News Releases

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT MIKE BOWER ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION PLANS

Posted on April 4th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 4, 2017 – Dr. Bower, the sixth president in the 52-year history of Owens Community College, has announced his resignation effective June 30, 2017 at the conclusion of his current contract.

With the support of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Bower stated, “I feel I have accomplished all that I set out to do for Owens during my five-year term. I have had the opportunity to structure a remarkable senior team and as a team we have successfully addressed many student and community initiatives, including the College’s fiscal recovery.”

“It is with mixed emotions that we accepted Dr. Bower’s resignation,” said Dee Talmage, Owens trustee board chair. “President Bower’s philosophy is ‘to leave a job when you still love it.’ We know how much he loves Owens Community College, and we are thankful for his guidance and his leadership.”

Previously, Dr. Bower served as the President of Lake Region State College, which is a student-centered, open access comprehensive community college within the North Dakota University System. He has served as an administrator at Mott Community College, Michigan; Chippewa Valley Technical College, Wisconsin; Central Community College, Nebraska; and as faculty and program chair at Ivy Tech State College, Indiana. Prior to his career in higher education, he was employed at Ford Motor Company and Thomson Consumer Electronics. He is a veteran and was honorably discharged from the United States Army.

Dr. Bower earned an Associate Degree of Applied Science in automotive technology from Vincennes University, Indiana, his Bachelor of Science in industrial technology from Indiana State University, his Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and his Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Education, Administration, Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Leadership and Higher Education from the University of Nebraska.

For more information on Owens, please visit www.owens.edu.

OWENS RELEASED FROM FISCAL WATCH BY OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION CHANCELLOR

Posted on April 4th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 4, 2017 – Leaders of Owens Community College informed the Campus community today that the College has officially been released from fiscal watch by the Chancellor John Carey after achieving a Senate Bill 6 (SB6) composite score of 3.0 for fiscal year 2016.

Additionally, the State Auditor’s Office confirmed the remediation of the conditions that led to the fiscal watch, which included improvements to the budget, purchasing and payroll processes, and the implementation of regular financial reporting and long-range financial projections.

The College was placed in fiscal watch April 21, 2015 due to receiving a composite score of 1.10 in 2013 and a score of 1.0 in 2014. A college is placed in fiscal watch if it receives a SB6 composite score of 1.75 or lower for two consecutive years in the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s financial ratio analysis.

The college developed a financial recovery plan that was approved by the board of trustees on July 15, 2015 and was submitted to the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

“We have regulated our finances by living within a budget that aligns revenue with expenditures, based on conservative enrollment targets, “said Jeff Ganues, vice president, business affairs/chief financial officer. “We operate very efficiently, which is the key to the College’s stability, as our main revenue source is limited to the State Share of Instruction and tuition revenue.”

The College took a number of actions toward gaining fiscal recovery, including:

Stabilizing net assets position and financial indicators through aligning projected revenue with operational expenses and implementing prudent financial oversight, controls and cost-saving measures
Evolving organizational capacity through a systemic focus of meeting the needs of students, employers and employees, fostering communication and accountability
Strengthening connections to prospective students through marketing, linking academic programs with careers and jobs, promoting opportunities for earning college credit toward a degree and supporting key services that enhance student retention, transfer and completion
Adapting, developing and aligning quality academic programs and educational delivery with labor market needs and job opportunities while fostering student learning, assessment and completion through strategic planning, efficiencies, partnerships and pathways

“We are pleased with the concentrated effort put forth by Owens Community College to address its financial situation and get on the path to fiscal recovery,” said Chancellor Carey. “The release of the college from fiscal watch status is the result of diligence and hard work. We look forward to seeing Owens continue on this path.”

“Going forward, financial diligence is very important. We are still concerned with factors not within the College’s control – such as limits to state funding and declining enrollment trends,” stated President Mike Bower, Ph.D. “We must continue to control expenditures and build the reserves.”

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu.

OWENS LANDSCAPE AND TURFGRASS CREW CLUB TO HOST ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE APRIL 29 & 30

Posted on April 27th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 27, 2014 – Area residents seeking to add some new life and color to their gardens and yards are encouraged to attend the Landscape Turfgrass Crew Club’s annual Spring Plant Sale at Owens Community College, Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30.

The plant sale will be held from 10 a.m. until 6p.m. next to the greenhouse, which is near the entrance to the Owens Math/Science Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The sale will feature a wide selection of shrubs and rare, unusual trees, as well as annuals, among other items. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

According to Chris Foley, Owens Associate Professor of Science, the student organization is excited to once again offer individuals the opportunity to purchase select trees, shrubs and annuals at competitive prices for the upcoming spring planting season.

“The annual spring plant sale also provides our students with the unique opportunity to showcase their talents to the general public and the campus community. Annual plants will be in the form of assorted 4” pots, 10” hanging baskets, and 14” planters filled with beautiful blooming plants,” added Foley. “The annuals were all grown by the students within the College’s greenhouse.” Prices for the annuals will vary, based on sizes, but will competitive.

Shrubs on hand will include assorted hydrangeas, hardy shrub roses, Fothergilla, and many others. Shrubs will range in price from $18 to $25. Several rare and unusual trees will also be available, including the Japanese stewartia, Carolina Silverbell, white fringe tree, and many grafted Japanese maples and dogwoods, as well as many others. Tree prices will range from $20 to $80. The Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club will also sell perennials, including select hostas and daylilies. A complete listing of the available plants with their prices is available online at https://www.owens.edu/direct/plantsale.pdf

All proceeds from the plant sale will help in supporting the organization’s participation in the annual PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) Student Career Days, which is a national horticultural and landscape competition involving over 65 colleges and universities from across the country.

The College’s Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club was founded in 2005 with the mission of fostering stronger bonds among students majoring in the Landscape and Turfgrass Management program. Among the organization’s main initiatives is creating a network between alumni and current students to help in assisting individuals pursue careers within the landscape, turfgrass and related horticulture industries. The group also hosts fundraisers to support club outreach activities in the surrounding communities.

For more information about the Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club plant sale, call Chris Foley at (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

Owens Environmental Club to Host Denim Collection Drive, April 22-26

Posted on April 17th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College’s Environmental Club is encouraging area residents to bring their used denim jeans, jackets and purses of any particular color to the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses in support of environmental awareness as the student group hosts its fourth annual “Recycle Your Denim” Collection Drive, April 22-26.

The denim collection drive initiative is part of a nationwide effort with the “®COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.” environmental program. Founded in 2006, the denim program gives “new life” to used items by converting them to UltraTouch National Cotton Fiber Insulation. The insulation is then provided to communities in need to assist with building efforts. UltraTouch is composed of 85 percent recycled cotton fibers and is an environmentally safe, non-itch insulation without carcinogenic warnings, formaldehyde or chemical irritants.

Since the start of the “®COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.” denim drive in 2006, the program has received a total of over 500,000 pieces of denim and provided enough UltraTouch National Cotton Fiber Insulation for approximately 1.5 million square feet of insulation to assist with building efforts for communities in need.

At the collection drive’s conclusion, all denim materials will be presented to Eisenhower Middle School seventh grader Erek Hansen of Curtice to assist in his personal goal of collecting over 5,000 items for the “®COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.” program. Last year, the twelve-year-old collected 5,019 denim items.

Owens has set up a variety of collection points around the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Area residents can drop off their denim items on the Toledo-area Campus at the Student Health and Activities Center Room 165 and the College Hall Bookstore. On the Findlay-area Campus, collection points are in the College’s Atrium area.

Last year, Owens students collected over 500 denim items as part of the outreach initiative. For more information about the denim collection drive, or to donate, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as at the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and the Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus to Host Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Day, April 24

Posted on April 17th, 2013

FINDLAY, Ohio – Owens Community College is encouraging area residents to bring their used electronic devices and unwanted paper documents to the Findlay-area Campus in support of environmental awareness as the academic institution serves as host to the second annual Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Day on Wednesday, April 24. The event is taking place in recognition of the upcoming celebration of Earth Day (April 22).

Coordinated by the College’s Office of Student Activities and the Findlay Campus Rotaract Club student organization, the electronics recycling and paper shredding initiative is part of a collaborative effort with Recycle It USA’s environmental program and Blanchard Valley Industries.

“Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus is proud to work with the Recycle It USA and Blanchard Valley Industries organizations and help our environment by making sure that electronic devices and paper do not end up in landfills, as well as protect consumer information,” said James Katzner, Owens Manager of Career Services and Student Activities. “I encourage area residents to participate in the College’s community outreach program by bringing in their old electronic devices and paper documents. Owens is excited to extend this service and opportunity to the surrounding communities.”

Items being collected by Recycle It USA include computers, display panels, printers, keyboards and mice, scanners, projectors, document cameras, speakers, storage devices, stereo equipment, cameras and camcorders, networking hardware, cell phones, cables, video game consoles and flash drives, among other items. Televisions are not being accepted as part of the electronics recycling event.

In addition, Blanchard Valley Industries representatives will be accepting sensitive information to be shredded, including confidential documents, check stubs, bank statements and credit card offers, among other documents. There is no limit on the number of paper documents that individuals can bring for shredding purposes. All documents will be shredded at the Blanchard Valley Industries location.

Items can be dropped off from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in parking lots B and C, which are situated in the northwest portion of the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

For more information about Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Day, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Concert Band to Host Spring Pops Concert, April 28

Posted on April 17th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Area residents are invited listen to array of musical selections ranging from Broadway Show songs to patriotic-themed numbers as the Owens Community College Concert Band presents its annual Spring Pops Concert on Sunday, April 28.

The concert will begin 2:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The performance is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Selections presented by the Owens Concert Band, which is comprised of Owens students and employees and community members, will include a medley of Broadway Show selections by Andrew Lloyd Webber as well as such music as “Broad Stripe and Bright Stars”, “Sea Song Fantasy”, “Songs of Old Kentucky” and a tribute to jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson titled “Maynard Madness”, among others.

For more information about the Spring Pops Concert, contact the College’s Fine and Performing Arts Department at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts and Students Present ‘Tartuffe,’ April 8-9 and 15-17

Posted on March 31st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Drama and suspense will serve as the theatrical focus in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre as Owens Community College presents the student production of “Tartuffe,” April 8-9 and 15-17.

The first of several performances will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8 in the College’s Mainstage Theatre. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is excited to present such an extremely well-known theatrical production, featuring the talents of so many Owens students,” said Dr. Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “‘Tartuffe’ was written by arguably France’s most celebrated comic playwrights in Moliere. Attendees will certainly enjoy the ever-changing storyline, which is full of many surprises.”

Written by Moliere, “Tartuffe” tells the story about how a pious imposter almost succeeds in his plot to jail a naÔve friend and his family and thereby cheat them out of their home. Internationally recognized as one of the classic comedies of the French theatre, the production mercilessly examines the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe.

The cast of “Tartuffe” is comprised of students and alumni from Owens and the theatrical production is directed by Owens Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts Jeremy Meier. Owens alumna Catherine Bonham of Ottawa will serve as dramaturg, while Owens students Evan Koontz of Lincoln, Neb., and Diane Schroeder of Sylvania will hold the positions of stage manager and assistant stage manager, respectively.

Students involved in the production as cast members include Megan Wasserman of Clyde, Deidra Gehr of Toledo, Matthew Johnston of Maumee, Zack Doane of Bowling Green, Jordan Jarvis of Perrysburg, Mallory Myers of Whitehouse, Andy Sweney of Perrysburg, John Toth of Toledo, Staci McMillan of Dundee, Mich., Rachael Mendieta of Bowling Green, John Stewart of Maumee and Esteban Vega of Toledo.

“Tartuffe” will be performed April 8-9 and 15-16 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will also occur on Sunday, April 17 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for the general public and $8 for Owens students and employees. All seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Golf Opens Season With Home Invite, April 1

Posted on March 31st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College golf will make its 2011 season debut by hosting its annual Owens Invitational on Friday, April 1. Teams competing in the invitational are Lourdes College, Mott Community College, Jackson Community College and Oakland Community College.

The invitational will begin at 11 a.m. and take place at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Owens’ home intercollegiate golf events will occur at Belmont Country Club and admission to all Express golf events is free and open to the public.

Owens’ golf program is guided by fifth-year Head Coach Gil Guerrero. The Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the 2010 season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 333-307 (640) at Belmont Country Club. Additionally, Owens placed seventh in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

“Our golf team is extremely young with only two veterans returning from last year,” stated Guerrero. “However, I am really excited about this year’s group of student-athletes as they extremely hard workers. Each individual is very unselfish and willing to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed. I expect improvement to occur throughout the season and to compete for the conference title.”

The golf program has two players returning from last year’s team, including Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.) and Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.).

In 2010, Gardner, a sophomore, earned Second Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and compiled an 82.7 scoring average. He also was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Schmidlin is a sophomore and compiled an 88.1 scoring average for the Express last year. His postseason honors included OCCAC Academic All-Conference recognition.

First-year players to the Express golf program are Kyle Anderson of Monroe, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), Brian Brumenshenkel of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Louis Fahrbach of Northwood (Northwood H.S.), Greg Hermes of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Kevin Hoyle of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Casey Lawless of Orillia, Canada (Patrick Fogarty Secondary School) and Kyle Simmons of Millbury (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Recognizes Employees For Excellence in Higher Education

Posted on March 31st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Two Owens Community College employees have been chosen by their peers to receive the ninth annual Exemplary Employee Awards for outstanding dedication and service to higher education.

Recipients for the 2010-11 academic year are:

Barbara Rardin of Rossford, Manager of Human Resources Information (Exemplary Employee Award)
Tracy Campbell of Swanton, Chair of Transportation Technologies (Exemplary Administrator Award)

“Owens Community College employees are dedicated to helping students achieve success and realize their career goals,” said Lisa Dubose, Owens Interim Vice President of Human Resources. “These recipients are truly exemplary employees. Owens is able to fulfill its mission of strengthening the surrounding communities by providing excellence in higher education because of the vision, leadership and commitment exhibited on a daily basis by employees such as Barb and Tracy. Both Barb and Tracy are very deserving of this honor.”

The Exemplary Employee Awards program was established in 2003 and honors employees who make significant contributions to enhance the College’s mission of providing quality service and education over a period of time. Recipients are nominated and selected by their fellow Owens employees.

Selection criteria for the Exemplary Employee and Administrator awards are based upon an employee’s dedication to the College’s mission and vision, as demonstrated by their commitment to the College’s core values of service, learning, innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Lorain County Community College, March 30

Posted on March 29th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2011 home season against Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, March 30. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

The Owens softball program is guided by eighth-year Head Coach Duane Lanham. His Assistant Coaches are Michael Murphy and Kevin Snyder.

Express women’s softball completed the 2010 season with a 31-16 overall record and captured its eighth Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (8-0 record) title in the program’s history. Owens has won five out of the last six OCCAC regular season championships (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). The Express lost to Muskegon Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Early in the 2011 season, Owens has compiled a 10-0 overall record following games played in South Carolina and a pair of victories against Heidelberg University Junior Varsity.

“I am extremely optimistic about this year’s team and how the season has gone up until this point,” said Lanham. “This team is committed to getting better every day they set foot on the softball diamond. We have a lot of depth in pitching and very strong hitting. We are very happy with our early season success, but certainly not satisfied. Our goal is to defend our conference title and play well in the postseason.”

Owens has 10 players returning from last year’s championship team, including Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.) and Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.).

In 2010, Whitacre, a sophomore outfielder, was named First Team OCCAC All-Conference and the league’s Player of the Year. She collected 30 hits, scored 25 runs, had 12 RBIs and compiled a .268 batting average. Whitacre also earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. DeTray is a sophomore infielder and was named First Team OCCAC All-Conference last season. She recorded 18 hits, had 14 RBIs and scored 11 runs for the Express.

Lanham’s squad also returns Lindsey Bandeen of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Elizabeth Weber of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.) and Matea Rice of Oregon (Clay H.S.). Bandeen, a sophomore infielder, scored 24 runs, had 28 RBIs and compiled a .410 batting average. She was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned NJCCA Region XII All-Tournament team honors. Weber is a sophomore pitcher. She compiled a 7-2 record and a 3.67 earned run average last year. Rice, a sophomore infielder, collected 15 hits and 10 RBIs in 2010.

Returning sophomore student-athletes to the Owens team also include Kelley Molloy of Toledo, outfield (Whitmer H.S.); Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue, catcher (Bellevue H.S.); Courtney Parr of Castalia, pitcher (Margaretta H.S.); Morgan Gray of Clyde, outfield (Clyde H.S.), and Courtney Mowery of Genoa, outfield (Genoa H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s softball program are Tabitha Britt of Maumee, outfield (Maumee H.S.); Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich., infield (Jefferson H.S.); Tayler Redinger of Fremont, infield (Fremont Ross H.S.); Kristen Shock of Sylvania, catcher (Sylvania Northview H.S.); Allison Hausch of Bryan, catcher (Bryan H.S.); Hallie Thompson of Oregon, infield (Clay H.S.), and Ashlyn Michalak of Holland, pitcher (Springfield H.S.).

Express first-year players also include Kristen Roznoski of Toledo, outfield (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich., pitcher (Summerfield H.S.); Kasey Graham of Oregon, pitcher (Clay H.S.); Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich., infield (Airport H.S.), and Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg, infield (Gibsonburg H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Students to Host Fourth Annual Quiz Bowl Invitational, April 2

Posted on March 28th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Colleges and universities throughout the Midwest will converge in Perrysburg Township to test their mental capacity and intellectual skills as Owens Community College serves as host to the fourth annual academic Quiz Bowl Invitational on Saturday, April 2.

Presented by the College’s Office of Student Activities and the Owens Trivia Club, the competition will occur from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Founders Hall. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Competing quiz bowl programs will include Owens, Bowling Green State University, Miami University, Case Western Reserve University, McMaster University, University of Toronto, University of Louisville and the University of Pittsburgh. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Teams, comprising three to six students, will compete against each other in a round-robin format invitational. At the conclusion of round-robin matches, each group will compete in two additional quiz bowl playoff matches to determine the Owens Quiz Bowl Invitational champion.

As part of the competition, each team will have the opportunity to correctly answer as many questions as possible in the 25-minute timed matches. Correct answers will result in 10 or 15 points being earned per team followed by a bonus question worth a maximum of 30 points.

All questions, which will be verbally communicated to teams via moderator, will focus on academic areas consistent with curriculum taught at the collegiate level. Among the categories are science, fine arts, geography, literature and history, as well as a few select questions related to popular culture and sports. In order to answer a question, participants must attempt to buzz in prior to their competition.

Owens Quiz Bowl Invitational questions are sanctioned by National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) LLC, which organizes high school and collegiate national quiz bowl championships throughout North America. Over 60 colleges and universities are affiliated with the national organization.

For more information about the upcoming Owens Quiz Bowl Invitational, call (567) 661-2075 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext 2075.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Welcomes Nationally Known Author Jenny Boylan, March 31

Posted on March 28th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to gain insight into the personal story of Jenny Boylan and her life in two genders as Owens Community College welcomes the nationally acclaimed author to the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses on Thursday, March 31.

Her lecture presentation, which will detail issues of gender, identity and the relationship between an individual’s physical and intuitive self, will take place at 9:30 a.m. in College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus and at 2 p.m. in the Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township and the Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the lecture presentations is free and open to the public.

Boylan is that author of 11 books, which includes three novels, a collection of short stories, two memoirs and five young adult books, four of them written under a pseudonym. Her memoir “She’s Not There” was one of the first bestselling works by a transgendered American; until 2001 she published under the named James Boylan. “She’s Not There” has become popular both as a textbook in high schools and colleges as well as with reader’s groups and tells the story of life in two genders. Her literary work has garnered national recognition, including an award from the Lambda Literary Foundation and a Legacy Award from the University of Massachusetts.

Boylan has been a frequent guest on a number of national television and radio programs, including three visits to the “Oprah Winfrey Show”. She has also appeared on the “Larry King Show”, “The Today Show”, “Barbara Walters Special” and been the subject of a documentary on CBS News’ “48 Hours”. In 2007, she played herself on two episodes of ABC’s “All My Children”. Additionally, Boylan has spoken widely around the country on gender and imagination highlighted by appearances at the National Press Club and the New Jersey State Theatre.

Since 1988, Boylan has taught in the academic areas of creative writing and American literature at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. She was promoted to the rank of full Professor in 2001 and was chosen by students as the Charles Walker Bassett Professor of the Year in 2000. At Colby, she has served as Co-Chair of English, Director of Creative Writing and Associate Chair of English.

Prior to teaching at Colby, Boylan served as the Managing Editor of the “American Bystander” magazine. The Valley Forge native earned a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Boylan’s appearance is being sponsored by the College’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Office of Student Activities, Student Government, School of Arts and Sciences, the Social Work Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance Club. For more information about the lecture presentations, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Students to Host Chili Cook-Off Cancer Awareness Fundraising Event, March 31

Posted on March 25th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to put their taste buds to the test as Owens Community College’s Raising Awareness Club hosts its first-ever Chili Cook-Off cancer awareness fundraising event on Thursday, March 31.

The Chili Cook-Off will occur from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The cost to attend is $3 per person, which includes a tasting kit and all-you-can-eat chili. The Chili Cook-Off is open to the campus community as well as the general public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample an assortment of chili from various Owens student and employee teams, and then vote for their favorite edible delight. The team who receives the most votes will become the Chili Cook-Off people’s choice winner and the chili will be sold at the College’s Fireside and Jaguar grills as part of a collaborative effort between the Raising Awareness Club and AVI Foodsystems.

Proceeds raised from the Chili Cook-Off will benefit testicular cancer awareness and research through LIVESTRONG and the International Testicular Cancer Foundation.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for the acceptance of cultural differences, global unity, disability awareness and various needs that impact the surrounding communities.

For more information about the event, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host ‘Leading Your Best Life’ Women’s Seminar, April 2

Posted on March 24th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area women interested in enhancing their quality of life from a personal leadership, financial and wellness perspective are invited to visit Owens Community College as the academic institution hosts its first-ever “Leading Your Best Life” women’s seminar on Saturday, April 2. The public is encouraged to join the campus community for a variety of guest speakers and educational awareness programs.

Sponsored by KeyBank and the Owens Leadership Academy team Women Organizing Resources Toward Hope (WORTH), the “Leading Your Best Life” women’s seminar will occur from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Room 125 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. All events and activities are free and open to the public.

Activities will commence at 9:15 a.m. with welcome remarks and the seminar keynote address by Owens Interim Dean of the School of Business Dr. Gretchen Carroll titled “Leadership Lessons for Living Your Best Life”. The lecture presentation will be followed by two 45-minute breakout sessions on a variety of topics focused on improving one’s quality of life, including physical health and nutrition, emotional and spiritual wellness, financial wellness and dealing with stress. Guests speakers for the breakout sessions are St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Interim Pastor and Part-time Instructor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Winebrenner Theological Seminary Kathryn Helleman, Owens Professor of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Mary Beck, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Jami Garmon, KeyBank Key@work Coordinator Donna Schroyer-Riesen and Dr. Carroll.

In addition to the series of presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to receive a variety of information, products and resources from community organizations related to enhancing one’s quality of life, as well as participate in free blood pressure screenings, chair massages and bone density scans. Community organizations on hand will include Women Blessing Women, KeyBank, Avon Products Inc., Mary Kay Inc., Thirty-One Gifts, Bay Park Community Hospital, Soroptimist Club, YMCA, Owens Student Nursing Association and Pampered Chef, among others. Over 30 door prizes will be given away during the event.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food and/or toiletry item to the event. All collected items will be donated to a local pantry or shelter to assist in their community outreach efforts.

For additional information about the women’s seminar, call (567) 661-2693 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2693.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Toledo-area Campus Hosts Registration Rocks in March and April

Posted on March 24th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area high school seniors are invited to learn about Owens Community College’s many educational opportunities during a fun, music-themed event as the College hosts Registration Rocks in March and April.

High school seniors can sign up for any day of Registration Rocks which runs from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Attendees are required to RSVP prior to the event. Registration Rocks dates include March 29 and April 6, 8, 13, 19, 20 and 27.

“Registration Rocks is a great opportunity for prospective students to receive academic advising, as well as register for summer and fall classes all in one fun-filled day,” said Jennifer Irelan, Owens Director of Enrollment Services. “Owens Community College is excited to once again host an event where students can take the first step toward their career and educational aspirations.”

Throughout each day, students will be able to meet with an advisor, tour campus, complete the new student orientation and pick up important information about financial aid, clubs and student activities, local housing and academic program offerings. In addition, a separate program on learning to support your children in college will be offered to parents who attend Registration Rocks.

Seniors will have the opportunity to win various raffle prizes during each day, including Owens baseball caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts and more. Additionally, attendees will be provided with a free lunch during their visit.

For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7253 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7253. Or, check out the website at www.owens.edu and click on the Registration Rocks icon.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Registration Rocks in March and April

Posted on March 23rd, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area high school seniors are invited to learn about Owens Community College’s many educational opportunities during a fun, interactive event as the College hosts Registration Rocks in March and April.

High school seniors can sign up for any day of Registration Rocks which runs from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the College’s Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Attendees are required to RSVP prior to the event. Registration Rocks dates include March 30 and April 5, 7, 12, 13, 19 and 21.

“Registration Rocks is a great opportunity for prospective students to receive academic advising, as well as register for summer and fall classes all in one fun-filled day,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens Director of Advising on the Findlay-area Campus. “Owens Community College is excited to once again host an event where students can take the first step toward their career and educational aspirations.”

For more information, or to register, call (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509. Or, check out the website at www.owens.eduand click on the Registration Rocks icon.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Green Roofs and Sustainability Expert Dr. Brad Rowe to Provide Free Talk at Owens Community College, March 30

Posted on March 23rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into the understanding of green roofs and their impact on minimizing the effects on urbanization and the environment are invited to a free lecture featuring nationally-known green roofs and sustainability expert Dr. Brad Rowe at Owens Community College on Wednesday, March 30.

Sponsored by the College’s Landscape and Turfgrass Management Program, Rowe’s lecture presentation is titled “The Importance of Green Roofs and Sustainability in Today’s Society” and will occur at 1 p.m. in the Industrial and Engineering Technologies building Room 109 on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College’s Landscape and Turfgrass Management Program is excited to provide area residents with the opportunity to hear a nationally-known expert present on green roof technology and the impact it has had from an ecological and economic perspective,” said Matt Ross, Owens faculty member who teaches the College’s Urban Horticulture and Sustainability class. “Dr. Brad Rowe’s lecture will share insight into the concept, design and research specific to this cutting-edge technology.”

Rowe serves as a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University and was instrumental in the creation and current overall direction of the academic institution’s green research program. He has conducted a significant amount of research in the areas of propagation and production of landscape plants and their proper use in the landscape, with specific emphasis on green roof technology. His research has appeared in such publications as “Environmental Science and Technology”, “Urban Forestry and Urban Greening” and “HortScience”, among many others.

For his extensive work in green roof technology, Rowe was honored with the GRHS Excellence in Research Award in 2008. His accomplishments also include assisting in the design and installation of the world’s largest green roof at Ford Motor Company’s Truck Assembly Plant in Dearborn, Mich. In addition to his research, Rowe currently teaches academic courses at Michigan State in plant propagation, landscape construction, landscape contract management and sustainable landscape practices, among other areas.

For additional information about the lecture presentation, call (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery Welcomes ‘Mother Goose’ Illustrations Exhibit, March 31 – April 22

Posted on March 23rd, 2011

Owens Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery will feature several original illustrations in the "Mother Goose" exhibition, including Cheryl Harness' illustration from her book "The Night-Light Mother Goose".

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College welcomes the return of the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum to the Findlay-area Campus with original illustrations from children’s books featuring Mother Goose and friends as the Library Gallery presents “Mother Goose: Illustrations from the Mazza Museum”, March 31 – April 22.

The Owens Findlay-area Campus Library is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus is delighted to have the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum return to the Library Gallery,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The Mazza Museum is committed to helping children develop an interest in reading and literacy, as well as in preserving original artwork from children’s literature. This exhibit showcases the work of some of the most well-known children’s illustrators of our time, which is sure to delight Gallery visitors of all ages.”

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum was founded in 1982 and is the world’s first and largest museum devoted to the art of children’s picture books. Since its inception, the museum has collected over 5,000 original pieces from children’s literature. The goal of the Mazza Museum is to promote literacy among children, as well as to collect, exhibit and preserve original artwork from children’s picture books.

Twenty children’s book illustrations are featured in the “Mother Goose” exhibit to include “Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater” by Marcia Sewall, “The Three Little Kittens” by Cyndy Szekeres, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Tomie dePaola and “As I Was Going to Newbury” by Wendy Watson.

The Findlay-area Campus “Mother Goose” exhibit is being presented in conjunction with the celebration of April as Month of the Young Child. In addition, the exhibit is designed to encourage children to take interest in literacy and libraries as the College recognizes National Library Week, April 10-16.

Admission to the Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Student Group Raises Environmental Awareness During Fifth Annual Environmental Fair, March 24

Posted on March 22nd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will bring environmental awareness to the forefront as the Owens Environmental Club hosts its fifth annual Environmental Fair on Thursday, March 24. The public is encouraged to join the campus community in celebrating the importance of the environment through the various activities.

More than a dozen environmental organizations are scheduled to participate in the fair, which will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Environmental Fair participants include the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Metroparks of the Toledo Area, Nature’s Nursery, Toledo Botanical Garden, Toledo GROWs, Mid-Wood Inc., Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, Partners for Clean Streams, Naturally Native Nursery and Toledo Farmers Market, among others. In addition, several campus groups and organizations, including the Owens Environmental Club, Owens Student Government and Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club, will host informational tables.

Additionally, the Owens Environmental Club and Owens Student Government will be distributing free reusable hard plastic bottles to those in attendance. Individuals will be able to use the plastic bottles at the College’s various dining locations as well as receive a discount on drink purchases for their environmental conservation efforts.

The Owens Environmental Club is comprised of active students who are dedicated to addressing a multitude of environmental issues on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The student organization has successfully implemented numerous recycling programs, while bringing more awareness to environmental concerns. Within the community, the Owens Environmental Club regularly helps in community clean-ups and preserve restorations, participates in charity events, and supports various environmental causes with a yearly Human-I-Tees fundraiser.

Free food and refreshments will be available to event attendees. For additional information about Owens’ Environmental Fair activities, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Announces Motorcycle Safety Training Classes for Upcoming Spring, Summer and Fall Months

Posted on March 22nd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area motorcycle enthusiasts interested in enhancing their knowledge about safe driving are invited to enroll in upcoming Motorcycle Safety Training classes offered through Owens Community College’s Workforce and Community Services. The classes will occur during the months March through October.

The College’s Motorcycle Safety Training is the only basic motorcycle-rider course offered in Wood County and is one of only 20 permanent training locations in Ohio. Owens’ motorcycle safety training is a three-day course, which occurs on Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. Initial classes will take place Thursday-Sunday, March 24-27.

Motorcycle Ohio is regarded as the premier motorcycle safety and education program in the state, having enhanced the riding skills of over 115,000 motorcyclists since its founding in 1987. The organization has 20 permanent training locations throughout Ohio and one mobile program, as well as a fleet of 450 training motorcycles, helmets and over 250 instructors. Motorcycle Ohio’s Basic Rider Course or “Riding and Street Skills” was first made available to the public in 1988, while the Experienced Rider Course was added in 1992. An Instructor Preparation Course is available for experienced motorcyclists interested in becoming a Motorcycle Ohio instructor.

The Motorcycle Safety Training class requires 16 hours of coursework. Four hours will occur within a classroom at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. Classroom topics will include introduction to motorcycling, preparing to ride and street strategies. The final 12 hours will be held as part of practice riding sessions at Owens’ 250 feet by 500 feet defensive driving pad adjacent to the Fire Science and Law Enforcement Center in Perrysburg Township. The practice riding sessions will feature educational training within the areas of motorcycle familiarization, limited-space maneuvers, using the friction zone, negotiating curves, obstacles and lane changes, avoiding hazards and matching gears to speed, among other topics.

Attendees will be provided with motorcycles, helmets and a student workbook. Individuals must show proof of a Motorcycle Endorsement on their driver’s license or a valid Temporary Motorcycle permit in order to participate in the course.

In its first four years at Owens, the Motorcycle Safety Training class has trained over 1,700 individuals during the spring, summer and fall months.

The cost to participate in the class is only $25, while individuals under 18 years of age can enroll for free. Space is limited to 12 riders per class. For additional information, contact the College’s Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357. Individuals can register online at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov by clicking on the Wood County icon.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens’ Community Terrace View CafÈ Announces First-Ever Friday Evening Takeout Menu Selections, April 1-29

Posted on March 21st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents indecisive about Friday evening dinner can now consider a delectable meal from Owens Community College as the hospitality management and culinary arts programs expand their experiential learning opportunities to include takeout menu selections in the community Terrace View CafÈ during the month of April.

The student-run Terrace View CafÈ is open to the public during the academic year. Owens’ restaurant, which is coordinated by the Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality, is located in College Hall Room 148 on the Toledo-area Campus. Area residents will be able to pick up their meals from 6-7 p.m. in the Terrace View CafÈ. The cost per takeout is only $5 and reservations are required. Beverages are not included with the takeout meal.

The menu selections were planned by culinary arts students in the American Regional Cuisine class led by Owens Chef Bill Powell.

“Owens Community College is excited to offer new educational opportunities for our students by announcing the Terrace View CafÈ’s first-ever Friday evening takeout menu selections,” said Chef Bill Powell, Owens Assistant Professor of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality. “I encourage area residents to take a Friday evening off from cooking and experience an array of regional food discoveries as prepared by our exceptional students.”

The Terrace View CafÈ will be available to guests starting Friday, April 1 with a regional mountain states cuisine that features grilled lamb brochette as the entrÈe. Upcoming Friday evening takeout dates and entrÈe listings include April 8 (grilled game hen), April 15 (barbecued ribs), April 22 (pork teriyaki with pineapple) and April 29 (chicken and sausage gumbo). A complete listing of dishes is available at www.owens.edu/terrace.

Owens culinary arts program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the rapidly growing culinary arts industry. Both the associate’s degree and certificate prepares students for food preparation positions in restaurants, hotels, health care facilities, resorts and country clubs.

In addition to culinary arts, the College offers an associate’s degree in hospitality management. As part of the program, students are provided with the skills and educational curriculum for a successful career in the diverse areas of hospitality management. Owens’ hospitality management program prepares students for management and supervisory positions in hotels, restaurants, resorts and institutions.

Recently, Owens’ Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality unveiled a new baking and pastry certificate program for those individuals interested in becoming a professional baker or pastry chef.

Reservations must be made by 3 p.m. on the Friday prior to the Friday takeout. For additional information about Owens’ Terrace View CafÈ Friday menu selections, call (567) 661-7359 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7359. Individuals can also make a reservation by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/terrace.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Students Lend Helping Hand to High School Students With First-Ever Prom Dress Drive, March 21-31

Posted on March 17th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students are reaching out to high school girls to ensure that they are able to receive a special high school prom experience by hosting the first-ever Prom Dress Drive, March 21-31.

The Prom Dress Drive is being coordinated by the College’s Raising Awareness Club. Beginning Monday, March 21, Owens students will accept various gently used prom-specific items, including dresses, shoes, purses, gloves and jewelry, among other prom accessories. The donation drive will run through March 31.

“We really want to help area high school students and ensure that their prom is a special experience,” said Jessica Thornton, Owens Raising Awareness Club President and student. “There are many students who do not have the financial means to attend their high school prom. We do not want that to be the case. I encourage area residents and Owens employees and students to assist in making sure the prom is a memorable day for everyone and donate to the Prom Dress Drive.”

Following the Prom Dress Drive initiative, the Raising Awareness Club will host the academic institution’s first Prom Dress Extravaganza for high school students and their families on Saturday, April 9. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase prom dresses and accessories for minimal cost ranging from $5-20 for dresses and 50 cents to $5 for accessories. Shopping mentors will be on hand to assist individuals in their shopping experience. Additionally, Owens students will provide prom dress alterations free of charge during the event. Owens’ Prom Dress Extravaganza will take place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium.

All prom donations can be dropped off in the Office of Student Activities Room 165 at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Any items not claimed during the Prom Dress Extravaganza will be donated to Camp Courageous near Whitehouse. All proceeds raised from the prom dress initiative will be used to benefit future community outreach activities for the Raising Awareness Club.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for the acceptance of cultural differences, global unity, disability awareness and various needs that impact the surrounding communities.

For more information, or to make a donation, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Receive Ottawa Hills Fire Truck and Equipment Donation, March 18

Posted on March 17th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The village of Ottawa Hills Fire and Rescue Department is making a commitment to the future of emergency preparedness training in the region by donating a 1986 Ford Grumman Fire Engine and equipment to Owens Community College’s School of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Center for Emergency Preparedness.

The two organizations will officially announce the donation at a vehicle and key presentation ceremony on Friday, March 18 at 3 p.m. in the Center for Emergency Preparedness on the College’s Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

The donated fire engine and equipment will be used to provide comprehensive, repeatable safety training for first responders related to various emergency response techniques. First responders will be able to conduct a variety of emergency response scenarios, including the controlling of a fire within a multi-story building, roof access, and fire fighting and rescue techniques from upper floors.

“Owens Community College is very appreciative to the village of Ottawa Hills and their commitment to experiential learning at the Center for Emergency Preparedness,” said Michele Johnson, Owens Chair of the School of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “The fire truck will have an immediate impact on providing our region’s first responders with the highest level in real-world, scenario training.”

According to Ottawa Hills Mayor Kevin Gilmore, the donation was made possible as a result of the Ottawa Hills Toledo Fire agreement for fire protection and will extend the life of the emergency vehicle by enabling it to be used for educational training purposes.

“The village of Ottawa Hills is extremely pleased to be able to work with Owens Community College and reach out and help the entire region of first responders with this donation,” stated Mayor Gilmore.

Before making its final trip to Owens’ Center for Emergency Preparedness, the apparatus provided over 12 years of emergency response service to citizens within the village of Ottawa Hills and mutual aid to surrounding communities. The fire truck and equipment will now be used as a hands-on educational training prop for the Center’s various scenario-based simulators.

Owens has been at the forefront in providing educational training to public safety forces for over three decades. In 2009, the College made a substantial investment in the future of emergency preparedness training within the region by officially opening the doors to a new $3.2 million Training and Operations Center at the Center for Emergency Preparedness. The facility provides first responders with expanded opportunities for real-world, scenario training highlighted by the only indoor emergency services virtual training system in the country.

In 2007, Owens marked a milestone in the academic institution’s history by opening a $20.5 million Center for Emergency Preparedness. The Center for Emergency Preparedness fulfills a need for a rather expansive complex within the region that can provide “real-world” training in a safe and controlled environment. Training scenarios that can be conducted within the new facility include those related to natural and manmade disasters involving hazardous materials, confined spaces, riots, entrapments and weapons of mass destruction, among others. Currently, there is no higher education facility for multi agencies to conduct concurrent emergency response training of this magnitude in the Midwest.

Since opening the facility, many police, fire and emergency services personnel, as well as the military, from Ohio and beyond, including the FBI, Ohio National Guard and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, have utilized the facility for either specialized or concurrent emergency preparedness training.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host Community Blood Drive, March 24

Posted on March 16th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are encouraged to help in saving lives as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and the American Red Cross host a community Blood Drive on Thursday, March 24.

The Blood Drive will occur from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Roadin Findlay.

Qualified donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and not have given blood within 56 days prior to their donation. In addition, individuals should feel well the day of the Blood Drive, be in general good health and have a picture ID (preferably a driver’s license). The Blood Drive is open to Owens employees and students, as well as area residents. Walk-ins are welcome.

The American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Region, which comprises Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, needs to collect approximately 85,000 pints of blood each day to serve patients in 23 area hospitals.

Donors will be provided snacks and drinks before and after their donation. For more information, call 1-800-828-1975. Interested parties are encouraged to make an appointment by registering on the website at www.redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code OWENSCCFINDLAY or calling the above number.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Open Forum on Egypt, March 17

Posted on March 16th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into the dramatic events that took place in Egypt and its impact on the world landscape are invited to attend a free Open Forum on Egypt at Owens Community College on Thursday, March 17.

The event is being is being presented by the College’s Office of International Programs and Services and the School of Arts and Sciences. Owens’ open forum will begin at 2 p.m. in College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Among the five individuals comprising the open forum panel are Egyptian native and Owens Associate Professor of English Dr. Mohammed Elnahal and Owens international students from Egypt Amr Gamal, Michael Markos, Waleed Said and Sayed Ahmed. Topics addressed by the panelists will include a historical overview of Egypt, personal accounts of living in Egypt, the revolution in Egypt, the role that social media played in the Egyptian revolution and observations of the Egyptian revolution while living in the United States. Additionally, the group will share insights from their own experiences and what the future holds for Egypt.

Owens continues to serve as a leader in providing higher education to international students. Over 100 students from 25 countries are pursuing a higher education at Owens during the fall term. Countries represented in Owens’ international student enrollment are Kenya, Egypt, China, Korea, India, Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, Serbia and Turkey, among others.

For more information about the event, contact the College’s Office of International Programs and Services at (567) 661-2773 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2773.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Baseball Reschedules Home Opener Against Ashland University JVs for March 17

Posted on March 16th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s baseball home opening game originally scheduled for March 16 against Ashland University JVs will occur on Thursday, March 17. The game will begin at 3 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Baseball Opens Home Season Against Ashland University JVs, March 16

Posted on March 15th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s baseball will open its 2011 home season against Ashland University JVs on Wednesday, March 16. The game will begin at 3 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2010 season with a 35-20 overall record and in third place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (4-8 record). The Express lost to Vincennes University in the NJCAA Region XII Baseball Championships.

Early in the 2011 season, Owens has a compiled a 9-1 overall record following games played in South Carolina. The Owens baseball program is guided by Head Coach Del Young. His Assistant Coaches are Gabe Medina and Scott Tesluck.

“I am very pleased with how the team has progressed early in the season” said Young. “We played extremely well during our spring trip. Everyone has contributed to our early season success as we have received timely hitting and quality outings from our pitchers. We have five veteran returners from last year’s team and I am expecting them to provide leadership for the first-year student-athletes both on and off the field.”

Young added, “Our expectations are very high as we look to compete for a conference championship.”

The Express has five players returning from last year’s team, including Blake Schmenk of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Jesse Solomon of Huber Heights (Wayne H.S.) and Garrett Busch of Toledo (Anthony Wayne H.S.). In 2010, Schmenk, a sophomore outfielder and pitcher, was named the recipient of the team’s Coaches Award. He collected 38 hits and 33 RBIs and compiled a .355 batting average. In addition, Schmenk posted a 2-2 pitching record and a 3.00 earned run average. Solomon, a sophomore shortstop, collected 34 hits, 31 runs and 31 RBIs and compiled a .327 batting average. Busch is a sophomore catcher and pitcher and was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. In 2010, he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.38 earned run average and one save. At the plate, Busch hit .364 and totaled 24 hits and 14 RBIs.

Owens baseball also returns Austin Gunn of Delta (Delta H.S.) and Matt Hayes of Pickerington (Pickerington H.S. North). Gunn, a sophomore infielder, totaled 24 runs and seven stolen bases. Hayes is a sophomore third basemen and outfielder. In 2010, he collected 27 hits, 25 runs and had 15 RBIs.

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Titus Pierce of Racine, pitcher (Eastern H.S.); Joe Sickler of Bowling Green, infield (Bowling Green H.S.); Zak Esposito of Sandusky, pitcher (Sandusky H.S.); Nate Miceli of Berea, outfield (Berea H.S.); Tyler Brown-Lewis of Shaker Heights, infield and outfield (Shaker Heights H.S.); Daniel Heatherly of Trenton, Mich., infield and pitcher (Trenton H.S.); Danny Schira of Vevay, Ind., infield and outfield (Switzerland County H.S.); James Moore Jr. of Farmington Hills, Mich., infield (Southfield-Lathrup H.S.); Kelley Wagner of Brownstown, Ind., pitcher (Brownstown Central H.S.); Shawn Downey of Martinsville, Ind., pitcher (Martinsville H.S.); Scott Robinson of Akron, pitcher and first base (Coventry H.S.); Kacy Dwornik of Maumee, pitcher (St. John’s Jesuit H.S.); Jeff Davis of Toledo, pitcher (St. Francis de Sales H.S.); Shane Powell of Gibralter, Mich., catcher (Carlson H.S.); Travis Tackett of Vevay, Ind., catcher and first base (Switzerland County H.S.); Ryan Hotmer of Toledo, pitcher and first base (Lake H.S.); Michael Louis of Parma, outfield (Normandy H.S.); Andy Joseph of Sylvania, pitcher (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Jordan Basinger of Kalida, pitcher (Kalida H.S.), and Andrew Poland of Toledo, infield (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Registered Nursing Associate Degree Program Awarded Ohio Board of Nursing Full Approval For New Five-Year Term

Posted on March 14th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College registered nursing associate degree program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses has earned the distinction of receiving full approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing for a new five-year term. A full approval is the highest level that a nursing education program can achieve from the Ohio Board of Nursing.The College’s registered nursing program has been approved continuously by the Ohio Board of Nursing since 1971.

Owens’ program earned the new five-year full approval by the Ohio Board of Nursing after an examination of the program’s adherence to rules and regulations set forth by the governing organization. The Ohio Board of Nursing regulates nursing education programs in Ohio that prepares students for initial licensure as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

“I am extremely proud of our School of Nursing faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication in achieving full approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College. “Full approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing recognizes and demonstrates Owens Community College’s commitment to providing an excellent academic program that benefits both our students and the health care community.”

Additionally, the registered nursing associate degree program has received Candidacy Status from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). As a result, the NLNAC has invited Owens’ registered nursing program to complete and submit a written self-study in the multi-step process of achieving accreditation. Once the self-study is completed, an NLNAC site visit will be conducted and a governing board review will take place to determine the College’s registered nursing program’s accreditation status.

Established in 1969 as one of the first associate degree programs of its kind in Northwest Ohio, the School of Nursing’s registered nursing program has a rich and storied history of providing highly qualified health care professionals who are working in acute care agencies, physician offices, long-term care agencies and outpatient ambulatory areas throughout the region and beyond.

Owens’ registered nursing program requires 73 credit hours of coursework. Following graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and upon passage are licensed to practice nursing in the state of Ohio.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host First-Ever Fine and Performing Arts Networking Fair, March 18

Posted on March 14th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents and high school students are invited to learn about careers within fine and performing arts as Owens Community College hosts its first-ever Fine and Performing Arts Networking Fair on Friday, March 18.

The fine and performing arts event will occur from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. All activities are free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts is excited to serve as host to a free community event in which individuals can meet and network with leading professionals within the fine and performing arts, asking them questions concerning their professions and how to go about choosing a career,” said Dr. Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with professionals from around the region in areas specific to commercial art, dance, fine art, interior design, music, photography and theatre. Organizations on hand from the fine and performing arts community will include the Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio, Teri Studios, H.O.T. Printing and Graphics, Commerce Paper Co., Great Lakes Sound Inc., Zeta Recording, Craig’s Pianos and Keyboards, Owens Office of Marketing and Communications, Glassmen Drum and Music Corp., Award-Winning Independent Film-Maker, Lamplight Productions, American Society of Media Photographers Ohio North Coast Chapter, Kohne Camera and Photo, Collingwood Arts Center and 20 North Gallery.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., individuals will have the chance to hear from nationally-recognized graphic designer Dustin Hostetler as part of a lecture presentation about the importance of networking from a business and industry perspective in the College’s Mainstage Theatre. Hostetler has worked with an array of companies during his career, including Case-mate, Motorola, Martini and Rossi, MTV Networks and Sims Snowboards.

Owens will have information available for those individuals interested in pursuing a college education. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs through the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, and past graduates from these academic programs have gone on to become studio and journalism photographers, graphic design artists, educators, performing artists, illustrators and actors throughout Northwest Ohio.

For more information about the event, contact the College’s Department for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Internationally Known PostSecret Author Frank Warren, March 23

Posted on March 11th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Internationally acclaimed author Frank Warren, creator of the PostSecret Project, will make an appearance in Northwest Ohio to share insight into the postcard and blog phenomenon at Owens Community College as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “PostSecret” on Wednesday, March 23.

Warren’s lecture presentation will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center at 7:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to welcome the highly acclaimed Frank Warren to Northwest Ohio,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Mr. Warren is an extremely talented individual and is known internationally for his PostSecret Project, which has positively impacted the lives of thousands by enabling them to share their most private secrets through anonymous postcards. Attendees will certainly enjoy the simplicity of his message as well as the funny and inspiring stories behind the secrets.”

Warren is the creator of the blog phenomenon titled the PostSecret Project, a collection of highly personal and artfully decorated postcards mailed anonymously from around the world that display the soulful secrets people never voice to others. The PostSecret Project originated from a community art project based on the simple concept of asking people to anonymously send a secret on a decorated postcard. Since November 2004, Warren has received more than 400,000 postcards, with secrets spanning from sexual taboos and criminal activity to confessions of secret beliefs, hidden acts of kindness, shocking habits and fear.

He is the author of three books, including “PostSecret: Confessions of Life, Death and God”, and has for garnered national acclaim for his PostSecret.com website and community art project. The website won two Webby Awards and the PostSecret project received a special award from the National Mental Health Association for raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

Copies of Warren’s books will be available for purchase during the event. He will also sign copies of his books at the event’s conclusion. Tickets for the lecture are $20 for floor seating and $10 for bleacher seating. Additionally, American Sign Language interpreters will be provided during the presentation.

To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents ‘Anne of Green Gables’, March 20

Posted on March 11th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The classic tale of a young orphan girl whose dauntless spirit transforms her adoptive family will be brought to life at Owens Community College as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “Anne of Green Gables” on Sunday, March 20.

The performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 3 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to present the talents of ArtsPower National Touring Theatre and their own unique version and interpretation of the timeless literary classic ‘Anne of Green Gables’,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “The performance is sure to delight attendees of all ages as Anne takes them on a journey to find the family she’s always wanted.”

“Anne of Green Gables” is presented by the national touring company ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. The organization was founded in 1985 and has grown into one of America’s premier producers of professional equity theatre for young and family audiences. The organization’s 19 professional touring productions have been seen by nearly seven million people in such nationally-recognized venues as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s internationally-known novel “Anne of Green Gables”, the theatre group’s original musical is known nationally for delighting audiences of all ages with its celebration of the power of imagination and the overall message of love and trust. Written and directed by Greg Gunning, “Anne of Green Gables” will feature a rich musical score, beautiful period costumes and imaginative sets.

Additionally, American Sign Language interpreters will be provided during the performance. Tickets for the “Anne of Green Gables” performance are $15 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens to Host Ohio Kids for Creativity Region 10 Tournament, March 12

Posted on March 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Over 300 young adults from across Northwest Ohio will have the opportunity to showcase their creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills as they compete in the annual Ohio Kids for Creativity Destination ImagiNation Region 10 Tournament at Owens Community College on Saturday, March 12.

The Ohio Kids for Creativity Region 10 competition will occur from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center, the Math/Science Center and the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Destination ImagiNation Inc. was founded in 1999 with the overall mission of providing enriching educational opportunities for learners of all ages to explore and discover unlimited creative potential through teamwork, cooperation and mutual respect. The international organization’s main focus is an after-school activity in which students work in teams to solve “mind-bending” Team Challenges and present their solutions at regional, state and global tournaments. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the Challenges. Destination ImagiNation provides educational programming to more than 100,000 students across the United States and in more than 30 countries annually.

Ohio Kids for Creativity serves as the Ohio affiliate of Destination ImagiNation and consists for 11 separate regions. Region 10 represents Northwest Ohio and comprises Williams, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, Fulton, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Lucas, Wood, Hancock, Hardin, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wyandot and Crawford counties. Among the schools participating in the competition are Crestline Exempted Village Schools, Pike-Delta-York Local Schools, Ottawa Hills Local Schools, Perkins Local Schools, Swanton Local Schools, Springfield Local Schools, Sylvania Schools, Woodmore Local Schools, Sylvania Franciscan Academy and West Side Montessori Center.

Beginning at 8 a.m., participating teams, consisting of up to seven students, will present their solutions to one of five pre-selected Team Challenges to a panel of judges for the right to advance to the Ohio Tournament at Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Team Challenges focus on a combination of Technical/Mechanical Design, Scientific Exploration and Theater Arts, Improvisation, Structural/Architectural Design, and Theater, Literature and Fine Arts. Teams also incorporate a Side Trip into their competitive Team Challenges, which highlights their special skills and talents. In addition to the Team Challenges, individuals will compete in an Instant Challenge, which requires teams to engage in quick critical thinking with the goal of producing a solution in a period 10 minutes.

The top teams will receive awards with the first place winner in each designated challenge category advancing to the state championship. The Destination ImagiNation Global Finals will occur in Knoxville, Tenn. at the University of Tennessee in late May.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Utility-Scale Wind Power Training Information Session in Kenton, March 17

Posted on March 9th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents interested in gaining skills geared toward operation and maintenance of utility-scale wind turbines are invited to enroll in a free specialized training offered as part of a partnership with Owens Community College, the Hardin County Commissioners and American Electric Power (AEP).

An information session about the 272-hour course will occur from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 17 at the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance, which is located at 225 S. Detroit St. in Kenton. Owens representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the training. The actual course will take place April 4 – June 6.

“Owens Community College is excited to collaborate with American Electric Power and the Hardin County Commissioners and offer this education training opportunity, which will enhance the skills of the local workforce as the wind power generation industry continues to grow within the region,” said Dr. Michael Bankey, Owens Vice President of Workforce and Community Services.

The Utility-Scale Wind Power Equipment Maintenance Technician Training will introduce students to a variety of skills required to operate and maintain utility-scale wind turbines. Educational curriculum will include workplace safety practices, electricity, hydraulics, motor controls, power distribution, and working at heights and in confined spaces.

The course will split time between a location in Kenton (classroom lecture) and the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus (laboratory). On days when class is held in Findlay, transportation will be provided to students at no cost to them from Kenton and back at the end of the day.

Selection of students will be based on objective criteria, including math and reading skills, as well as eligibility guidelines established by American Electric Power. Hardin County residents are especially encouraged to participate in the selection process.

For additional information about the course, call (567) 661-2174 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2174. Those interested in attending the information session are encouraged to register prior to March 17 at wcs@owens.edu.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Community U.S. Passport Processing Day, March 15

Posted on March 9th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents in need of a new U.S. passport are invited to Owens Community College as the academic institution’s Office of International Programs and Services partners with the U.S. Postal Service and hosts a Passport Processing Day on Tuesday, March 15.

Individuals can apply for passports from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College Hall Atrium on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens employees and students, as well as community members, will have the opportunity to have their passport photos taken and complete the application in one central location. The entire process is expected to last approximately 15 minutes and can be accelerated by having the passport application, which is available online at www.state.gov, completed prior to visiting Owens.

Those interested will need to bring a valid driver’s license (or state ID) and their original birth certificate with the raised seal. U.S. Postal Service representatives will process the paper work, take photographs and collect the necessary fees.

The cost of a passport is $150. For more information, contact the College’s Office of International Programs and Services at (567) 661-2773 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2773.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents Women’s History Month Panel Discussion, March 15

Posted on March 8th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into how four women who are leaders in the community overcame obstacles and achieved success in pursuit of personal and professional goals are invited to attend a free women’s history month panel discussion at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus on Tuesday, March 15.

The panel discussion is being held in conjunction with the College’s ongoing Brown Bag Luncheon series. The presentation will occur from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the College’s Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Among the four individuals comprising the panel are Stefanie Griffith, Director of Human Resources, Whirlpool Corporation;† Katherine Kreuchauf, President, Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation; Lydia Mihalik, Grant Administrator, Hancock Regional Planning Commission; and Lynn Child, Owner, Aardvark Incorporated. Topics addressed by the panelists will include the challenges facing women in the 21st Century workplace, overcoming obstacles, and recognizing and taking advantage of opportunities. Additionally, the group will share insights from their own experiences, discussing their career paths and how they emerged as leaders in the community.

For additional information about the panel discussion, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College and Walsh College Announce New Online Transfer Agreement Business Partnership

Posted on March 8th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students with aspirations of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business from Walsh College in Troy, Mich. will now be able to continue their academic pursuits through online learning as the two schools have finalized a new transfer agreement partnership.

As a result of the new collaboration, Owens students will have the opportunity to seamlessly transfer 82 credit hours of academic coursework toward Walsh Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in management, finance, marketing and general business that can be obtained entirely online. Upon completion of the 82 credit hours at Owens, students will have approximately 45 credit hours of remaining Walsh academic coursework to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, Owens students will have the ability to continue their online studies toward graduate business degrees from Walsh. The new transfer agreement will also afford Owens students, who meet the requisite grade point average, to participate in the Walsh Honors Fast Track program. The Honors Fast Track program is designed to allow students to complete their Owens associate’s degree, Walsh Bachelor of Business Administration degree and Walsh Master of Business Administration degree in five years.

“Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with Walsh College and provide our students with an opportunity to continue their higher education and achieve their goals,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College. “Walsh College is known internationally as a leader in business education. This partnership benefits the citizens of the region and helps to create a well prepared workforce.”

Dr. Karen Rhoda, Dean of the Division of Online Learning at Walsh College, added, “Walsh College is very pleased to offer the opportunity for Owens Community College students to build upon their associate degree to earn a Walsh bachelor’s degree and to transfer seamlessly into Walsh’s online degree programs. We understand the need of students to earn their bachelor’s degree online, and are here to support students in their academic goals.”

On Tuesday, March 15, Walsh College representatives will be participating in Owens’ Transfer Fair event on the Toledo-area Campus. The Transfer Fair will occur from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the hallway adjacent to the Library. Individuals from Walsh will be visiting the Owens Toledo-area Campus a second time to discuss transfer opportunities on Wednesday, April 13. The admissions event will also take place in the hallway adjacent to the Library from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information about the new transfer partnership, call (567) 661-7189 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7189, or (248) 823-1610.

Established in 1922, Walsh College is a private, non-profit, upper-division all-business college that offers bachelor, master and doctoral programs to 4,500 students at three campuses, two teaching locations and online. Faculty members integrate application and theory to prepare students for successful corporate and entrepreneurial careers, and employers value and seek out Walsh graduates for their practical business education. Walsh cultivates student and alumni entrepreneurs through the Blackstone LaunchPad and furthers education among the business community through The Walsh Institute. For more information, visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Local Schools Showcase Talents at Owens Tractor Troubleshooting Contest

Posted on March 3rd, 2011

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PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twelve area high schools recently put their knowledge of tractors to the test during competition in the 18th annual FFA District I Agricultural and Industrial Diagnostics Contest at Owens Community College.

Presented by the College’s Transportation Technologies, the contest involved high school teams, consisting of two students, completing a written examination and five practical skill events to determine their expertise of tractors. As part of the practical skills competition, teams were required to locate, identify and repair a malfunction on a specified tractor donated for the event.

A panel of 10 judges, comprising industry representatives and Owens Transportation Technologies faculty, graded each high school in the areas of workmanship as a team, safety practices, problem-solving techniques and identification, and repair of malfunctions to determine a district champion. Additionally, students within the College’s Transportation Technologies assisted with the competition. The top two teams advance to the state championship competition March 10-11 in Lima.

“The participating high schools should be very proud of their students’ efforts as they competed at an extremely high level,” said Tracy Campbell, Owens Chair of Transportation Technologies. “This year’s competition was difficult. However, the students once again rose to the challenge and certainly showcased their knowledge and skills specific to the agricultural industry. Owens Community College is honored to collaborate with high schools throughout the region and provide a venue for such an exciting day of competition.”

The district championship went to Bryan Cajka of Luckey and Adam Wolf of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.), while Ethan Gerken of Defiance and Taylor Wheeler of West Unity (Four County Career Center) finished in second place.

Other students and high schools involved in the competition and their order of finish were Codi Bird of Ayersville and Brandon Ordway of Continental (Ayersville H.S.), Coty Dufendock of Oak Harbor and Michael Stewart of Woodville (Penta Career Center), Cody Wickerham of Edgerton and Trent King of Edgerton (Edgerton H.S.), Poke Harrison of Grand Rapids and Bill Potter of Grand Rapids (Otsego H.S.), Joe Phillips of Oak Harbor and Cory Winer of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.), Tom Elgin of Bloomdale and Grant Harrison of Wayne (Elmwood H.S.), Aaron Cramer of Portage and Henry Apple of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Nathan Betz of Wauseon and Dexter Aeschliman of Wauseon (Pettisville H.S.), Austin Arps of Wauseon and Ross Andre of Wauseon (Wauseon H.S.), and Stephen Clark of Millbury and Seth Dufendock of Genoa (Genoa H.S.).

Local businesses donating tractors for the competition were Streacker Tractor Sales, Crosby Equipment, Eagle Machinery Inc., Caterpillar Inc., John Deere and Owens Community College.

Owens’ Diesel Technology program offers students the opportunity to pursue either an associate degree or a certificate while preparing them for careers in operations, maintenance, service, testing, diagnosis and development of truck and heavy equipment. Students interested in a career as a professional agricultural equipment service technician can pursue an associate degree through the College’s John Deere Agricultural Technician program. Owens is one of 25 academic institutions in North America, and the only school in Ohio, to offer the John Deere Agricultural Technician program.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Announces Spring Advanced LEGO Engineering Program, March 16 – April 6

Posted on March 2nd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area youth in grades four through eight are invited to explore science, mathematics and creative thinking through the use of LEGO materials as Owens Community College’s Workforce and Community Services offers an advanced spring LEGO Engineering Program class, March 16 – April 6.

The spring advanced LEGO Engineering Program class will occur Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at Owens’ Workforce and Community Services, which is located at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee.

“Owens Community College is excited to provide continuing education programming that brings science, mathematics and creative thinking alive for children,” said Rhonda Hogrefe, Owens Continuing Education and Community Service Account Representative. “The LEGO Engineering Program promotes team building and allows attendees to think creatively and explore engineering processes, while at the same time having fun.”

Using advanced LEGO parts and pieces, LEGO Engineering class attendees will learn to design and build models through the use of fixed and movable pulleys, gears and gears ratios, levers, wheels, axles, forces and belt drives. The experiential learning activities will use principles related to simple and complex machines as well as gearing and mechanical advantage techniques. Building on the Junior LEGO Engineering class, the advanced educational program will also focus on more intricate projects that use gear mathematics, ratchets, drive trains and motorized systems.

In addition, the class will use LEGO Educational Division materials and LEGO Technic elements as part of the academic learning process.

The registration cost for the spring LEGO Engineering Program class is $89. For more information, or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Internationally Recognized Celtic Blaze to Perform at Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, March 11

Posted on March 2nd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The sounds of traditional Celtic music and dance interfused with a creative contemporary edge will be showcased in Northwest Ohio as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents the group Celtic Blaze on Friday, March 11.

Celtic Blaze’s performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Celtic Blaze featuring Stephanie Cadman has earned international acclaim for their high energy performances,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “This delightful group draws from its experience with traditional Celtic music and dance and adds a contemporary edge that is unique and innovative. Attendees will be amazed by the group’s impressive musicianship and joyous blend of Celtic influences and contemporary sensibilities.”

Celtic Blaze is a highly-accomplished group of six performers that has entertained audiences at venues and events across North America with their music, which is often characterized as a rich tapestry of original and modern Celtic traditions. The group is internationally known for blending Stephanie Cadman’s vast talents of Ottawa Valley step dancing and classical and Celtic fiddling with guitar, bass, percussion, piano and marching snare drum to create a unique musical sound and theatrical experience.

Cadman’s extensive professional background in dancing includes tap, Celtic step dancing, ballet and jazz. She has appeared as a dance soloist and fiddler with symphonies throughout North America highlighted by appearances with the Kennedy Center’s National Symphony Orchestra. Cadman was also named the top female performer at the World Tap Dance Championships in Germany at the age of 16 and holds three step dancing titles at the prestigious Pembroke Championships.

In addition to Cadman’s renowned step dancing and fiddling talents, Celtic Blaze features singing and fiddling sensation Miranda Mulholland, James Quinn (guitar), Devin Hornby (bass), Kirk White (percussion) and Brad Fremlin (piano/marching snare drum).

Tickets for Celtic Blaze’s performance are $23 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Offers Spring ACT Preparation Class, March 14 – April 4

Posted on March 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents preparing to take the national ACT test are encouraged to bring a pencil, paper and a calculator to Owens Community College as the academic institution offers a program titled “Building Confidence with ACT Prep” in March and April. The class is coordinated through the College’s Workforce and Community Services.

The ACT preparation class will occur Monday evenings, March 14 – April 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee.

During each of the four sessions, students will be tutored in all five sections of the ACT test. The actual ACT is comprised of one test in each of the following areas: English, math, reading, science reasoning and writing. In addition to being tutored in these areas through one-on-one teaching, students will learn traditional testing strategies such as how to take a timed test and how to find the elusive answer to a difficult question.

In addition to offering the ACT preparation class, Owens serves as a host site for the national ACT test. The next testing date after the ACT preparation class is April 9. Prior registration through the ACT organization is required.

Limited seating is available and early registration is recommended. For more information, or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus to Host Northwest Ohio’s Largest College Preview Night, March 9

Posted on March 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – More than 100 public and private colleges and universities from Ohio and the surrounding states will visit the Toledo area as Owens Community College hosts Northwest Ohio’s largest College Preview Night on Wednesday, March 9.

Established in 1987, the event will occur from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the counseling staffs of 21 local high schools and Owens. College tables will be set up in Owens’ Student Health and Activities Center and presentations will be held in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to College Preview Night is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“College Preview Night is a great chance for high school students and their parents, as well as adult students, to visit with admissions representatives and learn about the various educational opportunities available at colleges and universities throughout the surrounding region,” said Jennifer Irelan, Owens Director of Enrollment Services. “Owens Community College is proud to once again work with area high schools in sponsoring an event that will aid students in choosing their career path.”

The event will provide prospective students the opportunity to visit with various college and university representatives and pick up important information about admission requirements. Individuals will also learn about financial aid, student activities, academic program offerings, athletic eligibility and accommodations for students with special needs.

Informational sessions will also occur throughout the evening. Attendees can hear presentations on financial aid, online financial aid resources, planning for college, preparing for the ACT test, preparing to transfer from one academic institution to another and admission to military academies and the ROTC.

In addition, representatives from local financial institutions will be present to provide information on student loans and high school counselors will be available during the event to answer general college questions. Representatives of the various military branches will also be on hand to discuss admission to military academies, the ROTC and other scholarship-related programs.

For more information on College Preview Night, call (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, March 1-5

Posted on March 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District I) Women’s Basketball Championship this week, March 1-5.

First round games will take place at campus sites on Tuesday, March 1. The semifinals and finals of the tournament will be held at Edison State Community College in Piqua, Friday-Saturday, March 4-5.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express, which received a first round bye, will take a 26-4 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will play the winner of the Columbus State Community College (12-17)/Sinclair Community College (16-8) game in semifinal action at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 4. If they would advance, the Express would play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 in the championship game.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Edison State Community College (15-10), Cincinnati State Community College (19-10) and Cuyahoga Community College (12-12).

Last week, Owens captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (11-1 record) since the 2006-07 campaign. The Express is currently on a 10-game winning streak and is ranked No. 11 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 15-19 in East Peoria, Ill.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, March 1-5

Posted on February 28th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a third national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District 10) Men’s Basketball Championship this week, March 1-5.

First round games will take place at campus sites on Tuesday, March 1. The semifinals and finals of the tournament will be held at Edison State Community College in Piqua, Friday-Saturday, March 4-5.

Coached by Kevin Skaggs, the Express will take a 10-20 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Columbus State Community College (23-7) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. The game will be played in Lancaster. If they would advance, the Express will play at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4 against the winner of the Cincinnati State Community College (21-9)/Edison State Community College (11-14) game in the semifinals. The championship game will occur at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Lakeland Community College (20-10), Sinclair Community College (20-8) and Cuyahoga Community College (16-10).

In addition, Skaggs’ team finished in sixth place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (3-9 record).

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 15-19 in Danville, Ill.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts to Host First-Ever High School Honors Band Day, March 7

Posted on February 24th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents with a passion and an enjoyment of music are invited to Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts as 55 of region’s finest high school musicians present a High School Honors Band Concert on Monday, March 7.

Presented in conjunction with the Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ first-ever Owens High School Honors Band Day, the concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The performance is free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts is proud to partner with area high schools and provide a day for students to showcase their impressive musical talents,” said Dr. Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “Our goal in establishing Owens’ High School Honors Band Day is to allow Northwest Ohio’s young and aspiring musicians to come together, learn from each other and experience the joy of music in a fun environment.”

Musical selections presented by the group will include “Armed Forces Salute – The Pride of America!”, “Woodwind Marmalade”, “At Ease”, “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral”, “Trumpeters Lullaby”, “Deep River”, “Prospect”, “Tailspin” and “Sousa Palooza”. Serving as conductors during the concert are Anthony Wayne High School faculty member Robert Krichbaum, Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts William Dais and Dr. Mead.

Among the high schools participating in Owens’ High School Honors Band Day are Anthony Wayne H.S., Elmwood H.S., Emmanuel Christian School, Lake H.S., North Baltimore H.S., Rossford H.S., Springfield H.S. and Toledo School for the Arts.

Throughout the daylong event, Owens High School Honors Band Day attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities in preparation for the High School Honors Band Concert, including seating auditions, full-band rehearsal and sectional-band rehearsal, among other music programming.

Owens’ Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers students the opportunity to pursue an associate degree in music performance/education in preparation for careers as aspiring music educators or performers. A music business technology certificate program is also available for those individuals interested in enhancing their knowledge within the areas of music business and studio music technology.

For more information about the concert, contact Owens’ Department of Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Greater Hancock County College Night, March 7

Posted on February 24th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – More than 80 colleges and universities from Ohio and the surrounding states will visit the Findlay area as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus hosts Greater Hancock County College Night on Monday, March 7. The event will occur from 6:30-8 p.m.

The counseling staffs of nine local high schools in the surrounding area are co-sponsoring the annual event, which is being held at the Owens Findlay-area Campus Community Education and Wellness Center. The College is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the college preview night is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Greater Hancock County College Night is a great opportunity for prospective college students to visit with admissions representatives and learn about the various educational choices available throughout the surrounding region,” said Patrick Dymarkowski, Owens Advisor on the Findlay-area Campus and Greater Hancock County College Night event coordinator. “Owens Community College is proud to once again work with area high schools in sponsoring an event where students can begin to choose their career path.”

The event will provide high school students and their parents, as well as adult students, the opportunity to visit with various college and university representatives and pick up important information about admission requirements. Individuals will also learn about financial aid, student activities, academic program offerings and accommodations for students with special needs.

Informational sessions will occur throughout the evening. Attendees can hear presentations on financial aid, planning for college, preparing for the ACT test and career trends of the future.

In addition, high school counselors will be present during the event to answer general college questions.

For more information on Greater Hancock County College Night, contact the Owens Findlay-area Campus at (567) 429-3074 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3074.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

OwensCommunity College Closed for Mid-Semester Break, March 4-6

Posted on February 24th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses as well as the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and The Source Learning Center in downtown Toledo will be closed Friday-Sunday, March 4-6 for Mid-Semester Break. There will be no classes and the College offices will be closed for business.

Administrative offices will be open again on Monday, March 7, while classes will resume on Monday, March 14.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Dental Hygiene Students Lends Helping Hand to Local Residents With Dental Supply Drive, Feb. 24 – March 25

Posted on February 24th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College dental hygiene students are reaching out to area residents with limited or no access to dental care by partnering with the Food For Thought organization and hosting a dental supply drive, Feb. 24 – March 25.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 24, the Dental Hygiene Program will be accepting a variety of basic dental hygienic items, including large and travel size toothpaste, toothbrushes and dental floss. The dental hygiene students are also collecting new or gently used gloves/mittens, scarves, hats and gallon-size Ziploc bags. The donation drive will run through March 25.

All collected donations will be delivered to the Food For Thought organization and given to individuals in need as part of the organization’s outreach efforts on Saturday mornings from 10-11 a.m. outside the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in downtown Toledo. Additionally, dental hygiene students within the program’s “Preventive Practice” classes will be distributing basic dental hygiene supplies and providing oral health education information to those individuals with limited or no access to dental care on March 19 and 26 during Food For Thought’s Saturday morning “Downtown Picnic” program.

“Community service is about helping others and Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program is proud to lend a hand to the Food For Thought organization,” said Janice Darah, Owens Professor of Dental Hygiene. “It is important for our students to become societal contributors and engage in community outreach and service. There are many families who are struggling with basic needs, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. Our program is honored to play a small role in Food For Thoughts’ efforts to make a positive difference in the lives those who are less fortunate.”

Donations can be dropped off in the College’s Department of Dental Hygiene Room 224 during regular business hours from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Owens’ Department of Dental Hygiene is located in Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Food For Thought was founded in May 2007 with the overall goal of assisting those in need by providing lunches, consisting of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, fruit, a juice box and a cookie on Saturday mornings in downtown Toledo. The lunch distribution has grown into more than a meal, as several churches and other organizations have since joined Food For Thought and made various contributions in addition to the sack lunches, such as soup, coffee, hygiene products and clothing. The organization also features a stationary food pantry and mobile food pantry. Food For Thought, which is located in Oregon, serves over 1,300 families per month through the two pantries in addition to over 350 people each Saturday as part of the “Downtown Picnic” program.

The College’s Dental Hygiene Program provides more than 40 students with a fully accredited, scientifically current and competency-based curriculum annually. Students receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, while preparing to sit for the national, state or regional exam in dental hygiene. Owens’ program also offers dental services to area residents through its Dental Hygiene Clinic. The 20-chair clinic is staffed by dental hygiene students and supervised by licensed dental professionals at Owens, and appointments are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $25 fee.

For more information about the Owens dental hygiene supply drive or to make a donation, contact the College’s Dental Hygiene Program at (567) 661-7290 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7290.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Alumni Association Accepting Nominations for Outstanding Service Award Celebration Through March 4

Posted on February 23rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is recognizing the tremendous contribution that area police, fire and emergency medical professionals make to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities by hosting the eighth annual Outstanding Service Awards. The recipients will be honored as part of a community celebration on Friday, April 29.

The College’s Alumni Association is presently accepting nominations for the Outstanding Service Awards. Area residents are invited to nominate an individual or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations need to be returned to the College’s Office of Alumni Relations and Special Events by Friday, March 4. The award is not limited to a single recipient, and the College’s Alumni Association encourages the nomination of more than one person when teamwork was the key element in their success.

The five awards, which will be presented at the community celebration, are within the categories of Outstanding Police Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Service to Community and Community Spirit. Selection criteria will be based upon a nomination process with candidates demonstrating exceptional service related to dedication, ingenuity, bravery, special skills and/or to the community over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient.

The eighth annual Outstanding Service Awards Celebration will begin at 8 a.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend, however, reservations are required.

Since opening its doors in 1965, Owens Community College has provided higher education to more than 250,000 students. Owens’ Alumni Association is committed to the personal and professional success of alumni and students through the ongoing development of value-added initiatives.

For more information about the Outstanding Service Award Celebration, or the nomination process, contact the College’s Alumni Relations and Special Events Office at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Student Groups Donate Thousands of Books to Needy Literacy Programs, Feb. 25

Posted on February 23rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Environmental Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are reaching out to individuals throughout the world by giving new life to thousands of old books previously destined for dumpsters or destruction. The initiative, titled “Book Drives for Better Lives”, is part of an ongoing campus- and community-wide book collection program intended to help needy non-profit programs and organizations through literacy.

Since establishing the collection drive program in June 2006, the two student organizations have received over 50,000 in donated books from Owens employees and students, as well as the surrounding communities. Most recently, the two student groups have collected over 3,500 books, which will eventually end up in the hands of underprivileged individuals throughout the world.

Beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, the two student organizations will prepare the donated books for shipment to Better World Books, which is a national organization dedicated to fighting global illiteracy through the dissemination books and funds to needy non-profit organizations. Literacy non-profit groups in which Better World Books, located in Mishawaka, Ind., serves include Books for Africa (Africa), the National Center for Family Literacy (United States), Room to Read (South Asia) and Worldfund (Latin America), among others.

To date, Better World Books has received more than 53 million book donations from over 1,800 colleges and universities participating in the worldwide program. The international organization has also assisted in raising more than $9.2 million for literacy and education non-profit groups.

Owens has set up a variety of collection points around the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Area residents can drop off their charitable book donations on the Toledo-area Campus at the Student Health and Activities Center, the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building, the Fire Science and Law Enforcement Center, College Hall, the Audio/Visual Classroom Center, the Center for Fine and Performing Arts and Health Technologies Hall. On the Findlay-area Campus, collection points are in the College’s Commons area.

The Owens Environmental Club is comprised of students who are dedicated to addressing a multitude of environmental issues on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The student organization has successfully implemented numerous recycling programs, while bringing more awareness to environmental concerns. Within the community, the Owens Environmental Club regularly helps in community clean-ups and preserve restorations, participates in charity events, and supports various environmental causes with a yearly Human-I-Tees fundraiser.

The overall mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic excellence among two-year college students, provide opportunities for leadership training and an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals. In addition, the society continues to promote among its members the four standard hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest honor societies in Ohio.

For more information about the book collection drive, or to donate, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Basketball Teams Conclude Regular Season Against Cuyahoga CC, Feb. 23

Posted on February 21st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball programs will conclude the regular season portion of their schedules with games against Cuyahoga Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The women’s team will play Cuyahoga (11-9, 2-6) at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will battle the Challengers (14-10, 7-3) beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Both games will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to home games is free.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express has amassed an overall record of 25-4 and is 10-1 (tied for first place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Llanas’ team is currently on a nine-game winning streak and is ranked No. 12 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll. A win will assure the Express of a share of the OCCAC regular season title – their first since the 2006-07 campaign.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 10-19 and a 3-8 mark (sixth place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host FFA District I Tractor Troubleshooting Competition, Feb. 25

Posted on February 18th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area high school students will put their knowledge of tractors to the test as they compete in the 18th annual FFA District I Agricultural and Industrial Diagnostics Contest at Owens Community College on Friday, Feb. 25.

The contest will occur from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the College’s Transportation Technologies Center on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Presented by the College’s Transportation Technologies, the contest will involve high school teams, consisting of two students, completing a written examination and five practical skill events to determine their expertise of tractors. As part of the practical skills competition, teams will be required to locate, identify and repair a malfunction on a specified tractor donated for the event.

A panel of 10 judges, comprising industry representatives and Owens Transportation Technologies faculty, will grade each high school in the areas of workmanship as a team, safety practices, problem-solving techniques and identification, and repair of malfunctions to determine a district champion. Additionally, students within the College’s Transportation Technologies will assist with the competition. The top team will advance to the state championship competition.

High schools invited to participate in the competition are Ayersville H.S., Bowling Green H.S., Edgerton H.S., Elmwood H.S., Four County Career Center, Genoa H.S., Oak Harbor H.S, Otsego H.S., Penta Career Center and Pettisville H.S.

Local businesses donating tractors for the competition are Streacker Tractor Sales, Crosby Equipment, Eagle Machinery Inc., Caterpillar Inc., John Deere and Owens Community College.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Unveils New Michael Rickard Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Award

Posted on February 17th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is honoring the legacy of former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010 by unveiling a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award all in his name. The three announcements were made during a tribute ceremony in his honor as part of a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Edison State Community College.

“Michael Rickard positively impacted thousands of lives during his time at Owens Community College and we are extremely honored to recognize him by unveiling a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “In three decades at Owens, as a student and an employee, and lastly as Athletic Director, Michael enriched many people’s lives. Undeniably, he will be missed. But the many successes of Owens Express athletics – the teams and student-athletes – are a reminder of his legacy.”

The hallway adjacent to the Student Health and Activities Center’s gymnasium will now be recognized as the Michael W. Rickard Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence. A bronze plaque will soon adorn the hallway alongside the already visible awards, accolades and images of those enshrined in the Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence. Rickard was a longtime advocate for student-athlete recognition, and in his tenure, a total of 88 student-athletes received the highest possible praise, either athletic or academic All-American honors from the NJCAA.

In addition to the newly named Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen to honor the legacy of Michael Rickard by establishing The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund through the Owens Community College Foundation. The new memorial fund was created thanks to an initial $10,000 contribution by the Owens Alumni Association. The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund honors the legacy of Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard, who also was an Owens graduate and a member of the Owens Alumni Association Board of Directors. The fund will be used to provide scholarships for Owens students and to support Owens Express intercollegiate athletic programming.

The College has also established a new Michael Rickard Student-Athlete Award, which will be awarded annually to an Express student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in the community, in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Rickard worked in various athletic capacities for the College for more than 30 years, including full time since 1985 and as Athletic Director since July 2000. He was devoted to the Owens Express as he worked with coaches, student-athletes, parents, and faculty and staff through many seasons of wins and losses.

A 1982 Owens graduate and a 1984 University of Toledo graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education and recreation/sports management, Rickard was named Athletic Director of the Year for 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2003-04 and 2009-10 by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). He has been associated with Express athletic teams since the 1979-80 season, serving as a scorekeeper, statistician and assistant coach at times. From 1999-2001, he served as the Commissioner of the OCCAC.

For more information about The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund, or to make a donation, contact the College’s Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876, or by e-mail at alumni@owens.edu.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

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Owens Dental Hygiene Program Brightens Smiles During Nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day

Posted on February 15th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Oral hygiene, pearly white teeth and smiling faces were abundant at Owens Community College as nearly 100 area children received free dental service courtesy of the Dental Hygiene program as part of the nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day.

Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, was among thousands of organizations that provided free dental services and educational outreach for children with limited or no access to care across the country.

For eight-year-old Victoria Wilson of Perrysburg, the best part of her “teeth-cleaning” experience centered around which toothbrush and toothpaste she was going receive as take-home gifts.

“I am hoping for a pink toothbrush because pink is my favorite color,” explained Wilson. “And, my favorite kind of flavor toothpaste is mint.”

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, which is dedicated to focusing attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children. Held each February in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month, Give Kids A Smile Day provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to children from low-income families across the country.

“I am very thankful that Owens Community College provides a day like Give Kids A Smile,” said Elizabeth Niederkorn of Northwood, whose two-year-old daughter Lydia and five-year-old son Cecil attended the event. “The health of a person’s teeth is so important. Teeth affect so much more than just your mouth. They can affect your overall health.”

“Give Kids A Smile Day provides a great opportunity to not only give back to the community, but also to raise the importance and awareness of preventive dental care such as flossing, brushing and regular dental visits,” said Beth Tronolone, Owens Chair of Dental Hygiene. “The event was once again a huge success as we were able to assist those children in need of proper care. The Owens Dental Hygiene program is extremely thankful to all of the community volunteers who gave of their time to make this day a huge success.”

Dental services available for free throughout the day included dental education and screening, X-rays, oral prophylaxis (cleanings), limited restorations and dental sealants. In addition, Owens students from the health program provided educational presentations for parents and children.

The College’s Dental Hygiene program provides more than 40 students with a fully accredited, scientifically current and competency-based curriculum annually. Students receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, while preparing to sit for the national, state or regional exam in dental hygiene. Owens’ program also offers dental services to area residents through its Dental Hygiene Clinic. The 20-chair clinic is staffed by dental hygiene students and supervised by licensed dental professionals at Owens, and appointments are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $25 fee.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

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Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Celebrates Opening of New Student Services Center with Open House, Feb. 17

Posted on February 14th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College is inviting area residents to receive a tour of the latest educational addition to the Findlay-area Campus as the academic institution unveils a newly renovated Student Services Center as part of a community Open House event on Thursday, Feb. 17.

The Open House will take place from 3-5 p.m. in the College’s Student Services Center. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay. The event is free and open to the public.

“Owens’ newly renovated Student Services Center is a welcome addition to the Findlay-area Campus and will enable the College to provide enhanced services for current and future students,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens Director of Advising on the Findlay-area Campus.

Owens Director of Oserve Amy Giordano added, “The new educational area will support and promote student success at the highest level, ensuring that each individual has the necessary informational resources to excel in their educational pursuits.”

The renovated educational location features five new offices as well as an expanded reception/waiting area, which are all designed to assist students in realizing their academic and career aspirations. Both the offices of Student Development and Oserve are housed within the Student Services area and provide an array of services specific to current and future students’ academic needs, including advising, registration, financial aid and educational opportunities available on the Findlay-area Campus. The renovated area now features 24 offices for Owens’ Student Development and Oserve staff.

The renovation project was designed by the firms RCM Architects of Findlay and MDA Engineering Inc. of Maumee, while Clouse Construction Corp. of New Riegel served as the general contractor.

For more information about the Open House event, call (567) 429-3515 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3515.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Announces Free Spring ‘QuickStart to College’ Program, Feb. 21 – May 4

Posted on February 14th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore career options and gain advice on making the first steps toward a college education as Owens Community College presents a free “QuickStart to College” program, Feb. 21 – May 4.

The free ten-week program, which is designed for first generation college attendees, low wage workers, underemployed and undereducated adults in mind, will take place Mondays and Wednesdays (Feb. 21 – May 4) from 9-10:50 a.m. in Heritage Hall Room 103. The classes will occur on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, Owens will make available the “QuickStart to College” program on Wednesdays (Feb. 23 – May 4) from 12-3:50 p.m. in Room 135 at the College’s Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo.

Owens’ free “QuickStart to College” comprehensive program features an array of educational initiatives, including academic preparation, coaching and embracing the expectations of college-level studies. Additionally, students will participate in activities designed to promote enhanced learning and develop necessary study and life skills for college success. Individuals will also learn and obtain an in-depth understanding of the language, culture and resources of Owens through the program, as well as receive information specific to the financial aid process and academic placement testing. Free math, reading and writing tutorials are also offered to program participants. In addition, each student will receive three college credit hours toward an Owens education upon course completion.

Funding for Owens’ academic initiative is being made possible through a three-year $522,200 grant from the Lumina Foundation for Education, which is an Indianapolis-based private foundation dedicated to expanding access to and success in education beyond high school. Owens is one of only three academic institutions statewide to receive funding in 2008 for the program. The other two colleges are Rhodes State College in Lima and Zane State College in Zanesville.

In order to be eligible for the free “QuickStart to College” program, individuals must have obtained their High School Diploma or GED. A mandatory orientation is required for students on their first day of class. For more information about the “QuickStart to College” program, call (567) 661-2990 for the Toledo-area Campus classes or (567) 661-2732 for the Learning Center at The Source classes.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery Presents “Vaughn Bell: Transported Landscapes” Exhibit, Feb. 18 – March 29

Posted on February 10th, 2011

Vaughn Bell's environmental sculpture titled "Pack of Forest" is among the many artistic expressions on display as part of the "Transported Landscapes" exhibition in the College's Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College invites area residents to experience the interconnectedness between art and the environment as internationally-known environmental artist Vaughn Bell presents an installation within the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery that heightens awareness about how agriculture transforms the local landscape in an exhibit titled “Transported Landscapes”, Feb. 18 – March 29. The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

In addition, Owens will serve as host to a reception and lecture with Bell at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17. Both the reception and lecture, which are free and open to the public, will take place in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111.

“Internationally recognized environmental artist Vaughn Bell has created an installation in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery that relates Owens Community College to the larger landscape,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The installation uses seeds of local crops that are significant to Ohio and the global economy. Bell’s exhibition at Owens maps transportation routes and allows viewers to reflect on the way large-scale agriculture transforms the local landscape.”

Bell is known worldwide for her creation of interactive projects and immersive environments that deal with how society relates to the environment. She has exhibited her sculpture, installation, performance, video and public projects internationally, including commissions for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and the Edith Russ Site for New Media Art in Odenburg, Germany.

The Seattle resident has been featured in such publications as “ARTnews”, “Afterimage” and the “Arcade Journal”, among others. Bell holds a master’s degree from the Studio for Interrelated Media at Massachusetts College of Art and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

Both soybean and corn seed, which are incorporated into the exhibit, have been donated by the Bowling Green store location of Mid-Wood Inc., an agricultural grain and supply cooperative that is owned and controlled by the members its serves. During the spring season, an expanded version of “Transported Landscapes” will be unveiled in the courtyard adjacent to the Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays. For additional information about the exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721 or (567) 661-2721.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens to Host ‘A Tribute to Michael Rickard’ as Part of Express Basketball Doubleheader, Feb. 16

Posted on February 9th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will honor the legacy of former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010 by hosting a tribute ceremony in his honor as part of a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Edison State Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

The tribute ceremony for Michael Rickard will begin at the conclusion of the Express women’s basketball game against Edison State at approximately 7 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens women’s basketball game will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Express men’s basketball contest against Edison State at 7:30 p.m. Admission to all home games is free.

“Michael Rickard will be warmly remembered for his dedication and passion to Owens Community College Express athletics,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “His welcoming smile was part of his positive outlook on life and college athletics.† Michael touched thousands of lives over his three decades at Owens Community College and we are proud and honored to recognize him through a lasting tribute ceremony in his name.”

The tribute ceremony will commence with welcoming remarks by Owens Dean of Student Life Chris Giordano followed by a moment of silence in Michael Rickard’s memory. “A Tribute to Michael Rickard” will continue with comments by Owens President Dr. Larry McDougle. Additionally, several special announcements will take place during the ceremony to the honor the legacy of Michael Rickard.

Also, Owens Express student-athletes, coaching staffs and alumni from all seven of the College’s intercollegiate athletic programs will be in attendance and recognized as part of the celebration. At the ceremony’s conclusion, a photo of all Express student-athletes and members of Michael Rickard’s family in attendance will be taken and presented to his family to commemorate the evening. A second photo will soon adorn a hallway within the Student Health and Activities Center.

He was acknowledged by his peers for his leadership among community college athletic directors, as well as by opposing coaches and administrators who received respect and fair treatment when they visited the College. In addition, Owens student-athletes excelled in the classroom and on the athletic playing field as 88 student-athletes earned academic or athletic All-American honors from the NJCAA during his tenure.

Rickard was named to the Executive Committee of the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletics Administrators in 2010 and also was a member of the Owens Alumni Association Board of Directors. His accomplishments include being honored by the Rotary Club of Maumee with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for his contributions in the Toledo community.

The Express women’s basketball program has amassed a 21-4 overall record and currently is in second place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, their conference record is 6-1. In this week’s NJCAA Division II poll, Owens Express women’s basketball is ranked No. 19 in the nation.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 8-16 and a 2-5 mark (seventh place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

For more information about the tribute ceremony, contact the College’s Athletics Office at (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Board of Trustees Named to Leadership Positions

Posted on February 8th, 2011

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PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Diana H. Talmage and R J Molter to serve as the Chair and Vice Chair for the College’s Board of Trustees. Talmage and Molter were elected to their positions by their fellow colleagues during the recent Owens Board of Trustees meeting and will serve one-year terms.

Initially appointed in November 2002, Talmage, a retired educator and former school board member, has held several leadership positions at the K-12 and higher education levels. Her professional and community involvement includes membership with the American Red Cross, the Flower Hospital Foundation and TARTA. An Ottawa Hills resident, Talmage received her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Toledo and a bachelor’s degree in education from The Ohio State University. Additionally, Talmage serves as a board member on the Owens Community College Foundation.

A graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, Molter serves as a Staff Pharmacist at Pills & Packages Pharmacy and is the former Co-Owner of M & M Pharmacy in Woodville. The Woodville resident was initially appointed to the College’s Board of Trustees in June 1972.

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of six community leaders from Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Sandusky counties who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio for six-year terms.

In addition to Talmage and Molter, Owens Board of Trustees members include David Habegger of Oregon, Allan J. Libbe of Perrysburg, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg and William E. Takacs of Toledo.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Board of Trustees Announce Contract Extension For President Dr. Larry G. McDougle

Posted on February 8th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Board of Trustees and Dr. Larry G. McDougle have mutually agreed to a contract extension through June 30, 2012. The announcement was made during the Owens Board of Trustees regular February meeting.

“Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees is extremely pleased with Dr. Larry McDougle’s leadership, vision and unwavering commitment toward advancing this academic institution’s mission of providing higher educational opportunities that will benefit the Northwest Ohio region for years to come,” said Dee Talmage, Chair of the Owens Community College Board of Trustees. “For that reason, the Owens Community College Board of Trustees has asked Dr. McDougle to continue to lead Owens past his original contract and build upon the College’s strong foundation and reputation of academic excellence.”

“Owens Community College is an outstanding academic institution of higher learning,” said Dr. Larry McDougle, President of Owens Community College. “It is a privilege and truly an honor to represent our many students, faculty and staff as their President. I look forward to continuing to work with the campus community, as well as with fellow business, industry and academic partners, as we as a collective group help in shaping this region’s educational and economic future.”

Dr. McDougle was named the fifth President in the 46-year history of Owens Community College in June 2010. Prior to his appointment, he served as the College’s Interim President for six months.

During his tenure as Owens’ President, Dr. McDougle has worked tirelessly to reach out and engage Owens faculty, staff and students, as well as community and educational partners, with the purpose of advancing higher education for area residents throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond. Under his leadership, the College has expanded educational opportunities to Arrowhead Park in Maumee and unveiled a new Learning Center, as well as opened the doors to newly renovated Founders Hall and Heritage Hall buildings at the former Penta Career Center as part of the College’s ongoing campus expansion initiative. Additionally, Owens is finalizing construction on a newly refurbished Welding Center, which will feature the latest in technological and academic resources specific to welding for several degree and certificate programs.

Recently,students attending the Owens Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo began their 2011 Spring Semester within a newly expanded and renovated educational facility as the academic institution unveiled two new instructional classrooms and one open computer laboratory all with state-of-the-art technology and academic resources to enhance learning through hands-on instruction and exercises. The new resources will enable the College to offer even more educational opportunities in downtown Toledo.

Other initiatives include the opening of a new Faculty Development Center on Toledo-area Campus, as well as unveiling a new wind turbine and solar array on the Findlay-area Campus. Additionally, Owens is implementing a new Energy Strategic Plan, which is projected to annually reduce energy by over 20 percent once the initiative is fully operational, and further enhanced educational services for students through the creation of an OServe area. In addition, a new Academic Achievement Scholarship Program was unveiled in March 2010. The program is designed to provide graduating high school students achieving academic excellence at the highest level the opportunity to pursue a free college education.

President McDougle has more than 40 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member and administrator in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and South Carolina. President McDougle was named the fourth President of Northwest State Community College in 1991 and retired as President Emeritus in 2003. During his tenure, Northwest State doubled in size, both in terms of enrollment and physical plant. Additionally, President McDougle served as Academic Dean of Instruction in the Community and Technical College of the University of Toledo from 1984-91.

Since his retirement, President McDougle has been a part-time faculty member in the University of Toledo Higher Education program, which is designed to prepare students for positions as college administrators. His professional background also includes serving as a tenured Professor at Indiana University, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the University of Toledo.

President McDougle has received many honors to include an Honorary Doctor of Educational Leadership in 1998 and the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2009, both from the University of Findlay. In 1996, he received the Philip J. Rusche Distinguished Service Award from the University of Toledo College of Education and Allied Professions. Two years later, President McDougle was awarded the John C. Hoyt Outstanding Employment and Training Leadership Award from the Toledo Area Private Industry Council. In addition, he is the author of more than 60 articles, which have been published in a variety of professional journals, and has been invited to make presentations at more than 150 state, regional and national conferences.

Nationally, President McDougle has held Board of Directors-level positions with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Membership Advisory Council of NFPA, the Midwest Society for Human Resources/Industrial Relations Chapter of the Midwest Business Administration Association and the Membership Committee of the American Technical Education Association (ATEA). In Ohio, he has served on the Ohio Board of Regents Advisory Committee on Service Achievement and has been a member of the Board of Trustees for Mercy College of Northwest Ohio, the Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development (NORED), the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) and the Henry County Business Advisory Council.

President McDougle earned a doctorate in higher education from the University of Toledo. The Napoleon resident holds a master’s degree in physics from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in math-physics from the University of Findlay. President McDougle succeeds Dr. Christa Adams, who retired Jan. 1, after having served as President of Owens Community College since July 2001.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Basketball Reschedules Home Game Against Tiffin University JVs, Feb. 14

Posted on February 8th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s basketball home game originally scheduled for Jan. 31 against Tiffin University JVs will occur on Monday, Feb. 14. The game will begin at 7 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 8-16 and a 2-5 mark (seventh place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

High-Speed Technical Photography Expert Andrew Davidhazy to Present Free Lecture and Workshops at Owens, Feb. 19

Posted on February 8th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents and photographers interested in learning about the scientific and technical aspects of photography from Andrew Davidhazy, one of the pioneers in the field of high-speed technical and scientific photography, are invited to attend a free lecture and register for several workshops at Owens Community College on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Presented by the Owens Photo Club student organization, Davidhazy’s lecture will take place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. In addition to his lecture presentation, Davidhazy will provide two two-hour, hands-on workshops for attendees. The first workshop, which begins at 1:30 p.m., will cover “The Basics of Slit-scan and Strip Cameras and Applications”, while the second workshop will start at 4 p.m. and provide insight into the “Simplified Approaches to High Speed and Stroboscopic Photography”.

The lecture and workshops will take place in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Room 233 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. All events are free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College is thrilled to have Andrew Davidhazy presenting two hands-on workshops, along with a lecture presentation,” said Ruth Foote, Owens Associate Professor of Fine and Performing Arts and Co-Advisor of the Owens Photo Club. “I’ve known Andrew for many years and his lectures and workshops are always popular, whether it is at a school or professional conference setting.”

Foote added, “Andrew Davidhazy’s lecture presentation will cover his vast body of scientific photographic work, including scanning or strip photography, as well as modifying off-the-shelf photographic equipment to improve capacity and capability.”

“Many people are familiar with Andrew Davidhazy’s work, without even realizing he was the photographer,” said Margaret Lockwood-Lass, Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts and Co-Advisor of the Owens Photo Club. “His popular images include stop action photos of sneezing, bullets going through playing cards, water droplets crowning and balloons popping. Golfers and other sports enthusiasts are familiar with his stroboscope photos of golfers or tennis players showing the full range of motion from a single stroke.”

Davidhazy serves as a Professor of Imaging and Photographic Technology in the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y. His professional background includes over 35 years of experience specializing in scientific and technical aspects of photography, as well as the application of technical imaging concepts to aesthetic purposes.

He has lectured and exhibited worldwide and his writings have been published in numerous books, articles and journals, including “Popular Photography”, “American Photo”, “Industrial Photography” and “Camera”, among others. He was the Inaugural Kodak Visiting Professor to Australia and has been an exhibitor and guest lecturer at photographic educational institutions in Sweden, France, Brazil and Argentina, as well as at many professional societies and organizations nationwide.

Davidhazy also served on the U.S. House Select Committee that re-examined photographs of Lee Harvey Oswald, and was later called upon to authenticate a photograph of O. J. Simpson wearing shoes he claimed never to have owned.

Davidhazy’s accolades include being awarded a NASA American Society for Engineering Education Summer Fellowship at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., for conducting research and providing consulting services in the area of high-speed photography. He is a Fellow of SPIE and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology, as well as the recipient of the Eisenhart Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Raymond Bowman Award from IS&T for excellence in teaching.

The Owens Photo Club was founded with the overall mission of providing personal and professional enrichment and educational opportunities for all Owens students, including students majoring in the College’s commercial photography technology and photography academic programs.

Workshop space is extremely limited and pre-registration is required. Registration will be restricted to only one workshop per applicant. Lunch is included free of charge as part of the daylong event.

For additional information about the upcoming lecture or registration for either workshop, contact Owens’ Department of Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081. Individuals can also access information online at www.owensphotoclub.org ( http://www.owensphotoclub.org/ )or pre-register for the workshops at owensphotoclub@gmail.com.

Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Sociological Expert Dr. Richard Schaefer to Provide Free Talk at Owens Community College, Feb. 15

Posted on February 8th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into the understanding of diversity and its impact on a global society are invited to a free lecture featuring nationally-known sociological expert Dr. Richard Schaefer at Owens Community College on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Sponsored by the College’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Schaefer’s lecture presentation is titled “The Implications of Cultural and Ethnic Diversity in a Global Era” and will occur at 12:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences is excited to provide the extraordinary opportunity to hear a nationally-known sociological expert present on how culture and ethnic diversity continues to evolve and its impact on society from a global perspective,” said Denise Shuster, Owens Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “Dr. Richard Schaefer’s lecture will detail how becoming even more open-minded as a society to the many cultures and traditions of different groups can have a profound impact on our lives.”

Schaefer serves as a Vincent DePaul Professor of Sociology at DePaul University in Chicago. He was selected as one of eight Vincent DePaul-named faculty in recognition of his undergraduate teaching and scholarship in 2002. Besides conventional classroom settings, Schaefer has taught online, as well as part of adult education, nursing and maximum-security prison programs. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Northwestern University and a master’s degree and doctorate both in sociology from University of Chicago.

He is the author of six textbooks, including “Racial and Ethnic Groups” and “Race and Ethnicity in the United States”, and general editor of the three-volume “Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Society”. Schaefer is also the author of “Sociology: A Modular Approach”, “Sociology”, “Sociology: A Brief Introduction” and “Sociology Matters”. Additionally, he co-authored with William Zellner the ninth edition of “Extraordinary Groups”, which provides insight into such groups as the Amish, the nation of Islam, Scientology and Wicca.

Besides teaching and writing, Schaefer previously Chaired departments at two colleges and served as Dean of a college of arts and sciences for 10 years. He held the position of President of both the Illinois Sociological Association and the Midwest Sociology Society. In addition, he served three terms as Vice President of a community mental health board and two terms as a school board President.

For additional information about the lecture presentation, call (567) 661-7180 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7180.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Student Group Raises Environmental Awareness During ‘Love Your Mother Earth: Tree Hugger Fair’, Feb. 16

Posted on February 7th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will bring environmental awareness to the forefront specific to natural and organic living as the Owens Raising Awareness Club hosts its first-ever “Love Your Mother Earth: Tree Hugger Fair” on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

More than a dozen environmental organizations are scheduled to participate in the fair, which will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The event is free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with several local community organizations and educate the public about the many benefits of natural and organic living,” said Nicole Lance, Owens Raising Awareness Club Advisor and Student Activities Part-Time Assistant. “The ‘Love Your Mother Earth: Tree Hugger Fair’ will provide a great venue for individuals to learn about ways to live a healthier lifestyle, free from chemicals that could cause harm to themselves and the environment.”

“Love Your Mother Earth: Tree Hugger Fair” participants include Health Foods by Claudia, Toledo Botanical Garden’s Toledo GROWs, Toledo-Lucas County Rain Garden Initiative, Phoenix, Anyana-Kai, GreenLine Foods and Bassett’s Health Foods, among others. In addition, the Owens Environmental Club will offer information specific to utilization of the bamboo plants and the College’s massage therapy program will be providing free massages to event attendees.

For additional information about Owens’ “Love Your Mother Earth: Tree Hugger Fair” activities, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Literacy Committee Presents Free ‘Persepolis’ Film Screening and Discussion, Feb. 8 and 15

Posted on February 3rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses will celebrate and promote the importance of literacy by inviting area residents to explore life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution of the 1970s as part of a free screening and discussion of the award-winning film “Persepolis”, Feb. 8 and 15.

Presented by the Literacy Committee in conjunction with the academic institution’s college-wide read initiative of the book “Persepolis”, the film will be shown on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Community Education and Wellness Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Additionally, a screening of “Persepolis” will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. in College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus. Each screening will be followed by a brief discussion of the film and the literary memoir specific to growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Admission to the events is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay, while the Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi, the 96-minute film “Persepolis” details the life and times of a young Marjane “Marji” Satrapi during the 1970s and how her dreams were fulfilled with the hated Shah’s defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Satrapi grows up, she witnesses firsthand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own. With Satrapi dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents decide to send her abroad to Vienna to study and make a better life for herself. However, this change proves to be equally difficult for Satrapi as she finds herself in a different and troubling culture. After returning to her homeland, Satrapi discovers that both she and her country have changed too much and her family now must decide where she truly belongs.

Based on the book “Persepolis”, the film provides insight into the daily life of Iran and how home life and public life contradict each other as a result of repressive regimes. Satrapi’s firsthand accounts allow viewers to embark on a journey inside Iran during a time of political unrest and repression that included the dethroning of emperors and state-sanctioned whippings. Since it was released in 2007, “Persepolis” has garnered critically-acclaimed attention highlighted by an Oscar nomination as Best Animated Feature Film of the Year in 2008. Other honors include receiving the Sutherland Trophy from the British Film Institute in 2007 and a Golden Globe nomination as Best Foreign Language Film in 2008.

For more information about the film screenings, call (567) 661-2987 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2987.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s and Men’s Basketball Postpones Home Games Originally Scheduled For Feb. 2

Posted on February 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s and men’s basketball home games originally scheduled as part of a doubleheader for this Wednesday, Feb. 2 against Cuyahoga Community College at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. have been postponed. No make-up dates have been announced.

The next home games for the Express women’s and men’s basketball teams will take place on Sat., Feb. 12 against Cincinnati State Community College. The Express women’s basketball program will battle the Surge at 1 p.m., while Owens men’s basketball team will entertain Cincinnati State at 3 p.m.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Celebrates Black History Month With Events in February

Posted on January 28th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events and activities highlighting and honoring the role and impact of African Americans throughout this country’s history. The public is encouraged to join the campus community for guest speakers and educational awareness programs.

All events and activities, which are free and open to the public, will occur on the College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College is proud to celebrate Black History Month by honoring and recognizing the many achievements and contributions black Americans have made to shape and define our country,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “I encourage area residents to engage themselves in Owens’ various events surrounding Black History Month and draw inspiration from their important messages.”

Owens activities occurring during Black History Month include:

Monday, Feb. 7

Black History and Culture Discussion With Ohio Sen. Edna BrownOhio Sen. Edna Brown will provide attendees with insight into the past, present and future of diversity in America based on her own personal accounts. Brown was elected to serve Toledo and Ohio’s 11th Senate District in November 2010. She comes from the Ohio House of Representatives, where she represented Ohio’s 48th House District. Since her arrival in the General Assembly, Brown has worked tirelessly on issues of voting rights, health, violence against women and economic development.
(10 a.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128)
(12 p.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center Room 111)

Tuesday, Feb. 8

“Ballou” Documentary Film Screening and Discussion
Area residents are invited to view a film screening of “Ballou”. The 86-minute documentary provides insight into the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from Washington, D.C. and their journey from band camp to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Ala. Throughout their journey, the marching band had to overcome many obstacles highlighted by a negative community environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to reach their goals. Undeterred by the negativity, the group, led by marching band director Darrell Watson, was able to uplift the community with their music and positive attitudes and eventually became an award-winning marching band. The film screening will be followed with an open discussion with marching band director Darrell Watson.
(2 p.m.) (Toledo-area Campus College Hall Room 100)

Wednesday, Feb. 9

“Ballou” Documentary Film Screening and Discussion
Area residents are invited to view a film screening of “Ballou”. The 86-minute documentary provides insight into the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from Washington, D.C. and their journey from band camp to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Ala. Throughout their journey, the marching band had to overcome many obstacles highlighted by a negative community environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to reach their goals. Undeterred by the negativity, the group, led by band director Darrell Watson, was able to uplift the community with their music and positive attitudes and eventually became an award-winning marching band. The film screening will be followed with an open discussion with marching band director Darrell Watson.
(10 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center Room 111)

Thursday, Feb. 10

“Achieving Success” Lecture Presentation With Toledo Mayor Michael Bell
Toledo Mayor Michael Bell will provide attendees with an inspirational message about overcoming obstacles and achieving success in pursuit of personal goals. During the presentation, Bell will share with the audience his own personal experiences and how they played a significant role in achieving his own success. Bell was elected Mayor of Toledo in January 2010. His career in public service began in 1980 when he joined the Toledo Department of Fire and Rescue as Firefighter and later became a certified Paramedic/EMT. In 1990, he was appointed as Chief of the Toledo and Rescue Department. Bell was the first African American as well as the youngest person ever to lead the organization. He remained in that position for over 16 years until he was appointed State Fire Marshal by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in 2007. Bell has served the Northwest Ohio community through countless civic organizations, volunteering his time and serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club, The American Red Cross, Bethany House and The American Liver Foundation, among many others. He is a member of the International Fire Chief’s Association and received the President’s Award for his efforts with diversity.
(11 a.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128)

Tuesday, Feb. 22

Jazz Performance and Historical Lecture With Galen Abdur-Razzaq
Jazz recording artist Galen Abdur-Razzaq will bring his masterful talents to Owens as part of a jazz performance and lecture. Abdur-Razzaq will be sharing insightful details about his musical background and the history of jazz, as well as a wide selection of his musical favorites. Abdur-Razzaq has performed and presented clinics at various venues, including college and university campuses, worldwide for over 30 years. He is a former student at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. An arranger, composer, music director and writer, Abdur-Razzaq has performed with such renowned artists as Billy Taylor, Sonny Phillips, Gwen Guthrie, Eddie Gladden and Clifford Adams, among many others. Abdur-Razzaq is also a regular speaker on jazz and its historical significance.
(10 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Education Center Room 111) (Lecture)
(11:30 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Commons) (Performance)

Thursday, Feb. 24

College Conjuring – Deception 101 Tour With Ran’D Shine
Awarding-winning performer, producer and educator of magic Ran’D Shine will provide attendees with an amazing display of his magical talents as well as share insight into his life as an artist, teacher and an African-American male. Nationally-acclaimed, Shine is a frequent performer at Monday Night Magic, which is regarded as New York City’s longest running Off-Broadway magic show, and has showcased his talents at Hollywood’s The Magic Castle. Additionally, he has produced several magic shows highlighted by the “Heart and Soul of Magic”, which was the first magic show to feature an all black American cast of magicians. Shine’s performance provides attendees with the opportunity expand their minds and view life from a different perspective specific to diversity.
(12 p.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Student Health and Activities Center)

In addition, Owens’ libraries on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will display a variety of African-American heritage information as well as feature a selection of books and audio/visual materials related to Black History Month in February.

To celebrate and honor the contributions made by African Americans throughout America’s history, longtime black history advocate Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced Negro History Week to the country in 1926. Later changed to Black History Week, the observance was extended in 1976 to a month-long celebration occurring in February and renamed Black History Month. For additional information about Owens’ Black History Month activities, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College and Tiffin University Announce New Dual Admission and Enrollment Program Partnership

Posted on January 27th, 2011

Tiffin University President Dr. Paul Marion (left) and Owens Community College President Dr. Larry McDougle pose for a photo following the signing ceremony for the new Dual Enrollment Program partnership on the College's Findlay-area Campus.

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College students with aspirations of pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University will now be able to continue their academic pursuits while attending both academic institutions as the two schools have finalized a unique Dual Enrollment Program partnership.

As a result of the new collaboration, Owens students will be afforded the opportunity to complete academic coursework while simultaneously enrolled at the two schools. Owens students can participate in the new program with the start of the upcoming Fall Semester.

“Owens Community College is proud to partner with Tiffin University and announce the establishment of a joint academic program which enhances learning opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Larry McDougle, President of Owens Community College. “Tiffin University is known for innovative partnerships and Owens Community College looks forward to working with them on additional educational initiatives to benefit even more area residents throughout the Northwest Ohio region.”

According to Dr. Paul Marion, President of Tiffin University, “we are very pleased to continue the excellent relationship that we have had with Owens Community College. This new partnership will benefit students for many years into the future.”

Owens students will have the opportunity to enroll in a maximum of three credit hours of coursework (four credit hours if a laboratory course) at Tiffin during the Fall and Spring semester for a maximum of four semesters as part of the new Dual Enrollment Program. Dual Enrollment Program students can enroll in an array of courses at Tiffin University including general education and major specific courses required at both academic institutions. Coursework successfully completed through the Dual Enrollment Program will transfer and be applied toward fulfilling degree requirements at both academic institutions.

In addition, the dual admission option provides Owens students with access to academic advising at Tiffin. Individuals will also be issued a Tiffin student ID, which will provide access to an array of Tiffin academic resources to include library privileges as well as campus events and activities to broaden their educational experience. Additionally, upon transferring to Tiffin, Owens students within the Dual Enrollment Program are eligible for a $2,500 per semester scholarship to utilize in their final semesters at Tiffin University.

Students enrolled in Tiffin classes as part of the Dual Enrollment Program will pay Owens’ tuition costs. Dual Enrollment Program classes will occur at Tiffin University in Tiffin and the academic institution’s campus location in Northwood.

The new Dual Enrollment Program partnership builds upon a longstanding articulation agreement between the respective institutions which enables Owens students to seamlessly transfer to Tiffin and pursue their bachelor’s degree, with junior standing, after completing their associate’s degree. For more information about the new Dual Enrollment Program, call (567) 661-7189 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7189, or 1-800-968-6446, Ext. 3301.

Founded in 1888, Tiffin University enrolls more than 4,900 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at the campus in Tiffin, Ohio, online, in four foreign countries, and at several locations in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Elyria, Fremont and Toledo. Graduate degrees include the Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Humanities and Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Undergraduate degrees include the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Business Administration, Associate of Criminal Justice and Associate of Arts. For more information, call 1-800-968-6446 or visit www.tiffin.edu.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents Nationally Known Motivational Speaker Gary Barnes, Jan. 26

Posted on January 25th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area law enforcement professionals interested in gaining insight into overcoming obstacles, personal empowerment and achieving success are invited to attend a free lecture presentation by nationally recognized motivational speaker Gary Barnes at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Presented by the College’s Criminal Justice Organization student group, Barnes’ lecture will occur from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the College’s Community Education and Wellness Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Barnes serves as President of Barnes Consulting Group and is Founder of both MaxLife International and Gary Barnes International. He is Past President of the Denver Chapter for International Association for Financial Planning and the author of “Spend and Grow Rich: 7 Secrets to Unlocking the Goldmine of Your Checkbook” and the e-book manual “Financial Magic: The Common Sense Way”.

Barnes has garnered numerous industry and civic awards for his advocacy efforts and has spoken nationally and internationally on achieving success in life.

During his lecture presentation at Owens, Barnes will discuss with attendees about the importance of active listening and how communication skills are essential in assessing and defusing a hostile situation. As a former campus police officer, Barnes will also share stories about his own experiences and how they relate to the law enforcement profession. The presentation will conclude with an open dialogue session with those in attendance.

In addition to Barnes’ lecture, Owens Adjunct Instructor Andrea Adams-Miller will provide a presentation titled “Dispelling the Top 3 Myths of Leadership Effectiveness”. Adams-Miller previously served as a Corrections Officer for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and a Dispatcher for the Findlay Police Department. She currently serves as President of the Liberty Township Fire Department Auxiliary.

For additional information about the lecture presentation, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Dental Program Offers Free Dental Services for Children During Give Kids A Smile Day, Feb. 4

Posted on January 20th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Oral hygiene, X-rays and fillings will be the focus of free dental appointments at Owens Community College as more than 150 area elementary and high school students’ teeth are transformed to pearly whites during the nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day on Friday, Feb. 4.

Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children with limited or no access to care ages six months to 18 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. The clinic is located in Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Additionally, Toledo Dental Society dentists and Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary will provide restorative treatments such as fillings and extractions for patients on Feb. 11 from 1-3 p.m.

“Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is proud to once again participate in such a worthwhile endeavor and provide dental services to individuals in need,” said Beth Tronolone, Owens Chair of Dental Hygiene. “Give Kids A Smile Day is also a wonderful opportunity to raise the importance and awareness of preventive dental care such as flossing, brushing and regular dental visits. Our goal is give each attendee a positive dental experience and help them feel comfortable smiling again.”

Owens Dental Hygiene second-year students, faculty and alumni, and area dentists will be conducting dental services, which will include dental education and screening, X-rays, oral prophylaxis (cleanings), limited restorations and dental sealants. In addition, first-year students from the health program will provide educational presentations for parents and children.

Individuals interested in receiving free dental service are encouraged to contact the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic at (567) 661-7294 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7294. Appointment reservations must be made prior to the event.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Showcases Rossford Resident’s Commercial Photography, Jan. 19 – Feb. 10

Posted on January 19th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to view the masterful commercial photography of Larry Linkous as Owens Community College’s Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery presents a new exhibit titled “The World of a Commercial Photographer”, Jan. 19 – Feb. 10.

“The World of a Commercial Photographer” is being showcased on the exterior exhibition wall of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, which is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, the College will host a reception for Linkous at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. Linkous’ reception is occurring in conjunction with a reception and lecture for nationally recognized artist Amanda Burnham. Her exhibition titled “Urban Signs” is currently on display inside the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

Linkous’ passion for photography began at a young age and led to his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in professional photography from the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif. After obtaining his degree in 1973, Linkous worked for several studios before taking a position as a Commercial Photographer for Toledo’s Owens Corning company in 1979.

Additionally, the Rossford resident has served as a Commercial Photographer for Eric Eggly’s PointSeven Studios and has worked with such companies as Owens-Illinois Inc., Dana Holding Corp., BP, La-Z-Boy Inc. and General Motors Co., among many others.

Linkous has garnered several awards throughout his career highlighted by two KODAK Gallery Awards for excellence in professional photography, specifically for outstanding industrial photography in Ohio. His background also includes a master of photography from the Professional Photographers of America.

Linkous began his teaching career at Owens as an Adjunct Instructor in Fine and Performing Arts in 2006. He currently provides instruction with the academic courses related to studio lighting and large format photography.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery on the Toledo-area Campus is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays. For additional information about the exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721 or (567) 661-2721.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host Community Blood Drive, Jan. 20

Posted on January 18th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are encouraged to help in saving lives as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and the American Red Cross host a community Blood Drive on Thursday, Jan. 20.

The Blood Drive will occur from 12-5 p.m. in Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Roadin Findlay.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Internationally Known Author Helen Prejean, Jan. 25

Posted on January 13th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Internationally acclaimed Sister Helen Prejean, author of “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States”, will make an appearance in Northwest Ohio to discuss her experiences as an activist related to the death penalty process as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues” on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Prejean’s lecture presentation will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is honored welcome internationally known Sister Helen Prejean to Northwest Ohio for a very unique and insightful presentation titled ‘Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues’,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “For nearly three decades, Prejean has been educating the public about the death penalty. Her efforts certainly have not gone unnoticed as she has sparked national dialogue about capital punishment in our country.”

A Roman Catholic nun, Prejean joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille (now known as the Congregation of St. Joseph) in 1957 and received a bachelor’s degree in English and education from St. Mary’s Dominican College – New Orleans in 1962. In 1973, she earned a master’s degree in religious education from Saint Paul University. Prejean has served as the Religious Education Director at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in New Orleans, the Formation Director for her religious community and has taught junior and senior high school students.

Prejean began her prison ministry in 1981 when she dedicated her life to help those who are disadvantaged in New Orleans. While living in the St. Thomas housing project, she became pen pals with Patrick Sonnier, a convicted killer of two teenagers who was sentenced to die in the electric chair of Louisiana’s Angola State Prison.

Upon Sonnier’s request, Prejean repeatedly visited him as his spiritual advisor. In doing so, her eyes were opened to the Louisiana execution process. Prejean turned her experiences into a book that not only made the 1994 American Library Associates Notable Book List, but also was nominated for a 1993 Pulitzer Prize. “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States” earned the distinction of being ranked No. 1 on “The New York Times” Best Seller List for 31 weeks. The book also has become an international best seller and has been translated into 10 different languages.

In January 1996, Prejean’s literary work was developed into a major motion picture starring Susan Sarandon as Helen Prejean and Sean Penn as Patrick Sonnier. Produced by Polygram Pictures, the film was directed and written by Tim Robbins. The movie received many accolades including Oscar recognition and was the basis of an opera.

Prejean has provided her advocacy message to community groups around the globe. She has appeared on many notable television radio shows highlighted by “60 Minutes”, NBC’s “Today”, BBC World Service and NPR Weekend Saturday, among many others. She has also served as an active member of several prominent organizations, including the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Amnesty International and Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation. Additionally, Prejean is the founder of “Survive”, a victim’s advocacy group in New Orleans, and continues to counsel not only inmates on death row, but also the families of murder victims.

Tickets for the lecture presentation are $20 and all seats are reserved. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Unveils New Alternative Energy and Sustainable Systems Degree Program

Posted on January 13th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in careers in the installation and maintenance of alternative and renewable energy technology now have the opportunity to pursue their higher educational degree at Owens Community College as the academic institution’s School of Technology unveils a new alternative energy and sustainable systems technology associate degree program.

Beginning with Spring Semester 2011, the new academic program is being offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The two-year associate degree program recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents.

“Green technology is becoming more and more important in our energy-driven society,” said Randy Wharton, Owens Chair of Design Technologies and Co-Interim Dean of the School of Technology. “As the demand for existing and emerging technologies within alternative and renewable energy grows, the need for highly qualified technicians is a necessity.”

Wharton added, “Owens Community College’s new alternative energy and sustainable systems degree program will provide area residents with the opportunity to receive hands-on experiential learning at the highest level utilizing many of the College’s state-of-the-art academic resources specific to solar thermal power, wind power and photovoltaic power. Green technology is and will continue to play a crucial role in our global economy and Owens is committed to supporting alternative and renewable energy growth and development through innovative academic programming.”

Owens’ associate degree in alternative energy and sustainable systems technology will require approximately 65 credit hours of coursework, which includes technology in society, introduction to alternative energy, mechanical systems, power distribution, solar thermal power, wind power, LEEDS certified building, photovoltaic power, geothermal energy systems and biofuels, among other academic curriculum.

The new program is designed to prepare students to design, install, maintain and repair state-of-the-art alternative energy systems specific to solar power, wind power, photovoltaic power and geothermal power for residential and commercial utilization. Students will develop strong knowledge in the fundamentals of energy and how energy is produced, marketed, distributed and used, as well as how photovoltaic panels and wind turbines produce electricity and their cost/feasibility on different scales, including residential and utility scale. Individuals will also gain insight into how renewable energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal power and tidal power can be used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Additionally, alternative energy and sustainable systems technology students will receive instruction related to energy efficient design and the fundamentals of LEED, as well as the understanding about the challenges in producing a fuel to power vehicles such as biofuels and hydrogen. Students will have the opportunity to utilize leading-edge academic resources for experiential learning, including the College’s wind turbines, solar thermal panels and photovoltaic arrays.

For additional information about Owens’ alternative energy and sustainable systems technology program, call (567) 661-7457 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7457.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Hosts Auditions for Upcoming Theatre Production, Jan. 24-25

Posted on January 12th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in performing in the upcoming student production of “Tartuffe” are invited to open theatre auditions at Owens Community College, Jan. 24-25.

Auditions will take place Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 24 and 25, from 6-9 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. Callback auditions will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Each individual is encouraged to prepare a monologue as part of the audition or a monologue will be provided for them. The theatre production dates are April 8-9 and 15-17.

Attendees are required to make an appointment prior to the audition dates. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (567) 661-2798 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2798.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Foundation Announces 2011-12 Scholarship Program Opportunities

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College Foundation is investing in Northwest Ohio’s educational future by making available thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities as part of the academic institution’s 2011-12 Scholarship Program.

Through the generosity of businesses and individuals within the surrounding communities, the Owens Foundation will offer current and future students the opportunity to apply for over 50 available scholarships for the upcoming 2011-12 academic year. Scholarship applicants must complete and return the application to the Oserve Office on either the Toledo-area or Findlay-area campus by Feb. 15. Scholarship award notification will begin in March and will continue until all awards have been made.

For scholarships based on financial need, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for the 2011-12 academic year must be on file in the College’s Oserve Office by Feb. 28. FAFSA and Foundation Scholarship Program forms are available in the College’s Oserve Office or can be downloaded by accessing the Owens website at www.owens.edu.

In addition, Owens currently participates in several need-based federal and state funded grant programs, work study opportunities, and loans, which all require applicants to file a FAFSA form to determine financial need. Specific programs accessible to students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, the Owens Community College Grant, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and Federal Work Study, among others.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.5 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

This past academic year, Owens provided more than $110 million in grants, scholarships, loans and federal work study to support the educational needs of students. For more information on the various scholarship opportunities, call (567) 661-7603 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7603.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Pinning Ceremony Honors Registered Nursing Program Students at Owens

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Over 110 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the School of Nursing signifying their graduation from the registered nursing program during a ceremony on the Findlay-area Campus. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

“Owens Community College is extremely is honored to recognize our students for their hard work and dedication toward achieving their educational aspirations,” said Ruth Ankele, Owens Chair of Nursing. “The registered nursing program graduates have exhibited academic excellence at the highest level and are very deserving of their honorary pins.”

The nurse pinning ceremony originated in the 1860s at St. Thomas Hospital’s Nightingale School of Nursing in London, England. Having been recently awarded The Red Cross of St. George for her selfless service to the injured and dying in the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale chose to extend the honor she received to her most outstanding graduate nurses by awarding each of them a medal of excellence. The practice of awarding nurses a badge was soon after adopted, and the first pin was awarded to the Class of 1880 at the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing in New York City.

Nursing students receiving their honorary pins include Kelly Abbott of Genoa, Hanna Abunaw of Toledo, Kimberly Alonso of Carleton, Mich., Brittany Anderson of Bowling Green, Lisa Anderson of Toledo, Ellen Anello of Toledo, Andrea Baker of Oregon, Amy Baugher of Toledo, Bryna Benninghoff of Bellevue, Christopher Bohland of Toledo, Amanda Bolyard of Findlay, Hillary Brockway of Adrian, Mich., Amy Butler of Toledo, Lydia Butler of Toledo, Betsi Cancelliere of Lemoyne, Kevin Cassaubon of Perrysburg, Acqua Chatmon of Toledo, Hui-Ling Chen of Findlay, Marisa Coleman of Toledo, Christopher Cook of Oxford, Tracy Cortez-Avad of Oregon, Dawn Czerniejewski of Toledo, Kelsey Darbyshire of Columbus Grove, Cynthia DiMarco of Bowling Green, Emily Doster of Bowling Green, Jennifer Dowdy of Toledo, Katrina Drouillard of Toledo, Stephen Ehret of Toledo, William Eisenman of Risingsun, Aaron Etzkorn of Delphos, Christopher Fisher of Fremont, Candelaria Flores of Whitehouse, Valorie Frantz of Toledo, Brandy Fredritz of Upper Sandusky, LaTisha Garth of Toledo, Stephanie Geisel of Walbridge, Rachel Gray of Rossford, Alyssa Hall of Toledo, Steven Harvey of Toledo, Taryn Hernandez of Toledo, Drew Hertzfeld of Waterville, Stephanie Hoefflin of Oregon, Amy Holvey of Findlay, Mark Hostetler of Findlay, Marie Jablonski of Swanton, Tamara Jeffries of Toledo, Jayne Johnoff of Toledo, Susan Kau of Findlay, Kerri King of Toledo, Robin Kelly of Toledo, April Lajti of Toledo, Stefanie Lamb of Oregon, Monica Lee of Toledo, Kevin Lehsten of Pioneer, Grace Limson of Toledo, Kristyn Link of Tiffin, Julie Luginbill of Pandora, Denise Martinez of Martin, Maria Martinez of Toledo, Stephanie Matthews of Delta, Alisha McCreary of Toledo, Stephanie Mickens of Toledo, Camille Miller of Toledo, LaSonya Miller of Toledo, Sandra Mueller of Holland, Christopher Myers of Findlay, Anastasia Mysinger of Perrysburg, Kathleen Naylor of Toledo, Linda Nelson of Toledo, Angela Nichols of Rossford, Linda Odiari of Toledo, Amanda Ogle of Millbury, Adunola Ogunleye of Toledo, Millicent Olang-Johnson of Maumee and Amanda Owen of Findlay.

Nurse pinning recipients also include Jennifer Pelwecki of Toledo, Latoya Pettaway of Holland, Cody Price of Dola, Ryan Purcell of Findlay, Kimberly Quinn of Toledo, Cassandra Ray of Carey, Sara Reamsnyder of Perrysburg, Kelly Rice of Toledo, Tammi Richards of Oregon, Lisa Sabol-Rickert of Ottawa Lake, Mich., Heather Roe of Toledo, Nawal Sahi of Perrysburg, Melissa Schade of Kansas, Carly Semelka of Toledo, Michelle Siler of Maumee, Dawn Smith of Toledo, Mary Stein of Findlay, Heidi Streit of Sylvania, Whitney Taylor of Findlay, Ashley Thames of Kenton, Heather Thompson of Holland, Michelle Thrailkill of Perrysburg, Judith Townsend of Pittsford, Mich., Michelle Triggs of Northwood, Jamie Turney of Toledo, Tracy Vanderpool of Upper Sandusky, Kelly Wagner of Cygnet, Jill Walker of Toledo, Kimberly Walters of Northwood, Andrea Waters of Curtice, Helen Webb of Oregon, Mark Webner of Oregon, Amanda Westover of Toledo, Angela Wilburn of Toledo, Jennifer Wilson of Toledo, Kori Wolfram of Maumee, Wendell Young of Toledo, Peggy Zbinden of Grand Rapids and Tami Zunk of Oregon.

Owens’ registered nursing program was established in 1969 as one of first associate degree programs of its kind in Northwest Ohio. The academic program was later expanded to the Findlay-area Campus in 1991.

Owens’ registered nursing program requires 73 credit hours of coursework, which includes nutrition, nursing concepts, pharmacology, life span psychology, nursing skills, adult health issues, and anatomy and physiology, among additional academic curriculum. Following graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to become a registered nurse.

The registered nursing program is designed to prepare graduates for nursing positions in a variety of health care settings. Among the various locations are acute care agencies, physician offices, long-term care agencies and outpatient ambulatory areas. The program combines studies at Owens with planned and guided clinical experience in client care for health care facilities and community agencies.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host First-Ever Community Volunteer Fair, Jan. 18

Posted on January 10th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are invited to learn about and explore the many available opportunities to give back to their local communities throughout Northwest Ohio as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus hosts its first-ever Community Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

The Community Volunteer Fair is being presented by the Office of Student Activities and will take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus is proud to partner with the local community organizations and host an event which showcases the many opportunities available for individuals to volunteer their time and give back through community service,” said James Katzner, Owens Manager of Student Activities and Conduct.

Throughout the event, individuals can meet with local community outreach representatives and ask them questions about volunteer opportunities available through their organizations.

Area organizations in attendance will include the American Red Cross, City Mission of Findlay, Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County, Kan Du Studio of Blanchard Valley Center, Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, Read of L.I.F.E., Serenity Farm, Special Kids Therapy, Taylor House in Findlay, Wood County Park District and Findlay Family YMCA, among many others.

For more information about the Community Volunteer Fair, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Jan. 17

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no classes and the College offices will be closed for business.

Classes will resume and administrative offices will be open again on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Baseball High School Prospect Camps, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players in high school the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts Express Baseball High School Prospect Camps in January and February.

The College’s two Express Baseball High School Prospect Camps will take place on Sundays, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. Owens’ baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions as part of each daylong Express Baseball High School Prospect Camp. The morning sessions will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon sessions will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The two camps will take place in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Youth in grades 9-12 will be divided into groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camps to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The camp fee for each session is $45 per player or $80 per player for individuals interested in attending two sessions, $110 per player for individuals interested in attending three sessions and $135 per player for individuals interested in attending four sessions. For more information, or to register, contact Head Coach Del Young at (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics.

Owens Community College to Host Business of Photography Workshop, Jan. 22

Posted on January 7th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into the strategies of owning and operating a professional photography business are invited to attend a daylong Business of Photography Workshop at Owens Community College on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Presented by the Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio and the Owens Photo Club student organization, the Business of Photography Workshop will take place from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-127 on the Toledo-area Campus. The event is open to the public.

“Owens Community College is honored to be able to assist the Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio, who have planned this terrific event to help people explore what it takes to make money from their photographic skills,” said Margaret Lockwood-Lass, Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts and Co-Advisor of the Owens Photo Club. “The professional photographers are leaders in the industry with valuable insights for photographers at any skill level.”

“The Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio organization is pleased to co-sponsor this workshop with the Owens Photo Club,” said Fred Eldridge, President of Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio and Owner of Eldridge Images. “The Business of Photography Workshop affords area professional photographers the opportunity to assist others who are considering taking their passion of photography to the next level as a career, as well as save them from the inevitable mistakes others have previously made when entering the photography industry.”

The Business of Photography Workshop will feature several leading professionals from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan within the photography industry, including Terry Irwin of TJ Irwin Photography and John Fenstemacher of INVU Portraits, among many others. Additionally, the educational workshop will include a panel discussion consisting of Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio board members and photography studio owners.

Highlighted workshop topics specific to starting a professional photography business will include financing, insurance, taxes, business record keeping and accounting practices, state and federal requirements, grant opportunities and incentives, photography supplies, pricing, networking, the current marketplace for photography, and the pros and cons of business ownership. The Business of Photography Workshop will also provide attendees with some insight into the importance of self promotion and marketing and the Internet as it relates to a professional career in the photography industry.

Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio serves as the regional chapter of professional photographers from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan and is affiliated with the Professional Photographers of Ohio and Professional Photographers of America.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the Business of Photography Workshop prior to the date of the event. The cost of the event is $39 for adults and $19 for students, which includes lunch. For additional information about the upcoming workshop, call (419) 385-8083 or (419) 227-1801. Individuals can also access information online at www.owensphotoclub.org and www.ppno.org.

Owens Community College Announces Spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program, Feb. 2-23

Posted on January 7th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area youth ages 5 through 7 are invited to explore science, mathematics and creative thinking through the use of LEGO materials as Owens Community College’s Workforce and Community Services offers a spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program class, Feb. 2-23.

The spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program class will occur Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at Owens’ Workforce and Community Services, which is located at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee.

“Owens Community College’s LEGO Engineering Program continues to serve as one of the most popular continuing education programs among children and parents and we look forward to continuing to offer these and other academic classes, which promote science, mathematics and creative thinking in a fun, engaging environment,” said Rhonda Hogrefe, Owens Continuing Education and Community Service Account Representative.

Using advanced LEGO parts and pieces, Junior LEGO Engineering class attendees will learn to design and build models through the use of fixed and movable pulleys, gears, levers, wheels, axles, forces and belt drives. The experiential learning activities will use principles related to simple and complex machines as well as gearing and mechanical advantage techniques.

In addition, the class will use LEGO Educational Division materials and LEGO Technic elements as part of the academic learning process.

The registration cost for the spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program class is $89. For more information, or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Presents Nationally Recognized Comedy Hypnotist Frederick Winters, Jan. 13

Posted on January 5th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to embark on a journey into their imaginations through the use of hypnosis as Owens Community College welcomes nationally recognized comedy hypnotist Frederick Winters as part of a free lecture presentation on Thursday, Jan. 13.

Presented by the Office of Student Activities, the lecture presentation will occur from 12-1:30 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Winters is recognized nationally for his hypnotic performances, entertaining thousands of audiences ranging from colleges and universities to private companies. His interest in hypnosis began while attending Northwestern University and he trained under master hypnotherapist George Vaughn Lowther.

In addition to his performance schedule, Winters owns and operates a private hypnotherapy practice in Florida, where he is a certified clinical hypnotherapist. He is also a member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and has received several accolades throughout his career highlighted by the 2010 Best Male Performer and the 2006 College Entertainer of the Year awards from “Campus Activities Magazine”.

Besides entertaining audiences, Winters educates his crowds on hypnosis and its many misconceptions as well as how hypnotherapy is can be used to modify perceptions, behavior, sensations and emotions.

For additional information about the event, contact the Office of Student Activities at (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Welcomes Nationally Acclaimed Artist Amanda Burnham, Jan. 11 – Feb. 10

Posted on January 4th, 2011

Amanda Burnham's unique drawing installations similar to the mixed media artistic expression titled "Border" will be showcased as part of the College's "Urban Signs" art exhibition.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses invite area residents to visit the artistic world of nationally recognized artist Amanda Burnham through her paintings, drawings and wall paintings depicting the evolving urban built landscape as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery and the Library Gallery present a new exhibit titled “Urban Signs”, Jan. 11 – Feb. 10. The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township, while Owens’ Library Gallery is located on the Findlay-area Campus in Findlay.

In addition, the College’s Findlay-area Campus will host a reception and gallery talk for Burnham at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus will also serve as host to a lecture by guest artist Burnham at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20 in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111.

“Owens Community College is truly honored to showcase the artistic talents of Amanda Burnham,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “Burnham seeks to record, from as many vantage points as she can see and imagine, the hysteria, confusion and loneliness arising from the confrontation between individuals and the overwhelming, unknowable structures of cities. The artwork is extremely thought provoking and will certainly provide exhibit attendees with an extraordinary look into the urban landscape of America.”

Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus, added, “Owens’ Library Gallery and the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery are excited to offer art enthusiasts the unique opportunity to view the amazing talents of a young artist from Northwest Ohio who is developing a national reputation for her work. I encourage area residents to visit both the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses and the ‘Urban Signs’ exhibits.”

Burnham’s drawings and drawing installations are based on her explorations of and encounters within the evolving urban built landscapes. Often working on site, outside or in her car, Burnham reads the landscape for found segments of language and records the poetics of vacant lots, moveable type signs and billboards with ink and other water media on paper. The Toledo native often pieces fragments together in a cumulative manner, not unlike the way the urban landscape is collectively authored over time. Her drawing installations expand upon these explorations, layering and stitching together found visual elements of landscape in conversation with the site against which they have been displaced, using paint, artificial turf, concrete, sand and trash directly on the wall.

Owens' "Urban Signs" art exhibition will feature an array of Amanda Burnham's artwork, including an ink and gouache on paper drawing titled "Trespass".

Her works have been widely exhibited nationwide to include appearances at the Dorsch Gallery in Miami, the GV/AS Gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Harrington Arts in San Francisco, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Conn., and the Toledo Museum of Art. Burnham also has received several accolades throughout her career highlighted by the Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Emerging Educators and Administrators Awards and Fellowship from ThinkTank 4.

Burnham received a bachelor’s degree in visual and environmental studies from Harvard University and a master’s degree in painting and printmaking from Yale University. The Baltimore resident has served as an Assistant Professor and Foundations Coordinator in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education at Towson University since 2007.

Admission to the Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery is also free and open to the public. Gallery hours are from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fridays and from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, contact the Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Baseball Youth Camp, Jan. 17

Posted on January 4th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts a one-day Express Baseball Youth Camp on Monday, Jan. 17.

The Express baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions on Monday (Jan. 17). The morning session will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon session will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Both camp sessions will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Youth ages 7-13 will be divided by age groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The camp fee for each session is $45 per player or $80 per player for individuals interested in attending two sessions. For more information, or to register, contact Express Head Coach Del Young at (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics.

Owens Community College Students Inducted Into Fall Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society

Posted on December 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students were recently recognized for their academic excellence and leadership within the community, earning membership into the Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society.

The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society was founded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1989 in response to the increasing need to acknowledge the continuing successes of students within the academic institution’s academic development program. Recognizing that students who share similar experiences could serve as models for others, founder Dr. Elbert Saddler proposed a Greek letter honor society. In 2001, Chi Alpha Epsilon received official endorsement from the National Association for Developmental Education. Today, there are over 150 chapters of the national honor society.

The honor society promotes continued high academic standards, fosters communication among its members and encourages community service and participation in academic support programs where individuals may serve as role models to entering students.

“Owens Community College’s Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon is extremely honored and proud to recognize the academic achievements of students who enter college through non-traditional criteria,” said Sharon Badenhop, Owens Associate Professor of English and Co-Adviser of Chi Alpha Epsilon. “The inductees are outstanding young men and women, many of whom have defied the odds and overcome obstacles in pursuit of a college education. This honor society provides such a means to encourage, motivate and reward individuals for continuing to grow and develop into role models for fellow students.”

Selection criterion for acceptance into the honor society is based upon students achieving a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average for two consecutive full-time semesters or three-four part-time semesters. In addition, individuals must have taken at least one developmental education course at Owens. The College’s chapter was founded in April 2006. The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society student inductees for the 2010 Fall Semester are:

Monica Adams of Toledo†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (office administration)

Rachel Asmus of Bowling Green † † † † † † † † † (multi-age education)

Kimberly Barnard of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † (pre-business administration)

Bethany Bitter of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (medical assistant)

Zachary Boris of Perrysburg † † † † † † † † † † † † †(business management)

Angela Broyles of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(emergency management and planning)

James Buford of Liberty Center † † † † † † † † † (electrical)

Antoirnette Burns of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † (criminal justice technology)

Tanya Cain of Liberty Center † † † † † † † † † † † † (e-business)

Michelle Campbell of Maumee † † † † † † † † † (CAD technology)

Betsi Cancelliere of Lemoyne † † † † † † † † † † †(licensed practical nursing/registered nursing progression)

Kimberly Cousino of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † †(registered nursing)

Angie Dutridge of Swanton † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(early childhood education)

Janet Fennell of Swanton † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(skilled trades)

Leland Foster of Swanton † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (architectural engineering technology)

Beatrice Garcia of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (pre-nursing)

Amy Gibson of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-business administration)

Brandy Hamblin of Maumee † † † † † † † † † † † †(middle childhood education)

Antoinette Hampton of Toledo † † † † † † † † (pre-dietetic technician)

Shaiem Hampton of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † †(psychology)

Andrew Hartke of Oregon † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(mathematics)

Jennifer Jagielski of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † (licensed practical nursing)

Christopher Kelsch of Perrysburg † † † † † †(accounting)

Alisha King of Toledo††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (criminal justice technology)

Stephanie Korcsog of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † (medical office support)

Casie Kosier of Swanton†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Lauren Kubasek of Oregon † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(occupational therapy assistant)

Norman Kujawa III of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † (multi-age education)

Rebekah Lahey of Bowling Green † † † † † † † †(occupational therapist assistant)

Danielle McCormick of Toledo † † † † † † † † †(network and systems security)

Dan McCormick of Findlay † † † † † † † † † † † † † (early childhood education)

Penelope McGowan of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † (pre-nursing)

Miata Kollie of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (social work)

Teri Minkowski of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-nursing)

Nicole Perry of Perrysburg † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (business management)

Alexia Proch of Perrysburg † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-nursing)

Jeff Randall of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(welding)

Toni Regutti of Carey†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (social work)

Hannah Ridgely of Elmore † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-dietetic technician)

Jaime Roberts of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-nursing)

Blanca Romero of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(medical office support)

Sherine Romero of Findlay † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(office coordinator)

James Ross of Tiffin † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(computer science)

Sabbrina Salazar of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(financial services sales)

Angela Sass of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-dental hygiene)

Andrew Sickelbaugh of Perrysburg † † † † † †(pre-physical therapist assistant)

Bryan Smith of Sylvania † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(landscape and turfgrass management)

Christopher Smith of Sylvania † † † † † † † † † † †(business management)

Christen Souders of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (accounting)

Megan Stuck of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(accounting)

Kimberly Suttles of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(commercial art)

Larry Taylor II of Toledo††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (criminal justice technology)

Jaclyn Wahrer of New Riegel †††††††††††††††††††††††††† (early childhood education)

Airiga Williams of Toledo††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (pre-nursing)

Audrey Williams of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (social work)

Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on December 17th, 2010

Brittany Egbert

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College recently honored its fall athletic programs for displaying outstanding excellence during intercollegiate competition. Express student-athletes participating in women’s volleyball and men’s soccer were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (pre-physical therapist assistant major) being named NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American in women’s volleyball.

This marks 13 out of 15 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Egbert’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year and several NJCAA All-Region XII awards. Egbert, a freshman middle blocker from Hopewell-Loudon High School, led the team with 520 kills, 161 blocks and 81 aces.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Sonny Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

In addition, Owens’ volleyball team advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished 11 among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. The Express also participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with an 11-10 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in third place in the final Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings. The Express lost to Ancilla College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Offensive Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Defensive Most Valuable Player – Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (13 kills, 942 digs, 13 assists and 43 aces) (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (2 kills, 272 digs, 5 assists and 24 aces) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.)
Coaches Award – Jessica Knueve of Kalida, outside hitter/defensive specialist (112 kills, 48 digs, 19 assists, 4 aces and 58 blocks) (Kalida H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Brittany Egbert

OCCAC Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Brittany Egbert; Ellie Comes; Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter/outside hitter (213 kills, 317 digs, 929 assists, 46 aces and 57 blocks) (Monroe H.S.); and Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (237 kills, 51 digs, 29 assists, 3 aces and 71 blocks) (Monroeville H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (362 kills, 162 digs, 8 assists, 73 aces and 81 blocks) (Bowling Green H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Brittany Egbert and Ellie Comes

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Brittany Egbert, Ellie Comes and Erin Schatzle

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

NJCAA All-Region XII Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

NJCAA All-American Division II Second Team – Brittany Egbert

Owens Express volleyball team members also included Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, outside hitter/setter (38 kills, 236 digs, 768 assists, 61 aces and 5 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo, defensive specialist (4 kills, 166 digs, 2 assists and 10 aces) (Start H.S.); Amanda Schuster of Sylvania, middle blocker/outside hitter (26 kills, 9 digs, 4 assists, 3 aces and 10 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Lauren Lind of Millbury, outside hitter (102 kills, 26 digs, 13 assists, 1 ace and 31 blocks) (Lake H.S.); Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville, defensive specialist (25 digs and 2 aces) (Eastwood H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter/middle blocker (251 kills, 34 digs, 11 assists, 9 aces and 97 blocks) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); and Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (251 kills, 63 digs, 10 assists, 2 aces and 94 blocks) (Milan H.S.).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Michael Hamouda of Liverpool, United Kingdom, midfielder (14 goals, 11 assists and 39 points) (Rainhill H.S.)

Offensive MVP – Glenroy Miller of Belleville, N.J., forward (16 goals, 5 assists and 37 points) (St. James H.S.)

Defensive MVP – Lamar Lemonius of Ilford, United Kingdom, defender (4 goals, 3 assists and 11 points) (Barking Abby School)

Most Improved Player – Kyle Whitmore of Toledo, midfielder (1 goal and 2 points) (Start H.S.)

Coaches Award – Travis Turner of Toledo, defender (1 goal and 2 points) (Springfield H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Michael Hamouda and Lamar Lemonius

OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Glenroy Miller and Rodcliff Hall of Boston, Mass., forward (11 goals, 2 assists and 24 points) (William Knibb Memorial H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Michael Hamouda

NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team – Lamar Lemonius

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included Cody Katschke of Martin, defender (2 goals and 4 points) (Genoa H.S.); Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg, midfielder (3 goals, 4 assists and 10 points) (St. Francis de Sales H.S.); Pavle Udovicic of Belgrade, Serbia, goalie (50 saves) (Sportska Gimnazija Belgrade); Dustin Lamon of Findlay, goalie (43 saves) (Liberty-Benton H.S.); Mikhail Weatherly of Montego Bay, Jamaica, forward (1 goal, 5 assists and 7 points) (Cornwall College); Sean McEneff of Baldoyle, Ireland, defender (2 assists and 2 points) (St. Paul’s College); Matthew Spence of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., forward (1 assist and 1 point) (Calabar H.S.); Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., midfielder (2 goals, 1 assist and 5 points) (Ypsilanti H.S.); Nikoy Wallace of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defender (3 assists and 3 points) (Anchovy H.S.); Sean Kaighin of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); Jerry Doekieh of Bristol, Pa., defender (Harry S. Truman H.S.); Brian Kirton of Bridgetown, Barbados, midfielder (Queens College); and Hugo Sierra of Toledo, midfielder (Rogers H.S.).

Owens Community College Closed During Holiday Season

Posted on December 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Friday-Sunday, Dec. 24 – Jan. 2, for the holiday season. Administrative offices will open again on Monday, Jan. 3.

Spring Semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 10.

Owens Community College Foundation Recognizes Students for Academic Excellence

Posted on December 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Foundation has awarded more than $165,300 in scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year to students for their outstanding achievements.

“The Owens Community College Foundation is delighted to recognize these outstanding scholarship recipients for their exemplary efforts while pursuing their goal of a college education,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and the Foundation. “It is the generous support of our donors that allows us to honor these students’ achievements. Each donor’s support of Foundation scholarships helps to provide enhanced opportunities for students to achieve academic success.”

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.4 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

James A. Adams Memorial Scholarship: Nicole Slawinski of Toledo and Fanell Williams of Toledo each received a $700 scholarship. Recipients of this award must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

AEP Ohio Scholarship: Jarred Collins of Bloomville, Danee Currie of Findlay, Lisa Depinet of Republic, Stephen Dorsey of Fostoria, Lindsey Farias of Findlay, Debbie Flores of Hamler, Cindy Girard of Findlay, Jill Gooding of Fostoria, Dawan Jones of Fostoria, Belinda King of Findlay, Michael King of Carey, Ronald Laware of Bloomdale, Barbie Miller of Mount Blanchard, Michael Reinhart of Alvada, Kenneth Schaade of Tiffin, Denise Shisler of Findlay and Nathaniel Weller of Fostoria each received a $1,500 scholarship. Recipients must be AEP Ohio customers enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

George D. Allesee Memorial Scholarship: David Baker of Sylvania received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business majors and students who are 22 years of age or older.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship: Miles Hinkle of Findlay received a $2,500 scholarship and Elizabeth Celley of Perrysburg and Angelia Huffman of Toledo each received a $1,425 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of the Owens Alumni Association.

American Society for Industrial Security International, Toledo Chapter, Fred C. Heck Scholarship: Jakob Sigler of Findlay received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a second-year student. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

The Andersons Scholarship: Eric Eberly of Bowling Green and Mark Jones of Toledo each received a $750 scholarship. †Recipients must have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in academic programs within the School of Business and Information Systems, the School of Technology, the School of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or the natural sciences area.

The Rudy Aschenbrener Memorial Scholarship: Christopher Gribble of Lambertville, Mich. received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least six credit hours at Owens, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be majoring in the auto body program.

The Don Brondes Memorial Scholarship: Joseph Bella of Perrysburg received a $425 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 16 credit hours at Owens, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester and be majoring in automotive technology.

The Bill Buck Memorial Scholarship: Cameron Seidl of Sylvania received a $395 scholarship and Samantha Albert of Toledo and Julie Stahl of Toledo each received a $225 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, be working toward an associate’s degree, have a disability and be registered with the College’s Disability Services Office.

Central West Area Council Scholarship: Brandon Slomski of Toledo received a $1,100 scholarship. Recipients must reside in the Central West area of Toledo, be pursuing an associate’s degree and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to part-time students.

The Charles Carr Rotary Club of Maumee Scholarship: Jennifer Brasel of Toledo received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in fire science technology.

Christo Scholarship: Christopher Salazar of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student who is a fine and performing arts major.

Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #772 Scholarship: Karen DiNardo of Toledo and Rose DiNardo of Toledo each received a $380 scholarship. Recipients must be an incoming freshman who has graduated from a Northwest Ohio high school, be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students of Italian descent.

Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship: Jakob Sigler of Findlay received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum six credits hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

Findlay Leadership Scholarship: Karin Long of Fostoria received a $600 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester. Preference is given to Findlay-area Campus students.

Ford Scholarship: Amy Ashley of Oak Harbor, Cobin Hedrick of Continental, Maureen Kurtz of Tiffin, Nicole Stegman of Toledo and Chelsea Turner of Monroe, Mich. each received a $750 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester. This award is designated for women and minorities and preference is given to Ford employees and their spouses and children.

Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Rachel Arnold of Alvada, Nicole Kelbley of Fostoria and Jacob West of Rudolph each received a $200 scholarship. Recipients must be a member of the Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative or live on the Hancock-Wood Cooperative lines. In addition, individuals must have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship: Donna Hoffman of Dunbridge received a $580 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and exhibit a strong desire to pursue a quality assurance career in manufacturing.

Chuck Holsclaw Memorial Scholarship: Geraldine Davis of Toledo received a $1,000 scholarship and Barbara Bertonaschi of Bowling Green received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students who are 22 years of age or older.

Jones-Hamilton Co. Scholarship: Kyle Simok of Northwood received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a resident of Lake Township, Perrysburg Township, Rossford or Northwood.

John and Margaret Kurfess Scholarship: Leanne Schild of Monroeville received a $580 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least 16 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a health sciences major.

Donald Leonhardt Welding Scholarship: Joseph Artino of Toledo received a $580 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in welding.

Margaret “Margy” Matthews Scholarship: Kayley Macfarlane of Toledo received a $425 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in early childhood education.

Mary’s Scholarship: Hui-Ling Chen of Findlay, Jennifer Clark of Bowling Green, Aaron Etzkorn of Delphos, Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa, Susan Kau of Findlay, Adunola Ogunleye of Toledo, Tina Sneed of Toledo, Janette Tamesis of Holland and Nicole VanNess of Woodville each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to employees of Little Sisters of the Poor or the College’s nursing majors.

Maumee Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Avant’e Lewis of Toledo and Nathan Miller of Toledo each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be graduating seniors of Penta Career Center who are participating in the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) program.

The Officer William Miscannon Memorial Scholarship: Jakob Sigler of Findlay received a $1,500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in criminal justice who plan to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Owens Community College Bookstore Scholarship: Mark Jakubec of Whitehouse and Tracy Siefker of Ottawa each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business management or marketing and sales majors.

Owens Community College Foundation Scholarship: Rebekah Birkholz of Clyde, Emily Dillon of McComb, Jeffrey Giesige of Holgate, Corey Hodgson of Curtice, Kayley Macfarlane of Toledo, Tara Rettig of Forest, Kristine Shaffer of Continental, Andrew Sickelbaugh of Perrysburg and Alyssa Stombaugh of Findlay each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship: Tabitha Mixon of Toledo received a $1,530 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Owens Community College Foundation Honors Scholarship: Breanna Beck of Genoa and Nicole Buchanan of Genoa each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be a member of the Owens Community College Honors Program.
Owens Corning Diamante Latino Scholarship: Belinda King of Findlay received a $620 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Owens Community College Marketing and Sales Scholarship: Chelsea Turner of Monroe, Mich. received a $300 scholarship. Recipients must have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in marketing and sales, retailing management or financial services sales and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Perrysburg Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Joshua Jacobs of Maumee, Mallory Myers of Whitehouse and Dustin Swarthout of Grand Rapids each received a $1,000 scholarship and Natasha Verschoor of Bradner received a $2,000 scholarship. Recipients must be graduating seniors of Penta Career Center who are participating in the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) program.

PNC/National City Diamante Latino Scholarship: Lindsey Farias of Findlay received a $650 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Post-Secondary Option Book Scholarship: Ashley Achten of Rawson, Adalene Berfield of Perrysburg, Meghan Brewer of Rossford, William Brown of Rossford, Emily Burghardt of Maumee, Kailee Cajka of Bowling Green, Erica Chambers of Maumee, Amanda Chernota of Toledo, Kayleigh Church of Whitehouse, Amber Dimasso of Perrysburg, Karen DiNardo of Toledo, Rose Dinardo of Toledo, Jacob Flores of North Baltimore, Gabrielle Griffin of Toledo, Kate Hubbard of Holland, Audrey Inniger of Jenera, Krysta Jones of Liberty Center, Stephanie Jones of Findlay, Nicholas Linthicum of Rossford, Keri Lutz of Bowling Green, Eric Magrum of Luckey, Aaron Matesz of Swanton, Kylee Pierce of Maumee, Kathleen Richardson of Stryker, Jorden Sancrant of Toledo, Jakob Sigler of Findlay, Mary Ellen Stine of Findlay, Elisha Swindler of Forest, Dionisia Vasquez of Swanton, Abigail Walter of Mount Blanchard, Brittany Whitmore of Northwood and Samantha Young of Swanton each received $400 scholarships. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Individuals must be former Post-Secondary Option students who are continuing their education at Owens following their high school graduation.

President Daniel H. Brown Scholarship: Cynthia Hoenig of Maumee, Anne Malin of Northwood, Judy Moore of Toledo, Deborah Thomasson of Walbridge and Christine Drath of Toledo each received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to health science students.

Private Industry Collaborative Scholarship: Mark Barbour of Haskins and Jody Swain of Toledo each received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be a non-traditional student who is a dislocated or soon-to-be dislocated worker.

Edward and Linda Reiter Scholarship: Laura Galliger of Bowling Green received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a technology-specific associate’s degree program.

Pauline Schmidt Memorial Scholarship: Natasha Hall of Toledo received a $325 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the dental hygiene program.

Seeger Consulting Service Scholarship: Kenneth Mann of Wyandotte, Mich. received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business majors.

The Scott Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Kevin Krasa of Oregon received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in criminal justice technology or who are a member of the Owens Community College basketball team.

The Art and Connie Smith Honors Scholarship: Darlene Grey of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Spanish American Organization Scholarship: Maite Barrios of Toledo and Tabitha Mixon of Toledo each received a $650 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, be of Latino heritage and reside in Lucas or Wood counties.

Tall Timbers Foundation Scholarship: Emily Molyet of Fostoria received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Individuals must be a Findlay-area Campus student who is an employee or child of an employee at the Tall Timbers Industrial Center of Findlay.

Toledo Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship: Benjamin Adkins of Shelby, Joseph Bella of Perrysburg and Joshua Jankowski of Maumee each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.4 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the diesel or automotive technology program.

Toledo Community Foundation – Marsh Family Fund Scholarship: Rachel Arnold of Alvada, Diana Leemaster of Bradner, Heidi Smith of New Riegel, Danielle Thomas of Toledo, Louis Vermillion of Findlay and Cassie Wolfe of Columbus Grove each received a $400 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Toledo Community Foundation – George and Luella Shoemaker Fund: Crystal Barnt of Maumee, Angelica Breeding of Maumee, Amber Brossia of Northwood, Jamie Burgy of Toledo, Kathleen Dillon of Toledo, Emily Dubuc of Toledo, Beatrice Garcia of Toledo, Natasha Hall of Toledo, Renee Hires of Northwood, Quincy Mathews of Toledo, Suzanne Pinson of Perrysburg, Mary Puterbaugh of Toledo, Tanesha Reed of Toledo, Debbie Rosebrock of Toledo, Wendy Rudd of Maumee, Cameron Seidl of Sylvania, John Sellers of Maumee, Jennifer Vasko of Toledo and Elizabeth Watkins of Toledo each received $500 scholarships. Recipients must reside in the Greater Toledo area of Lucas County and contiguous communities, have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a technology-specific program.

Toledo Mobile Radio Association Scholarship: Janet Dzienny of Millbury received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in electrical/electronics engineering technology or skilled trades technology electrical major.

UPS Scholarship: Maite Barrios of Toledo, Lynette Glorioso of Perrysburg, Katie Ink of New Riegel, Tanya Luth-Hall of Grand Rapids, Yuai Marshall of Toledo, Barbie Miller of Mount Blanchard, Mitchell Scholten of Holland, Michigan, Tracy Siefker of Ottawa, Toni Smith of Maumee and Renae VanBrackel of Defiance each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA.

Bud Weaver Memorial Scholarship: Tanesha Reed of Toledo received a $440 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student who is a criminal justice technology major.

Matthew D. Winckowski Memorial Scholarship: Jenna Spetz of Oregon received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a graduating senior from Clay High School. Preference is given to a student who is a commercial art technology major.

Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. †With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. †Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. †Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Nursing Students Brighten Hospital Children’s Smiles During Holiday Season

Posted on December 9th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Happiness and cheer was readily noticeable within area hospitals recently thanks to the humanitarian efforts of Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus’ Student Nursing Association. More than 90 toys ranging from puzzles and stuffed animals to coloring books and board games, collected as part of a community wide drive, were given to smiling children forced to spend the holiday season in local hospitals.

“The nursing profession is about helping people and the holidays are about giving,” explained Amanda Bolyard of Findlay, an Owens registered nursing student and a member of the Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association. “No one really likes to spend time in the hospital, especially children. The Owens Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association thought there was no better way to brighten the hospital children’s spirits than with a toy.”

Among the hospitals where Owens students and faculty personally hand-delivered the charitable gifts included Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay, Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, Mercy Hospital of Tiffin in Tiffin, Fremont Memorial Hospital in Fremont and Fostoria Community Hospital in Fostoria. Over 455 toys have been donated to area hospital children the last six years.

“The toy drive was once again a huge success,” said Kristyn Link of Tiffin, an Owens registered nursing student and Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association member. “This event would not be possible without the help and support of the Owens campus community and the local community. We are extremely thankful for their donations, which allowed us to bring smiles to so many children.”

The Owens Student Nursing Association has a rich and storied history, serving as one of the longest active student organizations at the College. In 2005, Owens expanded its student activities opportunities to include a new Findlay-area Campus chapter of the Student Nursing Association. The organization was created for Findlay-area Campus nursing and pre-nursing students with the overall mission of providing avenues for individuals to engage in community service activities, as well as to serve as a support network for nursing students.

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Owens Community College Unveils Northwest Ohio’s First Baking and Pastry Certificate Program

Posted on December 7th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents with aspirations of becoming a professional baker or pastry chef will now have the opportunity to begin their educational journey at Owens Community College as the academic institution’s Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality unveils a new baking and pastry certificate program. Beginning Spring Semester 2011, the new academic program will be offered on the Toledo-area Campus.

“Owens Community College’s Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality is excited to expand our academic curriculum specific to the culinary arts concentration area and offer this region’s first baking and pastry certificate program,” said Tekla Madaras, Owens Chair of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality. “The popularity of the hospitality industry has grown immensely within the last decade as result of extremely popular cooking shows and celebrity chefs that can be found on such television networks as the Food Network and the Travel Channel. The new baking and pastry certificate program provides a higher educational opportunity for individuals to follow their passion and career aspirations within this growing field.”

Owens’ certificate in baking and pastry will require 28 credit hours of coursework, which includes quantity food preparation, recipe management, basic nutrition, baking and pastry, essentials of supervision, and purchasing and cost control, among other academic curriculum.

The new program is designed to prepare students for various employment opportunities within the hospitality industry. Students will develop strong knowledge and array of proficiencies specific to baking and p‚tisserie skills including bread production, classic pastry production, design and creation of chocolate and sugar showpieces, creative cake decorating and fine p‚tisserie. Upon program completion, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in establishments such as retail bakeries, fine dining restaurants and hotels, upscale pastry and bake shops, commercial baking and entrepreneurships, among other opportunities.

In addition to the new baking and pastry certificate, the Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality offers associate’s degrees and certificates in culinary arts and hospitality management.

For additional information about Owens’ new baking and pastry certificate program, call (567) 661-7214 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7214.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Nursing Students Deliver Toys to Area Hospital Children, Dec. 8

Posted on December 6th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – The Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association is working to spread happiness and cheer throughout the surrounding communities by brightening the lives of children forced to spend the holiday season in local hospitals. Toys ranging from dolls to miniature trucks, collected within the last few weeks, will soon find their way to a smiling child’s arms as the Student Nursing Association presents the donated gifts to area hospitals on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the Owens Student Nursing Association will wrap the various toys in an array of colorful paper in the Findlay-area Campus’ Nursing Lab. At 10:45 a.m., the members will divide up into groups and depart for six area hospitals to personally hand deliver the charitable gifts. Among the hospitals where Owens students will make visits are Lima Memorial Hospital at 11:15 p.m. (1001 Bellefontaine Ave.) in Lima, Wood County Hospital at 11:30 a.m. (950 W. Wooster St.) in Bowling Green, Blanchard Valley Health System at 12:15 p.m. (145 W. Wallace St.) in Findlay, Fremont Memorial Hospital at 12:30 p.m. (715 S. Taft Ave.) in Fremont, Fostoria Community Hospital at 1 p.m. (501 Van Buren St.) in Fostoria and Mercy Hospital of Tiffin at 2 p.m. (485 W. Market St.) in Tiffin. Over 365 toys were donated to area hospital children the last five years.

Four Owens Community College Student-Athletes Named NJCAA Academic All-Americans

Posted on December 2nd, 2010

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PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Four Owens Community College student-athletes have been selected to the 2009-10 Academic All-American Team by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Jahvan Russell of Montego Bay, Jamaica (men’s soccer) Distinguished Academic All-American, Jon Moore of Toledo (men’s soccer) Distinguished Academic All-American, Calvin Edwards of Delaware (men’s basketball) Academic All-American and Lorenzo Carrion-Bistolfi of Medell”n, Colombia (men’s soccer) Academic All-American are among only 55 student-athletes since 1994 to receive the award at Owens.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our four Academic All-Americans for their hard work and dedication exhibited within the classroom,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Their success as scholars is a positive reflection on the College’s athletic programs and commitment shown toward educational values.”

Russell, a sophomore midfielder (accounting) from Cornwall College, was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and achieved a 3.91 grade point average for the academic year. Last season, he totaled one goal, four assists and six points for the Express men’s soccer program, which finished with a 12-7-1 overall record and a 3-3 mark (second place) in the OCCAC. Additionally, Russell was an OCCAC All-Conference Second Team selection.

A sophomore defender from Toledo Christian Schools, Moore (pre-business administration) earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and received the team’s Coaches Award. He recorded two goals, six assists and 10 points for the 12-win Express men’s soccer program. Moore also earned OCCAC All-Conference Second Team honors and achieved a 3.88 grade point average during the academic year.

Edwards (business management) is a freshman guard/forward from Rutherford B. Hayes High School. His postseason accomplishments included OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Edwards helped the program finish fourth in the OCCAC (8-6 record) with a 15-16 overall record by averaging 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds. He achieved a 3.75 grade point average during the academic year.

A sophomore defender from Centro Educacional Conquistadores, Carrion-Bistolfi (international business) earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was an NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and an OCCAC All-Conference First Team selection. Also named team Defensive MVP and OCCAC Defensive Player of the Year, he achieved a 3.74 grade point average during the academic year and totaled one assist and one point as a defender for the Express men’s soccer program. Last year, Carrion-Bistolfi was named NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American.

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving between 3.60-3.79 grade point average for NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American honors and 3.80-4.0 grade point average for NJCAA Academic All-American status.

Owens Delivers Backpacks and Supplies to Northwest Ohio Elementary School Children

Posted on December 1st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million, two Walt Churchill’s Market locations, three Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches recently brightened many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future”. Over 410 backpacks and more than 8,700 school supply items collected throughout the summer months were donated to 22 area elementary schools.

Local schools receiving donations included Lake Local Schools’ Walbridge Elementary School, Northview Primary School in Findlay and Toledo Public Schools’ Birmingham Elementary School, Reynolds Elementary School and Glenwood Elementary School. Additionally, elementary school children through the Community Learning Center of Wood County, serving sites at Glenwood Elementary School (Rossford), Lark Elementary School (Northwood), Grand Rapids Elementary School (Otsego), Powell Elementary School (North Baltimore), Luckey Elementary School (Eastwood), Kenwood Elementary School (Bowling Green), Brunner Elementary School (Genoa), Woodmore Elementary School (Woodmore), Crim Elementary School (Bowling Green), Olney Elementary School (Northwood) and Conneaut Elementary School (Bowling Green), received school supplies from Owens and partnering organizations.

“Owens Community College’s ‘Backpack to the Future’ supply drive was once again a huge success thanks to the support of area residents and local businesses,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens Alumni Association Community Service Chair. “Our goal is to help students succeed. All children should have the opportunity to begin their school year with new educational resources and Owens Community College is proud to play a small role in making sure that happens.”

Over the past three months, “Backpack to the Future” accepted gently-used or new backpacks and new school supplies from area residents to assist disadvantaged school children throughout Northwest Ohio. In addition to backpacks, individuals donated crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

“These donated backpacks and school supplies are wonderful and will go directly into the classroom to benefit students and teachers,” said Dolores Swineford, Principal of Walbridge Elementary School. “I want to thank Owens Community College for this generous donation and their help and support in the student learning process.”

Warren Fauver, Director of the Community Learning Centers of the Wood County Educational Service Center added, “Owens Community College’s continued advocacy and support of Wood County children through the backpack and school supply program is commendable. They are making a difference by providing educational materials for those students with limited resources, which helps build their excitement about learning.”

“I know what it’s like to go without and it warms my heart to see people who care so much about students,” said Elizabeth Bethany, Principal of Reynolds Elementary School. “These supplies make a big difference in the children’s self esteem. It’s a positive start for them.”

In addition to the donated supplies, the program collected over $1,130 from community members. The charitable donations go toward the purchase of even more school supplies.

“School is fun,” said five-year-old Nate Ryan, a kindergartener at Northview Primary School, during the donation ceremony. “My favorite color is orange and I like to put folders and my lunch box in my Batman backpack.”

Jordan Rosales, a proud five-year-old kindergartener from Rossford’s Eagle Point Elementary School added, “I have a pink princess on my backpack and I like school.”

The Owens Alumni Association established “Backpack to the Future” supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given over 1,930 backpacks and more than 34,410 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio. Since opening its doors in 1965, Owens has provided higher education to more than 250,000 students. Owens’ Alumni Association is committed to the personal and professional success of alumni and students through the ongoing development of value-added initiatives.

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Owens Community College Foundation Appoints Board of Directors to Leadership Positions

Posted on November 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Thomas Pounds of Toledo, President and Publisher for the “Toledo Free Press”, to serve as the new Chairman for the Owens Foundation. Pounds replaces Arthur H. Smith of Maumee, retired Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Libbey Inc., who served as Foundation Chairman for the previous two years.

In addition, the College’s Foundation Board of Directors elected Daniel Kimmet of Toledo, retired Chief Operating Officer for Dillin Corp., as Vice Chairman; David Seeger of Maumee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union as Secretary; and James Geers of Findlay, retired Vice President of Global Human Resources at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, as Treasurer. Each officer will serve a one-year term.

Seven Directors were re-elected to their positions during the annual meeting and will serve three-year terms. Re-elected Directors include James Baehren of Sylvania, Senior Vice President-Strategic Planning and General Counsel for Owens Illinois; Timothy Coleman of Monclova, Senior Vice President – Market Executive, Private Client Group for PNC Bank; Daniel Kimmet; Alan Sattler of Rossford, President of Flower Hospital; Arthur Smith; Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Toledo, retired Educator and Chair of the Owens Community College Board of Trustees; and John Zajac of Perrysburg, Senior Vice President and CFO of Signature Bank.

“The Owens Community College Foundation has assembled a talented and dedicated group of community leaders who understand the importance of a quality college education and value the many benefits of lifelong learning,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and Foundation President. “Through their professional and life experiences, each officer brings a wealth of knowledge to their position and each will play a significant role in assisting the Foundation in our efforts to enhance programs and services for current and future students.”

Owens Findlay-area Campus Lends Helping Hand to Needy Local Residents With Clothing Drive, Dec. 1-7

Posted on November 30th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – The Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Office of Student Activities, Student Government and the Child Care Center are reaching out to area residents in need of help by partnering with Findlay’s Salvation Army and hosting a clothing supply drive, Dec. 1-7.

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1, the Findlay-area Campus will accept a variety of new and gently used winter clothing items, including gloves/mittens, hats and coats, among other clothing. The donation drive will run through Dec. 7. All collected donations will then be delivered to Findlay’s Salvation Army and given to needy families as part of the organization’s outreach efforts.

“There many people throughout the surrounding region who are in need of assistance, whether the help comes in the form of a coat or hat,” said James Katzner, Owens Manager of Student Activities and Conduct on the Findlay-area Campus. “I encourage area residents and Owens employees and students to lend a helping hand and brighten a family’s holiday season by making a donation.”

Donations can be dropped off on the College’s Findlay-area Campus, which is located on Bright Road in Findlay, at collection points in the Library, the Child Care Center or the Commons area.

For more information on the Owens Findlay-area Campus clothing drive, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre’ Production, Dec. 10

Posted on November 29th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to take a journey back to the 1940s and the Golden Age of Radio as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents an authentic “live radio broadcast” of Frank Capra’s beloved film “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Friday, Dec. 10.

Titled “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre”, the production will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to present a theatre production that will rekindle memories of a time when families gathered around the radio for entertainment,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “‘It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre’ brings to life a bygone era when radio played a unique entertainment role in our country. Attendees are in for a theatrical experience unlike any other, which begins when the ‘On-Air’ sign lights up and actors and actresses tell the story of the heartwarming holiday classic ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ from the studios of WVL Radio.”

Produced by the North Carolina State Company and Immediate Theatre Project, “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre” retells the uplifting and bittersweet tale of George Bailey’s close call with death on Christmas Eve and the profound impact it has on those around him. More than 30 characters and numerous locations of Frank Capra’s timeless classic film will be showcased in the form of live radio drama. Popular in the 1940s, the live studio radio broadcast will feature a small group of actors and actresses as well as old-fashioned radio sound effects to bring the town of Bedford Falls to life.

Since 2006, the North Carolina State Company and Immediate Theatre Project have produced the radio play version of “It’s A Wonderful Life” for audiences initially in Asheville, N.C. The production, which was adapted for the stage by W.V.R. Repoley, can now be seen at theatrical venues throughout the country.

Tickets for “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre” performance are $23 and all seats are reserved. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Lake High School Basketball Teams Open Seasons at Owens Community College Express Home Court

Posted on November 23rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – High school boys and girls basketball is coming to Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) as the home court for the Express will also serve as the home athletic venue for the Lake High School Flyers’ boys and girls basketball teams during the upcoming 2010-11 season.

The Lake girls junior varsity and varsity basketball teams will begin their 2010-11 campaign in the SHAC with a season-opening home contest against the Rossford Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 27. The junior varsity game will begin at 6 p.m. The Flyers’ boys basketball program tips off the season with a home game against Rossford on Saturday, Dec. 4. The first game of the tripleheader will feature the freshmen boys basketball team and start at 4:30 p.m. The boys junior varsity and varsity games will follow the freshmen contest. The College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) is located on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is honored to assist the Lake High School boys and girls basketball teams and welcome them to the Student Health and Activities Center,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “The Student Health and Activities Center, or better known as the SHAC, has been a tough place for visiting college teams to play basketball since the facility opened in 2000. I expect the Flyers to have a very similar home court advantage as the Express basketball teams. On behalf of the Owens Athletics Department, I wish the Flyers all the best during their upcoming seasons.”

Additional boys freshmen, junior varsity and varsity home games taking place at the SHAC are Dec. 18 (freshman) against Toledo Christian Schools at 4:30 p.m. and (junior varsity and varsity) against Lakota H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 21 against Northwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 28 against Bettsville H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 7 against Woodmore H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 18 against Eastwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 21 against Genoa H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 27 against Elmwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 4 against Otsego H.S. at 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 15 against Gibsonburg H.S. at 4:30 p.m.

Lake girls junior varsity and varsity home games at Owens will also include Dec. 3 against Elmwood H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 7 against Anthony Wayne H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 14 against Otsego H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 22 against Clay H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 27 against Whitmer H.S. at 6 p.m., Jan. 6 against Gibsonburg H.S. at 6 p.m., Jan. 14 against Genoa H.S. at 6 p.m., Feb. 3 against Woodmore H.S. at 6 p.m. and Feb. 11 against Eastwood H.S. at 6 p.m.

In June, Owens and Lake Local Schools entered into a new partnership that provides the school district with a temporary home for Lake High School staff and students as a result of their educational facilities being damaged or destroyed by tornados that devastated the Northwest Ohio region. Since August, over 430 Lake High School students in grades 9-12 have received their classroom instruction at the College’s Center for Development and Training building, which is located on Tracy Road in Northwood.

Lake High School students are receiving their regular comprehensive academic curriculum at the College’s Center for Development and Training building to include such course offering as art, business, computer technology, family and consumer science, music, physical education and health, and science, among other opportunities.

Owens’ 53,500 square-foot Center for Development and Training building, which housed some Workforce and Community Services and Skilled Trades Technologies educational courses, among other areas, features 10 classrooms, three computer laboratories, 34 offices, two reception areas and 12 experiential learning laboratories, all with state-of-the-art technology and academic resources to meet the needs of the Lake High School’s staff and students. In an effort to accommodate Lake High School’s educational needs, Owens relocated academic courses housed within the Center for Development and Training building to other campus locations.

Art Exhibition Highlights Student Work at Owens’ Findlay-area Campus, Nov. 29 – Dec. 10

Posted on November 17th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College students will have the opportunity to showcase their many artistic talents as the Findlay-area Campus hosts its annual Fall Student Art Exhibition titled “Our Best Yet” in the Library Gallery, Nov. 29 – Dec. 10.

Additionally, the College will host a free community event, featuring Owens students, titled “An Evening of the Arts at Owens” on Monday, Nov. 29. Owens student artists will share insight about their artistic expressions, while student writers within the College’s “Beginning Creative Writing” class will provide attendees with readings of original poetry. The reception will occur from 5-7 p.m. in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is delighted to once again showcase the many talents of our students,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The artistic expressions are extremely individualized and reflect the unique creative abilities and inspirations of each student artist. I encourage area residents to visit the Library Gallery and view their unique work.”

The Fall Student Art Exhibition features numerous pieces of artwork from paintings to drawings created by student artists enrolled in the College’s “Fundamentals of Drawing” course, which is instructed by Erika Clark, Owens Adjunct Instructor. In this course, students obtain experiential learning within various areas, including the study of object drawing, form organization, value, perspective, proportion and texture.

In addition, student artists enrolled in the College’s “Foundations in 2D Design” course, also instructed by Clark, will present their artistic expressions within the Library Gallery. In this course, students develop an understanding of basic studio art principles, critical skills and media manipulation, covering the topics of color theory and the use of two-dimensional space.

Students from the College’s “Black and White Photography I” course instructed by Melissa Harding, Owens Adjunct Instructor, will showcase their artistic work as part of the exhibit. The class focuses on photography both as a fine art and for commercial means. Students learn about the development of skills related to visual literacy, film exposure, making prints and preparing prints for exhibition, among many other areas.

Owens student artists enrolled in the College’s “Foundations in 3D Design” course, instructed by Owens Adjunct Instructor Rhonda Grubbs, will present their artistic expressions within the Library Gallery. In this course, students develop the ability to analyze form and space relationships while being introduced to basic three-dimensional processes and materials, including cardboard and clay.

Students within the College’s “Digital Photography I” course will also showcase their talents as part of the exhibition. Instructed by Owens Adjunct Instructor Jeremy Wadsworth, the course provides students with a hands-on introduction to digital imaging technologies and techniques related to photography.

Finally, students enrolled in the “Beginning Creative Writing” course, instructed by Owens Adjunct Instructor Megan Clements, will share their original poems in conjunction with the Library Gallery art exhibition. In this course, students are provided basic techniques and approaches for creative expression in writing of poetry and fiction, with emphasis on recognition and use of figurative language, exploration and development of personal viewpoint, and vocabulary style and application of creative strategies, techniques and devices.

Students whose work will be displayed are Angelique Curtis of Bowling Green, Deziree Green of Findlay, Jasmine Heflinger of Findlay, Ammie Henthorne of Fostoria, Stacey Hobbs of Deshler, Maimie Jarrett of Fostoria, Samantha Kessler of Kenton, Jon McCullough of Ada, Dana Schnipke of Pandora, Gabrielle Stutz of Oviedo, Fla., Landon Watkins of Van Buren, Syndle Wiggins of Findlay, Linda Brandeberry of Fostoria, Thomas Flechtner of Tiffin, Alyssa Gonzales of Findlay, Lynda Hicks of Findlay, Trish Rigdon of Rockford, Zach Steinman of Findlay, Christina Ward of Bloomville, Courtney Weaver of Mount Blanchard, Samantha Sauber of Tiffin, Caitlyn Payne of Fostoria, Emily Gossard of Findlay, Pam Rowan of Arlington, LeeAnn Ludwig of Findlay, Shelley Grimes of Findlay, Jayme Laubis of Kenton, Leslie Chapin of Bowling Green, Nikki Almond of Findlay, Heather Greeno of North Baltimore, Bobbi Pash of Findlay, Chantel Hoover of Findlay, Magen Hughes of Findlay, Sandra Fitzgerald of Findlay, Nii Tawiah of Findlay, Elaine Gaietto of Tiffin, Jerri Overmyer of Tiffin and Britany Waldman of Findlay.

Owens students sharing their original poetry as part of “An Evening of the Arts at Owens” event are Jennifer McCoy of Findlay, Jason Thomas of Findlay and Kristen Essinger of Findlay.

Owens’ Community Terrace View CafÈ Announces Garde Manger Grazing Stations Buffet, Dec. 1

Posted on November 17th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to experience an array of amazing foods in the form of garnishes, hors d’oeuvres and appetizers at the Owens Community College Terrace View CafÈ as students within the culinary arts program’s Garde Manger classes present the art and craft of the cold kitchen during a grazing station feature buffet on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Garde Manger classes will open the College’s student-run Terrace View CafÈ to the public as attendees will have the opportunity to partake of sausages, smoked foods, cheeses, p‚tÈs, vegetable and fruit carvings, chutneys, crackers and canapÈs from an array of buffet themed platters as part of their dining experience, including a Fall Harvest, Asian Cuisine, A Summer Day and Renaissance Tuscan.

The Garde Manger Grazing Stations Buffet will take place from 12-1 p.m. in the College’s Terrace View CafÈ, which is located in College Hall Room 148 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ restaurant is coordinated by the Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Department.

The Owens culinary arts program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the rapidly growing culinary arts industry. Both the associate’s degree and certificate prepares students for food preparation positions in restaurants, hotels, health care facilities, resorts and country clubs. The Garde Manger class is designed to provide students with experiential learning related to the art and craft of the cold kitchen. Classroom instruction includes the preparation of garnishes, hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, sausages and tureens, sauces and soups, and salads and sandwiches. Additionally, buffet presentation is highlighted as part of the academic curriculum.

The cost per lunch, which includes unlimited trips to the grazing stations, is only $7.50 and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling (567) 661-7359 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7359. Individuals can also make a reservation by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/terrace.

Owens Community College Hosts Third Annual Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage, Nov. 19

Posted on November 16th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twelve high school varsity girls basketball teams will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best high schools from around the region as part of the third annual Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage hosted by Owens Community College on Friday, Nov. 19.

The basketball mega scrimmage will occur from 4:30-9:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Varsity girls basketball teams competing in the Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage include Perrysburg High School, Bedford High School, Bellevue High School, Archbold High School, Otsego High School, Scott High School, Tiffin Calvert High School, Margaretta High School, Clay High School, Toledo Central Catholic High School, Delphos Jefferson High School and North Baltimore High School. Each high school varsity team will compete in several games throughout the scrimmage.

The Express women’s basketball program is led by Head Coach Mike Llanas. Early in the 2010-11 campaign, the Express’ overall record stands at 5-0 after five games. Owens is currently ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Owens Express women’s basketball program. For more information, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Area Students to Learn About Information Technology Careers As Part of Statewide Program at Owens, Nov. 19

Posted on November 16th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Over 230 girls in grades 8-10 from Northwest Ohio will have the opportunity to learn about and explore the various career options available within information technology as Owens Community College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses host a “We Are IT” professional conference on Friday, Nov. 19.

Owens’ “We Are IT” professional conference, which is being held in conjunction with the Ohio IT Business Advisory Network and the Office of Career-Technical and Adult Education of the Ohio Department of Education, is part of a statewide initiative involving 22 college and university campuses working together for the purpose of providing female students with a broad-based introduction to information technology applications and career opportunities. The “We Are IT” professional conferences occurring throughout Ohio are expected to reach over 2,700 girls.

The “We Are IT” event will occur from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center, Heritage Hall and Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building on the Toledo-area Campus and in the Community Education and Wellness Center, Education Center and Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the College’s Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

Between 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the Toledo-area Campus and 9:50-11:30 a.m. and 12-12:30 p.m. on the Findlay-area Campus, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several breakout sessions. Students will explore a wide variety of career paths and vocations in information technology, including 3-D animation using the ALICE programming language (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses), Java programming (Toledo-area Campus), steganography and watermarking (Toledo-area Campus), computer diagnostics (Toledo-area Campus), social networking (Findlay-area Campus), open source computing (Findlay-area Campus) and Skype technology (Toledo-area Campus), among other topics.

In addition to the lecture portion of each session, students will be given a project to complete in order to further learn the concepts being taught. Sessions will be taught by various members of Owens’ information technology, fine and performing arts, manufacturing and industrial operations, and electrical/electronics engineering faculty, staff and students, among others. Additionally, Penta Career Center representatives will be on hand to teach several of the breakout sessions.

Students will also have time during lunch to meet individuals from local businesses and ask them questions concerning their professions. Additionally, they will receive information on how to go about choosing a career within information technology after completing their education and participate in a panel discussion with representatives from Owens, Oakland University and Cisco Systems Inc., as well as hear a presentation from an official at Smart Sites Imaging.

Other academic institutions participating in the statewide initiative include Edison State Community College, University of Akron, Columbus State Community College, Hocking College, Lakeland Community College, North Central State College, Northwest State Community College, Sinclair Community College and Youngstown State University, among others.

Owens offers a wide variety of academic programs within information technology through the College’s School of Business and Information Systems, and past graduates have gone on to high paying careers as computer programmers, systems analysts, Internet support specialists, network support specialists and information systems managers throughout Northwest Ohio. Information technology-specific programs offered at Owens include Computer Programming, E-Business, Information Systems, Networking and Information Systems Support, Systems Security and Information Assurance, and Information Technology.

Students from several area schools are expected to be in attendance, including Macomb Middle and High School, Continental Middle School, Carey High School, Leverette Junior High School (Toledo Public Schools), Scott High School, Gesu School, Swanton Middle School, Bowsher High School and Woodward High School.

Owens Community College Closed Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted on November 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 24-28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no classes and the College will be closed.

Additionally, there will be no classes on Tuesday, Nov. 23. However, administrative offices will be open throughout the day.

Classes will resume and administrative offices will open again on Monday, Nov. 29.

Owens Men’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 12-13

Posted on November 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team will take an overall 2-0 record into this weekend as they host their annual Express Tip-Off Classic tournament, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, the host Express will face Marygrove College JVs, while Kellogg Community College will take on Lourdes College JVs at 9 p.m.

On Saturday (Nov. 13), Owens will play against Kellogg at 1 p.m.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Program Advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament, Nov. 18-20

Posted on November 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s volleyball program is one step away from being crowned national champions after winning its respective regional (District D) tournament. As a result of their postseason success, the Express women’s volleyball team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 18-20. The tournament will take place in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

This marks Owens’ second trip to the NJCAA Division II national championship tournament. Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

“We knew coming into this year we had a good recruiting class and the team as a collective group worked hard throughout the year to get to this point,” said Owens Express Head Coach Sonny Lewis. “This has been a goal, making it to nationals. A lot of our matches were close and the team did what they needed to do to win matches.”

The Express earned their trip to the nationals by winning in the NJCAA Region XII Championships at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Owens defeated Oakland Community College (23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17) in the championship match to advance to the national tournament.

The volleyball program’s overall record now stands at 41-7 and the team has not lost since Sept. 25 when fellow national tournament qualifier Kirkwood Community College defeated the Express in four games at the Parkland Invitational.

Additionally this year, the Express women’s volleyball team captured the OCCAC regular season championship with a victory over Cuyahoga Community College (25-11, 25-5, 25-8) on Oct. 30. Owens has won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 11-1 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. The Express also is currently on a 26-match winning streak.

Owens’ will play Illinois Central College in their first match of the double elimination consolation national tournament at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Johnson County Community College/Hagerstown Community College at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The championship match will occur at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The 16 teams competing in the national tournament include Iowa Lakes Community College (37-7), Johnson County Community College (27-5), Cowley County Community College (31-3), East Central College (36-7), Parkland College (39-10), Kishwaukee College (40-10), Illinois Central College (31-8), Grand Rapids Community College (35-2), Pasco-Hernando Community College (32-7), Owens Community College (41-7), North Platte Community College (31-9), Glendale Community College (22-14), Kirkwood Community College (30-11), Moraine Valley Community College (34-6), Hagerstown Community College (26-7) and Genesee Community College (38-8).

The Express went 3-4 against six teams that qualified for the national tournament during the regular season. They defeated Moraine Valley and Parkland College, split with Kirkwood and lost to Kishwaukee, Grand Rapids and Illinois Central.

Owens played one invitational tournament at the national tournament site in mid-October and went 7-0 including wins against Moraine Valley and Kirkwood.

“We play a tough schedule every year. Our schedule has a lot of teams that are listed in the Top 20,” Lewis said. “It only makes our team better at the end of the year.”

Express volleyball team members include Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, outside hitter/setter (35 kills, 218 digs, 716 assists, 57 aces and 5 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Jessica Knueve of Kalida, outside hitter/defensive specialist (104 kills, 41 digs, 18 assists, 4 aces and 50 blocks) (Kalida H.S.); Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo, defensive specialist (3 kills, 162 digs, 2 assists and 8 aces) (Start H.S.); Amanda Schuster of Sylvania, middle blocker/outside hitter (23 kills, 7 digs, 5 assists, 3 aces and 10 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Lauren Lind of Millbury, outside hitter (101 kills, 40 digs, 13 assists, 1 ace and 32 blocks) (Lake H.S.); Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville, defensive specialist (50 digs and 2 aces) (Eastwood H.S.); Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter/outside hitter (191 kills, 294 digs, 876 assists, 45 aces and 51 blocks) (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (2 kills, 234 digs, 5 assists and 22 aces) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (13 kills, 839 digs, 13 assists and 41 aces) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (336 kills, 149 digs, 8 assists, 66 aces and 76 blocks) (Bowling Green H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter/middle blocker (245 kills, 34 digs, 11 assists, 9 aces and 92 blocks) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (239 kills, 56 digs, 9 assists, 4 aces and 92 blocks) (Milan H.S.); Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (228 kills, 49 digs, 28 assists, 3 aces and 67 blocks) (Monroeville H.S.): and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker (479 kills, 266 digs, 39 assists, 80 aces and 148 blocks) (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

Owens Women’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 13-14

Posted on November 10th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team will take an overall 2-0 record into this weekend as they host their annual Express Tip-Off Classic tournament, Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 13-14.

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the host Express will face Ohio State University Club, while Kirtland Community College will take on Cleveland State University Club at 5:30 p.m.

On Sunday (Nov. 14), Cleveland State will battle Ohio State at 1 p.m. The Tip-Off Classic will conclude with Owens facing Kirtland at 3 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is currently ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens Presents The Black Jew Dialogues Performance, Nov. 16

Posted on November 10th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to gain insight into prejudices and racism prevalent within today’s society with a comedic twist as Owens Community College presents the internationally acclaimed comedy act The Black Jew Dialogues on the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Presented by the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Office of Student Activities, The Black Jew Dialogues performance was created with the overall goal of examining prejudice and multiculturalism by combining sketch comedy, improvisation, interactive video and audience participation. Admission to the performances on both the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The Black Jew Dialogues’ performance will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. in the Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus, while the two-person group will appear from 2-3:30 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay and the Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Written and performed by Larry Jay Tish and Emmy Award-winning Ron Jones, the comedy performance takes the audience on a hysterical and poignant ride through three days the two actors spent together in a cheap hotel room discussing their own experiences, the history of blacks and Jews and why there has been a growing dissention between the two groups since the early 1970s. Through their dialogue, audience attendees gain insight into the true nature of prejudice and how society’s own inability to face biases separate people in ways that are unimaginable. The comic journey begins in the Egypt of the Pharaohs and travels through Africa and Colonial times to present-day America.

The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in August 2006. Since that time, both Tish and Jones have entertained and educated audiences about racism and prejudices at colleges and universities, high schools, synagogues and theatres throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. In September 2007, Tish and Jones earned the honor of being selected as the only American production to perform at the Leeds Jewish Performing Arts Festival in England.

For more information about the performance, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts and Students Present ‘Almost, Maine,’ Nov. 18-21

Posted on November 9th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Romance with a comedic twist in a mythical town will serve as the theatrical focus in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre as Owens Community College presents the student production of “Almost, Maine,” Nov. 18-21.

The first of several performances will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 in the College’s Mainstage Theatre. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts is excited to present such a heartwarming theatrical production, featuring the talents of so many Owens students,” said Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “‘Almost, Maine’ will tug at the heartstrings of both the young and old theatergoers as the production takes an insightful look at life and love in a small, mythical town in northern Maine. Attendees of all ages will truly enjoy the down-to-earth performance, which is full of humorous moments and surprises.”

Written by John Cariani, “Almost, Maine” tells the story about a cold, moonless night in the middle of winter and how all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Hearts will be broken, but bruises will heal in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

The cast of “Almost, Maine” is comprised of students and alumni from Owens, as well as community residents, and theatrical production is directed by Owens Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts Jeremy Meier. Owens student Anthony Hunter of Sylvania will serve as assistant director, while Owens’ Evan Koontz of Lincoln, Neb., and Diane Schroeder of Sylvania will hold the positions of stage manager and assistant stage manager, respectively.

Students involved in the production as cast members include Jeremy Wilkes of Oregon, Megan Wasserman of Clyde, Gabriel Barber of Toledo, Deidra Gehr of Toledo, Matthew Johnston of Maumee, Emily Pheils of Rossford, Silvester Rodriguez IV of Archbold, Liana Toth of Maumee, Zackery Doane of Bowling Green, Jordan Jarvis of Perrysburg, Michael Kilcorse of Sylvania, Mallory Myers of Whitehouse, Derek Shikwana of Holland, Andy Sweney of Perrysburg and John Toth of Toledo. Owens alumna Kari Duffy-Shrader of Toledo and community member Chelsea Rogers of Sylvania are also participating in the production as cast members.

“Almost, Maine” will be performed Nov. 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will also occur on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m.

Owens Community College Announces Plans for New $1.1 Million Welding Center

Posted on October 29th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is expanding access to higher educational opportunities within Northwest Ohio by announcing plans for a new $1.1 million Welding Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The new state-of-the-art educational center, which previously held Penta Career Center’s Welding and Automotive Collision Repair Labs, will feature the latest in technological and academic resources specific to welding for several degree and certificate programs.

The addition of a newly renovated Welding Center is a continuation of the College’s ongoing campus expansion initiative on the new south campus, which formerly was the home to Penta Career Center. Owens began the 2010-11 academic year by unveiling a $2.9 million Heritage Hall building. The 38,304 square-foot Heritage Hall (former Penta Career Center Skill Center) renovation project was preceded by the opening of a refurbished 29,045 square-foot Founders Hall (former Penta Career Center Administration Building) in January 2010. Both Heritage Hall and the $2.6 million Founders Hall are located on the new southern portion of campus. The new Welding Center is expected to open in January 2011.

“Owens Community College’s new Welding Center will provide students with leading edge resources unlike any other academic institution in the region,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College. “The newly renovated building will become an integral part of the new south campus as we look to expand educational opportunities for students and provide them with the ‘Owens Experience’ in order to achieve their academic and career goals.”

The renovated 14,512 square-foot Welding Center will be is situated south of Founders Hall and Heritage Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ new educational facility will feature two dedicated instructional classrooms and two expansive experiential learning classroom areas for instruction and hands-on learning. The complex will also include three offices, a locker room area, and men’s and women’s restroom facilities.

Owens’ two expansive experiential learning classrooms will house 56 welding booths, 12 cutting booths and eight grinding stations all with leading edge technology for students to receive hands-on training specific to stick, gas, MIG and TIG welding processes. Thirty-six booths will have the capability of utilizing argon and carbon dioxide for welding purposes, while oxygen and acetylene will be featured in 12 cutting booths. The Welding Center will also include a 1,813 square-foot storage complex for welding materials, which will be located adjacent to the educational facility.

Additionally, 68 stations will feature an innovative welding fume extraction system. The state-of-the-art technology is designed to extract metalworking particulate in a controlled direction, filter the particulate through a self-cleaning unit and re-circulate the filtered air throughout the new Welding Center. The recirculation of filtered air instead of exhausting non-filtered air to the outside will enable the College to enhance energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling costs.

Owens’ Welding Center will be utilized by students pursuing an associate’s degree in welding as well as GMAW welding, GTAW welding, SMAW welding and welding pre-certification certificates. Additional programs planning to incorporate the Welding Center’s technology into their academic curriculum include automotive technology, advanced integrated manufacturing systems technologies, Caterpillar dealer service technician, diesel technology, John Deere technician and skilled trades technologies. Welding-specific academic specialty courses featured within the Welding Center will include artistic welding, welding fabrication and advanced welding.

Experiential learning areas will also be equipped with innovative multimedia capability for educational instruction highlighted by dedicated instructor stations in which Owens faculty can utilize an Extron Control Panel system. Serving as the classroom’s focal point from a technological standpoint, the Extron Control Panel system features a dedicated computer, a digital document camera, a Blu-ray DVD Player, and audio amplifier and speakers. Each academic area will also house ceiling mounted digital/analog and high definition capable projectors and screens for instructional purposes and feature the latest in computing resources, including an array of software applications and programming languages as well as network and high-speed Internet access.

Designed with energy efficiency and conservation in mind, each room’s bank of lights automatically power down after a period of time without detected movement. The entire facility includes building automation heating and air conditioning.

Owens’ new Welding Center is designed by the firms Stough and Stough Architects of Sylvania and MDA Engineering Inc. in Maumee.

The newly renovated educational facility will replace Owens’ 24 combined welding, cutting and grinding stations, which are located within the College’s Transportation Technologies Center.

In 2008, Owens marked a milestone in the academic institution’s history by purchasing the former Penta Career Center, which was adjacent to the College’s Toledo-area Campus, for $6 million. The purchase included 56.38 acres of land, as well as approximately 325,530 square feet of classrooms, offices, educational laboratories and parking lots.

In September 1965, Owens opened its doors as Penta County Technical Institute, the first technical institute in Ohio, with over 200 students enrolled. Seven years later, the College officially adopted the name of The Michael J. Owens Technical College (now Owens Community College).

Owens Students Assist Local Residents With Children’s Clothing Swap Outreach Event, Oct. 27

Posted on October 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students are reaching out to those families in the surrounding communities with a limited clothing budget by hosting the academic institution’s first clothing swap for infants, children and pregnant women titled “Drop, Swap and Roll!” on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

The clothing swap will take place from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Room 125 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The daylong event is free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College is proud to host an event that benefits families in our communities who have a limited clothing budget and helps reduce over-consumption by recycling clothes from one family to another,” said Krysta Waterfield of Bowling Green, Owens student and co-coordinator of the clothing swap event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used, folded clothing of all sizes for infants, children and pregnant women to the community outreach event. Items being accepted as part of the “Drop, Swap and Roll!” initiative are T-shirts, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, pajamas, pants, jeans, shorts, skirts, dresses, collared shirts, buttoned shirts, costumes, jackets, coats, snowsuits, shoes and boots, among other items. The clothing swap is not accepting clothing with visible stains, holes, broken zippers and missing buttons.

A point system will be established to determine the value of each clothing item donated by attendees. Individuals will then be given a tabulated voucher sheet to use when selecting the number of items from the already donated clothing selection. Participants are not limited to the number of items they may donate to the clothing swap event.

“People can select any clothing size or gender specific item when swapping,” explained Owens student and clothing swap event co-coordinator Allison Freeman of Bowling Green. “Individuals can also use their tabulated voucher sheet at any time during the event as selection will vary throughout the day dependent upon what people bring and take home.”

Any items not claimed during the clothing swap event will be donated to Polly Fox Academy in Toledo.

The “Drop, Swap and Roll!” event is being coordinated by Owens students Krysta Waterfield and Allison Freeman as part of their community activism project in the College’s Service Learning Capstone class. The class combines community service with academic instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and personal and civic responsibility.

For more information about the clothing swap event, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Unveils Northwest Ohio’s Only Private Armed Security Training Academy

Posted on October 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in a career as a private security officer will now have the opportunity to pursue their educational training at Owens Community College as the academic institution announces the establishment of a new Private Armed Security Training Academy. Owens’ Private Armed Security Training Academy will take place Jan. 24 – March 9.

The new Private Armed Security Training Academy classes will occur at the College’s Center for Emergency Preparedness, which is located on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. The initial academy will take place Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“The need for highly skilled private security officers is greater than ever before as more and more businesses are relying on private security to ensure that their organizations are safe and secure. Also, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that the armed private security force will play a vital role in the future protection of our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Michael Cornell, Owens Director of the Center for Emergency Preparedness. “Owens Community College is proud to offer the region’s only Private Armed Security Training Academy and help in preparing area residents for careers within the growing field of private security.”

During the seven-week program, Owens private armed security academy students will take courses in the role of private security personnel, overview of the legal system, criminal law, search and seizure, crisis situations, unarmed self defense, armed response, report writing, first aid/CPR, personnel security, crime prevention, patrol techniques and crowd control, among other curriculum. Participants will receive expert instruction from Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) approved law enforcement officials.

Upon completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate from Owens. Private Armed Security Training Academy graduates also become eligible for certification as an Ohio private security officer. Curriculum is approved by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and supported by American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International.

All requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission must be met for certification. Applications for the new academy should be completed and returned to the College by Nov. 12. For more information, or to obtain an application packet, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Express Volleyball to Host ‘Volley for the Cure’ During Match Against Cuyahoga Community College, Oct. 30

Posted on October 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College volleyball program and the Raising Awareness Club are encouraging area residents to help in supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the organization’s efforts in the fight against breast cancer by making a donation during the Express’ home match against Cuyahoga Community College on Saturday, Oct. 30. The match begins at 12 p.m.

Owens representatives will be accepting donations inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance with all the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure initiative. Additionally, each attendee making a donation will receive a ticket, which will serve as a raffle ticket for the chance to win a pink game ball signed by the current Express volleyball team. The match will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

In addition to the admission donation, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraisers throughout the event, which will be located at several tables inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance. The Express volleyball team will be wearing pink jersey uniforms during the match, as well as hosting a bake sale and a silent auction to win a pink game worn Express volleyball jersey. Breast cancer awareness T-shirts and bracelets will also be available for purchase during the “Volley for the Cure” event. All money raised by the team will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. More than $1 billion has been raised to aid the fight against breast cancer in the world.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 33-7 overall record and currently is in first place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 7-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for animal rights, the acceptance of cultural differences and adoption, as well as against suicide, cancer and sexual slave trade, among many other issues.

Since the initial fundraising event in 2008, the Owens volleyball program has collected over $2,300 through various “pink-themed” activities. For more information about the “Volley for the Cure” event, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College to Host 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference, Oct. 14-16

Posted on October 7th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The influence of “the Bard” is still alive and well and will serve as the focus to a three-day Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference at Owens Community College, Oct. 14-16. The theme of this year’s annual statewide conference is “Shakespeare’s ‘Loose Ends'” and will examine the gaps, lacunae, indeterminacies and silences in the work of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

The 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference will feature various seminars and workshops occurring in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to keynote addresses (plenary sessions) is free and open to the public. Individuals interested in the seminars and workshops are encouraged to register for the conference.

“Owens Community College is honored to once again serve as host to the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference,” said Dr. Russell Bodi, Owens Professor of English and Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference Coordinator. “The nationally-recognized conference will allow both students and the local community to learn alongside humanities scholars about a variety of issues related to arts, literature and theatrical performance, and how it relates to the study of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries.”

Bodi added, “This event will not be confined to a narrow scholarly audience and we welcome the public, professionals and students to attend the insightful sessions.”

Daily sessions will provide an opportunity for students and scholars from around the world to view and present research, participate in panel discussions and attend workshops to gain insight into cultural, dramaturgical, cinematic, theoretical and editorial issues specific to Shakespeare and his literary work. Areas of specific interest will include the role of actors, directors and editors related to the inevitable gap between players and performers and how bias and the historical treatment of Shakespeare reflect and affect appreciation, among other topics.

Attendees will also have the chance to learn about Shakespeare in performance, including how to stage combat scenes. Additionally, there will be two plenary sessions occurring throughout the three-day event in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111.

Serving as the conference’s keynote speakers are nationally recognized literary scholars Dr. Matthew Wikander and Dr. Katharine Maus. Wikander serves as Professor of English at the University of Toledo, while Maus holds the position of James Branch Cabell Professor of Renaissance Literature at the University of Virginia. The topic of Wikander’s keynote address is “‘This is not the man’: Falstaff and Martrydom” and will occur at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 15. Maus will address conference attendees at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16. Her lecture topic is titled “The Properties of Friendship in ‘The Merchant of Venice'”.

The Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference will commence at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, with the first two Shakespeare seminars titled “Sexual Indeterminacies” and “Inwardness and Character”. Presentation topics within the two seminar sessions will include “Hermaphroditism vs. Androgyny: The Function of Cross-dressing in Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It'”, “Mixing Metaphors: Horses, Riders and Hermaphrodites in ‘The Taming of the Shrew'”, “‘Twelfth Night’: A Close Reading of the Plato-Ovidian Characters”, “Othello’s Other Visage”, “The Fair Black Woman: The Politics of Beauty in Shakespeare’s Sonnets” and “Emelia: lago’s Marionette or Fellow Puppeteer”. Other seminars taking place on Thursday are titled “Staging and Editing” and “Interiority and Landscape” and will begin at 3:30 p.m.

On Friday, Oct. 15, seminar session topics will include “He Never Blotted Out a Line!” and “A Scholarly Conversation Concerning the Composition of the Shakespearean Corpus: Twentieth Century Theatrical Practice Versus Conventional Literary Assumptions” at 8:30 a.m.; “Omissions and Potentialities” and “Gaps and Indeterminacies” at 10 a.m.; “Identity”, “Loose Ends and Film Adaptations” and “Key Roles” at 2 p.m.; and “History and the Histories”, “Music and Other Ornaments” and “Refiguring Comedy” at 3:30 p.m.

The final day of the conference will feature Shakespeare seminar sessions titled “Gaps and Authority”, “Gender Issues” and “Reconsidering Gender Roles” at 8:30 a.m.; “Edition” and “Staging the Unusual” at 10 a.m.; and “Comedy in Theory” and “Gender and Interiority” at 1:30 p.m.

Among the colleges and universities participating in the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference are the University of Windsor, University of Southern Indiana, University of the West Indies at Mona, Owens Community College, The Ohio State University, National Changhua University of Education, University of Cincinnati, Marietta College, Oberlin College, Ashland University, University of Nebraska Kearney, Kent State University, Shepherd University, Keystone College, Urbana University, Michigan State University, University of California Santa Cruz, Northern Kentucky University, Bowling Green State University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Akron, Chang Gung University, Southern Utah University, West Virginia University, University of Michigan, Wright State University, Mary Baldwin College, Concord University, Muskingum University, Cincinnati State Community College, Ohio University, Penn State University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Montreal, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and University of Akron.

In addition to the seminar sessions and workshops, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre and Owens will present a theatre staged reading titled “A Merry Regiment of Women” by J. Rae Shirley on Thursday, Oct. 14. The staged reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre. The theatrical comedy tells the story of five women being called to a meeting by a sixth female to discuss the availability and quality of their roles in William Shakespeare plays. During the meeting, three of Shakespeare’s men arrive, each with their own perspective on the situation.

On Friday, Oct. 15, attendees will have the opportunity to witness one of William Shakespeare’s most revered comedies as the National Players, America’s longest running classical touring company, presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre. The theatrical production will begin at 7:30 p.m.

National Players’ productions are known for adhering to strict traditions of touring theatre that includes company members not only performing multiple roles, but also technical assignments ranging from lighting to set-up. The theatre group will provide a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production to mirror today’s fast moving electronic media saturated world. A glowing woods and fairies dancing to electronica will set the scene for wacky things to happen when a man loves a woman who loves a man who loves another man in a lover’s quarrel of titanic proportions.

Prior to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production on Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to hear the rich colorful blend of the harp and acoustic guitar as part of TAPESTRY’s live performance featuring Owens Adjunct Faculty member Denise Grupp-Verbon and Michael Grupp-Verbon. The two professional musicians will perform an array of Renaissance music at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda.

To purchase tickets for “A Merry Regiment of Women” or “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performances, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the productions, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787. For more information on the 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference, call (567) 661-7524 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7524, or access the conference website at www.marietta.edu/departments/English/OVSC/index.html.

Owens Community College Student Groups Present Free ‘The Anatomy of Hate’ Film Screening and Lecture, Oct. 11

Posted on October 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore why people hate and how society can overcome such individual and collective views as Owens Community College’s Office of Student Activities presents a free screening and discussion of the award-winning documentary film “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue for Hope” on Monday, Oct. 11.

Presented by the Raising Awareness and Gay Straight Alliance student clubs, the film will be shown at 2 p.m. followed by a discussion with director Mike Ramsdell in Owens’ College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Produced and directed by Ramsdell, the 90-minute documentary film “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” provides insight into arguably some of most venomous individual and collective ideologies of hate in recent time, which includes the white supremacist movement, Muslim extremism, Palestinian Intifada, Israeli settlers and soldiers, and U.S. forces in Iraq. Additionally, the documentary features interviews with leading sociological, psychological and neurological experts, as well as personal accounts and stories of individuals who were once “combatants”. The film also reveals both the emotional and biological mechanisms which can make people susceptible to hatred as well as how these same traits can enable individuals to overcome the negative views.

Since it was released in 2008, “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” has garnered critically-acclaimed attention highlighted by being named “Best Political Documentary” at the 2009 Philadelphia Independent Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award recipient at the 2009 Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (DocuFest Atlanta). Other honors include receiving official selection at the Boston International Film Festival, the Sarasota Fringe Festival and the Cinema City Film Festival. The executive producer of “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” is Redwood Palms Pictures.

Ramsdell is a graduate from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After attending college, the Flint, Mich., native founded Under the Hood Productions with the goal of creating films that inform and advance the collective conscience of society. “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” is Ramsdell’s second feature film. His first was the award-winning narrative “Montclair”. Ramsdell is currently in development of the cable series “War Photographers”.

For more information about the film screening and lecture, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Express Volleyball to Host ‘Get Your Heart In The Game’ During Quadrangular Against Grand Rapids, Oakland and Jackson, Oct. 10

Posted on October 4th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College volleyball program and the Raising Awareness Club are encouraging area residents to help in supporting the American Heart Association and the organization’s efforts in the fight against cardiovascular disease by making a donation during the Express’ home quadrangular against Grand Rapids Community College, Oakland Community College and Jackson Community College on Sunday, Oct. 10. The quadrangular begins at 12 p.m.

Owens representatives will be accepting donations inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance with all the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. Additionally, each attendee making a donation to the American Heart Association will receive a ticket, which will serve as a raffle ticket for the chance to win a red game ball signed by the current Express volleyball team. The quadrangular will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Beginning at 12 p.m., the host Express will face Jackson (4-14), while Grand Rapids (19-2) will take on Oakland (23-2). The second set of matches will begin at 1:45 p.m. with Owens squaring off against Grand Rapids. The other match will feature Jackson against Oakland.

In addition to the admission donation, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraisers throughout the quadrangular, which will be located at several tables inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance. The Express volleyball team will be wearing red jersey uniforms during the match as well as hosting a heart healthy bake sale and a silent auction to win a red game worn Express volleyball jersey. Cardiovascular disease literature will also be available during the “Get Your Heart In The Game” event. All money raised by the event will go directly to the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association was founded with the overall mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke and is an advocate for improvements to cardiovascular disease prevention, care and research at the local, state and national levels.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 23-7 overall record and currently is in second place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 5-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 17 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for animal rights, the acceptance of cultural differences and adoption, as well as against suicide, cancer and sexual slave trade, among many other issues.

For more information about the “Get Your Heart In the Game” event, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents ‘What Was I Thinking?’ Art Exhibit, Oct. 5-22

Posted on October 4th, 2010

Jim Fultz's watercolor painting titled "Out to Lunch" is among the many works of art on display as part of the "What Was I Thinking?" exhibit at the Owens Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery.

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus continues the 2010-11 arts season with an artistic array of masterful interactive paintings by Findlay resident Jim Fultz as the Library Gallery presents “What Was I Thinking” art exhibit, Oct. 5-22.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Findlay-area Library Gallery is pleased to showcase the work of Jim Fultz, a visionary and conceptual painter whose work explores the interaction between viewer and artwork,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “Viewers who stand before the work see their physical reflection in its surfaces and may then grapple with a mental reflection. ‘What was Fultz thinking when he created this? What am I thinking as I see myself inside his work?'”

Fultz’s passion for art as expressed in his paintings has been shaped and influenced by a variety experiences throughout his career, which included serving as a Gallery Guide at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum from 2005-07 and a Gallery Attendant at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from 2003-04. He also was an Art Teacher at Public School 17 in Bronx, N.Y., for two years.

Many of Fultz’s works have been exhibited publicly in shows throughout the United States to include appearances at the Toledo Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the New Jersey Center for the Visual Arts and the Grace Albrecht Gallery. He was also featured in the “70th Annual National Juried Show” at the Cooperstown Art Association.

Fultz currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Owens Community College and Bluffton University where he teaches classes in art history, fundamentals of drawing and art appreciation, among other academic concentrations. He holds a master’s degree in painting from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in studio art from the University of Akron.

Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery Welcomes Nationally Acclaimed Artist Arturo Rodriguez, Sept. 28 – Oct. 23

Posted on September 21st, 2010

Owens' "Marielito" exhibit will feature an array of artistic expressions by Arturo Rodriguez including the printmaking-based work titled "Dias sin Inocencia".

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College invites area residents to visit the brilliantly artistic world of nationally acclaimed artist Arturo Rodriguez through his emotionally vivid paintings, prints and mixed media works as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery presents a new exhibit titled “Marielito”, Sept. 28 – Oct. 23. The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, Owens will serve as host to a lecture by guest artist Arturo Rodriguez on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. A free exhibit reception will immediately follow the lecture in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

“Owens Community College is excited to showcase the works of such a widely accomplished artist as Arturo Rodriguez in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “Rodriguez’s paintings, prints and mixed media works combine images from paintings that one might find on the walls of an average American home and images from some of his earliest visual memories as a young Cuban immigrant to the United States in the 1980s – cartoons. By uniting these seemingly disparate images Rodriguez’s work constitutes an accurate metaphor for Cuban aesthetics and culture, which historically has undergone a process of appropriation. Exhibit attendees will truly enjoy the vivid, colorful artistic expressions, which have captivated audiences nationwide.”

Arturo Rodriguez's painting titled "The Lonesome West" is among the many works of art on display as part of the "Marielito" exhibit at the Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

Rodriguez was born in Cuba. He left the island at a very young age with his mother during the Mariel boatlift in 1980. Rodriguez has since lived in the United States for over 20 years, however, he has not forgotten about his native country, which is often intertwined within his artistic expressions.

His works have been widely exhibited nationwide to include appearances in the University of Missouri-Kansas City National Print Exhibition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition at Bradley University, the Prints U.S.A 2005 National Juried Group Exhibition at the Springfield Art Museum and the Sense of Place National Juried Group Exhibition at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, among others. Rodriguez also has received several accolades throughout his career highlighted by the Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Excellence Award Grant and the Thomas Hart Benton Merit Scholarship.

Rodriguez received a bachelor’s degree in painting/printmaking from the Kansas City Art Institute and a master’s degree in printmaking from Indiana University. He has served as an Associate Professor of Art/Printmaking at the University of Toledo for the past nine years. Rodriguez previously was a Professor of Foundations/Printmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design from 1997-2001.

In addition to its appearance on the Toledo-area Campus, the “Marielito” exhibit will be showcased in the Library Gallery on the Findlay-area Campus, Oct. 27 – Nov. 19.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays. For additional information about the exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721 or (567) 661-2721.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host Community Blood Drive, Sept. 9

Posted on August 27th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are encouraged to help in saving lives as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and the American Red Cross host a community Blood Drive on Thursday, Sept. 9.

The Blood Drive will occur from 12-5 p.m. in Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Soccer Opens Season at Delta College Invitational, Aug. 28-29

Posted on August 27th, 2010

.PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s soccer will look to contend for its first-ever conference title by opening the 2010 schedule at the Delta College Invitational in University Center, Mich., Aug. 28-29. The Express will take on Delta College on Saturday (Aug. 28) and Ancilla College on Sunday (Aug. 29). The Delta College match will begin at 3 p.m., while the Ancilla College match will start at 1 p.m.

The Express will open its home season against Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The home opener will start at 4 p.m. All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Owens men’s soccer program is led by Head Coach Art Johnson. Johnson’s Assistant Coaches are Jeremiah McNutt and Keith Closson. The Express completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program in 2009. Owens finished with a 12-7-1 overall record and in second place in the final OCCAC (3-3 record) standings.

“We have an extremely talented team that is committed to working hard and getting better each and every day on the soccer field,” stated Johnson. “I am really counting on our veterans to provide strong leadership for the first-year players, which will be critical to our success. Several of the first-year players will also be expected to step in and play at a very high level. Our team certainly has the potential of competing for the program’s first conference title.”

The Express has eight players returning from last year’s team. Among the second-year players on Johnson’s squad are Michael Hamouda of Liverpool, United Kingdom (Rainhill H.S.) and Rodcliff Hall of Boston, Mass. (William Knibb Memorial H.S.). In 2009, Hamouda was named team MVP and was a NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team selection. The sophomore midfielder led the team with 13 assists and totaled six goals and 24 points. Hall is a sophomore forward and earned NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors. He was the team leader with 24 goals and 52 points.

Also returning to the Express program are Cody Katschke of Martin (Genoa H.S.), Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg (St. Francis de Sales H.S.) and Pavle Udovicic of Belgrade, Serbia (Sportska Gimnazija Belgrade). Last year, Katschke, a sophomore defender, recorded two goals and four points. In 2009, Aliakbar earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. The sophomore midfielder recorded two goals, three assists and seven points. Udovicic is a sophomore goalie and recorded 39 saves and posted six shutouts for men’s soccer during the 2009 season.

Other returning student-athletes include Dustin Lamon of Findlay (Liberty-Benton H.S.) and Mikhail Weatherly of Montego Bay, Jamaica (Cornwall College). In 2009, Lamon, a sophomore goalie, recorded 12 saves and posted three shutouts for the Express. Weatherly is a sophomore forward and totaled four goals, three assists and 11 points for Owens last season.

First-year players to the Express men’s soccer program are Sean McEneff of Baldoyle, Ireland, defender (St. Paul’s College); Kyle Whitmore of Toledo, midfielder (Start H.S.); Lamar Lemonius of Ilford, United Kingdom, defender (Barking Abby School); Travis Turner of Toledo, defender (Springfield H.S.); Matthew Spence of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., forward (Calabar H.S.); Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., midfielder (Ypsilanti H.S.); Glenroy Miller of Belleville, N.J., forward (St. James H.S.); Nikoy Wallace of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defender (Anchovy H.S.); Sean Kaighin of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); Samuel Swen of Levittown, Pa., defender (Harry S. Truman H.S.); Idris Avci of Istanbul, Turkey, midfielder (Inonu Endustri Meslek Lisesi School), and Grantham Maclean of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, midfielder (Otto Du Plessis H.S.).

Owens Community College Foundation and AEP Ohio Announce New $25,000 Scholarship Program

Posted on August 26th, 2010

Owens and AEP Ohio officials pose for a photo following the announcement of the new workforce development scholarship initiative.

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College has been chosen as one of nine Ohio two-year community and technical colleges by AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power, to participate in a new $225,000 workforce development scholarship initiative designed to help low income Ohioans compete for jobs in an evolving economy.

The Owens Community College Foundation has received a $25,000 scholarship grant from AEP Ohio for the new program. Other academic institutions participating in the scholarship initiative are Shawnee State University, Zane State College, Eastern Gateway Community College, Belmont Technical College, Washington State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Rio Grande Community College and Stark State College.

“In times like these, AEP Ohio along with other businesses and government must work together to help Ohio families compete for jobs,” said Joseph Hamrock, AEP Ohio President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are pleased to be able to offer these scholarships to Ohioans in need of help to upgrade their skills.”

“The Owens Community College Foundation is delighted to work with AEP Ohio in extending this new scholarship opportunity to our students,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and the Owens Foundation. “This timely scholarship program mirrors the College’s mission of serving our students and our communities, and will help students return to school to upgrade their skills, beginning in the 2010-11 academic year.”

Eligible recipients must be AEP Ohio customers at or below 200 percent of the 2009-10 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are seeking to upgrade their skills, particularly in utility industry careers.

AEP Ohio’s Partnership with Ohio (PWO) Fund is a three-year $15 million shareholder-funded program that provides additional help to Ohio’s needy families. The programs are designed to include families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, a segment of the population that often does not qualify for state and federal aid.

Since 2009, the company has provided through the PWO Fund $6.25 million to support regional food banks and United Way agencies, workforce development initiatives, direct bill payment assistance and weatherization efforts for low income customers. AEP Ohio also has used the funding to support the company’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, a program designed to help low-income customers struggling to pay their electric bill. Other PWO contributions will be announced throughout the year.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.3 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers of major AEP subsidiaries Columbus Southern Power Company and Ohio Power Company in Ohio, and Wheeling Power Company in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power.

American Electric power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765-kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP’s transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP’s utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker’ Exhibit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 17

Posted on August 25th, 2010

Owens' "Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker" exhibit will feature an array of photography by Marianna Hofer including an artistic expression titled "Birdcage".

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus opens the 2010-11 arts season with an artistic array of masterful black and white photography by Findlay resident Marianna Hofer as the Library Gallery presents “Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker” exhibit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 17.

In addition, the College will host a reception and gallery talk for Hofer on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5-7 p.m. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Findlay-area Library Gallery is pleased to showcase the work of such a talented artist as Marianna Hofer,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “Marianna looks at the edges of life through her photography, which certainly provides a unique perspective on things that are often overlooked in our society. Exhibit attendees will certainly enjoy the transient beauty of her artistic expressions.”

Hofer’s interest in photography dates back to her youth, however, her work as an acclaimed photographer did not begin until more recently. Her passion for artistic expression, as seen through a lens, has grown into a rather large portfolio of landscape photographs, which have been featured in juried shows throughout Northwest Ohio, including the Wassenburg Art Center in Van Wert, Art Space in Lima and the Findlay Art League in Findlay. Hofer’s photographs can also be viewed in Studio 13 in Findlay’s Jones Building and in various eateries around town.

In addition to her photography, Hofer has also led an accomplished career as a writer. She has published poems, stories, essays and reviews in many notable literary magazines, including “Barrelhouse”, “Epitome”, “Freshwater” and “Ohioana Quarterly”. In 2008, Hofer released a published book of poetry titled “A Memento Sent by the World: Poems”. She also was named the recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist’s Grant in Poetry and held residency at the renowned Ragdale Artist Colony.

Hofer, an Associate Professor of English at the University of Findlay, holds master’s degrees from Miami University and Bowling Green State University and a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University.

Marianna Hofer's "Glass 2" is among the many works on display as part of the "Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker" exhibit at the Owens Findlay-area Campus.

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Northwood Woman, Findlay Man Win Tuition is Right’ Contest at Owens Community College

Posted on August 25th, 2010

Tuition Is Right Winner Kalen Marion with Pyke and Rick

Owens Toledo-area Campus "Tuition is Right" winner Kalen Marion of Northwood (center) poses with Pyke (left to right) and Rick at the event's conclusion.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Kalen Marion of Northwood and Andy Ward of Findlay each will attend Owens Community College for free in 2010-11 after winning the “Tuition is Right” free tuition contest hosted by Owens and Clear Channel Radio’s 92.5 Kiss FM, 104.7 WIOT, 101.5 The River and 103.7 CKY.

Olivia Welch of Perrysburg and Tiffany Snowden of Fostoria finished as runners-up in the contest and won a semester of free tuition each.

At the Toledo-area Campus finals, Marion, 20, won the reverse raffle from among 136 qualifiers in attendance. The 2008 Lake High School graduate plans to enroll in the physical therapist assistant program after attending Barry University in Miami, Fla., last year.

“I decided to come back home and attend Owens,” she said. “I worked at Cedar Point full time this summer to save money to go to school. I saved about $2,000 and had financial aid too. I’ve never won anything before. I’m speechless.”

Welch, 19, just completed her first year in the early childhood education program at Owens. She is a 2009 Eastwood graduate.

“I’m excited. A free semester is better than having to pay for it,” said Welch, who started her week by getting engaged.

Tuition Is Right winner Andy Ward with Johny D

Posing for a photo following the Findlay-area Campus "Tuition is Right" contest is winner Andy Ward of Findlay (right) and Johny D.

Marion and Welch were presented their checks from Pyke from 104.7 WIOT and Rick from101.5 The River.

At the Findlay-area Campus finals, Ward won the reverse raffle from 97 qualifiers in attendance. The 24-year-old previously attended Owens, but stopped attending college to take care of his grandparents after Spring Semester 2008.

“It’s a relief to win. I can go back to school again and finish my major,” said Ward, who studies networking and information systems. He works full time as a State Tested Nurse Assistant at St. Francis of Tiffin.

“I like Owens. Now I’m going to be able to go to school full time. I’m still going to work full time and I’ll finish my degree,” he said.

Snowden, 25, is a single mom who decided to enroll at Owens before winning the tuition prize. The lifelong Fostoria resident plans to major in business management.

“I was about half asleep” when her number was called, due to being up all night with her 19-month-old daughter. “My mom had to hit me and tell me I won.”

The Findlay winners received their oversized checks from emcee Johny D from 103.7 CKY.

Overall, 735 qualifiers were eligible to attend the finals. Since 2003, Owens Community College has partnered with Northwest Ohio media nine times, including eight with Clear Channel Radio, and offered a free tuition contest.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Opens Season at Grand Rapids Invitational, Aug. 27-28

Posted on August 23rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball program will open its 2010 season with a tournament, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 27-28 at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Owens volleyball program is led by ten-year Head Coach Sonny Lewis. During his ninth season as the Head Volleyball Coach at Owens, Lewis led the Express to 32 wins. Lewis’ Assistant Coaches are Denny Caldwell and Alison Mugler.

The Express will open its home campaign by hosting the Owens Express Invitational, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5. All home matches are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

Last season, the Express women’s volleyball program completed their season with a 32-20 overall record. Owens finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-3 record). The team’s season concluded with a loss to St. Clair County Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“I am really looking forward to the start of the upcoming season,” Lewis stated. “This year’s team has really worked hard and put forth the effort in the preseason. The potential is there for this group to be mentioned among the great teams in the program’s long and storied history. However, we have to get better each and every day to achieve our goals.”

The Express have six players returning from last season’s team, including OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selection Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). In 2009, the sophomore outside hitter and setter recorded 238 kills, 195 assists, 242 digs and 67 blocks for the Express. Her postseason accolades also included being named the team’s Most Improved Player and OCCAC Academic All-Conference.

Lewis’ squad also returns Jessica Knueve of Kalida (Kalida H.S.), Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo (Start H.S.) and Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). Knueve, a sophomore outside hitter and defensive specialist, played in 151 games and recorded 116 kills, 16 aces and 268 digs. Additionally, Knueve was named the recipient of the Coaches Award. Wielfaert is a sophomore defensive specialist and recorded 287 digs and 26 aces in 170 games last season for the Express. Schuster is a sophomore middle blocker and outside hitter. She played in 149 games and recorded 196 kills and 80 blocks. Schuster also earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors.

Additionally, Owens Express returners include Lauren Lind of Millbury (Lake H.S.) and Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.). Lind is a sophomore outside hitter and recorded 135 kills, 44 digs and 16 blocks in 66 games last season for Owens. LaVoy, a sophomore defensive specialist, played in 21 games and recorded 19 digs. Additionally, she was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection.

First-year players to the women’s volleyball program are Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter and outside hitter (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (Bowling Green H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter and middle blocker (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (Milan H.S.); Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (Monroeville H.S.), and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

Owens and Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Announce New Hancock County Success Program Expansion

Posted on August 6th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – All graduating high school students from public schools in Hancock County in financial need, starting with the 2010 graduating classes, will now have the opportunity to pursue a free college education as Owens Community College and the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation announce the expansion of the academic institution’s Success Program initiative.

The expansion of the Success Program to all Hancock County students is being made possible as a result of a generous $15,000 challenge grant by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to establish a new Success Program Fund in February. The Owens Community College Foundation has since raised $15,000 to match the grant from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, enabling the two organizations to make available the Success Program to all Hancock County students.

“Owens Community College and the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation are dedicated to eliminating financial barriers for students to pursue their educational and career goals,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and Owens Foundation President. “We deeply appreciate the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s commitment to higher education. This partnership not only strengthens the existing Success Program we have established with Findlay City Schools, but also allows Owens to expand the program to all residents throughout Hancock County.”

Savage added, “Students within the graduating class of 2010 are eligible for the Success Program and I encourage them to contact Owens Community College if there is an interest in pursuing a college education for the upcoming Fall Semester as classes begin on August 16.”

“Supporting access to post high school training and education opportunities is one of the Community Foundation’s focus areas. Statistics show that the better educated a community is, the more prosperous it becomes,” said Katherine Kreuchauf, President of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. “People who continue their education beyond high school have a better chance of getting and holding on to jobs during economic down turns. Not only are we helping the individual students, we are helping the entire community become more successful.”

Among the schools benefiting from the expanded Success Program in Hancock County are Arcadia High School, Arlington High School, Cory-Rawson High School, Liberty Benton High School, McComb High School, Van Buren High School and Vanlue High School. The 2010 graduating classes from the seven schools will serve as the initial recipients of this unique program, which is designed to assist students, who receive only partial federal financial aid in the form of a Pell Grant, attend college. The Success Program will bridge the gap between the federal grant aid a student receives and the cost of an Owens education. Findlay City Schools is already a partner in the Success Program initiative.

Twenty-two high schools are currently involved in the Owens Success Program. Most recently in May 2009, the College expanded the Success Program to include the Washington Local School District. Prior to the May announcement, the Success Program was extended to all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district in October 2008. Both Toledo Public Schools’ Woodward High School and Findlay City Schools became the first and second educational institutions in 2008 to partner with the College’s Foundation and extend this opportunity to its students.

Two hundred forty-seven graduates in 2009 from Whitmer High School, Findlay High School and all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district in financial need are receiving a free college education to Owens as part of the College Foundation’s expanded Success Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. During the previous academic year, 87 Woodward and Findlay high school students chose to continue their education at Owens through the Success Program.

In the first year of the Success Program, fall enrollment from the College’s two pilot schools grew substantially as recent Woodward High School graduates increased 92 percent from the previous five-year average, and enrollment for recent Findlay High School graduates increased 43 percent.

The following year, the Success Program was expanded to include Findlay High School, Whitmer High School and all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district. Average fall enrollment for recent graduates from these schools increased 30 percent over a five-year historical average.

In order to be eligible, students must graduate from high school, be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours each semester at Owens and complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid and receive some federal grant funding. Recipients must enroll at Owens during the first Fall Semester or Spring Semester following graduation and will have three years to complete their associate’s degree through the Success Program initiative.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Hancock County area through collaborative leadership, responsible grantmaking, and the development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney, the Community Foundation has granted more than $20 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.

For more information about the Success Program, call (567) 429-3141 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3141.

Owens Community College Board of Trustees Awards 2010 Academic Excellence Scholarships

Posted on May 5th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area high school seniors recently were honored by Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees for their outstanding achievements, receiving thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

“Owens Community College is honored to recognize the Trustees’ Academic Excellence scholarship recipients for their dedication to academic excellence and outstanding service to their respective schools and communities,” said Dee Talmage, Owens Chair of the Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to commend them on their accomplishments and welcome them to Owens Community College.”

The Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was created in 1998 by Owens’ Board of Trustees to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 two-year scholarship.

The scholarship is available for four consecutive semesters with applicants being enrolled full-time and pursuing an associate’s degree at the College, as well as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average each semester. Since its creation more than a decade ago, the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program has provided over $1.2 million in scholarships to 635 students.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship and their intended course of study at Owens include:

ï Daniel Jones of Whitehouse, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (business management)
ï Jacob Spaun of Findlay, a Liberty-Benton High School graduate (electrical/electronics engineering technology)
ï Mallie Grim of Arcadia, an Arcadia High School graduate (adolescence education)
ï Mary Jo Ackerman of Rudolph, a Bowling Green High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
ï Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, a Central Catholic High School graduate (dental hygiene)
ï Hallie Thompson of Oregon, a Clay High School graduate (business management)
ï Ashley Achten of Rawson, a Cory-Rawson High School graduate (journalism)
ï Amanda Vogel of Perrysburg, an Eastwood High School graduate (pre-pharmacy)
ï Zachary Steinman of Jerry City, an Elmwood High School graduate (commercial art technology)
ï Michael Fagan of Findlay, a Findlay Digital Academy graduate (undecided)
ï Amanda Gray of Findlay, a Findlay High School graduate (associate of arts, general concentration)
ï Jeffrey Giesige of Holgate, a Four County Career Center graduate (John Deere consumer and commercial equipment)
ï Tyrone Hall Jr. of Toledo, a Glass City Academy graduate (undecided)
ï Ashley Miller of Fostoria, a Hopewell-Loudon High School graduate (biology)
ï Jessica Knallay of Bradner, a Lakota High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
ï Calvin Haselman of Leipsic, a Leipsic High School graduate (accounting)
ï Kylee Pierce of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
ï Erin Amstutz of Findlay, a Millstream Career and Technology Center graduate (early childhood education)
ï Caitlyn Cook of Haskins, a Monclova Christian Academy graduate (music performance/education)
ï Jacob Flores of North Baltimore, a North Baltimore High School graduate (information systems)
ï Kara McCloskey of Oak Harbor, an Oak Harbor High School graduate (social work)
ï Courtney Selders of Grand Rapids, an Otsego High School graduate (middle childhood education)
ï Sammy Schwandner of Elmore, a Woodmore High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
ï Michelle Lewis of Perrysburg, a Perrysburg High School graduate (undecided)
ï Queen Davis of Toledo, a Phoenix Academy graduate (pre-nursing)
ï Iesha Watkins of Toledo, a Polly Fox Academy graduate (criminal justice technology)
ï Brittney Harris of Toledo, a Rogers High School graduate (multi-age education)
ï Meghan Brewer of Rossford, a Rossford High School graduate (biology)
ï Kate Hubbard of Holland, a Springfield High School graduate (dental hygiene)
ï Jayme Wietrzykowski of Toledo, a Start High School graduate (occupational therapy assistant)
ï Alan Kluczynski of Sylvania, a Southview High School graduate (architectural engineering technology)
ï Kelsi Reinhard of Tiffin, a Columbian High School graduate (occupational therapy assistant)
ï Rachel Dunn of Toledo, a Toledo Christian School graduate (dental hygiene)
ï Velani Tucker of Toledo, a Toledo School for the Arts graduate (surgical)
ï Kaylee Ruckstuhl of Vanlue, a Vanlue High School graduate (radiography)
ï Hallandra Johnson of Toledo, a Waite High School graduate (information systems)
ï Allison Hessey of Toledo, a Whitmer High School graduate (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery to Showcase Child Care Center Artwork, May 13-27

Posted on May 4th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Children attending Owens Community College’s Child Care Center will display their artistic qualities, creative impressions and imaginative masterpieces as part of the sixth annual Children’s Art Show, May 13-27. This year’s show will be held for the third time in Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

In addition, the College will host an opening reception for the artists on Thursday, May 13 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. Both the reception and exhibit are free and the public is encouraged to attend. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Young artists ages 4 months to 5 years old will showcase a variety of works, including multiple paintings, drawings, clay imprints, collages, paper mache insects, wire creations, sculpted vases and other modern art pieces. The art exhibit is the culmination of a year of artistic learning at the College’s Child Care Center.

“The younger the child, the more simplistic the painting or piece will be,” explained Owens Student Art Teacher Michelle Elton. “As the child grows and develops, he or she begins to be able to work more in depth on projects, therefore the artwork will have more details and be more intricate.”

Elton added, “The annual Child Care Center art show began because we wanted to display the hard work and talents of our children. With much excitement, this will be the second consecutive year that the art show will take place in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.”

The Children’s Art Show was inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. The Owens Child Care instructors utilize the Reggio Emilia philosophy in their art curriculum, inviting the children’s interests to guide artistic creations. Books and other literature incorporated into the art education program influenced many of the masterpieces.

The mission of Owens’ Child Care Center is to provide quality child care for the children of employees, students and the surrounding communities. The program is devoted to enhancing the lives of children through developmentally appropriate curriculum, which is child centered.

Children enrolled in the Owens Child Care Center have the opportunity to interact with the College’s Early Childhood Education students, which provides opportunities for more individual attention. Owens students benefit through practical hands-on lab experiences that deepen their understanding about young children.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public, Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about the Owens Child Care Center Children’s Art Show, call (567) 661-7404 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7404.

1,205 Owens Community College Students to Graduate During Spring Commencement, May 7

Posted on April 30th, 2010

Andrea Gurcsik

Bethany Steiner

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – One thousand two hundred five candidates for graduation, including 201 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 44th annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 7. The commencement will begin at 7 p.m. at The University of Toledo’s Savage Arena.

Andrea Gurcsik, Manager of Human Resources for First Solar Inc., the largest manufacturer of solar modules in the world, and Owens Community College alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the College’s Spring Commencement. Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public.

In her capacity as Human Resources Manager, Gurcsik is responsible for managing First Solar’s human resource function for the company’s Perrysburg location. She was previously employed at the TolTest, The University of Toledo and S.E. Johnson Companies Inc.

Active in the field of human resources, Gurcsik serves as the State Director for the Society for Human Resource Management State Council and was the Past Conference Chair for the Ohio Human Resource Conference and the Past President of the Toledo Area Human Resource Association Board of Directors.

Gurcsik is a 1999 graduate of Owens with a degree in business administration. She went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from The University of Toledo. She is currently a Director and serves as Vice President for the Owens Alumni Association. Her accomplishments include being named The University of Toledo College of Business Administration’s “Young Alumni of the Year” in 2005 and in 2006 was a recipient of the Toledo area’s “20 Under 40” Leadership Award.

A resident of Maumee and a graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School, Gurcsik enjoys spending time with her husband, Gary, and their dog, Muddy, who is named after the Toledo Mud Hens mascot.

Bethany Steiner, a diagnostic medical sonography student, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the Spring Commencement ceremony.

The Rawson resident always envisioned attending a four-year college and a future career as a social worker. However, within weeks of beginning her studies, Steiner knew she was heading down the wrong career path and a change was in order.

After a foot injury and a few X-rays, Steiner’s career direction became clearer and she began to research related careers in sonography. The shadowing of a professional sonographer reinforced her interest and passion in the field and led to pursuing her educational and career aspirations at Owens.

“Attending Owens is the best decision I ever made,” stated Steiner, a 2007 Cory-Rawson High School graduate. “It has been nothing but a great experience and I love what I am doing.”

Steiner’s love for diagnostic medical sonography is evident in the classroom as she is graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. According to her professors, she has exceptional clinical skills and is an excellent example of the arduous work completed by all students at Owens.

Steiner, who is a member of Tomorrow’s Imagers student organization at Owens, credits her educational success to her spiritual faith. She is extremely thankful for the support of her family, including parents, Rich and Patti and fiancÈ, Kris. She is also thankful for the quality teaching and extra effort demonstrated by the faculty at Owens, especially Susan Perry.

Steiner’s commencement speech will address her motto that it is better to be an energy giver than an energy taker and the remarkable difference that one person can make in the world through small actions.

“We have shoulders to cry on, arms to embrace, smiles to brighten someone’s day and words and actions that can positively change one life at a time,” explained Steiner.

After graduation, she plans on obtaining a full-time position in health care and pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Steiner envisions one day returning to Owens and helping other students by becoming an open lab instructor.

Owens Community College Express Baseball Competes in OCCAC Postseason Tournament, April 30 – May 1

Posted on April 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s baseball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Men’s Baseball Postseason Tournament Championship, Friday-Saturday, April 30 – May 1.

Sinclair Community College will serve as host to the OCCAC Postseason Tournament, which will take place in Xenia, Ohio. The winner and runner-up of the OCCAC Postseason Tournament advance to the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Baseball Championship, which will be held May 14-16 in Battle Creek, Mich.

Teams participating in the tournament will include Owens Community College, Sinclair Community College, Cuyahoga Community College and Lakeland Community College.

Coached by Bob Schultz, the Express will take a 30-16 overall record (4-8 third place finish in OCCAC) into the double elimination tournament where they will play Lakeland (13-18) at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 30 in semifinal action. The other semifinal game on Friday will feature Sinclair (39-8) versus Cuyahoga (3-16) at 1 p.m.

The losers of the Owens/Lakeland and Sinclair/Cuyahoga games will play at 6 p.m. on Friday. The other game on Friday will feature the winners of the Owens/Lakeland and Sinclair/Cuyahoga games at 8:30 p.m. A consolation bracket game will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. The OCCAC championship game will occur at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about the tournament, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Nationally-Known Author and Sports Writer Mitch Albom, May 11

Posted on April 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Nationally-known author and sports writer Mitch Albom will make an appearance in Northwest Ohio to discuss his personal and professional journey through life as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “An Evening with Mitch Albom” on Tuesday, May 11.

Albom’s performance will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center at 7 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to welcome the highly acclaimed Mitch Albom to Northwest Ohio,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Mr. Albom is an extremely talented individual and is known nationwide for his literary and journalistic work as well as community outreach efforts. Attendees will certainly enjoy the simplicity of his message about life.”

Albom is recognized as a best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician. His books collectively have sold over 28 million copies worldwide and have been made into Emmy Award-winning and critically-acclaimed television movies. Since 1985, Albom has served as a nationally-recognized sports journalist for the “Detroit Free Press” and has become one of the best-known media figures in the city’s history, working in newspapers, radio and television. He currently hosts a daily talk show on WJR radio and appears regularly on ESPN’s “Sports Reporters” and “SportsCenter”.

In addition to his journalism career, Albom has authored three highly successful best-selling books, titled “Tuesdays with Morrie”, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “For One More Day”, that have all been turned into television movies. His recently released fourth book titled “Have a Little Faith” has already garnered national acclaim. Albom also wrote the screenplay for both “For One More Day” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and is an established playwright, having authored numerous pieces for theatre, including the off-Broadway version of “Tuesdays with Morrie”.

He has also founded three charities in the metropolitan Detroit area. The Dream Fund, which was established in 1989, allows disadvantaged children to become involved with the arts. A Time To Help, founded in 1998, brings volunteers together once a month to tackle various projects in Detroit, including staff shelters, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and operating meals on wheels programs for the elderly. S.A.Y. Detroit, Albom’s most recent effort, is an umbrella program to fund shelters and care for the homeless in his city.

Copies of Albom’s book “Have a Little Faith” will be available for purchase during the event. He was also sign copies of his latest book in the College’s Library at the event’s conclusion. Tickets for the performance are $60 for premier seating, $40 for select seating and $20 for general seating. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Owens Community College Hosts Success Fest Week, April 27-30

Posted on April 26th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents, businesses and students interested in taking college classes or starting a new career this summer are invited to attend Success Fest Week at Owens Community College, April 27-30. Summer Semester classes begin May 24 and June 1.

For added convenience, the College’s Toledo-area Campus and Arrowhead Park Learning Center will be open extra hours for Success Fest Week from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, April 27-29. Additionally, students may register from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, April 30. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the Arrowhead Park Learning Center is on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee.

Additionally, the College will host Success Fest Week at the Learning Center at The Source, April 27-30. Owens’ Learning Center at The Source is located on Monroe Street in downtown Toledo. The Learning Center will be open extra hours for Success Fest Week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, April 27-29. Students may also register from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, April 30.

Individuals attending Success Fest Week will have the opportunity to learn about Owens’ many academic program offerings, receive academic advising, complete electronic financial aid, learn about deferred payment plans, and select their classes in a convenient and timely manner from the College’s staff representatives.

Owens offers personal attention and small classes throughout the day, evening and online. For more registration information or to obtain a schedule of courses for the summer term, call (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777, or access the College’s website at www.owens.edu.

Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club Hosts Annual Spring Plant Sale, April 28

Posted on April 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents seeking to add some new life and color to their gardens and yards this spring are encouraged to attend the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club’s annual Spring Plant Sale at Owens Community College on Wednesday, April 28.

The plant sale will be held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. next to the greenhouse, which is near the entrance to the Owens Math/Science Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The sale will feature a wide selection of shrubs and rare and unusual trees, among other items. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

According to Chris Foley, Owens Associate Professor of Science and Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club Advisor, the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club student organization is excited to once again offer individuals the rare opportunity to purchase select trees and shrubs at a very minimal cost for the upcoming spring planting season.

A majority of the shrubs will cost $15, while varieties of trees will cost between $18-50. All proceeds from the plant sale will help in supporting the organization’s participation in the annual PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) Student Career Days, which is a national horticultural and landscape competition involving over 50 colleges and universities across the country.

Shrubs on hand will include assorted hydrangeas and flowering shrubs, as well as the Dwarf Burning Bush, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Golden Pillar Barberry and Virginia Sweetspire, among many others. Several rare and unusual trees will also be available, including the Japanese Stripped-bark Maple, Chinese Dogwood, Redbud, Carolina Silverbell and White Oak. The Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club will also sell perennials, including select hostas and daylilies. In addition, an assortment of planters and hanging baskets with flowering annuals will be available this year. A complete listing of the available plants with their prices is available online at www.owens.edu/direct/plantsale10.pdf.

For more information about the Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club plant sale, call (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

Owens Environmental Club to Host Denim Collection Drive, April 22 – May 1

Posted on April 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Environmental Club is encouraging area residents to bring their used denim jeans, jackets and purses of any particular color to the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses in support of environmental awareness as the student group hosts its first-ever “Recycle Your Denim” Collection Drive, April 22 – May 1.

The denim collection drive initiative is part of a nationwide effort with the “Cotton. From Blue to Green.” environmental program. Founded in 2006, the denim program gives “new life” to used items by converting them to UltraTouch National Cotton Fiber Insulation. The insulation is then provided to communities in need to assist with building efforts. UltraTouch is composed of 85 percent recycled cotton fibers and is an environmentally safe, non-itch insulation without carcinogenic warnings, formaldehyde or chemical irritants.

Since the start of the “Cotton. From Blue to Green.” denim drive in 2006, the program has received a total of 270,617 pieces of denim and provided enough UltraTouch National Cotton Fiber Insulation for 540 houses in areas of the country affected by natural disasters, and more notably, preventing 200 tons of denim from being sent to landfills.

On Saturday (May 1), all denim materials will be presented to Jerusalem Elementary fourth grader Erek Hansen around 4 p.m. to assist in his personal goal of collecting over 6,000 items for the “Cotton. From Blue to Green.” program. Last year, the nine-year-old collected 1,684 denim items.

Owens has set up a variety of collection points around the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Area residents can drop off their denim items on the Toledo-area Campus at the Student Health and Activities Center, Health Technologies Hall, College Hall and the Audio/Visual Classroom Center. On the Findlay-area Campus, collection points are in the College’s Commons area.

For more information about the denim collection drive, or to donate, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

‘Green’ Community Organizations Celebrate Earth Day 2010 with Lucas County Court House Spring Beautification, April 22

Posted on April 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club, the Toledo Botanical Garden, The Ohio State University Extension-Lucas County master gardeners, Maumee Valley Growers and Earthworks representatives will spend a morning at the Lucas County Court House volunteering their time beautifying the grounds as the organizations join millions of individuals nationwide in celebration of Earth Day 2010 on Thursday, April 22.

Beginning at 9 a.m., volunteers will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty by participating in a variety of general spring clean-up projects as well as helping with the maintenance of landscape beds and plantings to include pruning, weeding and mulching. Representatives will conclude their volunteer beautification efforts around 12 p.m. that same day.

The group of volunteers plans to return to the Lucas County Court House in mid May to plant flowers and annuals as part of the beautification efforts.

Additionally, the volunteer service project is occurring in conjunction with the nationwide PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) Day of Service. The program is designed to unite PLANET members around the country for a day of giving back to their communities. PLANET is an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals and interior plantscapers. The organization provides its members with a good business foundation to help them evaluate, plan and better manage their companies.

The Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. The organization mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. The Earth Day Network has a global reach with more than 20,000 partners and organizations in 190 countries. More than one billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.

Owens Presents ‘Melodic Expressions’ Fifth Annual Spring Concert Series, April 23 – May 2

Posted on April 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents with a passion and an enjoyment of music are encouraged to join in celebrating the culmination of an academic year’s worth of Fine and Performing Arts education as Owens Community College presents its fifth annual “Melodic Expressions” Spring Concert Series, April 23 – May 2. The Spring Concert Series will showcase the accomplishments of Owens students and faculty in a number of performances ranging from vocal to instrumental.

“‘Melodic Expressions’ is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the tremendous accomplishments of our Owens Community College Fine and Performing Arts students,” said Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “The upcoming recitals and ensembles have been mastered through academic learning within the classroom this past year. Events such as ‘Melodic Expressions’ provide our students with a great venue to display such musical talents in a real world setting.”

All events will occur in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. The schedule of events is as follows:

Friday, April 23
Owens Dance Showcase
Owens students will showcase their dancing talents and choreography skills to accompanied music in various genres, including jazz, hip hop, ballet and modern dance, among others.
(8 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Sunday, April 25
Owens Spring Choir Concert – “The Requiem” and Owens String Ensemble
Owens student performers will showcase their vocal talents as they present Gabriel FaurÈ’s “The Requiem”, which is a traditional solemn Catholic liturgy. The Owens string ensemble class will follow the choir concert with an array of string instruments, including the violin, viola and cello. Various classical music favorites will be featured during the live performance.
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Tuesday, April 27
Piano Duet Performance by Owens Adjunct Faculty Members Lynda Dunn and Cheryl Magrum
Owens Adjunct Faculty members Lynda Dunn and Cheryl Magrum will provide attendees with an afternoon of musical entertainment as the two artists perform piano duets to one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello” and to Georges Bizet’s “Jeux d’enfants (Children’s Games)”.
(12:15 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda)

Owens Percussion Ensemble
Owens student performers within the College’s percussion ensemble class will showcase their creative percussion skills during a performance that will highlight an array of unique rhythmic sounds.
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Studio Theatre)

Wednesday, April 28
10th Annual Harp Performance by Owens Adjunct Faculty Member Denise Grupp-Verbon and Friends
Denise Grupp-Verbon, Owens Adjunct Faculty member, will feature a sundry of selections and styles as part of her annual harp performance. Several guest artists will also showcase their musical talents during the event.
(6 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre)

Thursday, April 29
Owens Faculty Trio Performance
Attendees will have the opportunity to be amazed by the musical talents of Owens’ Bryan Stanbridge (steel drum), Michael Mason (guitar) and Michael Sander (percussion) as the faculty trio performs an array of genres during the live event.
(12 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda)

Owens Jazz Express
Owens student performers will showcase their many talents through numerous crowd-pleasing musical favorites that highlight many diverse styles of jazz.
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda)

Sunday, May 2
Owens Concert Band
Attendees are in for an afternoon of masterful sounds courtesy of Owens’ concert band class. The concert will feature a wide range of musical selections to include patriotic music, Broadway show tunes and marches.
(2:30 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

All the performances are open to the public. For more information about the “Melodic Expressions” Spring Concert Series, contact the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens’ Findlay-area Campus Showcases Student Artwork, April 26 – May 7

Posted on April 19th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College students will have the opportunity to showcase their many artistic talents as the Findlay-area Campus hosts its annual Spring Student Art Exhibition in the Library Gallery, April 26 – May 7.

Additionally, the College will host a reception for the artists on Tuesday, April 27. The reception will occur from 5-7 p.m. in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is delighted to once again feature the finest works of art produced by our students during the Spring Semester,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The artistic expressions are extremely individualized and reflect the unique creative abilities and inspirations of each student artist.”

The Spring Student Art Exhibition features numerous pieces of artwork from paintings to drawings created by student artists enrolled in the College’s “Fundamentals of Drawing” course, which is instructed by Erika Clark, Owens Adjunct Faculty member for Fine and Performing Arts. In this course, students obtain experiential learning within various areas, including the study of object drawing, form organization, proportion and texture.

Students from the College’s “Black and White Photography I and II” courses instructed by Melissa Harding, Owens Adjunct Faculty member for Fine and Performing Arts, will also showcase their artistic work as part of the exhibit. The classes focus on photography both as a fine art and for commercial means. Students learn about the development of skills related to visual literacy, film exposure, making prints and preparing prints for exhibition, among many other areas.

Finally, student artists enrolled in the College’s “Foundations in 3D Design” course, instructed by Owens Adjunct Faculty member for Fine and Performing Arts Rhonda Grubbs, will present their artistic expressions within the Library Gallery. In this course, students develop the ability to analyze form and space relationships while being introduced to basic three-dimensional processes and materials, including cardboard and clay.

Students whose work will be displayed are Michael Hampshire of Findlay, Jon McCullough of Gilboa, DeAnna Kern of Owasso, Okla., Vicky Feehan of Fostoria, Alex Kloeppel of Findlay, John Bargiel of Bowling Green, Danny Gantchev of Findlay, Jill Stephens of McClure, Jose Degollado of Fostoria, Scott Heitmeyer of Carey, Erin Miller of Marysville, Trisha Orians of Upper Sandusky, Abigale Price of Arlington, Amanda Sawyer of Findlay, Stephanie Ache of Cygnet, Amanda Arend of Findlay, Katie Bernot of Findlay, Chandra Burkett of Findlay, Jennifer McCoy of Findlay, Mackensie Phillips of Findlay, Brittany Waldman of Findlay, Brandt Barton of Findlay, Carissa Bonham of Ottawa, Kyle Challen of Findlay, George Charlton of Forest, David Dishong of McComb, Tamala Dyar of Wayne, Katrina Feick of Fremont, Nicholas Fondessy of Fostoria, Morganne Gabriel of Fostoria, Magen Hughes of Findlay, Nicole Johnson of Cloverdale, Hillary Moore of Findlay, Corine Stewart of Findlay, Jamie Vogts of Jenera, Jessica Grine of Fostoria, Cynthia Hesson of Mount Blanchard, Ken Lehman of Portage, Heather Murphy of Findlay, Sherry Musgrave of Bloomdale, Alesha Richards of Bloomdale, Jessica Wiler of Findlay and Cole Worden of Findlay.

Gaudete Brass Quintet to Perform at Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, April 30

Posted on April 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Rich, multi-faceted songs and musical styles from differing historical periods will reverberate throughout the Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts as the academic institution welcomes back the Gaudete Brass Quintet in concert on Friday, April 30.

Presented by the College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the Gaudete Brass Quintet will perform in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 2 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Gaudete Brass Quintet, which made its first appearance at Owens in 2009, has quickly established itself as one of the finest brass chamber ensembles in the country today. Founded in 2004, the quintet is committed to sharing the great brass quintet literature with audiences nationwide. The group has served as Artists-in-Residence at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., and has been featured on a number of prominent concert series, including the Fourth Presbyterian Noon Center Series in Chicago, the Noon Concert Series at the University of Chicago, Fine Arts at First at the First Methodist Church in Kenosha, Wis., and Musical Mondays in Milwaukee.

Comprised of Ryan Berndt (trumpet), Jean McCullough (horn), Paul Von Hoff (trombone), Scott Tegge (tuba) and Bill Baxtresser (trumpet), the quintet has also performed on live radio broadcasts on the “Live in Studio C” program on Nashville Public Radio, the 21st Century Classical program on WSME in Milwaukee and Kenosha Public Radio. The group is committed to expanding the brass quintet repertoire, commissioning works by James Woodward (premiered in 2008) and John Cheetham. In 2007, the group celebrated the centenary of Alec Wilder with the playing of his Suite No. 1 for Brass Quintet.

Their accomplishments include performances in the semi-finals of the 2007 and 2008 Plowman Chamber Music Competition and the semi-finals of the 2007 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Sought after as teachers as well as performers, the group has presented clinics at several colleges and universities, including Vanderbilt University, Western Illinois University, the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama and the University of Notre Dame, among others. In 2006, the Gaudete Brass Quintet released its first CD, “Brass Outings”, featuring Andre Previn’s Four Outings for Brass.

For more information about this event, call (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Learning Center at The Source Announces Free Career Planning Workshop, April 26

Posted on April 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore career options and gain advice on making the first steps toward a new career as the Owens Community College Learning Center at The Source presents a free “Discovering Career Choices” Career Exploration Workshop on Monday, April 26.

Presented by Owens’ Career Services Office, the one-hour seminar will occur from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Room 105 at the College’s Learning Center at The Source on Monroe Street in downtown Toledo. The workshop is free and open to the public, however, registration is required due to space limitations.

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to explore various career paths by participating in a personal interest inventory program. This inventory will match identified interests with occupations and what possible educational majors they could pursue at an academic institution. Additionally, attendees will receive career-specific literature and website information from Career Services representatives to further research potential occupations.

For more information, or to register, contact the College’s Career Services Office at (567) 661-7501 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7501.

Owens Community College Announces Presidential Finalists Open Forums, April 26-28

Posted on April 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will welcome the three presidential finalists to the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses as the academic institution announces open forums for the candidates to meet employees, students and members of the community, April 26-28.

The open forums will take place each day (April 26-28) from 9-10 a.m. in the College’s Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus and from 1-2 p.m. in Owens’ Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. The Findlay-area Campus is located Bright Road in Findlay, while the Toledo-area Campus is on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The forums are open to the public.

The three presidential finalists will visit Northwest Ohio on the following days: Dr. James Richardson, President of Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Wash. on Monday, April 26, Dr. Danette Toone, Vice President of Academic and Community Initiatives of Temple College in Temple, Texas on Tuesday, April 27, and Dr. Para Jones, President of Spartanburg Community College in Spartanburg, S.C. on Wednesday, April 28.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome the three presidential finalists to Owens Community College and the Northwest Ohio region and encourage campus employees and students as well as area residents to attend the upcoming forums,” said John C. Moore, Owens Presidential Search Committee Chair and Board of Trustees member. “I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Presidential Search Committee for devoting their time and providing their diverse views and perspectives to the presidential search process.”

Moore added, “Owens Community College is committed to meeting the needs of the surrounding communities by providing a superior educational experience through excellence, innovation and collaboration. The Board of Trustees looks forward to the next phase of the search process with the ultimate goal of having a new Owens President in place by the start of the 2010 Fall Semester.”

Earlier this year, the Board of Trustees announced that a national search for the new President of Owens Community College was underway to succeed Dr. Christa Adams, who retired in January, after having served as President of Owens since July 2001. Dr. Larry McDougle has served as the College’s Interim President since the beginning of January. The presidential search process is being led by Owens Board of Trustees member John C. Moore, who is serving as Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.

The Board of Trustees has enlisted the services of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to assist in conducting the presidential search. Founded in 1972, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a nonprofit educational organization of Board of Trustees of community, technical and junior colleges. ACCT’s purpose is to strengthen the capacity of community, technical and junior colleges to realize their missions through effective Board of Trustee leadership, education and advocacy at local, state and national levels.

ACCT has a long and distinguished history of working with governing boards and providing executive search assistance to more than 300 community colleges. Based in Washington, D.C., ACCT is recognized nationally for its unique ability to provide comprehensive search assistance, recruitment on a diverse and quality pool of candidates, suggestions on process, and preparation of search materials and guidance to the Board of Trustees.

Owens Arrowhead Park Learning Center to Host Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, April 21

Posted on April 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Workforce and Community Services will celebrate Administrative Professionals Day by honoring area administrative professionals with a special luncheon featuring WTOL TV News Anchor Chrys Peterson and Filmmaker Tom Hofbauer as the special guest speakers on Wednesday, April 21. The presentations will focus on “Transforming Yourself Personally and Professionally” during the luncheon event.

The Administrative Professionals Day luncheon will occur from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. Area administrative professionals and community members are encouraged to attend the event.

Peterson has served as a News Anchor at WTOL TV for over 16 years. She is active in several breast cancer awareness projects, which includes serving as Honorary Chairperson for the Northwest Ohio/Komen Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer. Also, Peterson has worked to produce a weekly television segment called “Home For Keeps” on adoption, which has helped to find adoptive families for hundreds of foster children in Lucas County and has raised awareness about the need for adoptive and foster parents.

In addition, Peterson has won numerous awards for her work in the community, including an Emmy Award for community service for her breast cancer awareness campaign, the Toledo Area Jaycees’ “20 Under 40” Award, the “Milestones” Award and “Women of Toledo” Award, among others.

Hofbauer has been working in the entertainment world for more than two decades. He started out as a comedian and spent portions of the next eight years traveling around the eastern half of the United States. His professional writing career includes completing several feature film screenplays, a pilot and episodes for a sit-com.

His film “In the Company of Strangers” garnered several honors to include Best Dramatic Feature Film at the Telluride IndieFest in 2002 and the Key West IndieFest in 2003. It was also honored with the Best Director – Gold Medal for Excellence at the Park City Film Music Festival in 2005 and a Best Dramatic Feature Film award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. In 2004, Hofbauer oversaw camera operator duties and location production for the Oscar-nominated documentary “Twist of Faith”.

The cost of the luncheon is $20 and reservations are required. For more information, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Student Group Raises Environmental Awareness During Fourth Annual Environmental Fair, April 22

Posted on April 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will bring environmental awareness to the forefront as the Owens Environmental Club hosts its fourth annual Environmental Fair on Thursday, April 22. The public is encouraged to join the campus community in celebrating the importance of the environment through daylong activities.

More than a dozen environmental organizations are scheduled to participate in the fair, which will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Environmental Fair participants include the Ohio EPA Northwest District Office, Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation, Ohio EPA Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management, Metroparks of the Toledo Area, Wood County Park District, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Nature’s Nursery, Share-A-Ride, Toledo Botanical Garden, Bowling Green State University Environmental Service Club and Energy Systems Group, among others. In addition, several campus groups and organizations, including the Owens Environmental Club and the College’s Geography Department, will host informational tables. Individuals will also be on hand to discuss Owens’ campuswide energy conservation program.

Various alternative energy vehicles will also be on display as part of the Environmental Fair, including Guinness World Records “Smallest Car” the Peel P50 automobile, a Trimuter electric automobile, a HMV Freeway automobile, a GEM automobile and a commuter automobile, as well as several hybrid and electric vehicles. A Rider Ericsson hot air engine and other Stirling and steam engines will be showcased during the event.

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to view the film “Food, Inc.” The free 93-minute film, which will air continuously in the Student Health and Activities Center, will provide insight into the nation’s food industry.

The College’s Environmental Club is also encouraging area residents to bring their worn-out athletic shoes and denim jeans and jackets to the Environmental Fair as the College hosts two separate collection drives.

For additional information about Owens’ Environmental Fair activities, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Students and Nike Promote Environmental Awareness through ‘Reuse-A-Shoe’ Sneaker Collection Drive, April 15-22

Posted on April 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College and Nike are encouraging area residents to bring their worn-out athletic shoes, previously destined for overcrowded landfills, to the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses in support of environmental awareness as the Environmental Club hosts the third annual “Reuse-A-Shoe” Sneaker Collection Drive, April 15-22.

The sneaker collection drive initiative is once again part of a collaborative effort with Nike’s worldwide “Reuse-A-Shoe” environmental program, where worn-out athletic shoes of any brand are collected, processed and recycled into material used in sport surfaces such as basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, running tracks and playgrounds. Since its founding, Nike’s “Reuse-A-Shoe” program has recycled over 25 million pairs of athletic shoes and created more than 300 sport surfaces around the globe.

Since establishing the community outreach program two years ago, over 2,100 worn-out athletic shoes have been given new life through ‘Reuse-A-Shoe” at Owens.

All worn-out athletic shoes will be shipped to the Nike Recycling Center in Wilsonville, Ore., where they will be ground up and separated into one of three Nike Grind materials, which include rubber from the outsole, foam from the midsole and fabric from the upper. The Nike Grind is then incorporated into playground and sport surfaces as part of partnerships with industry-leading surfacing companies.

Owens has set up a variety of collection points around the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Area residents can drop off their worn-out athletic shoes on the Toledo-area Campus at the Student Health and Activities Center and the Audio/Visual Classroom Center. On the Findlay-area Campus, collection points are in the College’s Commons area.

Worn-out athletic shoes of any brand are being accepted as part of the Owens “Reuse-A-Shoe” Sneaker Collection Drive. Nike does not accept sneakers containing metal or cleats, or dress shoes.

For more information about the shoe collection drive, or to donate, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete to Sign National Letter of Intent with Tennessee Tech, April 14

Posted on April 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball student-athlete Brittany Darling of Curtice will sign a national letter of intent to continue her collegiate career at Tennessee Tech University on Wednesday, April 14. The official signing ceremony will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center at 3:30 p.m.

During her career at Owens, Darling (small business management) averaged 10.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 block shots per game for the Express. This past year, the sophomore center earned First Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and was named the team’s co-MVP. Additionally, Darling, a 2008 graduate of Genoa High School, holds the school records for most rebounds in a single game (21) and blocks in a season (127).

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express women’s basketball team finished the 2009-10 campaign with a 27-6 overall record and an 11-3 mark (second place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships. The Express was ranked No. 6 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles finished their 2009-10 season with a 14-16 overall record.

Owens Community College Celebrates Community College Month

Posted on April 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will celebrate its role in providing higher education to the surrounding Northwest Ohio region with a series of events and activities during Community College Month, which is held nationally in April.

“Owens Community College plays a prominent role in providing area residents with innovative learning and training opportunities to give them a competitive edge in today’s global economy,” said Dr. Larry McDougle, Interim President of Owens Community College. “As community colleges across the country celebrate April as Community College Month, I encourage those individuals who have attained a college education to share their story about what an educational experience has meant to their life with someone who may have never considered higher education as an option. Together, we can positively impact the lives of others through lifelong learning. To Owens graduates, I encourage you to send your story to me.”

Community College Month activities commence the week of April 12 when students and employees will be invited to paint murals on designated days from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Arrowhead Park Leaning Center (April 14), the Findlay-area Campus (April 15), the Learning Center at The Source (April 19) and on the Toledo-area Campus (April 20). The topic of each mural will be location-specific. For example, the Toledo-area Campus mural will feature one of the two bridges that crosses Oregon Road, connecting the east and west sides of campus. The murals will be unveiled at Spring Fling, which takes place April 27 on the Findlay-area Campus and April 29 on the Toledo-area Campus. After this, the murals will be displayed on each campus and learning center.

The celebration will continue with a variety weekly events, including a bookstore sale as well as the presentation of free “red” candy and carnations in honor of Community College Month. Free carnations will be available for students and employees to pick up and give to another student or employee to show their appreciation to those who have significantly impacted their lives.

Ongoing activities will include a loose change collection to benefit Owens scholarships and an ‘I Love Owens Because Ö’ contest in which students and employees are encouraged to share what they love about Owens via e-mail, photo or video to be considered for a various prize opportunities.

Community College Month festivities will conclude April 30 with campus clean-up events, supported by the College’s Environmental Club.

Community College Month is celebrated around the country in April to commemorate the contributions community colleges make in educating and training students for the future. Community colleges provide enhanced educational opportunities, create greater access to higher education and strengthen economic development initiatives in the communities they support.

There are more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States, with a combined enrollment of more than 11 million students. The average age of a community college student nationwide is 29. More than 612,000 associate degrees are awarded annually. Owens’ Community College Month activities are a collaboration between several College departments. For additional information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Faculty Member Named to Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society Leadership Position

Posted on April 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. James R. Perry of Perrysburg has been chosen by the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society to serve as Deputy National Executive Director for the Ohio/Midwest Region.

Perry’s responsibilities, along with that of fellow Board of Deputies members, is to provide leadership and guidance to the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society and its chapters with the overall goal being the continued advancement of the organization at the highest level of academic excellence.

“We are pleased that Dr. Perry will be bringing his enthusiasm for Chi Alpha Epsilon to the two-year institutions,” said Dr. Elbert Saddler, Founder and National Executive Director of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. “The society extends its gratitude and looks forward to his contributions of energy, wisdom and insight in enabling Chi Alpha Epsilon to recognize deserving students and equipping them to serve as leaders at their institutions and for the nation.”

Perry began his career at Owens as a faculty member in 1996. Since then, he has held several positions, which includes serving as Assistant Chair and Chair of the Math, Life and Natural Sciences from 2000-08. Perry currently serves as Assistant Professor of Mathematics where he is responsible for teaching academic courses in statistics, developmental mathematics and accounting.

He has served on a number of committees and organizations at Owens, including Planning Council, the North Central Association Focus Group and the Chair Load Task Force. He currently serves as Chair of the Academic Standards Committee and the Mathematics Department Operations and Technology Committee. Additionally, Perry, an Owens Leadership Academy graduate, is a Co-Advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and one of several Advisors for Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society.

His community and professional involvement includes serving as past President of the Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges, a Principle Investigator for the National Science Foundation Grant for Computational Sciences and a Higher Learning Commission AQIP Peer Reviewer.

Perry earned his doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo. Additionally, he holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in educational administration and accounting, respectively, from Indiana State University.

Rotary Club of Perrysburg Adds $20,000 to Endowed Scholarship Program at Owens

Posted on April 7th, 2010

Rotary Club of Perrysburg President Ken Robinson (L to R), Owens Executive Director of College Development and Foundation President Ann Savage, Rotary Club of Perrysburg STRIVE Chair Walter Celley, Penta Career Center Superintendent Ron Matter and Penta Career Center Assistant Superintendent Randy Richardson pose for photo following the donation presentation.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Rotary Club of Perrysburg and its Foundation continues to invest in the future of higher education within Northwest Ohio by presenting the Owens Community College Foundation with a $20,000 donation to provide Penta Career Center graduates the opportunity to pursue their academic and career aspirations. The $20,000 donation will be used to grow the recently-established scholarship program to $40,000 of endowed funds.

“Owens Community College appreciates the Rotary Club of Perrysburg’s continued support and commitment to helping future Penta Career Center graduates in their pursuit of a college education,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and Foundation President. “A college education can open doors to endless possibilities and Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Perrysburg to make such academic opportunities for area residents a reality.”

In November 2009, Owens and the Rotary of Club Perrysburg announced the establishment of the new endowed scholarship program with an initial $20,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Perrysburg’s Foundation to fund the endowment.

The new scholarship will be awarded to a Penta Career Center high school graduate who has completed at least a two-year program at the school. Selection criteria for the new scholarship program will also include that the recipient attend Perrysburg, Lake or Rossford high school and achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Additionally, the recipient must be able to demonstrate significant participation in community service activities during high school and financial need. Recipients, who will be selected through a process of screenings and interviews, will be assigned a Rotary mentor and must remain in contact during the term of the scholarship.

Scholarships will not have a stated amount, but are intended to provide a fully paid college education through the attainment of an associate’s degree from Owens. The Rotary Club of Perrysburg’s overall goal is to grow the scholarship program into a $100,000 endowment.

The new endowed scholarship initiative is a continuation of a longstanding partnership among the Rotary Club of Perrysburg, Penta Career Center and Owens which was forged in 2001 with the establishment of the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) Program. The overall mission of the STRIVE Program, which is a program of Rotary International and may be adopted by a local Rotary Club, is to provide educational assistance and encouragement to high school students with the goal of improving their grades, attitudes and attendance during their senior year.

Now in its ninth year of existence, the STRIVE partnership between the Rotary Club of Perrysburg and Penta Career Center has resulted in 172 students graduating from the program. Overall, the Rotary Club of Perrysburg has provided nearly $50,000 of funding for the local STRIVE initiative. Since 2003, the Owens Community College Foundation has provided matching scholarship funds in the amount of $2,500 per year for STRIVE students to attend Owens. The collaboration among the Rotary Club of Perrysburg, Penta Career Center and Owens has grown into the Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation Scholarship Endowment Fund. STRIVE graduates from any Penta Career Center member school district are eligible for the Rotary Scholarship.

The Owens Community College Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.2 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 25 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

The Rotary Club of Perrysburg has more than 120 business, professional and community leaders, primarily from the Perrysburg area, as its membership. The current Club President is Ken Robinson and the Foundation Chair is John Welch. The Club was chartered in 1979. The Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation was formed in 1985 and has funded over $600,000 for charitable projects in the Perrysburg community and internationally.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Spring 2010 Job Fair, April 15

Posted on April 6th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents and students are invited to learn about and explore various employment opportunities available throughout the region as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus hosts Spring 2010 Job Fair on Thursday, April 15.

Sponsored by Owens’ Career Services Office, the Spring 2010 Job Fair will run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the College’s Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Throughout the event, individuals can meet with local business and industry representatives and ask them questions about their professions or how to go about choosing a career path. In addition, attendees will be able to fill out applications for various employment opportunities.

Owens students and area residents attending the event are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume and to dress professionally in preparation for any impromptu interviews.

Area employers in attendance will include Western and Southern Financial Group, Med1Care, The Findlay Publishing Company, TRAINCO Inc. Truck Driving Schools, P.T. Services Rehabilitation Inc., Wood Lane – Wood County Board of DD, MJ Recruiters LLC, Community Hospice Care, Mercy Tiffin Hospital, Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, Job1USA, Smart Sites Imaging and the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, among others.

In addition, Owens will have information available for those individuals interested in pursuing a college education.

For more information, contact the College’s Career Services Office at (567) 661-7501 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7501.

Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery Presents Juried Student Art Exhibition, April 10 – May 1

Posted on April 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students will have the unique opportunity to showcase their artistic talents as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts hosts the Seventh Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, April 10 – May 1.

In addition, the College will host a free opening reception and award ceremony for the exhibit on Saturday, April 10 from 4-6 p.m. in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. Also, Owens alumna Rachel Ackerman will be showcasing illustrations from her first illustrated book “The Bubble Gum Fairy” in conjunction with the opening of the exhibit. Both Ackerman and author Diane Terry will be on hand to sign copies of their children’s book. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to once again feature the finest works of art produced by our students,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The artistic expressions are extremely individualized and reflect the unique creative ability of each student artist, which will certainly delight exhibit attendees.”

Owens students displaying artwork include Timothy Artessia of Woodville, Ashlee Beach of Fostoria, Jason Cripps of Toledo, Jessica Gallon of Toledo, Taylor Hitch of Oregon, Jerry Isomb of Toledo, Justin Laureano of Bowling Green, Julie Martin of Waterville, Kenneth Perry of Toledo, Aleona Pollauf of Toledo, Kathy Punches of Bowling Green, Joanne Rawson of Toledo, Emily Siravo of Toledo, James Smolenski of Toledo, Keiara Wilcox of Toledo, Samantha Wood of Toledo, John Blake of Upper Sandusky, Cynthia Butler of Toledo, Brandon Freeman of Toledo, Debra Helwig of Delta, Amanda Hertzfeld of Waterville, Alexandra Hill of Pemberville, Matt Johnson of Toledo, Amanda Kerwin of Napoleon, Johnathon Lightle of Swanton, Zachariah Lyons of Toledo, Nick Orlowski of Toledo, Michael Osborne of Toledo, Michael Pettengill of Oregon, David Short of Oregon, Joshua Smith of Toledo, Andrew Stewart of Maumee, Lydia Watson of Oak Harbor, Tabitha Adams of Bowling Green, George Asay of Toledo, Matt Bowley of Jerry City, Aaron Brossia of Rossford, Lois Anne Bowlus of Pemberville, Jessica Checkal of Toledo, Jasmine Cupp of Oak Harbor, Katherine Cedoz of Northwood, Sandy Hagerman of Toledo, Susan Haugh of Findlay, Jamie Lynn Haks of Liberty Center, Shailyn Hill of Pemberville, Linda Lacourse of Toledo, Jennifer Mixon of Grand Rapids, Christie Materi of Oregon, Darcy Lynn Pylant of Walbridge, Amy Radecki of Toledo, Katrina Roberts of Toledo, Katy Reichert of Bowling Green, Laura Traxler of Toledo and Kathie VanNess of Bowling Green.

Owens’ Juried Student Art Exhibition features 93 pieces of artwork in the categories of fine art, which includes sculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing, photography and commercial art. Fifty-five students enrolled within Fine and Performing Arts courses at Owens have had their artwork accepted for the show. Students presenting art for the Juried Student Art Exhibition are allowed to enter a total of four pieces in each of the three categories. Area artists and professionals served as the jury for the exhibit.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays. For additional information about the College’s exhibition season, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721 or (567) 661-2721.

Owens Announces Motorcycle Safety Training Program for Upcoming Spring, Summer and Fall Months

Posted on April 6th, 2010

The College’s Motorcycle Safety Training program is the only basic motorcycle-rider course offered in Wood County and is one of only 20 permanent training locations in Ohio. Owens’ motorcycle safety training is a three-day course, which occurs on Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. Initial classes will take place Thursday-Sunday, April 15-18.

The Motorcycle Safety Training program requires 16 hours of coursework. Four hours will occur within a classroom at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. Classroom topics will include introduction to motorcycling, preparing to ride and street strategies. The final 12 hours will be held as part of practice riding sessions at Owens’ 250 feet by 500 feet defensive driving pad adjacent to the Fire Science and Law Enforcement Center in Perrysburg Township. The practice riding sessions will feature educational training within the areas of motorcycle familiarization, limited-space maneuvers, using the friction zone, negotiating curves, obstacles and lane changes, avoiding hazards and matching gears to speed, among other topics.

In its first three years at Owens, the Motorcycle Safety Training program trained over 1,200 individuals during the spring, summer and fall months.

The cost to participate in the program is only $25, while individuals under 18 years of age can enroll for free. Space is limited to 12 riders per class. For additional information about the program, contact the College’s Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357. Individuals can register online at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov by clicking on the Wood County icon.

Jazz Flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq to Perform Free Concert and Clinic at Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, April 14

Posted on April 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Jazz recording artist Galen Abdur-Razzaq will bring his masterful talents to Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts as the academic institution welcomes the internationally-regarded flutist in concert on Wednesday, April 14.

Presented by the College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts and the Office of Student Activities, Abdur-Razzaq’s performance will take place in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda at 12 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The performance is free and open to the public.

In addition to the performance on Wednesday, Abdur-Razzaq will be sharing insightful details about his musical background as part of a free workshop at 9:45 a.m. in the Studio Theatre Room 111 for interested individuals. The public is welcome to attend.

An internationally-recognized jazz flutist, Abdur-Razzaq has performed and presented clinics at various venues, including college and university campuses, worldwide for over 30 years. He is a former student at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. An arranger, composer, music director and writer, Abdur-Razzaq has performed with such renowned artists as Billy Taylor, Sonny Phillips, Gwen Guthrie, Eddie Gladden and Clifford Adams, among many others. Abdur-Razzaq is also a regular speaker on jazz and its historical significance.

For more information about the concert or workshop, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Arrowhead Park Learning Center Announces Free Career Planning Workshop, April 20

Posted on April 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore career options and gain advice on making the first steps toward a new career as the Owens Community College Arrowhead Park Learning Center presents a free “Discovering Career Choices” Career Exploration Workshop on Tuesday, April 20.

Presented by Owens’ Career Services Office, the one-hour seminar will occur from 4-5 p.m. in Room 144 at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. The workshop is free and open to the public, however, registration is required due to space limitations.

For more information, or to register, contact the College’s Career Services Office at (567) 661-7501 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7501.

Owens Foundation ‘UnCommon Evening’ Raises Over $50,000 for Success Program Scholarships

Posted on March 31st, 2010

Over 230 individuals recently enjoyed “An UnCommon Evening” of dinner and entertainment in support of the Owens Success Scholarship Program.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – More than 230 area residents recently enjoyed “An UnCommon Evening” of dinner and entertainment in support of the Success Scholarship Program as Owens Community College’s Foundation held its fundraising gala at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons. The event’s success resulted in the Owens Foundation raising over $50,000 in support of scholarships for future Owens Success Program students.

“The Owens Community College Foundation’s ‘An UnCommon Evening’ was a huge success and would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of Northwest Ohio’s companies, as well as area residents,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and Foundation President. “Their generous contributions will go along way in expanding the Success Scholarship Program to additional schools and assisting even more students with financial need achieve their educational and career aspirations.”

All “An UnCommon Evening” proceeds will benefit Owens scholarships through the Success Program. In February 2008, Owens and the College’s Foundation announced the first stage of its Success Scholarship Program designed to make college affordable for high school graduates with financial need. Piloted at Woodward and Findlay high schools, the scholarship bridges the gap between a student’s financial grant aid and the cost of tuition and fees at Owens. For the 2009-10 academic year, the Success Program has been expanded to include the entire Toledo Public School District as well as Whitmer High School.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.2 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 25 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

Owens Interim President Dr. Larry McDougle provided welcoming remarks to “An UnCommon Evening” attendees.	Attendees were welcomed to the scholarship gala with entertainment by TAPESTRY, which featured Owens Fine and Performing Arts Adjunct Faculty member Denise Grupp-Verbon on folk harp and Michael Grupp-Verbon on acoustic guitar.
Owens Fine and Performing Arts Instructor Jeremy Meier (right) served as the evening’s master of ceremonies with Owens students Megan Wasserman and Anthony Hunter providing “uncommon” comic relief as assistant emcees.	The Owens Jazz Express provided musical entertainment as well as the Owens Dance Company, the Owens Guitar Ensemble and The Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps.