Keynote Speaker
Randy Oostra
President and Chief Executive Officer, ProMedica
Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ProMedica, a non-profit, mission-based health system based in Toledo. ProMedica has more than 17,000 employees and more than 2,300 physicians with 780 healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians. Its 13 hospitals and more than 300 facilities offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in heart and vascular, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women and pediatric services.
In addition to President and CEO, he has held numerous roles at ProMedica since joining the system in 1997 including: President and Chief Operating Officer (2006-2009), Regional President (2002-2006), and Corporate Vice President, Strategic Business Development (1998-2006).
Prior to joining ProMedica, Oostra, 61, served in a myriad of roles in health care leadership, including: Saint Anthony’s Health System, Alton, Illinois (1994-1997); Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan (1989-1994); Health One Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota (1987-1989); and LCM, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (1982-1987).
Oostra holds a Doctorate in Management from Case Western Reserve University; a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota; a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.
His commitment to the healthcare industry, and community, is evidenced in his extensive involvement in numerous professional and civic organizations at the local, regional and national levels. He is a board member of the American Hospital Association; a member of the Ohio and Michigan Hospital Associations; is a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a board member of the Regional Growth Partnership, Toledo Art Museum, Northwestern College (Iowa), and is currently the Board Chair for the Toledo Symphony. Additionally he is a member of the Development Committee for Bread for the World and Third Frontier Advisory Committee.
Oostra and his wife, Barbara, have three grown sons. In addition to spending time with his family, his interests include running, golf, skiing and reading.
Class Representative
Crystal Kurtz
Crystal Kurtz of Monroe, Michigan has been selected as the Owens Community College class representative and will address the graduates during the 50th annual Spring Commencement ceremony. She is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and Summa Cum Laude honors with a 3.91 grade-point average.
The 2002 graduate of Monroe Jefferson High School briefly pursued a nursing degree at Monroe County Community College before leaving college and beginning to work a variety of jobs.
The position that changed her future was at Kindred RehabCare in Monroe, a facility that employed Owens PTA graduates. Working as a rehab technician, Kurtz became interested in a PTA career. She decided to pursue a degree at Owens and enrolled in Spring Semester 2012.
“I fell in love with the school. I thought it was the perfect fit for me,” she said.
Kurtz, 30, describes herself as shy, but credited the Owens faculty and staff for assisting her in overcoming any fears she had about invading the personal space of others, given the nature of the PTA profession. She thanked Nancy Rupp, PTA Professor, “for challenging my thinking. She doesn’t settle for average students.”
Bradley Wood, Assistant Chair of the PTA program, describes Kurtz as an intelligent, quick study and a hard worker.
“She has a bright future. She will be an advocate for Owens Community College and will forge strong relationships in the community that she serves,” he said.
Kurtz married her high school sweetheart, Cory, six years ago. Cory Kurtz earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing two additional master’s degrees in business and finance.
Kurtz will be the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college. She is the daughter of Andrew and Leona Begin and also has a sister, AhLeah Begin, 34, who is currently enrolled at Owens. Andrew Begin is an Army veteran.
“My dad is my inspiration. He is a smart man,” Kurtz said. “I wanted to show him I could do something other than odd jobs. Now I’ve done it.”
After taking her national PTA licensure exam this summer, Kurtz plans to find employment in her field. Her long-term goal includes pursuing additional education and teaching, perhaps at a community college.
Past Speakers
- View past Keynote Speakers.
- View past Class Speakers.