 Memorial Endowed Award to facilitate graduates in the fields of Music and Music Education.

Morton J. H鈥�00 and Barbara K. H鈥�23 Achter donated $70,000 to support the new lighting project in Riley Auditorium and the purchase of equipment to facilitate experiential learning for the Nursing IV students. Morton is a retired professor emeritus of Music and former chair at 9i果冻制作厂whose passion helped develop the Musical Theater program, and Barbara was the founding chair of the Nursing program at Otterbein.

WELCOME to our new team member supporting Grants and Sponsored Programs in Institutional Advancement!

Megan Reamsnyder

Assistant Director, Grants and Sponsored Programs

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students. 9i果冻制作厂faculty and administrators have received five grants totaling $2,803,905 since the fall issue of Towers from the organizations listed here.

United States Department of Education

Title III Cardinals First Program

AMOUNT: $1,794,331

These Title III funds support the creation of the Cardinals First Program to hire a program director, resource navigator, and an additional academic success coach to expand the student success support for first-generation students. Through this program, 9i果冻制作厂will also hire additional tutors and provide training and support for tutors who work with first-generation and second-year students taking high intensity classes to increase retention; increase faculty development options; provide mentor training and supplies; and purchase software to track the success of the students.

Ohio Department of Higher Education

Choose Ohio First STEM and Engineering Scholarships

TOTAL AMOUNT OF TWO GRANTS: $896,816

In December, 9i果冻制作厂received two scholarship-based Choose Ohio First Grants. Our Cardinal STEM Scholars: Continuing to Build Ohio鈥檚 STEM Pipeline Scholarship Program was awarded $779,961 in fiscal year 2025 Choose Ohio First funding. This grant will provide STEM Scholarships from fall 2026 through 2030 to 75 students in five cohorts of 10-15 students. Based on the financial needs of the students, scholarships will range from a minimum of $1,500 to a maximum of $9,081. With the addition of 9i果冻制作厂dedicated matching funds, this equates to scholarships in the range of $8,000- $22,000 per student in STEM disciplines.

9i果冻制作厂also received $116,855 for a Choose Ohio First Fiscal Year 2019 Completion Grant. The 2019 Choose Ohio First Grant was a multi-year grant, but as it was a new program, it was not fully funded through the entire academic career of the student cohorts receiving these Engineering-based scholarships. This continuation grant provides funding to complete the scholarships for the students.

Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)

Community Waste Reduction Grant

AMOUNT: : $12,758

Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) awarded 9i果冻制作厂for a Community Waste Reduction Grant to purchase new recycling receptacles for the Dining Hall in Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. The grant will also provide recycling training and education to students, staff, and faculty as well as an analysis of current campus recycling efforts and creation of a campuswide recycling plan.

Columbus Foundation Shackleford Field of Interest Fund

9i果冻制作厂READY Experiential Learning Experiences

AMOUNT: : $100,000

This grant award supports the 9i果冻制作厂READY program and removes economic barriers to experiential learning opportunities in central Ohio, such as support for students with unpaid internships in their field of study.

The Vance Family: A Legacy of Giving Back

The Vance family: (L to R) Evey 鈥�51, P鈥�80, Kathryn 鈥�80, Patti, (the late) Robert 鈥�49, P鈥�80, and Rick.

Family Members Reminisce on 9i果冻制作厂Memories with Office of Engagement’s Dana Madden Viglietta 鈥�96

Every 9i果冻制作厂legacy family has a story about how their Cardinal roots began. For Evelyn 鈥淓vey鈥� Bender Vance 鈥�51, P鈥�80 and her late husband, Robert Vance 鈥�49, P鈥�80, their story began with a serendipitous meeting that inspired a lifetime of giving back. Evey had known Floyd Vance, class of 1916, from school and happened to see 鈥淰ance鈥� on Robert鈥檚 name tag at a local Methodist church singles event, and immediately knew he was a part of a special 9i果冻制作厂legacy family.

Robert Vance With Dr. Floyd Vance Pic — When visiting campus, a highlight for Vance family members is visiting the Presidents鈥� Gallery in Towers Hall. Above: The late **Robert Vance 鈥�49, P鈥�80**, in front of the portrait of his father, Floyd Vance, class of 1916.

Robert’s father, Floyd, was one of the longest-serving staff and faculty members, having served in 10 different roles over 43 years at 9i果冻制作厂鈥� including principal of the academy, dean, treasurer, business manager, director of admissions, foreign student advisor, director of placement, chairman of credits committee, French professor, and registrar 鈥� before serving as the 16th president of 9i果冻制作厂from 1957-58, then returning to the registrar position and retiring in 1964.

Evey came to 9i果冻制作厂from New Philadelphia, OH, at the recommendation of a friend from church and majored in education. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Tau sorority.

Robert grew up in Westerville and, after serving in World War II, earned his degree in Chemistry at Otterbein. During school, he was in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, band, and played football and softball. Robert went on to earn master鈥檚 and doctorate degrees in Chemistry from the University of Illinois.

Robert Vance As A Young Chemist — **Robert Vance 鈥�49** was a research chemist at General Electric鈥檚 Appliance Park in Louisville, KY. In later years, he also established and directed the analytical laboratory of the Kentucky Department of Water and worked at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Station.

Evey鈥檚 late brother, Ralph Bender 鈥�59, and sister, Nancy Bender Carlton 鈥�64, both followed in her footsteps to attend Otterbein. Much later, one of Evey and Robert鈥檚 three children, daughter Kathryn Vance Latosky 鈥�80, also graduated from Otterbein.

鈥淚 lived in Hanby Hall and was in (Epsilon Kappa Tau) sorority,鈥� said Latosky. 鈥淭aking walks around 9i果冻制作厂with my friends is one of my favorite memories. I would sometimes walk to the 9i果冻制作厂cemetery to look for my grandfather鈥檚 headstone.鈥�

In some funny family history, Evey and Robert鈥檚 son, Rick Vance, shared that the cow taken up to the fourth floor of Towers Hall as a student prank many years ago actually came from his dad鈥檚 farm in Westerville. Rick now owns some pieces of 9i果冻制作厂history handed down from his dad, including an old desk and office items. He鈥檚 especially grateful for the legacy of giving back that his parents passed down to their children.

Inspired by Robert and Evey鈥檚 love of chemistry and education, the family endowed two funds at 9i果冻制作厂in 2023: the Robert F. 鈥�49 and Evelyn Bender 鈥�51 Vance Endowed Scholarship in Science and the Robert F. 鈥�49 and Evelyn Bender 鈥�51 Vance Endowed Scholarship in Education. Both are providing impactful scholarship support for students in perpetuity.

The family recently sponsored a Habitat for Humanity home to honor Robert and Evelyn鈥檚 longstanding volunteerism and impact.

In addition to their generosity to Otterbein, Robert, Evey, and their family were (and continue to be) dedicated to many community causes. One such cause was Habitat for Humanity in their hometown of Louisville, KY. Rick recalled a Habitat trip to the Philippines with former President Jimmy Carter where he, his parents, and 2,000 volunteers helped build 120 houses in one week. The family invited President Carter to come to Kentucky to help with another Habitat project, and he agreed 鈥� a highlight of their family memories.

Robert volunteered weekly with Habitat until the age of 90 and recently, their family sponsored a Habitat house in honor of Evey and in memory of Robert 鈥� a special way to give back to their community and celebrate a lifetime of giving back.

9i果冻制作厂Homecoming and Family Weekend September 26-27, 2025

HOMECOMING

& Family Weekend,听September 26-27, 2025

We can鈥檛 wait to welcome our alumni, families, and friends back to the 鈥楤ein for this special annual tradition.

Save the date to come back to the 鈥渘est鈥� for every Cardinal鈥檚 favorite weekend on campus!

We鈥檒l celebrate the Class of 1975鈥檚 50th Golden Reunion, honor our Alumni Award winners, cheer on the Cardinals, and much more!

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
SEPT. 26-27

Visit www.otterbein.edu/homecoming to see the photo album from last year鈥檚 festivities.

9i果冻制作厂and Antioch Universities Create NCAA Athletics Consortium

The NCAA has approved Otterbein’s request to create an NCAA athletics consortium between 9i果冻制作厂 and Antioch University-Yellow Springs. The request was endorsed by the Ohio Athletic Conference. Through the consortium, students enrolled in online graduate programs offered through Antioch University who have NCAA eligibility can compete on Otterbein鈥檚 teams, whether they attended 9i果冻制作厂as an undergraduate or not. The consortium agreement will be reviewed and renewed every four years. The NCAA is also reviewing old legislation to address similar situations within the changing landscape of higher education.