9i果冻制作厂

Remembering Student JOSH TAYLOR

The campus community lost a valued friend, teammate, and classmate when second-year student Josh Taylor passed away tragically on Jan. 2.

Taylor was a member of the men鈥檚 wrestling team and a graduate of Lakewood High School in Hebron, OH. Nearly 100 of his teammates, classmates, coaches, faculty, and staff attended his memorial service to support his family and share their memories. The men鈥檚 wrestling team is breaking their huddle with the chant 鈥淛T鈥 in his memory this season.

READY DAY Scheduled for Sept. 24, 2025

Starting in fall 2025, all 9i果冻制作厂students will shift their class and lab studies to an entire day dedicated to their professional preparation.

Otterbein’s READY Day will guide students through programming and opportunities personalized for their year of study with some common experiences shared by all. Developed after several years of discipline-specific career jumpstart programs, students gave the READY Day concept very high marks specifically acknowledging:

  • The benefit of connecting with alumni in their field of interest.
  • Learning and practicing networking skills in real time situations with professionals.
  • The chance to explore internship and employment opportunities.

Student Success and Career Development is looking for alumni volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Email ready@otterbein.edu, call 614-823-1624, or visit www.otterbein.edu/READY.

9i果冻制作厂Recognized for Student Voting

Student voters have earned 9i果冻制作厂another recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, this time as a 2024 Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting.

9i果冻制作厂is one of 471 colleges and universities recognized for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation in the 2024 election. The results were released Nov. 16, 2024, and are based on statistics gathered from the 2020 election by the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement. In 2020, Otterbein’s student body had a 74% voting rate compared to the national average of 66% for college students.

Historic Milestones in Changes to Board of Trustees

Celebrating 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 Historic Leadership

William 鈥淓ddie鈥 Harrell Jr. 鈥94
Alumnus, Media Executive, Servant Leader, and 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 First Black Board Chair

William (Eddie) Harrell Jr. 鈥94 has been committed to improving the lives of others throughout his career and through his service and civic engagement. He serves as the regional vice president of all Radio One markets in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. He also has extensive experience leading civic organizations focused on diversity and inclusion, including I KNOW I CAN and Project GRAD Columbus, the Columbus Urban League, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

Now, this accomplished alumnus and professional will continue his commitment to making meaningful contributions to the current and future students of his alma mater as he begins his tenure as the chair of the 9i果冻制作厂Board of Trustees. Serving on the University鈥檚 board since 2007, Harrell is poised to make history at 9i果冻制作厂as the first person of color to serve as the chair alongside Vice Chair Theresa Harris, the first Black woman to serve in that role.

Q&A with William 鈥淓ddie鈥 Harrell Jr. 鈥94:

Q&A with William 鈥淓ddie鈥 Harrell Jr. 鈥94:

How did 9i果冻制作厂prepare you for your career?

9i果冻制作厂provided a strong foundation of critical thinking throughout the curriculum. The Integrative Studies classes provided a broad range of topics to indulge in, and the business classes were integral in shaping my understanding of business and commerce. Socially, 9i果冻制作厂helped me engage with students and faculty from various backgrounds and walks of life. This has been very important to my development as a business executive.

Why are you serving on 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 Board of Trustees?

9i果冻制作厂has given me so much that it feels natural to stay engaged as 9i果冻制作厂continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity in the lives of students. Everywhere I go, I try to weave 9i果冻制作厂into the conversation. It is easy to talk about something you love.

What challenges are facing higher education, and how is 9i果冻制作厂addressing them?

The affordability of higher education remains a challenge across the board. The administration of 9i果冻制作厂is working hard to fundraise, control expenses where possible, and model our financial aid to keep 9i果冻制作厂affordable for generations of families to come. We are particularly committed to remaining an institution of opportunity for first-generation college students and students of color.

Another challenge is ensuring we are graduating students that are prepared for post-graduate institutions and industries that will be in-demand over the next couple decades. One way we are doing this is the development of the Coalition for the Common Good. I would encourage all alumni to learn more about this effort, as it allows us to focus on what we do best.

Describe your leadership style and how you will apply it to your board leadership.

I would describe my leadership style as level-headed, collaborative, and engaging. We have an incredible board with a governance model that includes students, faculty, and alumni. I will continue to rely on the board to make sound decisions to provide our students with a world-class experience.

What areas of opportunity do you see for Otterbein?

We must continue to improve our physical plant and infrastructure. To remain competitive, we need to consistently improve our facilities to ensure our students have an environment that is conducive to living and learning. The Campus Center is an example. The upgrades we are making to that facility are going to benefit students for years to come.

What are your priorities as Board Chair?

Remain student-focused on decisions we make as a board. Ensure we are making fiscal decisions that set up 9i果冻制作厂for long-term viability and success. Strengthen our position in the undergraduate market as we leverage our efforts within the Coalition for the Common Good.

Why did you choose to attend Otterbein?

When I visited 9i果冻制作厂as a high school senior, it felt like home. I can recall the night before making a final choice of where to attend, I received a call from (Associate Director of Admission) Jeanne Talley. It was her personal touch and care for my well-being that made the ultimate difference.

What was your major and what extracurriculars were you involved in?

Business Administration with a Minor in Sociology. I was active in the African American Student Union, 9i果冻制作厂 Gospel Choir, and joined Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

What were your fondest memories of your time at Otterbein?

I had a great experience at Otterbein, so there are many to choose from. From having Thanksgiving Dinner at President Devore鈥檚 home, to playing in the championship game of the intramural football league 鈥 the great times were numerous. Ultimately, I was part of a community that was nurturing, insightful, and valuable, both personally and professionally. The fondest memory was my father and I embracing and crying together at commencement. My parents were very supportive of my educational pursuits, so it was gratifying to pay them back by completing my undergraduate education at Otterbein.

Were there faculty or staff members who had a particular impact on you?

Jeanne Talley, who worked in Admission, was part of my inspiration to attend Otterbein. Throughout my time at Otterbein, she consistently checked in to make sure I was doing what was expected of me along the way. She held me accountable, which was like having a second mom right there on campus.

What do you think is special or different about 9i果冻制作厂graduates?

9i果冻制作厂graduates understand the importance of service. The education we receive at 9i果冻制作厂is top notch, yet it is the commitment of service to others that sets us apart.

Otterbein’s First Female Board Chair Retires

Cheryl Herbert, Chair of the Board of Trustees

After 14 years of service to the 9i果冻制作厂 Board of Trustees, with three of those as chair, Cheryl Herbert is retiring. She holds a significant place in 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 history, not only breaking barriers as the board鈥檚 first female chair, but also leading the University through the creation of the Coalition for the Common Good.

鈥淚t was a great honor to be elected as Board Chair at Otterbein, following in the footsteps of wonderful leaders that came before me,鈥 she said, sharing credit for 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 continuing success with her predecessors.

President John Comerford praised Herbert for the progress 9i果冻制作厂has made under her leadership. 鈥淐heryl Herbert has been an engaged and forward-thinking leader, strengthening 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 position by focusing on its future stability and growth. Her ability to assess higher education trends and forecasts has allowed us to make smart moves that will continue to impact generations of students to come,鈥 he said.

Herbert brought executive vision to the board, drawing from her experience as a senior vice president at OhioHealth who started her career as a nurse over 40 years ago. She also understands the value of a private university education, having earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Capital University and master鈥檚 degree in business administration from Ashland University.

Her background has given her insight into the need for an industry to innovate over time. 鈥淗igher education is going through significant changes and challenges. The Board and I wanted to ensure we faced those head on and positioned 9i果冻制作厂for success well into the future,鈥 she said.

That鈥檚 why her proudest achievement as board chair is an innovative partnership that addresses those challenges in a bold, new way 鈥 the Coalition for the Common Good, which 9i果冻制作厂founded with Antioch University.

Although she is retiring from the 9i果冻制作厂Board of Trustees, the University has impressed Herbert in ways that she will carry with her.

鈥9i果冻制作厂is unwavering in its commitment to affordable and accessible education for all. Faculty, staff and administration are steadfast in their dedication to the goal of graduating outstanding citizens into the world. The graduates of 9i果冻制作厂live up to that billing. They are smart, creative, knowledgeable, and really want to make the world a better place,鈥 she said.

鈥淚n my time on the board, I developed great respect for the University, what it stands for, and how it conducts itself,鈥 she added. 鈥淚t was an honor to serve as chair.鈥

Thanks to Herbert鈥檚 leadership, 9i果冻制作厂is ahead of its peers in making the bold, transformational changes that will define the future of higher education, while remaining true to the values upon which it was founded.

Our Newest Board Members

Rev. John Edgar
President of Columbus Housing Enterprise.

Julianna Grubich 鈥26
Student trustee

Jonathan Hargis 鈥79
Retired Chief Marketing Officer, Charter Communications.

Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham 鈥98
Senior Vice President and Chief of Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Worthington Enterprises (alumni trustee).

Michael Hudoba, Ph.D.
Associate professor and chair, Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics (faculty trustee).

Karin Yaffe Stump 鈥80
President, Yaffe and Stump Consulting.

9i果冻制作厂would like to thank the following Board of Trustees members for their service. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment they shared with the University.

April Casperson 鈥03
(2021-24).

Cheryl Herbert
(2010-24)

Yasmeen Khafagy 鈥25
(2023-24).

Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens 鈥97
(2021-24).

John Tansey
(2021-24)

Al Waterhouse 鈥82
(2007-23)

9i果冻制作厂Professors Pitch in at Olympics

9i果冻制作厂might not have sent athletes to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, but two 9i果冻制作厂faculty members were still in Paris for the action. Associate Professor of Equine Science Bruce Mandeville is a former Olympian and current chair of the selection committee for the Canadian Equestrian Team. Mandeville competed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, two World Championships (1994 and 2002), and two Pan American Games (1999 and 2003) as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team. At Otterbein, he teaches equine business management courses, including sustainable practices, equine center design, and equine law, among others.

Faculty Emerita Denise Shively has been a longtime Communication, First Year Experience, Integrative Studies, and Senior Year Experience instructor. Her term as president of USA Artistic Swimming (formerly synchronized swimming) ended in September, but before then she traveled to Paris as the current president to cheer on Team USA. In previous roles as vice president of the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Board of Directors and as an international team manager, she traveled with Team USA to many World Championships, three Pan American Games, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

While he didn鈥檛 go to Paris, 9i果冻制作厂Athletics Director Greg Lott was watching the gymnastics competitions from home, cheering for some athletes he knew personally 鈥 the British gymnasts. Lott spent summer 2023 in the United Kingdom working with British Gymnastics, where he led a coach development program and partnered with the True Athlete Project on work with British Gymnastics’ leadership and gymnastic team members.

Congratulations 2024 9i果冻制作厂Award Honorees

Celebration of Otterbein

Celebration Of Otterbein

Dee Hoty '74

Dee Hoty 鈥74

Marsha Rice Scanlin 鈥74

Marsha Rice Scanlin 鈥74

Melissa Briggs-Phillips 鈥95

Melissa Briggs-Phillips 鈥95

James E. Prysock III 鈥09 MBA鈥19

James E. Prysock III 鈥09 MBA鈥19

Dee Hoty '74

Rebecca A. Carter 鈥15

Dee Hoty '74

Amanda Dakermanji 鈥14

Ashleigh Thornton Kraus 鈥17

Ashleigh Thornton Kraus 鈥17

Melissa Briggs-Phillips 鈥95

Aaron Rhinehart 鈥14

Christina Reynolds

Christina Reynolds

Nominate a peer for the 2025 Alumni Awards at: www.otterbein.edu/alumni/awards.

2024 Alumni Award Recipients Honored

Every fall, we recognize a special group of alumni and friends with the University鈥檚 top honors and awards. The 2024 Alumni Awards were conferred at Homecoming and Family Weekend in September and the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were honored in October. Hats off to these amazing alumni and friends:

Distinguished Alumni Award
Dee Hoty 鈥74
Marsha Rice Scanlin 鈥74

9i果冻制作厂Alumni Award
Melissa Briggs-Phillips 鈥95
James E. Prysock III 鈥09 MBA鈥19

Rising Star Award
Rebecca A. Carter 鈥15
Amanda Dakermanji 鈥14
Ashleigh Thornton Kraus 鈥17
Aaron Rhinehart 鈥14

Honorary Alumni Recognition
Christina Reynolds (posthumously)

Mary B. Thomas 鈥28 Commitment to 9i果冻制作厂Award

Knowlton Foundation President John Lindberg (left) receiving the Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to 9i果冻制作厂Award with President John Comerford.

Virtual Lifelong Learning Community Memberships Available

You don’t have to live near 9i果冻制作厂to participate in our Lifelong Learning Community. Our virtual membership allows you to watch classes live from the comfort of your home. You can also access class recordings to watch when it’s convenient for you.

Learn more and join today at www.otterbein.edu/lifelonglearning.

2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

The 16th 9i果冻制作厂 Athletics Hall of Fame class was inducted on Oct. 25.

Honorees were introduced to the fans at the annual rivalry football game between 9i果冻制作厂and Capital on Oct. 26.

The 2024 inductees are:
Softball
Laura Basford Cheyney
Laura Basford Cheyney 鈥14
Track and Field
Laura Basford Cheyney
Austin Curbow 鈥12
Tennis
Julie Stroyne Nixon 鈥14
Football
Laura Basford Cheyney
Jack Rafferty 鈥08, MBA鈥11
Soccer
Laura Basford Cheyney
Bobby Weinberg 鈥02, MBA鈥04

For more information, visit .

鈥淪urvey Says鈥: Cardinal Survey Results

We want to sincerely thank the nearly 1,900 Cardinal community members who completed our 2024 Cardinal Survey this past spring. With your help, we have gained valuable insight into how we can better tailor our work in engagement and fundraising to suit the needs and preferences of our diverse Cardinal family.

Some key findings included:

  • Cardinals are generally positive about 9i果冻制作厂and the current direction of the University.
  • Our community feels we are effectively reaching them with our marketing and communications materials.
  • There is strong interest in both virtual and in-person events to connect alumni, families, and students.
  • Cardinals want to volunteer.
  • Our community generally feels confident that their donations have an impact, and that 9i果冻制作厂is a good steward of those investments.

There were also some clear messages about how we should continue or improve our efforts:

  • Continue to invest in Towers magazine as a primary method of telling 9i果冻制作厂stories.
  • Continue to explore ways to connect alumni with students for career assistance and guidance.
  • Streamline volunteer opportunities and eliminate paths that currently lead to unsupported areas.
  • Improve donation impact reporting.

Legends:

Towers Magazine

E-News Emailed newsletters

9i果冻制作厂Website

Classmates and Friend

Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)

Printed Mail

All Others

We look forward to incorporating these lessons and more as we plan for the months and years ahead, so be on the lookout for changes 鈥 large and small 鈥 to our events, communications, and volunteering opportunities.

We also want to congratulate our three drawing winners, selected randomly from those who entered after completing the Cardinal Survey:

  • Shilah Alexander 鈥21
  • Debbie Janakiefski 鈥84
  • Iris Love 鈥96

Each received a $50 gift card to the 9i果冻制作厂Bookstore.

A Look at Otterbein’s Newest Class of 2028

A Look at 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 Newest Class of 2028

TOP 5 Academic Majors: Nursing 鈥 Zoo & Conservation Science 鈥 Business Administration and Management 鈥 Psychology 鈥 Allied Health

Nursing majors are up by 47% 鈥 STEM majors make up 28% of the entering class

Here鈥檚 a look at the

Class of 2028

9i果冻制作厂welcomed
581 (12% increase) new first-year students
from 25 states and 2 countries to campus this fall

Incoming Class Overview

Men 41% Women 59%

28% Students of Color

49% Already have college credit

45% Pell-eligible students

Notable Numbers

23% More students living on campus
37% Increase in transfer students
23% Increase in male enrollment
77 New legacy students or joining a sibling on campus
10 New athletes for women鈥檚 wrestling
8 New recruits joining Esports team

9i果冻制作厂Equine Teams Ranked Nationally

9i果冻制作厂鈥檚 equine teams continue to dominate on the national stage, wrapping up their respective seasons with strong finishes. The 9i果冻制作厂Dressage Team won its region to qualify for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) national championships, where it was the defending three-time champion. This year, 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 IDA team secured a second place finish out of 11 teams at the national finals held in Tryon, NC, in April. 9i果冻制作厂won the national championship in 2019, 2022, and 2023. (Competition was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.)

9i果冻制作厂 Dressage Team

翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Equestrian Team finished seventh in the nation after an exciting week of hunt seat competition in Tryon, NC, in May. 翱迟迟别谤产别颈苍鈥檚 team placed higher than more than 400 teams and 10,000 riders throughout the nation to achieve this impressive result. The team won its zone and regional championships in order to qualify for nationals.