A History of Friendship and Philanthropy

Donna Kerr H鈥�71, the wife of late President Emeritus Thomas J. Kerr, said Pack seemed to know every person and had a story about every place. “How he knew everything that was going on 鈥� it was by osmosis, I think,鈥� she said jokingly. 鈥淗e was really brilliant.”

A lt hough P ack supported many scholarships and initiatives over the years, one of his favorites was the Vernon L. Pack 鈥�50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence Program.

He established an endowment in 2002 to provide funding for distinguished scholars and lecturers to visit campus to address important current topics that reflect on ethical, spiritual, and social issues. The series has hosted prestigious guests like Doris Kearns Goodwin, Fareed Zakaria, Steven Pinker, Salman Rushdie, and Heather McGhee.

鈥淰ernon showed genuine interest in engaging with the diverse speakers who visited the campus as part of his series, but perhaps his greatest joy was talking over lunch with the students who had been selected to meet the speakers,鈥� reflected Patricia Frick, professor of English. 鈥淰ernon appreciated their ideas, listened to them with respect and curiosity, and enthusiastically encouraged them to pursue their personal and educational dreams. He was a true mentor and role model to generations of learners.”

Kerr attended some of the first lectures as a guest of Pack. 鈥淧art of the lecture series was for him to spend a few minutes alone with the speakers,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what he asked them, but I would have liked to have been a mouse and sat in on those conversations.鈥�

A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Friendship

While Deb came to 9i果冻制作厂from the 鈥渇oothills of Pennsylvania鈥� and Mark from Cleveland, they both chose 9i果冻制作厂because of their church backgrounds.

鈥淥ur church and faith are very important to us. That鈥檚 why we both ended up here, and why we have always given back … and 9i果冻制作厂has been one of our loves for sure,鈥� Deb said.

While Deb had to study harder than Mark, she said they both learned the value of hard work, respect for others, and commitment at Otterbein. 鈥淢ark always said you grew as a whole person here.鈥�

Deb said it was by chance that Mark landed on Otterbein鈥檚 Board of Trustees. After graduation, he launched a career that would include 25 years at Nationwide, culminating in his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), which he held from 2009-2021. It was Mark鈥檚 boss at Nationwide, Joseph Gasper, who asked Mark to take over his seat on Otterbein鈥檚 board. Mark served on the board for 21 years, with eight of those as chair.

The Threshers have supported many initiatives at 9i果冻制作厂over the years, establishing the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship for music education majors and the Mark and Deborah Thresher Fellowship to support experiential learning opportunities; supporting numerous building and renovation projects; and making annual gifts to the 9i果冻制作厂Fund.

However, Deb said their commitment of time to their alma mater has been the most meaningful to them. 鈥淭he two of us have always had the mentality that if we’re going to commit to something, we’re going to try to leave it a little better than when we got there.鈥�

Chelsea Thresher Ross 鈥�05 followed in her parents鈥� footsteps, graduating from their alma mater. Reflecting on her father鈥檚 impact, Chelsea shared, “Dad became so successful with only a bachelor’s degree and he attributed that success to the lessons he learned at 9i果冻制作厂that went beyond accounting. Later in life he wanted to give back to the institution that grounded him and gave him the skills to be successful 鈥� he wanted that to be the same story for the students that came after him.鈥�

Bill graduated from 9i果冻制作厂with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Mathematics with honors and worked for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, including in its Aerospace Division where he developed computer models of an early design for space suits and simulation of the Air Force鈥檚 Dyna Soar vehicle. In 1963, Bill began his impressive career with the Battelle Memorial Institute when he was recruited to work on the development of scientific computing in underdeveloped countries. He retired from Battelle in 1995.

Together, Bill and Sonya supported several 9i果冻制作厂funds and initiatives for more than 40 years, including the Class of 1956 Scholarship Fund, the 9i果冻制作厂Fund, the Science Center Addition and renovation campaign, the building campaigns for Roush Hall and the Clements Recreation and Fitness Center, among many others. For their 50th Class 鈥淕olden Reunion,鈥� Bill and Sonya led the efforts to chronicle Otterbein鈥檚 history. This multi-panel display adorns the halls of the third floor of Roush Hall. The couple received the 9i果冻制作厂 Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.

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.

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 Otterbein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

Our Newest Board Members

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

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.

Yasmeen Khafagy 鈥�25
(2023-24).

Al Waterhouse 鈥�82
(2007-23)

Education, and Democracy On Campus

According to the Fair Election Center鈥檚 Campus Votes Project, young adults historically have voted at lower rates than older cohorts. Why? They face many obstacles to voting, including frequent address changes, confusing voter ID laws, and lack of transportation to polling locations, among other things. That鈥檚 why there are efforts at 9i果冻制作厂to educate student voters about the voting process and to remove those obstacles that might prevent them from practicing their civic rights.

Peer-to-Peer Outreach

BY GRACE SIMS 鈥�25 Sociology, Psychology, and Women鈥檚, Gender, and Sexuality Studies triple major; CardinalCorps Co-Leader of Raise Your Voice; and Democracy Fellow*

*Note: Democracy Fellows are selected by the Campus Vote Project of the Fair Elections Center. Democracy Fellows talk to their peers about registering to vote, educate them on election laws and what鈥檚 on the ballot, and make sure students at their campus are ready to engage with democracy. Fellows implement programs on each of their campuses that will remain long after they graduate and make an impact on students for years to come.

Civic engagement is not only our right as U.S. citizens, but also an essential component of our democratic process, and education is a crucial part of every person鈥檚 voting journey.

From local issues to state elections and, this year, the presidential election, voters will be presented with a lot of information in November. So it is essential that they submit their vote, confident that they understand their ballots. After all, our vote has a variety of real-world outcomes that impact everyone from college students to families and retirees.

These outcomes matter to young people, who have been making their voices heard in increasing numbers. Young voters had record turnout in the 2020 and 2022 elections and 9i果冻制作厂students have been no different. In 2020, 9i果冻制作厂students registered to vote and then voted at higher rates than the national average and at a higher percentage than previous classes at Otterbein. Raise Your Voice, Otterbein鈥檚 non-partisan, student-run, voter education group, hopes to continue this legacy and improve our registration rate and voting rate in 2024.

Raise Your Voice has hosted events throughout the semester including on national civic holidays such as National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 17), National Voter Education Week (Oct. 7-10), and Vote Early Day (Oct. 29) to bring students together to learn about and celebrate the voting process.

At past events, students have enjoyed casting a mock ballot with the Franklin County Board of Elections, Q&As with local politicians, and discussions with various community partners including the League of Women Voters and Rank The Vote.

As a Democracy Fellow and college student, I recognize the apathy and dispiritedness prevalent among my fellow college students when it comes to voting. It is vital for me to educate my peers on the importance of not only voting in November, but voting down the ballot in an educated, informed, and confident manner. You can see our action plans, awards, and voting achievements at .

In the Classroom

BY LEESA J. KERN, PH.D. associate professor, Department of Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies

Many students are like me when I was in college. Traveling home to vote was impossible. I didn鈥檛 know how absentee ballots worked. I didn鈥檛 know how to find useful information about candidates and issues 鈥� well before social media and the Internet. To combat this, in 2008 I approached a colleague in History and Political Science, and we developed a Senior Year Experience course, 鈥淗igh Stakes: The 2008 Presidential Election.鈥�

This year鈥檚 election has already had its share of twists and turns, but in many ways the challenges facing new voters are similar to those in 2008. Today we have access to a great deal more information, but it is harder to know what is 鈥済ood information.鈥� Students can be wary of asking questions or sharing ideas in a climate where discussion can become divisive.

The goal of my class is to help students navigate:

• practical aspects of elections, like how to register to vote and where to go;
• informational aspects, including where to find information about candidates and issues, and what the 鈥渄own ballot鈥� races are;
• educational aspects, including what the electoral process is and how we get candidates; and increasingly
• the relational aspects, talking with people who disagree with you and understanding where your own viewpoints come from.

Civic engagement is not only our right as U.S. citizens, but also an essential component of our democratic process, and education is a crucial part of every person鈥檚 voting journey.

In class, we will learn together how to talk about poli tical issues with respect and compassion.

If I鈥檝e done my job right, they won鈥檛 be able to tell which candidate I have voted for. (In years past, I鈥檝e been really successful at that!)

My hope is that they take away a new appreciation for the importance of participatory democracy. I hope they understand how their education allowed them to cultivate the skills to collect, evaluate, and use information. And lastly, I hope they aspire to maintain respectful dialogue and participation in any political setting.