News Releases

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More Than 500 Owens Students Named to Dean’s List in Fall 2024

Posted on January 17th, 2025

Owens Community College is proud to announce that 529 students from its Toledo-area and Findlay-area Campuses were named to the Dean’s List for their work in the Fall 2024 semester. An additional 2,697 students earned Dean’s Recognition honors.

Each semester, the Dean’s List and Dean’s Recognition gives recognition to those students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

A student completing 12 or more college credit hours in a given semester may be eligible for the Dean’s List by earning a semester grad point average of 3.50 or above with no grade lower than a C.

A student completing 6.00-11.99 college credit hours in a given semester may be eligible for Dean’s Recognition by earning a semester grade point average of 3.50 or above with no grade lower than a C.

The breakdown by academic school is as follows:

• School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety: 120 Dean’s List, 168 Dean’s Recognition
• School of Liberal Arts: 130 Dean’s List, 1,016 Dean’s Recognition
• School of Nursing and Health Professions: 108 Dean’s List, 386 Dean’s Recognition
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: 171 Dean’s List, 1,127 Dean’s Recognition

Owens Findlay-area Campus had 42 students earn Dean’s List honors and an additional 464 students earn Dean’s Recognition honors.

A complete list of students who earned Dean’s List and Dean’s Recognition honors can be found by visiting owens.edu/academics/deans-list.

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Owens Graduates 349 Students, Including 120 Nurses

Posted on December 3rd, 2024

Owens Community College will graduate 349 students, including 120 nurses, at its 44^th Fall Commencement Friday, December 6 at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

This is the final registered nursing class to complete its studies in Heritage Hall. The nursing program will join the School of Nursing and Health Professions’ allied health programs in relocating to the $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center for classes in January.

The nursing graduation and pinning ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Colton Johnson of Toledo, Registered Nursing Program major, received two outstanding graduate awards, earning the Peggy Bensman Award and Barbara Rood Student Choice Nursing Award. The Bensman Award, named after the nursing program’s founder, is the highest honor for a nursing graduate.

Ariel Campbell of Toledo, Whitney Heminger of Bettsville and Jessica Lightle of Waterville also received Barbara Rood Student Choice Nursing Awards as Registered Nursing majors.

Heminger attended class on the Findlay-area Campus. The graduating class incudes 58 students from the Findlay-area Campus.

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will hold the first graduation ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by a joint ceremony for the schools of Liberal Arts and Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety at 12 p.m.

In Liberal Arts, Geography Transfer Pathway major Elizabeth White of Perrysburg received the Gerald Bazer Award for Outstanding Arts and Science Graduate. The Bazer Award is named after the original dean for arts and sciences programming. Sophie Kepling of Bowling Green was named Education Transfer Concentration Outstanding Graduate Award recipient and Kelly Rowen of Walbridge was named Social Work Transfer Pathway Outstanding Graduate Award recipient.

In the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety, Brittany LeGare of Curtice was named Business Technologies Outstanding Graduate Award recipient. She is a Paralegal Transfer Concentration major.

A total of 101 students will graduate with honors, earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher.

Owens now has awarded more than 45,000 associate degrees, with this class bringing the total to 45,187.

Admission to the Commencement ceremonies is by ticket only. All ceremonies also will be livestreamed. Visit www.owens.edu/commencement to watch online.

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Owens Works With Wood County Agency to Identify Returning Students for CREW Program

Posted on November 6th, 2024

Owens Community College is working with the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) to assist individuals who have either never gone to college or left before receiving a degree because of certain societal barriers.

The Wood County CREW program (Career Ready and Engaged with Wood County) provides individuals ages 16-24 with resources they need to reach their career goals, including job training and education.

Individuals must be a Wood County resident and meet at least one of the following criteria: not attending or enrolled in school; have a documented disability; been in foster care, either past or present; experiencing homelessness; pregnant or parenting; have a criminal history; low-income household; or other barriers.

According to Shannon Fisher, Employment, Support Services and CREW Wood County supervisor, the program is part of the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program, a statewide program in each county.

“The program is to assist … youth with employment and education goals,” she said. “We’re hoping to get a referral system going with Owens so we can assist prospective students or students who might be returning after a break from school.”

The program can assist with tuition for up to two years for an in-demand career as determined by the state. The CREW program can also help with career exploration, books and supplies, and on-going case management. Participants get monthly check-ins with the CREW program as well as goal setting.

Participants may also receive help finding and applying for public assistance programs.

“We have in-school youth, typically high school students that are easier to find, but we need to find more out-of-school youth who have dropped out of high school or graduates who haven’t moved into education or employment post-high school,” Fisher said. “It’s hard to find that population.”

While the CREW program is only for students who have yet to enroll, Fisher said there are other programs through Wood County JFS to assist students currently enrolled or attending classes.

The Owens Re-Engagement Office helps individuals considering a return to school by providing personalized support and discovering various scholarship and financial aid resources, among other services.

Michael Sander, Owens dean of Liberal Arts, has worked with Wood County JFS to form a referral partnership. He pointed out a variety of barriers students experience that can prevent them from obtaining a degree or certificate, all of which can be overcome with the help of the CREW program.

“For many students, not continuing their college education is related to personal barriers such as tuition assistance, childcare, housing, or transportation. The Wood County CREW program helps student who could not continue on their higher educational path by receiving the resources and support needed to return to school and attain a credential,” Sander said.

For more information on the Wood County CREW program, visit this link.

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Owens, Wood County Agency Begin Unparalleled Apprenticeship Program

Posted on October 30th, 2024

A new partnership between Owens Community College and Wood County Job and Families Services (JFS) is offering students an opportunity to gain work experience and professional experiences before they start their human services careers.

The Peer Specialist Apprenticeship is a 2,000-hour paid program that allows students to pursue their degrees while gaining hands-on experience in the field. This apprenticeship program for human services is the first of its kind in Ohio.

The apprenticeship can be a springboard to careers in the human services industry, including Child and Adult Protective Services, Workforce Development, Child Support, Income Maintenance and Fiscal Operations.

“The Peer Specialist Apprenticeship is the perfect experiential learning environment for any student looking to enter the human services sector. Wood County Jobs and Family Services has developed a great opportunity where Owens students can gain valuable work experience and professional connections that will follow them their entire career,” said Michael Sander, Owens dean for the School of Liberal Arts.

The program has already received strong support from state-level government officials, according to Peter Prichard, senior workforce consultant with Wood County JFS.

“The world is changing quite a bit, and we’re finding out that how people learn is quite different than it was,” Prichard said. “Simply with how information is coming to our people outside of school on the internet, there’s always an opportunity for learning. We have to direct that learning.

“An apprenticeship helps people focus on a specific area while they’re getting some of that formalized education. It’s definitely a non-traditional approach, but it requires some traditional instruction to go along with it.”

During the course of the apprenticeship, students will fulfill their curriculum and obtain their associate degrees while being eligible to transition into a Child Protective Services Fellowship program.

According to Michael Fuller, Wood County JFS assistant director, there has been an industry-wide struggle to find social workers after the Covid pandemic. Allowing students to gain valuable experience while opening up other sectors under the human services broad umbrella will hopefully help fill those gaps, he said.

“This position would get the knowledge within our agency, but there are entities outside of just our agency that they could apply for jobs to with an associate degree in mental health, hospitals, even other social service agencies,” Fuller said.

“It’s a way for students to come in, you feel them out, they feel you out and see if this is where they want to go. It’s a benefit on both sides.”

Fuller said they’ve recently received their first application for the apprenticeship program.

The Peer Specialist Apprenticeship is currently available to eligible Owens Community College students. Owens Community College is the Ohio University System collaborative partner for related instruction for this Apprenticeship Program.

To apply for the program, please visit this link.

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Owens Programs Receive Prestigious General Motors ASE Reaccreditation

Posted on October 17th, 2024

Owens Community College’s Medium/Heavy Truck Technician program and Automobile Technician program received ASE Program Accreditation through 2029.

Part of the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program at Owens, these two-year associate degree programs are designed to upgrade the technical competence and professionalism of graduates who become General Motors Service Technicians. The programs are part of the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program at Owens.

Owens and General Motors collaborated on the programs’ curriculum design. While completing these degrees, students rotate class time and internship at a sponsoring dealership or service center.

“This gives us legitimacy with the industry,” Owens automotive/GM ASEP instructor Christopher Kinkade said. “It tells the industry that we’re meeting the standards they need, so when we get students in here, they’re going to be up to their standards. There’s no way we could have the GM involvement unless we have this.”

The ASE accreditation puts Owens are the forefront of educating and training the next generation of skilled employees. According to Kinkade, other colleges will work on cars dating back from the 1990s. Because of the ASE accreditation and relationship with GM, Owens students work and train on the latest models with the newest technology, such as a recently donated Cadillac XT5.

“This keeps our technology at a state-of-the-art level so we can make sure these students are going to have the same standards and same education and go and take the next step in their professional journey,” Kinkade said.

The ASE accreditation process started in the beginning of May and lasted through the summer. The Owens program had to justify and prove its methods were in line with GM ASE standards. There was also an online auditing process before they reviewed the Owens program, including on-site visits.

Kinkade called it a “super intense process” that took countless hours and effort from multiple people in the Transportation Technology department and throughout the Owens campus.

For more information on the GM Automotive Service Educational Program at Owens, visit owens.edu/gmasep.

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WorkAdvance Graduation Celebrates Success in Hancock County

Posted on October 15th, 2024

The WorkAdvance job training program in Hancock County recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a graduation celebration for its most recent cohort graduates.

The program is supported by Owens Community College, Raise the Bar Hancock County, Findlay/Hancock County Habitat for Humanity Financial Opportunity Center and The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. It’s hosted on the Owens Findlay-area Campus.

WorkAdvance boosts the skills of entry-level applicants and individuals in populations that have been under-represented in the manufacturing sector. Of the 185 applicants to the program, most receive some sort of public assistance, such as SNAP Food Benefits or Medicaid, while more than half have been impacted by the justice system.

“It’s a lifetime of change,” Raise the Bar executive director Tricia Valasek said. “It’s not just about getting the job. It’s about, How do I interact with others and be the best version of myself, that’s what we’re teaching in this program.”

Participants go through two weeks of training that includes 30 hours of employability training from the Financial Opportunity Center, 20 hours of a math refresher from Owens, and 30 hours of foundational manufacturing training.

Since the program started in August 2023, 34 graduates have secured employment with area employers, with an average hourly wage of $17.34.

The most recent graduation celebration included past graduates, who came back to celebrate their continued success. Larry Braden graduated in August; he is currently waiting on his background check to clear before starting his new job with the Findlay City Schools.

“It helped me with where I’m at, in the process of getting work,” Braden said. “I can start saving for an apartment. … If everything works out with the job I’m getting, I can make it into a career.

“If anybody needs help, I can tell them to go to Owens or the (Financial Opportunity Center). If they need any help, I tell them to go there.”

Graduates receive a free Chromebook computer to help them apply for jobs online. They also receive a $500 work apparel voucher.

“It’s very exciting to be a part of the pipeline towards employment and good jobs,” Owens Aspire Program director Heath Huber said. “It’s a great way to partner with the community and the social service resources in Hancock County that provide a lot of that job training process.

“It’s great to see people starting off, not knowing what they’re getting into, and then getting a job, the smiles on their faces, the confidence it builds in them.”

For more information on WorkAdvance, visit workadvancefindlay.org.

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Owens Plays Vital Role in Training Workforce for Skilled Manufacturing

Posted on October 4th, 2024

Ohio is firmly positioned as one of the nation’s leaders in manufacturing jobs and producing manufactured goods, and Owens Community College is a vital piece of that equation, training the next generation of the workforce that will continue that growth.

“Owens Community College plays a critical role in preparing individuals for the workforce by offering hands-on training and industry-relevant education in advanced manufacturing, transportation technologies and skilled trades,” said Baqer Jaber Aljabr, Owens assistant dean for Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades and Transportation.

“Our state-of-the-art facilities, including the Dana Center, provide cutting-edge technologies that give our students an unmatched advantage. Coupled with our industry-leading faculty and strong partnerships with local employers, we ensure our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to meet the growing demands of manufacturing sectors in northwest Ohio and beyond. Manufacturing leaders trust the quality of education our students receive, knowing they are ready to tackle real-world challenges from day one.”

Friday, October 4 is Manufacturing Day, which recognizes manufacturing industry members and careers which help communities thrive.

Ohio ranks third in the nation with more than 687,000 manufacturing jobs, and it produces more than $134 billion annually in manufactured goods.

The state ranks first nationally for glass, plastics and rubber product manufacturing employment and second in paper manufacturing, primary metal manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and electrical equipment, appliance and component manufacturing employment.

“In Ohio, we build, we create, and we produce items that make people’s lives better, all across the country,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a press release. “Ohio is a great place to do business, and our thriving manufacturing sector is a big part of the growth we are continuing to see in our state’s economy. Manufacturing is fueling success in our businesses and growth in our communities.”

At Owens, the Department of Advanced Manufacturing offers a variety of degree programs and certificates: associate degrees in Applied Engineering Technology, CAD Technology and Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, and certificates in CAD, Manufacturing Foundations, Semiconductor Technician and Water Treatment Professions.

Owens also offers associate degrees and certificates in its Department of Skilled Trades and Department of Transportation Technologies.

The Dana Center at Owens is a $9.6 million, 59,000-square foot facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing training on the Owens Toledo-area Campus. Students receive highly technical and integrated training in a modernized setting. The Dana Center includes technical labs, classrooms and faculty offices.

“We are proud to educate and train the next generation of skilled manufacturing employees in northwest Ohio and beyond. With the variety of programs we offer and the incredible training space we have at Owens, our students enter the workforce ready to make a difference and become the leaders of tomorrow. Owens graduates regularly rank among the best and brightest in the skilled manufacturing sector,” said Charlene Page, executive director for Owens Workforce and Economic Development.

For more information on the Department of Advanced Manufacturing, Department of Skilled Trades and Department of Transportation Technologies, visit owens.edu/stem.

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English Corner Celebrates 12 Years of Helping Non-Native Speakers at Owens

Posted on October 2nd, 2024

For 12 years, the volunteers with the Owens Community College English Corner program have helped non-native speakers become more comfortable with the language and culture in America.

The program is in addition to the college’s English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. In English Corner, individuals practice their English skills in a relaxed, low-stress environment. They meet weekly in Heritage Hall.

It’s that environment that keeps Kanann Bou Kanaan, originally of Lebanon, coming back to the group.

“When I started to study English, this was a very good group,” he said. “I still need some practice. When you’re here, it feels more like friends who help you get ahead. It’s more like visiting with friends and not a class.”

Bou Kanaan, who lives in northwest Ohio, also speaks Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish.

For Betsy White, a long time English Corner volunteer, she’s surprised how many professionals come from other countries and are looking to improve their English before getting a job. She also remarked about how spouses and families have come to northwest Ohio because of a job transfer.

“It’s a joy to watch them bravely open their mouths the first time,” White said. “It turns out they really do know a lot, so we try to give them a safe space where we encourage them and won’t laugh at them, make them feel like they can do this.”

White started with the English Corner program in 2006 at University of Toledo. During a recent English Corner visit, she was joined by volunteers Keith Lewis, who started in 2016, and Annette Clark, who started the program at Owens in 2012.

“It’s so satisfying for me to sit across from someone who doesn’t speak English very well and encourage them to talk, to help them with communication, and then you come back and see the progression,” Clark said. “You feel like you’re helping somebody.”

One of the topics that kept popping up with the volunteers was the bravery of the individuals who left their home behind to come to a new country.

“They’re brave, and I respect that,” Lewis said. “It’s one of the reasons I want to come here and encourage them. They’re doing a crazy thing.”

For White, it boils down to the Golden Rule, treating people as she would like to be treated herself.

“If I was in a different country, would I want someone to help me? Yes,” White said.

The educational opportunity isn’t just a one-way street in English Corner, either. The volunteers all spoke about how interesting it is to learn about the cultures in other countries and even some of the misconceptions the students have about American life and culture.

It doesn’t happen often, but Clark has taken a few of the students on trips outside of the Owens campus, to locations like the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Botanical Gardens and a piano concert.

“It’s just as much of an education for us,” Clark said. “We often discuss what it’s like in their home country versus here. The cultural exchange is fascinating. We have all these different cultures.”

To learn more about the ESOL classes at Owens, please visit owens.edu/esol-classes.

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Owens Early Childhood Education Technology Program Earns Reaccreditation

Posted on September 26th, 2024

The Owens Community College Department of Teacher Education and Human Services has received a seven-year Accreditation for its Early Childhood Education Technology program through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Owens was the first institution in the state to receive NAEYC accreditation more than 20 years ago, and it is still one of only three in Ohio to have the designation. Across the United States and Canada, Owens has one of 214 accredited programs.

“We’re pretty proud of that,” said Michelle Arbogast, chair for Teacher Education and Human Services. “Their standards are tough. They look at everything from your college president to your curriculum to your admissions, your faculty, your support services. It’s very thorough.

“It’s validated all of the hard work and preparation, that we know our students are prepared when they leave here.”

In addition to the associate degree in Early Childhood Education Technology, the Department of Teacher Education and Human Services offers degrees in Community & Family Service, Education Transfer Concentration and Social Work Transfer Pathway, and certificates in Advanced Instructional Technology and Design and Foundations in Instructional Technology and Design. It also has an ASL Interpreter Preparation program.

In addition, the YWCA of Northwest Ohio and Owens have a partnership allowing students in the YWCA program to transition into the Owens Early Childhood Education program. Upon completion of the CDA certification, students can receive up to five credit hours of college credit toward their Early Childhood Education associate degree.

According to a news release from NAEYC, the accreditation “serves as a mechanism for ensuring a consistent and high level of program quality.” The organization sets “national standards for programs that prepare early childhood teachers of children from birth through age 8.”

To retain accreditation, programs must demonstrate that they: meet NAEYC’s standards; respond to the unique needs of their degree candidates and communities; provide intentional learning experiences to allow their degree candidates to obtain the knowledge and skills to be effective; and continually assess and reflect on their degree candidates’ performance.

While the Owens program is reaccredited through 2029, there are annual and biannual reports it must submit to NAEYC.

Arbogast said the bulk of the work came down to her and fellow Teacher Education and Human Services faculty, professor Mindyay from the Findlay-area Campus and adjunct instructors Kimberley Fisher, Belinda Costin and Nehama Miller.

However, she said the process involved the entire team.

“It took a little bit of everybody, from the president to our faculty and secretary and staff,” Arbogast said.

Arbogast said NAEYC commended the Owens team for how thoroughly it reviewed its program. The first report they submitted was 118 pages.

“It’s such an introspective on your program that you not only look at where you are now but what is the vision for the program going forward,” Arbogast said. “It validated the things we do well, our team and the support system we have at Owens.”

For more information on the Owens Department of Teacher Education and Human Services, please visit owens.edu/teachereducation.

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Owens Aspire student, educator win state awards

Posted on September 20th, 2024

An educator and former student in the Owens Aspire Program for adult learners each received awards from the Ohio Department of Higher Education during Ohio Adult Education Week.

Duaa MustafaAli, an instructor in the English for Speakers of Other Languages program, was named the Outstanding Educator of the Year for the northwest district. She was one of six winners across the state.

Millicent Carrick, who recently passed all components of the GED test and earned her High School Equivalency credential, was named the Outstanding Student of the Year for the northwest district. Carrick was one of five statewide winners.

“We are thrilled to know that, in our region, both the Outstanding Educator and Outstanding Student came from the Owens program,” said Heath Huber, director of the Aspire Program. “Many nominations from all over the state were submitted, each celebrating the efforts of students and staff alike in improving the quality of life for Ohio residents through adult basic education and workforce preparation.”

Adult Education Week was started in 2022. The Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce have used the week to celebrate educators and students of Ohio’s adult education system.

MustafaAli, who has been at Owens for more than five years, said her award is a reflection not only of her efforts but those of the entire Aspire program, saying it’s “a recognition of how much we all invest in our students’ success.”

“My inspiration comes from seeing those ‘light bulb moments’ when learners realize, ‘Hey, I can do this!’ I’m motivated by the thrill of helping people unlock their potential,” she added. “Witnessing their growth and resilience pushes me to work harder to support them in achieving their goals.”

According to Huber, Carrick, of Toledo, showed strength in overcoming challenges along her way, showing skill and perseverance.

MustafaAli and Carrick will be recognized during the Ohio Association for Adult and Continuing Education Award Luncheon on Friday, October 25, in Dublin.

To learn more about the Owens Aspire College and Career Readiness Center, please visit owens.edu/ccr.

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Owens Adjunct Instructor Receives Sonography Grant

Posted on September 3rd, 2024

Kelly Hartzell, an Owens Community College adjunct instructor in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, has been awarded a $250 grant from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation.

Hartzell was nominated by Julie Posey, chair of the Owens Sonography Department, and recent Sonography graduate Halle Delos Reyes.

The applications for the grant were reviewed and anonymously scored by a panel of Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation Board of Directors. The grant recognizes outstanding instructors and promotes awareness of the need for clinical instructors.

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography will recognize Hartzell and other grant recipients at their annual conference, in their Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and on social media.

The Owens Department of Sonography has three Associate of Applied Science programs, Cardiac Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology and Vascular Sonography.

For more information about School of Nursing and Health Professionals program and degrees, go to owens.edu/snhp.

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Owens Staff Members Participating in Leadership Programs

Posted on August 28th, 2024

Three Owens Community College staff members have been accepted into two recognized leadership programs.

Owens Community College staff members Marcos Gomez and Amanda Kiefer are among the participants in the newest cohort of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges Leadership Academy. Ashley Jackson has been accepted into the Leadership Toledo Signature Program cohort.

“We are excited to support Ashley, Amanda and Marcos in their leadership development,” said Leslie Erwin, Owens vice president of Human Resources. “We want to develop leaders at all levels in order to make Owens a stronger institution that continues to serve the needs of our students and the community.”

Now in its fifth cohort, the OACC Leadership Academy annually gathers faculty and staff for a year of training, exchanging ideas and immersion in promoting student success.

Kiefer is the assistant chair of Nursing, Clinical Operations, at Owens. She also recently served as the interim chair of the Nursing Department at Owens for a year.

Kiefer has experience working as a Registered Nurse at ProMedica Flower Hospital in Sylvania and Toledo Hospital. She spent more than five years as a Mental Health Professional at Flower Hospital as well.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor of Registered Nursing from Bowling Green State University. She also received an Associate degree in Registered Nursing from Owens. Kiefer is currently working on her Master’s degree in Nursing Education, with an expected graduation date in December 2024.

Gomez is the director of Student Services at Owens, where he oversees Academic Advising, Student Financial Services and International Student Services. Before taking that position in April 2024, Gomez was the director of Student Financial Services, assistant director of Admissions and community advocate for Student Financial Services at Owens.

Gomez received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo and his Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University.

The OACC created the academy in 2019 to reverse management turnover by strengthening internal advancement pipelines within the state’s 23 community colleges. Michigan, New York and Texas are among the states replicating Ohio’s initiative.

The goal of the Leadership Toledo program is transforming highly motivated individuals into leaders who help the Toledo area.

Jackson is the Owens manager of Recruitment in Admissions. Prior to arriving at Owens in December 2023, she worked at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Lourdes University in Sylvania and Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri.

Jackson received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Urbana University and her Master of Arts in Leadership from Lindenwood University.

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Owens Names Bill Taylor Dean for Business, Hospitality Management & Public Safety

Posted on August 22nd, 2024

Bringing many years of guiding programs in a wide variety of disciplines and fields, Bill Taylor has been hired as the new Owens Community College Dean for Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety.

Taylor started at Owens in February 2024.

“Bill brings more than 30 years of experience in academics and has had oversight of multiple areas in that time,” said Denise Smith, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “His depth and breadth of experience make him ideal to lead a school with a such a vast array of disciplines.”

Taylor came to Owens with a long, extensive career in higher education, most recently serving as the vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer of Terra State Community College in Fremont.

Prior to his five years in that position, Taylor held a variety of positions at Terra State, including as dean for Business and Public Service Technologies and as a professor of Economics and Political Science.

While at Terra State, Taylor implemented a new Nursing curriculum in 2021, created the college’s Career Readiness course in 2020, led the creation of the Health Information Technology program in 2004, and fostered partnerships with other local academic institutions, including Heidelberg and Tiffin universities.

He has also been active with service projects and organizations. Taylor has served on various groups with the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. He founded the Terra State Community College Women’s Leadership Forum in 2014.

Taylor is also a member of the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce and Great Lakes Clean Hydrogen Consortium.

Taylor received his Master of Education from Bowling Green State University and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University.

In his current position with Owens, Taylor leads an eclectic group of departments, programs and certificates. The departments of Business Technologies, Criminal Justice, Emergency Service Technologies, Fire Science and Food, Nutrition and Hospitality are under his umbrella.

For more information on the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety, please visit owens.edu/business.

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Owens Faculty and Staff Welcome Students for Fall Semester

Posted on August 21st, 2024

Monday was the start of the fall semester at Owens Community College, and students weren’t the only ones excited and anxious to be back on campus.

For faculty and staff members at Owens, it’s been a long, quiet summer.

It was an especially exciting day for students and faculty in the Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions, which held its first classes in the new $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center where students are focused on learning interprofessional education and patient-centered care.

Owens employees took time out of their busy Monday to reflect on their experiences and how to best set up their students for success.

HEALTHCARE EDUCATION CENTER WELCOMES STUDENTS FOR FIRST TIME

There were plenty of firsts across the two Owens Community College campuses on Monday, including a brand-new facility for the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Students and faculty in various programs, including Sonography, Dental Hygiene, Health Information Technology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, held classes in the Healthcare Education Center. Cathy Ford dean for the School of Nursing and Health Professions, was just as excited to be in the new space as her students are.

“Students are amazed at these spaces,” Ford said. “I just came in from the front entry and students were having a conversation about how to get around the building and what they’ll see. … Students are really just lighting up.”

Ford has been the dean since 2015, but her history at Owens goes back many more years. She started as a student in Radiologic Technology in 1982. Aside from attending University of Toledo for her bachelor and master degrees, she’s been at Owens ever since.

The start of the new school year has always been a special date on her calendar.

“The first day of fall semester is just like New Years, it’s a fresh start,” Ford said. “It’s very exciting for me. It’s the beginning, it’s the onset of the entire academic year.”

“It’s their first time,” Ford said of the students. “Everything to us that seems so average and normal and day-to-day, for them can be very new and very different. … It’s always remembering that it’s new to students and they need our guidance and understanding to get a strong start.”

BRINGING LESSONS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

Baher Hanna remembers his days as an undergraduate student at the University of Cairo in Egypt, then as a graduate student in Cairo and University of Toledo. During the first days of classes as a math professor at Owens, he tries to be the type of teacher he needed as a student.

“I try to remember how I felt as a student and I try to look for what I preferred to see as a teacher or faculty member and mimic that,” Hanna said. “Of course, you learn as you go. You try to make it as smooth as possible.”

Hanna, who has been at Owens for 38 years, said one of his first priorities as a student was to know who was teaching the course, more so even than the subject matter that was being taught.

“I was always looking to who was teaching the course more than what I was learning,” Hanna said. “The way a professor or graduate student who was teaching the course presented themselves extended to how they presented the material.

“I would go through the textbook and say, ‘Yes, I think I can handle this.’ I just wanted to make sure me and the professor were on the same page.”

While Hanna will go out of his way to make sure his students are on the same page as him, he also said there is a level of responsibility the students must meet as well.

“It’s important to remind the student that this is serious business,” Hanna said. “I used to coach soccer for my kids’ teams. It’s the same thing – I know it’s fun, and math and science can be fun, but it won’t be fun until you take it seriously. It’s going to be fun, you’re going to learn stuff, but you have to meet your end of the bargain.”

STUDENTS AND SOME STAFF ARE IN THE SAME BOAT

While working a welcome table and walking the halls of Founders Hall on the Toledo-area Campus on Monday, Ann Sergent found herself in the same situation as many of the students.

The assistant dean for the School of Liberal Arts, Sergent has been on the job for five months. She admitted to still trying to figure out where everything is on campus.

“It’s important to let them know it’s OK if they don’t know,” Sergent said. “I was telling students, ‘This is my fifth month. I still don’t know where everything is, but I will do my best to help you.’

“It’s helpful for students to know that faculty and staff feel the same way. We’re all nervous, too, and some of us are still figuring things out because we’re still new.”

Her memories of the first day of her freshman year at Ohio Northern University included trying to hide the campus map for fear someone might judge the new kid. By the time she was a junior and had transferred to Bowling Green State University, she didn’t care anymore and proudly held the map right out in front of her.

Sergent saw the tail end of the spring semester after starting at Owens in early April, so for most of her five months on campus, there have been few students, faculty and staff. Having life come back to campus is exciting for Sergent.

“I love seeing the students back on campus, the faculty back on campus, the excitement of having everybody here,” Sergent said. “Even though I’ve been in education for years, there’s still a little nervousness, a little excitement. A little bit the same as the students.”

WELCOME TO OWENS

Bob Connour has been with Owens for 25 years. The professor of science on the Findlay-area Campus said he always opens the first day of classes by welcoming his students to the Owens family.

“On that first day, you try to relieve any nerves and let them know we’re all here together,” Connour said. “We’re here for the students and to teach them, to help them get an education.”

As a faculty member in Findlay, Connour said the smaller size of the campus is an advantage. It’s easier for the students since everyone is in the same building.

Whether in Findlay or Toledo, though, it’s important for the students to know their success is the top priority.

“When dealing with new students, the most important thing is they need to know that we’re here for them,” Connour said. “They need to know that the people who work at Owens are on their side. We’re here for them to be successful. That’s what we say, ‘Your Success Starts Here.’”

WRAP-AROUND SERVICES SUPPORT THE STUDENTS

The support Owens students receive doesn’t end at the classroom. With the Center for Campus and Community Connection and other resources available, Owens goes above and beyond for student success.

On the first two days of classes, welcome tables were set around the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses to help answer student questions and point them in the right direction. It’s just another example of the pride Owens takes in wrap-around services for students, according to Reti Shutina, the interim chair for the Business department.

“Students feel supported, cared for and comfortable in their choice to attend Owens,” she said. “As they continue in their academic journey with us, they will feel the support of the faculty, academic and financial advisors, tutoring services, counseling services, career services and so much more.”

Shutina completed her bachelor degree in her native Albania. Even in a different country, the feelings of nerves and anticipation are universal. One of the best ways to ease those feelings is to ensure the students know they are welcomed and supported.

This marks Shutina’s 10-year anniversary at Owens. Through those years, she said the feeling of excitement with students returning to campus remains the same.

“This is a very exciting time for us to see students return to campus,” Shutina said. “We miss them. The summer is rather quiet, so we really look forward to having students back on campus. They bring in good vibes and make the campus come alive.”

 

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Owens Culinary Arts Program Earns Top Review, Reaccredited for 7 Years

Posted on August 9th, 2024

The Owens Community College Culinary Arts Program has received a seven-year Accreditation with an Exemplary identifier from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission.

The Culinary Arts Program has an associate degree plus two short-term certificates, including one in Baking and Pastry.

The Exemplary identifier symbolizes the highest education standards recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission. Owens is one of eight accredited Culinary Arts Programs in Ohio, and one of only three to receive the Exemplary identifier. This program is also the only accredited Culinary Arts Program within a 75-mile radius in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

The Culinary Arts Program is led by Robert Wagner, program director. Chef Amy Morford is an assistant professor.

“We are grateful to the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accrediting commission for affirming the work our dedicated faculty and staff are doing preparing students to succeed as professionals,” said Denise Smith, vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost. “I want to especially congratulate Bob, Amy, Steve Williams and all the Culinary Arts faculty and staff for their tireless work on the accreditation renewal.”

Smith also credited Nathan Lute, the culinary operations and labs manager, for his work during the Accreditation tour.

According to Wagner, Chef Amy creates an engaging and challenging environment in the classroom, replicating industry scenarios. She challenges her students’ skills to work at a fast pace while multitasking, both routine conditions in culinary work.

Students are assigned up to three different baked items and at least one accompaniment on most days. Chef Amy helps with troubleshooting, correcting recipes and improving time management and critical thinking.

“Chef Amy maintains a student-centric approach to teaching,” Wagner said. “She’s a vital part to the success of the Food Nutrition & Hospitality Department as a whole.

“In the beginning, these high standards seem daunting; however, students appreciate the level of difficulty that motivated their learning and retention of the techniques presented,” he said.

Students in the Culinary Arts program complete management, nutrition and menu design courses and fundamental, intermediate and advanced culinary skills. Students receive hands-on experience during the co-operative work experience and the student-run restaurant, the Terrace View Cafe.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to receive the Certified Culinarian credential from the American Culinary Federation. Graduates find job opportunities as Chefs and Sous Chefs, Supervisors of Food Preparation Workers, Food Service Managers, Chefs in Healthcare Facilities and as Private Chefs.

Outside of the classroom, Chef Amy is the Program Coordinator with an open-door policy for her students. She also reestablished the Culinary Arts Association student group.

“Chef Amy’s commitment to Owens and our department, and most importantly our students reflect our dedication to provide students with the highest levels of training and preparation, allowing them to be successful professionals in all areas of the food service and hospitality industry,” Wagner said.

For more information about the Culinary Arts program and degrees, go to owens.edu/business.

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Owens Expands Partnership With Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio to Better Serve Workforce Needs

Posted on August 6th, 2024

Owens Community College and Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio are partnering to provide enhanced training options for people seeking to improve their workforce training opportunities.

Through a new customized website, individuals working with Goodwill will have access to learning experiences at Owens that connect directly to job success. The training courses are possible thanks to both organizations’ premium partner status with ed2go, a national network of online courses taught by experts from a variety of fields.

Expert navigators at Goodwill will work directly with community members to find learning experiences tailored to their individual goals. Courses range from employability through customer service, conversational Spanish, business writing and leadership skills, to specific occupational preparation like interior designer, sign language interpreter and maintenance technician. More new courses are added regularly.

All courses are available entirely online, self-paced and available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to meet the needs of busy adults juggling family and job responsibilities. As Goodwill navigators and individuals arrive at specific educational goals, Owens will enroll them and support their journey to completion.

“Owens Community College is excited to work with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio and expand access to education that benefits the local workforce and area employers,” said Charlene Page, executive director of Workforce and Economic Development at Owens. “The need for a highly-skilled workforce is clear to everyone. We are always looking to improve higher education access for adult learners and help them acquire the skills they need.”

Owens and Goodwill have a history of collaborating with a focus on workforce development.

“The opportunity to lift up members of our community by working closely with Owens is a natural fit for Goodwill’s Job Connection Centers, where we believe in the power of work,” said David Takats, chief mission officer at Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio. “Working helps eliminate barriers and provides opportunities to improve peoples’ lives.”

For more information about the ed2go classes, visit www.owens.edu/goodwill.

Contact:

Owens Community College

Andy Woodard

Strategic Marketing and Communications

(567) 661-7149

andrew_woodard@owens.edu

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio

David Takats

Chief Mission Officer

(419) 255-0070 Ext. 3201

dtakats@goodwillnwohio.org

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Owens Begins Utilizing VR Technology for Law Enforcement Training

Posted on July 18th, 2024

Law enforcement officers training at Owens Community College’s Center for Emergency Preparedness will benefit from new virtual reality (VR) goggles provided by the Ohio Attorney General’s office.

The Meta Quest 3 VR goggle headsets are the latest technology upgrade in scenario-based training for Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) cadets and current officers seeking continuing education.

The training is accompanied by six videos filmed with 360-degree cameras, enabling the cadets and officers to feel like they are part of the action. The scenario-based videos cover mental health, domestic violence, school violence, the teen brain, suicide prevention and irate families. They last 8-12 minutes each and serve as standalone topics.

“Training helps officers better understand and respond to situations as they occur and the new VR goggles will only enhance decision-making and problem-solving,” said Mark King, manager of OPOTA training at Owens. “Training is vital for officer success. Officers continue to train throughout their careers to ensure their safety, their partner’s safety and the safety of the community they serve.”

Owens’ instructors spent two days learning how to utilize the VR goggles.

OPOTA was founded at Owens in 1970 in cooperation with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission (OPOTC) and certified by the Ohio Attorney General’s office. In 2022, Owens was named a Close to Home regional advanced training site for current law enforcement professionals. More than 80 agencies in northwest Ohio also form the Law Enforcement Consortium and utilize 600 continuing education training hours annually.

The VR goggles will provide a low-cost, standardized training foundation for all officers in Ohio, according to the Attorney General’s office.

The training videos were produced by Ohio State University and Ohio University in cooperation with the Athens Police Department and Athens County Sheriff’s Office. The Attorney General’s office is already producing more scenario videos, tentatively scheduled for completion in summer 2025.

“Our cadets pass their state certification at nearly 100 percent right now,” King said. “This new technology will only enhance their training and further prepare them for when they are on the job.”

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Owens Key Partner in $31.3 Million Glass Innovation Hub

Posted on July 11th, 2024

Owens Community College is positioned to provide relevant education and training as the only community college partner in the new $31.3 million Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub project focused on enhancing the region as a global leader in glass science, engineering, technology and production.

Funded by the State of Ohio and announced by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, the consortium aligns with Owens’ mission of working with regional employers and serving their talent development needs.

“We look forward to working with regional industry leaders, local universities, economic development leaders, startup companies and all levels of the regional workforce to help reaffirm the region’s status as the Glass Capital through short-term training, associate degrees and transfer,” Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville said.

Owens features a successful history of partnering with business and industry to close the skills gap and produce job-ready talent, especially production workers in the advanced manufacturing sector. By being nimble and agile in the workforce space, Owens will support the consortium’s goal of developing a qualified workforce pool at all industry levels, including production associates and STEM professionals.

Owens drives efficiency, production and the bottom line in customized training working with more than 100 regional businesses. Many of these strategic partnerships occur with small to medium advanced manufacturing companies. Owens faculty provide training either at the company location or on campus, which includes modern facilities such as the Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center.

The Owens School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) offers 24 associate degrees and 31 certificates; three degrees and three certificates are focused on advanced manufacturing.

At its inception many years ago, Owens began working with the consortium and continues to provide leadership with Dr. Denise Smith, Owens Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, serving on the consortium’s board of directors. Owens also has representation on the workforce and education sub-committees.

The consortium is beginning work on its initiatives, which are expected to create 1,600 jobs and a $284 million economic impact over the next seven years.

Besides Owens, the consortium partners include:

• Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio
• Bowling Green State University
• Cherry Street Mission Ministries
• City of Toledo
• ConnecToledo
• Dana Inc.
• First Solar
• JumpStart Inc.
• Local 500 of Toledo
• Libbey
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation Toledo
• Lucas County, Ohio
• Owens Corning
• O-I Glass, Inc.
• Pilkington
• Regional Growth Partnership
• Toledo Public Schools
• Toledo Region Chamber of Commerce
• Wood County, Ohio
• University of Toledo

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Owens Healthcare Programs Award 51 Certifications

Posted on June 11th, 2024

 
A total of 51 students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions completed their short-term certifications and received recognition at an on-campus ceremony.

Medical Coding had 13 completers, followed by Dental Assisting and Sterile Processing with 12 apiece. The ceremony also featured students from the Certified Personal Trainer (8) and Medical Assisting (6) programs.

“We are so proud of these students for their hard work and commitment to their education,” said Cathy Ford, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “They are now ready to begin their new professions.”

Each healthcare program named outstanding students:

• Certified Personal Trainer: Cortasha Richardson, Luckey
• Dental Assisting: Megan Wise, Monroeville
• Medical Assisting: Jose Zanzon Jr., Rossford
• Medical Coding: Kristen Endicott, Wayne
• Sterile Processing: Elle Howell, Rossford and Claire Ulrich, Toledo

The School of Nursing and Health Professions will move to the new $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center in the 2024-25 academic year. The new facility will partially open for Fall 2024 and will be completed for the start of Spring 2025.

For more information about School of Nursing and Health Professions degrees and certifications, visit www.owens.edu/snhp.

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Owens Celebrates Original Nursing Leader’s 90th Birthday

Posted on June 5th, 2024

 

More than 30 Owens faculty, staff and retirees celebrated the 90^th birthday of Dr. Peggy Bensman, who helped start the nursing program and served as the first Nursing department chair.

The surprise party was orchestrated by Kathy Brubaker, the former dean of the Owens Findlay-area Campus, with the assistance of the Owens Community College Foundation staff. Bensman resides approximately one hour south of Findlay in her native Minster. Before the pandemic, she regularly drove north along I-75 and gathered with Owens retirees to catch up. Brubaker arranged a birthday luncheon with former Owens colleagues and then made the surprise stop on the Findlay-area Campus for cake.

Dr. Bensman served the Owens community from 1968-92. She was promoted from Nursing department chair to dean of Health Technologies and vice president of Academic Affairs before retiring.  The top Nursing student receives the Peggy Bensman Award at Commencement.

She attended Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati for her bachelor’s degree, Xavier University for her master’s degree and Bowling Green for her doctoral degree.

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50 Owens ASPIRE Students to Graduate

Posted on May 30th, 2024

A total of 50 students from the Owens ASPIRE program will graduate at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in a ceremony at Veterans Hall 201. The students will receive their high school equivalency (HSE) certification.

“We are so proud of this year’s students and their dedication to earn a high school equivalency certification,” said Heath Huber, Owens ASPIRE director. “Data informs us that these individuals will now have the opportunity for increased earning potential and advanced employment as well as access for additional educational attainment.”

The ceremony will feature a keynote address from Derayna Webb, wellness coordinator from Mom’s House Toledo. Millicent Carrick, Tivon Pressley and Valencia Rios-Duren, all of Toledo, also will share their stories with fellow graduates.

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Owens Offers New Cardiac Sonography Program to Meet Workforce Demands

Posted on May 6th, 2024

With healthcare careers continuing to specialize, Owens Community College has received approval to begin a cardiac sonography associate degree program to meet workforce demands. Applications for the first cohort of 10 students will be accepted through May 15 with classes starting June 10.

Cardiac sonography is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of the heart, according to Julie Posey, program director. A sonographer’s scope of practice includes operating imaging equipment, identifying normal and abnormal imaging results, preparing patients for procedures and reviewing patient medical history, she added.

“We know from working with the local hospitals, there is an immediate need for cardiac sonographers,” Posey said. “We are excited to add cardiac sonography to our department that also includes diagnostic medical sonography and vascular sonography.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level graduates working full time can expect to earn a minimum of $63,000. The job outlook through 2032 will increase 10 percent, which is faster than average.

Sonography classes will move to the new $31.3 million healthcare education center on the east side of campus beginning Fall Semester 2024. The center will feature improved lab space and modern equipment for all healthcare students.

For more information, visit www.owens.edu/cardiac-sonography.

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Water Workforce Coalition Graduates First Cohort May 9

Posted on May 6th, 2024

 

Tyler Strow listed job security among his reasons for returning to Owens Community College to pursue the new Water Treatment Professions Certificate.

“Water is not going away. Everyone is going to need water,” said the 2011 Owens graduate said.

“These jobs are in the public sector. My parents also worked in the public sector – my mom was a teacher; my dad worked for ODOT,” he added.

The Pemberville resident is one of 21 students who will earn the first Water Treatment Professions Certificate from Owens after completing the 16-week training program. Justin Strause of Toledo, a member of the cohort, will be among the speakers at the completion celebration scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 9 at Heritage Hall room 123.

Owens is part of the Water Workforce Coalition, which was formed thanks to a $500,000 grant from the U.S. EPA. TMACOG and the City of Toledo also form the coalition, which is responding to northwest Ohio’s anticipated shortages of 41 percent for drinking water operators and 44 percent for wastewater operators due to retirements by 2028.

Amy Klei, chief, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Ohio EPA, will deliver the keynote address at the completion celebration. Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens president, Sandy Spang, executive director of TMACOG, and Andy McClure, commissioner of plant operations for the City of Toledo, will speak as well.

The class consisted of enthusiastic, hard-working and motivated students, according to Dr. Mary Kaczinski, Owens professor of environmental science and lead instructor for the certificate program. To date, eight of the Owens students have taken and passed their EPA certification, making them ready for employment as a Class I drinking water or wastewater operator.

Strow, 35, not only passed his Class 1 certification but he also is registered to take his Class 2 certification as well. He earned an associate degree in CAD previously at Owens.

“I had such a great experience the first time I attended Owens, I knew I had to go back and try the water certificate program,” he said. “I may not have been in the right field the first time working at a desk. I can see myself in more of a hands-on job like this one. I’m super confident about the work I will be doing once I get a job.”

The second of three Water Workforce Coalition cohorts will begin in August. To learn more, visit https://waterworksforyou.org/.

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Owens Dental Hygiene Instructor Buchanan Receives National Faculty Award

Posted on April 24th, 2024

Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Instructor Nicole Buchanan has been recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) as a 2024 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recipient.

Awarded to select faculty who make a difference in community college classrooms across the country, this highly competitive national designation honors faculty active in their students’ lives and in their colleges’ activities to ensure student success.

A total of 36 faculty received the national honor named for former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell. Buchanan is the fourth Owens faculty member to receive the AACC accolade, joining Sara Burke, Jen Hazel and Sarah Long.

A 2013 Owens graduate from the dental hygiene program, Buchanan was hired as an Owens adjunct faculty member in 2014 and progressed to dental assisting coordinator 2018. She was hired as a full-time instructor in dental assisting 2021 before moving to her current position this academic year.

“Professor Buchanan has shown herself to be an outstanding faculty member who believes deeply in service to her students,” Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville said. “Her passion embodies several values that drive our work each day including being transformational, empowering and intentional.

“Professor Buchanan recognizes that challenges to learning differ for each student and tailors her instruction accordingly,” she added. “Specifically, she takes steps to understand her students’ individual needs and implements a strategy that places students in the strongest position to succeed. By starting with concern and proactive support, she witnessed student engagement and overall performance levels rise.”

In addition to the Parnell Award, Buchanan received the Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award after the 2022-2023 academic year.

“I love teaching at the college that gave me my career,” Buchanan said. “I love working with students and find it deeply rewarding. I am lucky to be doing what I am passionate about.”

Besides her position at Owens, the Elmore resident works for dental practices in Perrysburg and Toledo. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University (2014) and master’s in public health from the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health (2018).

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Owens Community College Invests $31.3 Million to Meet Region’s Growing Healthcare Needs

Posted on November 16th, 2023

 
The Center for Fine and Performing Arts rotunda was filled with healthcare students who posed for group photos. They captured the memories but more importantly, they arrived early to be part of the next historic occasion at Owens Community College.

Owens broke ground Thursday, November 16 on a $31.3 million healthcare education center that will support the region’s labor demands by providing highly-skilled healthcare professionals from the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

The renovation and expansion of two buildings on the east side of the Toledo-area Campus will allow for enrollment growth, provide double the lab space and ensure students are working on state-of-the-art equipment.

In all, nearly 200 community members, faculty, staff and students attended the ceremonial groundbreaking, featuring a presentation at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts theatre and then photos with hard hats and shovels in neatly piled black dirt at the nearby construction site.

Among those in attendance were State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, Tim Schneider, a representative from the office of U.S. Senator JD Vance, and David Wirt, district director of the Office of Congressman Robert Latta.

“We have been educating tomorrow’s nurses and healthcare professionals for more than 50 years,” Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville said, “and with this renovation and expansion, Owens will remain at the forefront for students’ healthcare education before our graduates begin caring for patients in hospitals and other medical facilities.”

With an expected completion date of 2025, the center will feature 65,250 in renovated space and 21,300 in new additions to the footprint, providing students with more than 86,500 of square footage as they pursue in-demand careers in healthcare.

The School of Nursing and Health Professions enrolled 1,845 students for Fall 2023, including 1,733 on the Toledo-area Campus, in Dental Hygiene, Health Information, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Medical Assisting, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, Sonography and Surgical. Exercise Science, which also is part of the school, moved its offices and labs to the Student Health and Activities Center this year.

Student leaders representing the 11 departments participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“It’s exciting that we will have a primary location to accommodate our interprofessional education approach, which ensures healthcare graduates are well-trained to practice collaboratively and provide patient-centered care to members of the community,” said Cathy Ford, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Our new and expanded center will feature dedicated spaces to create these collaborations.”

Moody’s Investors Service assigned Owens Community College an A2 underlying and Aa2 enhanced rating for a $25 million bond. The bond is the first in the college’s history, signaling the college’s financial stability. The capital project including renovations, improvements and equipment purchases is estimated at $31.3 million, using bond proceeds, state and local funds.

Owens Community College has served Northwest Ohio since 1965 as an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy. Through intentional, adaptive and empowering education, Owens offers more than 160 academic programs to be the first choice for students, employers and the community. As a conduit to changing lives for the better, Owens creates pathways for success. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

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Owens Community College Breaking Ground on $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center

Posted on November 14th, 2023

Media Advisory

Owens Community College will support the region’s labor demands by providing highly-skilled healthcare professionals from a new $31.3 million nursing and health professions education center. A formal ceremony and ceremonial groundbreaking will mark the construction of the renovated and expanded facility. 

Formal ceremony and ceremony groundbreaking

 10 a.m. Thursday, November 16

• Presentation in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts mainstage theatre
• Groundbreaking photo opportunities near the construction site to follow
  • Students from the different healthcare departments will participate

Theme

The heart for future healthcare professionals

About the School of Nursing and Health Professions

The School of Nursing and Health Professions enrolled 1,845 students for Fall 2023, including 1,733 on the Toledo-area Campus in three buildings (Heritage Hall, Health Technologies Hall and Bicentennial Hall).

Upon completion in 2025, healthcare students will study in the new center, located on the east side of the Toledo-area Campus in the buildings formerly known as the Library and Audio/Visual Classroom Center. The square footage will feature 65,250 in renovated square footage and 21,300 in new additions to the footprint, providing students with more than 86,500 of square footage as they pursue rewarding careers in healthcare.

The new center will house the following 10 departments:

• Dental Hygiene
• Health Information
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Medical Assisting
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Radiography
• Sonography
• Surgical

Exercise Science, which also is part of the school, moved its offices and labs to the Student Health and Activities Center this year.

Owens’ approach of interprofessional education (IPE) ensures healthcare graduates are well-trained to practice collaboratively and provide patient-centered care to members of the community. The new center will feature simulation areas for students to practice the IPE curriculum.

Scope of Project

Moody’s Investors Service assigned Owens Community College an A2 underlying and Aa2 enhanced rating for a $25 million bond. The bond is the first in the college’s history, signaling the college’s financial stability. The capital project including renovations, improvements and equipment purchases is estimated at $31.3 million, using bond proceeds, state and local funds.

Website

www.owens.edu/healthcareeducationcenter

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BGSU, University of Findlay and Owens Community College name executive director for Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics

Posted on October 13th, 2022

Bowling Green State University, the University of Findlay and Owens Community College have announced the appointment of an executive director for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics. Tim Mayle, who currently serves as director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, will assume the key leadership position in November, bringing more than 20 years of direct experience with economic development to the Center.

Mayle has been with Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development since 2011 and has led the division within the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance since 2016. In his new role, he will provide strategic direction for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, which will support the rapidly expanding workforce need for skilled professionals in the region and state.

“The Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics has incredible potential to shape our economy,” said Mayle. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our region and state through economic and workforce development in this new capacity. Ohio continues to see unprecedented investment in the advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors, and I am excited to leverage the strengths of three higher education institutions through this Center to support our economy at such a significant moment.”

“Tim’s impressive success as the Director of Economic Development for the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance bodes well for the future of this game-changing initiative,” said University of Findlay President Katherine Fell. “President Somerville, President Rogers, and I are committed to doing our part to prepare the workforce needed for long-term manufacturing and logistics success in northwest Ohio and we are delighted to welcome Tim to our team.”

Last fall, BGSU, the University of Findlay and Owens Community College announced an innovative partnership among the three institutions, representing a public, a private and a community college, to create the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics.

The Center will facilitate the growth and sustainability of jobs and company creation in the advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors, providing opportunities for companies large and small to access training, talent and research and development opportunities.

In September, Intel broke ground in Licking County, Ohio, after announcing plans for an initial investment of more than $20 billion in the construction of two new leading-edge chip factories to boost production to meet demand for advanced semiconductors. This week, Honda confirmed it has selected Ohio to lead its electric vehicle (EV) production and announced, along with LG Energy Solution, a joint venture battery plant with a combined investment of at least $4.2 billion.

“Higher education plays a critical role in supporting the vitality of our economy and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics comes at an essential time for Ohio,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “Through this public university, private university, and public community college partnership, we will ensure our region’s institutions are working together to provide relevant academic programs, facilities and connections with businesses to prepare the trained professionals needed to support and sustain industry growth. We remain focused on meeting our students’ and society’s needs while ensuring Ohio continues to be a leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics.”

The Center will initially have three operating nodes located on the partnering colleges’ campuses, all along the I-75 corridor. Each institution will provide distinctive training opportunities, ranging from non-degree track certifications and badges to associate, bachelor’s and post-graduate degrees, to address workforce needs.

In addition, the Center will also provide applied research, prototyping and experiential learning opportunities to solve industry problems and provide hands-on learning experience for talent development.

As executive director, Mayle will work at the three partnering institutions’ campuses and will foster manufacturing and logistic industry jobs and company creation. He will also manage the Center’s external engagement to integrate the Center’s programs into the region’s ecosystem.

“I am thrilled to welcome Tim Mayle as the inaugural executive director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics,” said Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville. “His experience in economic development and his long history in northwest Ohio make him the perfect candidate. Tim will bring an entrepreneurial spirit and the energy that we need to ensure the success of the Center. As a champion of education’s role in the prosperity of a community, Tim has been an invaluable partner. He understands how an alignment between workforce and higher education will help drive our region’s professional pipeline. The Center is poised to have an incredible impact, and we are excited to see Tim’s leadership continue to move us forward.”

Mayle was appointed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to serve on the Transportation Review Advisory Council to the Ohio Department of Transportation. He also serves as president of the Ohio Economic Development Association Board of Directors and will continue his work on both statewide initiatives.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems from Ohio University. Mayle is set to begin his role as executive director for the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics on Nov. 1.

Release courtesy BGSU Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy with collaboration from the Owens Community College and the University of Findlay strategic marketing and communications offices. 

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Owens Healthcare Students Gain Clinical Access, Including Supervised Direct Patient Care

Posted on August 15th, 2022

Owens Community College and Blanchard Valley Health System Expand Partnership

Owens Community College and Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) have signed a formal agreement that expands clinical site access for tomorrow’s healthcare workers studying at Owens, including nurses and allied health professionals.

The agreement calls for supervised access to direct patient care to provide clinical training and experience for Owens students enrolled primarily in the college’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, from the Findlay-area Campus on Bright Road and the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg.

Blanchard Valley Health System’s clinical sites include Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital, among others. Clinical sites will accommodate a minimum of six and maximum of 10 clinical groups consisting of six to seven students per group during both the Spring and Fall semesters.

“We are very excited about this partnership with Owens Community College, as we work together to offer the opportunity for individuals in northwest Ohio to develop skills and become dedicated healthcare workers,” said Myron Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “Collaborations such as these are extremely beneficial to the communities we serve, not only by creating jobs, but also by ensuring quality healthcare services for generations to come.”

“At Owens, we strive to provide our students with dynamic and interactive educational experiences,” said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College. “We value our partnership with Blanchard Valley Health System and the opportunities it provides our students and our communities. These kinds of partnerships ensure we educate healthcare workers and other graduates who are prepared and ready for their careers.”

Pre-nursing seats remain available for Fall Semester, which begins August 29. The need for registered nurses is expected to grow by 9 percent by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Owens students in Ultrasound Technology, MRI, Radiological Technology, Surgical Technology, Sterile Processing and Vascular Technology as well as students in Emergency Medical Services in the college’s Public Safety program also will work clinicals at BVHS.

“The increased clinical opportunities at Blanchard Valley Health System will expose our students to a real-world work environment and demonstrate what is expected following graduation as they begin their careers,” said Irene Jones, Owens nursing program chair. “We are very excited to have these clinical seats for our students.”

“Clinical positions are vitally important to the overall well-being of our public health environment,” said Barbara J. Pasztor, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer of acute care services at BVHS. “Through this partnership with Owens Community College, we are elated to be able to collaborate in order to advance the careers of future healthcare providers within our own region.”

For more information about Owens Community College nursing or healthcare programs, visit www.owens.edu/snhp.

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College Hosts Visionary Ohio Author, Big Read’s Saeed Jones

Posted on April 15th, 2022

Owens Community College is pleased to host Ohio’s own Saeed Jones to discuss his recent memoir, “How We Fight for Our Lives,” the Owens 2021–22 Big Read selection. This hybrid in-person and virtual event culminates the year-long, college-wide exploration of Jones’s book, which has included a radio discussion series, ongoing events on campus and in local public libraries, and reading-related community service projects.

Spearheaded by award-winning Professor of English Jen Hazel and Director of Library Services Jane Berger, the Owens Big Read program brings awareness of different perspectives through books and accompanying activities on campus and in our surrounding communities. Accordingly, “How We Fight for Our Lives” chronicles Jones’s own journey as a queer Black man raised in Texas. Since its 2019 publication, the book has won numerous accolades, including the Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction and inclusion on Time magazine’s list of must-read books.

“Throughout this academic year, Saeed Jones’s telling of his personal history has sparked conversations, connections and new understanding on our campuses and beyond,” said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College. “We’re excited to host Mr. Jones to conclude the Big Read experience of his memoir and consider its implications on our own lives. I’m also proud to commend Professor Hazel and Director Berger on their shepherding of this year’s program and look forward to seeing what next year’s Big Read brings.”

WHO:              Author Saeed Jones

WHAT:             The Big Read Presents: Saeed Jones

WHEN:             Thursday, April 28

WHERE:           CFPA Theatre (10 a.m.), Toledo-area Campus; and Education Center 111 (1:30 p.m.), Findlay-area campus

LINK:               https://owens-edu.zoom.us/j/83905535192 (10 a.m. only)

For more on Owens Community College’s Big Read, visit owens.edu/humanities/read.

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College Receives Nearly $190,000 from State of Ohio for In-Demand Job Training

Posted on April 11th, 2022

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has invested nearly $190,000 in Owens Community College to create the Ohio Short-Term Certificate Grant Program allowing in-state students to receive up to $2,000 in need-based aid toward the cost of in-demand, career certificates.

Eligible students may apply and receive up to three different awards, provided the certificates are completed in succession.

These certificates include 26 credit and non-credit options in manufacturing and skilled trades, pre-apprenticeships, health support professions, logistics, office support, sales and first responders. Credit certificates are 30 hours or less, while non-credit certificates are 900 clock hours or less.

“We are excited to bring this opportunity to Owens Community College students,” said Dr. Denise Smith, Owens Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “After they complete their short-term certificate or credential, they will be prepared for licensure, if it’s required for employment, or they will be able to take the next step in a career pathway.”

Students may apply online for the Ohio Short-Term Certificate Grant Program funds immediately using the online application at www.owens.edu/financial_aid/scholarships/. The total award of $186,966 is available until June 30, 2023.

For more information, email the Owens Community College Office of Admissions at admissions@owens.edu.

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COLLEGE CELEBRATES PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH JEN HAZEL FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Posted on April 4th, 2022

PERRYSBURG, Ohio – Owens Community College Professor of English Jen Hazel has been selected for the 2022 Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Awarded to select individuals who make a difference in community college classrooms across the United States, this highly competitive national designation honors faculty who are active in their students’ lives and in their colleges’ activities to ensure student success.

“My passion for teaching runs deep, so I was honored to be nominated for this award,” Professor Hazel said. “Owens is such a great place to work; I know I am making a difference here. This award motivates me to continue doing the work I love and supporting our students, both in and outside of the classroom.”

“Speaking on behalf of the entire Owens community, I am thrilled for Jen and applaud the award committee’s recognition of what she has achieved,” said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, President of Owens Community College. “Her passion is evident from her many committee activities, her efforts to increase student access to Open Education Resources (OER) and her commitment to providing rich and relevant learning experiences for all. Jen consistently goes above and beyond to find ways that each student can learn, and we are so fortunate to have her on our team.”

Professor Hazel has taught at Owens for 15 years. In addition to her classroom instruction, she serves as the campus Assessment Lead and on the Completion, Center for Teaching and Innovation Implementation, and Opening Week teams. Professor Hazel also co-chairs the Curriculum Committee and the BIG Read and chairs the Oregon Road Film Series and The Silo committees. In the Humanities Department, where she is the Program Director, she currently spearheads the effort to embed tutoring into Composition I courses and is incorporating OER materials into other courses, including Composition II, to ensure students have access to the support and materials they need to succeed.

This is the second straight year that Owens faculty have been recognized nationally for teaching excellence, demonstrating the quality instruction students receive at the College. Associate Professor of Math Sarah Long received the Distinguished Faculty Recognition in 2021. In addition to AACC recognition, award winners also receive a custom commemorative medal and are further celebrated at a private reception during the AACC Annual Convention, which will be held in New York City from April 30–May 3 this year.

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Owens Community College to Award 459 Associate Degrees at Fall Commencement ceremonies

Posted on December 13th, 2021

Owens Community College will award 459 associate degrees at the 41st Fall Commencement ceremonies scheduled Friday, December 17 at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts theatre on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg.

Owens President Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D., will preside over her first Commencement since taking leadership at the College in June of this year.

Featuring graduates from both campus locations, including 33 who completed their studies at the Findlay-area Campus, the Commencement ceremonies are scheduled at 10 a.m. for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; at 1 p.m. for the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety and School of Liberal Arts; and at 4 p.m. for the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“An Owens degree is a milestone achievement. It represents an opportunity for anyone motivated to earn it – regardless of age, educational background, financial or housing status, or family situation – and our Fall 2021 class prove how beautifully Owens provides a path for so many people from all walks of life,” Dr. Somerville said.

More than 100 graduates with honors (3.5 grade-point average and above) as well as 12 outstanding academic program graduates will be among those recognized at the ceremonies. Outstanding graduates receive top honors based on wide-ranging success measures.

Outstanding Criminal Justice Award recipient Zackary McCloud of Maumee is a first generation college graduate after being the first in his family to graduate high school in 2006 in suburban Las Vegas. More than 50 percent of Owens students are first generation, meaning their parents do not have a degree from a college or university. Data is not available for a graduate such as McCloud, whose parents also did not have a high school diploma.

The son of drug addicts, he spent part of his childhood in foster care when his mother was dealing with legal issues. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served 13 years active duty with multiple combat deployments in the Middle East. The 34-year-old disabled Army veteran settled locally with his wife, Kara, also an Army veteran and an Owens student. A father of three, he is one of 12 student veterans in the graduating class.

Graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors and a 4.0 GPA, he will continue at Owens next semester to complete an Associate of Science degree in psychology and then he said he plans to transfer to the University of Toledo to continue his education.

“I’m a full-time student, a full-time husband and a full-time dad,” he said. “My goal is to open a halfway house with my wife to help people who are struggling like I did when I was younger. I want to share my story with them so they know that there is a path forward.”

In addition to McCloud, Outstanding Graduates are:

• Outstanding Graduate in Business Technologies: Rebecca Shake, Business Management, Toledo
• Outstanding Graduate in Food, Nutrition and Hospitality: McKenzi Tatum, Culinary Arts, Toledo
• Gerald Bazer Outstanding Arts and Sciences Graduate: Ryan Jewell, Communications, Sylvania
• Outstanding Graduate in Applied Engineering and Industrial Technology: Megan A. Malarcher, Environmental Science Concentration, Toledo
• Outstanding Graduate in Welding Technology: Austen Nissen, Welding Major, Perrysburg
• Peggy Bensman: Abena Atwimah, Registered Nursing Program, Columbus, Ohio
• Barbara Rood Student Choice: Brionna Davis, Registered Nursing Program, Toledo; Eunice Dosu Registered Nursing Program, Maumee; Ryan Hall, Registered Nursing Program, Tecumseh, Michigan; Alexander Hartzell, Registered Nursing Program, Waterville; Janelle Nighswander, Registered Nursing Program, Ottawa Lake, Michigan

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Owens Receives $1.16 Million Grant to Improve Adult College Readiness

Posted on December 1st, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 1, 2021 – Adults interested in pursuing higher education but unsure where to begin now have additional resources available at Owens Community College thanks to a $1.16 million Educational Opportunities Center (EOC) program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Owens will receive $235,050 per year for five years to help unemployed workers, low-wage workers, and returning high school and college students enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. These resources are available to members of the northwest Ohio communities, regardless of which higher educational institution they choose to attend.

“The EOC grant will allow Owens to further our commitment to making higher education accessible to the members of our community,” Denise Smith, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs, said. “Our goal is to assist adult students in their pursuit of continuing education or higher education by providing one-on-one support in obtaining their high school diploma or equivalent, connecting them with the college admissions application process and increasing their financial literacy and understanding of student financial aid options.”

Educational Opportunities Centers are one of eight federal grant programs known as the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO), which are authorized by the Higher Education Act to help low-income, first-generation students and student with disabilities succeed in higher education. These programs assist in advancing these individuals from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu or call the admissions office at (567) 661-7777. For more information on the EOC program, please contact erica_parish@owens.edu.

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Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College and the University of Findlay Establish Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics

Posted on November 12th, 2021

In a unique partnership to meet Northwest Ohio’s growing need for a highly-trained workforce, three area educational institutions have come together to establish the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics.

The Center will be overseen by representatives from Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College and the University of Findlay and will work with area employers in the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics sectors to identify and anticipate their immediate, mid-term and long-term needs in workforce training, talent development, innovation, automation, systems integration and supply chain management.

In addition, the Center will serve as a centralized resource where the business community can bring specific workforce needs for customized training solutions. The idea for the Center originated in consistent feedback from regional companies regarding the need for growing and enhancing talent to drive success.

“As an institution of opportunity with decades of history in Findlay, we know this partnership will help to meet workforce demands in advanced manufacturing and logistics. This Center will serve as a model for northwest Ohio and beyond as more institutions of higher education look to power economic development in more meaningful and strategic ways,” said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College.

The training and instructional programs will be provided across three locations (Findlay, Bowling Green, Perrysburg) and will range from on-degree track certificates and badges, to degree track curricula for associate, bachelor’s and post-graduate degrees. The Center will also focus on facilitating a wide range of co-op and internship opportunities.

“The Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics demonstrates the power of a four-year public university, a two-year public community college and a private four-year university all coming together to partner and to demonstrate our relevance to Ohio and beyond,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “This partnership is one example of how we are meeting workforce demands by connecting education and listening and responding to industry needs.

“We are fortunate to live, learn and work in a vibrant and collaborative community,” stated Dr. Katherine Fell, president of the University of Findlay. “Having a dynamic and flexible mechanism for intentional workforce development is vital the continued growth of our region.”

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Owens Community College Invests in Workforce Training by Opening $9.6M Dana Center

Posted on October 4th, 2021

Owens Community College will host a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 6 to showcase the $9.6 million Dana Incorporated Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, a facility created in response to labor market needs for the purpose of preparing skilled workers for in-demand jobs.

Also known as the Dana Center, the renovated 59,000-square-foot facility provides students with highly technical training in advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades. The Dana Center is located at 458 Depot Road, Perrysburg on the Owens’ Toledo-area Campus.

“This ceremony will allow us to publicly thank Dana Incorporated for making the lead gift that helped create the Dana Center for students of today and tomorrow,” Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens Community College President, said. “We would also like to thank the Gene Haas Foundation, JobsOhio and all of the donors whose contributions made this facility possible. This center helps Owens fulfill its goal of working in partnership with business and industry to advance economic development in the region.”

SSOE Group received the 2020 Excellence in Workforce Development Award by the Ohio Economic Development Associations (OEDA) for the Dana Center’s design that provides highly technical and integrated training in a modern setting with amenities including natural lighting, glass walls and polished floors – a clean and safe environment conducive to learning.

Midwest Contracting, Inc. was the general contractor.

The ceremony will conclude with a ribbon cutting and then guests will have the opportunity to tour the Dana Center’s labs and classrooms. Light refreshments will be available.

The College’s academic offerings began in 1965 with four associate degree programs, including two leading to careers related to advanced manufacturing. Today, Owens offers more than 70 associate degree programs and certificates, with more than 20 connected to the advanced manufacturing industry.

More information about the Dana Center is available at www.owens.edu/danacenter.

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Owens Community College Welcomes Students, Faculty and Staff to Toledo- and Findlay-Area Campuses

Posted on August 24th, 2021

New College president Dr. Dione D. Somerville kicks off academic year, athletics

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College began its 2021–22 academic year with Opening Week all-campus meetings led by the institution’s new president, Dr. Dione D. Somerville. Fall Semester will begin on Monday, August 30.

Owens will offer a variety of class options this fall, including in-person, traditional online, hybrid and synchronous online courses. At September’s Fall Fest event, students will also be able to begin getting involved in campus organizations and taking advantage of everything Owens has to offer. Dr. Somerville met with faculty and staff on Monday, August 23 to update them on the state of the College.

“Speaking for the entire Owens community, I am so excited to move forward together this school year as we embark on a new semester and a new Owens Express athletics season,” said Dr. Somerville. During her presentations at the Toledo- and Findlay-area campuses, Dr. Somerville noted the following highlights:

• Owens awarded 970 degrees and certificates in Spring 2021 and 1,841 degrees and certificates in 2020.
• Assistant Professor of Broadcast Technology Rob Thomas won Owens’ first Presidential Teaching Award.
• The Coalition on Adult Basic Education named Aspire Program Director Heath Huber Outstanding Administrator of the Year. Workforce and Community Services faculty Dionne Dolsey and Lisa Dowling both won Outstanding Teachers of the Year.
• The American Association of Community Colleges awarded the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition to Sarah Long, Associate Professor of Mathematics.
• The baseball team had a 35-15 overall record in 2021, won the Great Lakes District and Region XII Championships and were College World Series Qualifiers.
• The softball team had a 13-7 overall record in 2021 and won the Great Lakes District and Division III Region XII Championships.
• With the allocation of CARES Act grant funding, the Counseling Services Office hired a third full-time counselor to provide more mental health support to the community.
• More than $12 million in financial relief has been allocated to students since the onset of the pandemic.

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Owens Adds Late Enrollment Event for Community Members

Posted on August 5th, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – New students still considering their higher education options will have the opportunity to get started at Owens Community College during Success Express Day on Friday, August 13.

The event will be held from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the Toledo-area Campus, located at 30355 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. All attendees will receive a customized campus tour.

“Our faculty and academic chairs will be available to meet with students. So will our financial aid staff, who will talk about the FAFSA and how affordable an Owens education is,” Amy Giordano, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services, said. “We want to help students gather the information they need. We want them to know there’s still time for a successful start at Owens.”

Interested students attending Success Express Day will have an opportunity to complete an application and take next steps toward enrollment for Fall Semester, which begins Monday, August 30.

“Students have so many options at Owens, whether they are degree-seeking, want a career certificate to help with job placement, or plan to earn credits and then transfer for a bachelor’s degree,” Giordano said. “Our staff will also help students if they are undecided on their future plans. What’s important is to attend Success Express Day and start the process.”

An RSVP is required to attend Success Express Day. RSVP at owens.edu/success.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SELECTS DR. DIONE SOMERVILLE AS EIGHTH PRESIDENT

Posted on May 5th, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 5, 2021 – Following a five-month nationally advertised search by AGB search, the board of trustees for Owens Community College has named Dr. Dione Somerville the institution’s new president. The appointment was announced following today’s board meeting. Her start date is scheduled for June 15.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dr. Dione Somerville to Owens Community College as its 8th president,” stated Mary Beth Hammond, chair, Owens Board of Trustees. “We look forward to Dr. Somerville’s involvement with our students, faculty, staff, community, and Board of Trustees. The Board is confident that with her leadership, the College will continue to grow and thrive in Northwest Ohio as a strong community partner while helping our students be prepared for successful and rewarding careers in the surrounding communities.”

Dr. Somerville began her 27-year career in higher education as the assistant director, Campus Programming at Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio, before taking leadership positions at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Lorain County Community College, Iowa State University, Bloomsburg University and Hawkeye Community College.

Her most recent position was as executive vice president at Hawkeye Community College. Among her accomplishments, she leads the college’s COVID-19 response, including helping provide leadership to Academic Affairs during the six-month vacancy of the provost position. Responsibilities also include leading enrollment efforts, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, strategic planning, and creating a Division of Student Affairs. Prior to Hawkeye, Dr. Somerville was vice president for student affairs at Bloomsburg University. In this position, she provided leadership for Bloomsburg’s regional accreditation and the creation of the university’s first Division of Strategic Enrollment Management. She envisioned the student wellness initiative, focusing on mental health and dependency on alcohol and other drugs. Dr. Somerville provided leadership to create the Center for Leadership and Engagement, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, modernize Greek Life, expand intercollegiate athletics, facilitate assessment, and complete fundraising efforts. Dr. Somerville oversaw the University Master Plan process, the revitalization of university housing, and the completion of Soltz Hall, a $61.4 million multi-function building inclusive of the mailroom, bookstore, integrative learning, two dining venues, and nearly 400 suite-style beds.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be selected as president of Owens Community College,” said Dr. Somerville. “I value Owens’ legacy as an institution that creates opportunity for its students and greater community and will strive to further that tradition. I look forward to working in partnership with the students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and the community to continue Owens’ forward momentum.”

Dr. Somerville earned a doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a bachelor’s degree in English/Writing from Ohio Northern University. She was a Fellow at the Association of Governing Boards Institute for Leadership and Governance in its inaugural year. She also participated in the Harvard University Institute for Education Management and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Millennium Leadership Institute.

She has been very active in her local community, having served on the Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital Community Advisory Board, the City of Ames Student Affairs Commission, and Ames Police Community Relations Advisory Committee.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AWARDED CHOOSE OHIO FIRST GRANT FOR STEM SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 28th, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 28, 2021 – Students pursuing degrees in the critical fields of science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Owens Community College will be eligible for additional scholarships, thanks to the Choose Ohio First (COF) Grant program announced by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) earlier this month.

“This important grant from the ODHE will allow Owens to help even more students thrive on their path to successful STEM careers,” said Bill Balzer, interim president, Owens Community College. “This additional financial support will provide many students with the additional resources they need to prepare for in-demand jobs and grow Ohio’s talent pipeline. This is all possible thanks to the vision and advocacy of Lieutenant Governor Husted and ODHE Chancellor Randy Gardner.”

The grant will provide $278,100 over five years to recruit and support cohorts of 10-15 students during their educational journey. Students pursuing one of Owens’ more than 75 STEM-focused degrees and certificates are awarded up to $1,500 per semester for fall and spring semesters only.

Part of the COF scholarship program at Owens includes a partnership with Bowling Green State University to assist students looking to transfer to BGSU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in STEM. This partnership provides a four-year degree pathway with an emphasis in robotics for the following programs:

• Mechatronics Engineering Technology
• Pre-Mechatronics Engineering Technology
• Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
• Engineering Technology

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program is a $100 million investment to be awarded over five years, targeting universities and colleges recruiting Ohio residents into current STEM programs, supporting the increased success of students in those fields, and making substantive improvements to the pipeline of STEM students and STEM educators. Participating institutions award scholarships to students based on need and merit.

For more information about Owens’ School of STEM, please visit www.owens.edu/stem.

For more information on the Choose Ohio First program, visit www.ohiohighered.org/cof.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH REUP EDUCATION TO OFFER ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS RETURNING TO COLLEGE

Posted on March 31st, 2021

ReUp Education’s combination of predictive analytics and personalized support will help students return to school and complete their degree 

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 31, 2021 – Owens Community College announced a new initiative to provide a pathway to graduation for students with some education experience but no degree. Developed through a partnership with U.S. startup ReUp Education, the effort will use sophisticated analytics technology, as well as personalized coaching and mentorship to help Owens identify, contact, and support the reentry of stopout students.

“We are very eager to begin implementing this new initiative with ReUp Education,” stated Amy Giordano, vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Services. “Students returning to school have different needs and goals compared to first-time students. This partnership will allow us to offer additional personalized support to this largely underserved population and give them a pathway to complete their degree. Student success is our mission and we want to ensure that students have the tools they need, no matter where they are on their educational journey.”

Completing a college degree has profound impacts on social and economic mobility. Earning a degree translates to an average of $1 million additional earnings over a lifetime. In the U.S., college graduates are half as likely to be unemployed as those with a high school degree. During the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 crisis, helping students complete their studies will be even more critical to fulfilling the promise of tertiary education as an engine of economic opportunity.

Owen’s new partnership with ReUp is designed to help remove these barriers and support students throughout the re-enrollment process. Owens is also a member of the ReUp Network — the national on-ramp for college completion. Comprising innovative partner colleges and universities offering unique programs, the Network creates a more dynamic and equitable ecosystem to meet every student’s needs by becoming the easiest way for stop-outs to return or transfer to Owens — to earn their degree and improve their lives.

“ReUp Education helps students across the country achieve their educational goals. As a resident of Toledo, Ohio, I am excited to bring our support services to students locally by partnering with Owens Community College. It is a privilege to partner with Owens, an institution committed to fostering student and community success by offering quality, accessible education opportunities and focusing on positive student outcomes.” said ReUp Education CEO, Sarah Horn.

 ReUp Education helps colleges and universities engage and re-enroll stopout students through a unique blend of predictive analytics technology, data, and personalized coaching. Once students have returned to school, ReUp provides ongoing support to foster personal accountability, encouragement, and guidance to equip students with the tools to persist and succeed.

About ReUp Education 

ReUp Education is the expert in understanding, engaging, and re-enrolling stopout students. Through its unique blend of data, technology, and specialized coaching, ReUp has engaged more than 400,000 stopout students across a wide range of universities and helped re-enroll over 14,000 students.  ReUp is based in San Francisco and is funded by leading education and social impact investors, including Entangled Ventures, University Ventures, Serious Change Investments, and The Impact Engine.   

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OWENS ANNOUNCED AS FINALIST FOR NATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Posted on March 23rd, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March. 23, 2021 – Owens Community College has been named a finalist in two categories – Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership and Students Success – for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) 2021 Awards of Excellence. The national awards recognize exceptional work among the nation’s two-year colleges.

 Owens is one of twelve community colleges and the only one from Ohio to be recognized as a finalist for the AACC 2021 Awards of Excellence.

“We are pleased to be recognized by the AACC as finalists for our corporate partnerships and student success initiatives,” stated Bill Balzer, interim president, Owens Community College. “Fostering success for both students and our community is our mission and we are extremely proud of all the amazing work being done by our exceptional faculty and staff.”

The Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership Award honors local, regional and national collaboration between a college and corporate partner that has achieved demonstrable, multi-year success in advancing the mission of the institution(s), the economic prosperity of a community, region or the nation, and the learning excellence of students.

Owens has been recognized for its partnership with Raise the Bar Hancock County and eight Findlay-Hancock County manufacturers to launch the Ohio Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (OH! FAME) program.

“What makes this partnership successful is the role the businesses play. They are active in developing curriculum, guest speakers, board members, and much more,” said Tracy Campbell, assistant director, Advanced Manufacturing and FAME. “Each student has an employer mentor as well as a college success coach to help guide them on their career path along with their educational path. It is a pleasure to be able to work with the students and employers to help fill the needs of the region.”

The Student Success Award recognizes a community college that has demonstrated, through evidence, a sustained commitment to proactively advancing the cause of student success at a community college.

Over the past two years, the College has transformed its student placement processes and how to improve underprepared students’ success. The College has moved from a single measure of placement to a more holistic approach using multiple criteria and student feedback to provide more accurate placement.

In addition, the College embarked on a complete review of all its associate degrees to decrease both the number of credit hours required and time until completion. The majority of programs now have clear pathways to completion in 60-65 credit hours by streamlining the choice of program courses and removing unnecessary elective credits.

 AACC’s Awards of Excellence underscores the association’s priorities and brings national visibility to promising practices among its member colleges.

Nominees will be judged by a select committee of the AACC Board of Directors. The winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence Virtual Gala during AACC Digital in May 2021.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS FREE DENTAL HYGIENE DAY FOR KIDS

Posted on February 25th, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 25, 2021 – According to the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting 60 percent of children ages 5 to 17 and 25 percent of children under the age of 5. These statistics are why Owens Dental Hygiene Department has provided dental care to the underserved for 15 years at its annual Give Kids A Smile event. Due to the overwhelming response to the event this year, the Dental Hygiene Department is offering additional free Dental Hygiene Days for kids.

“This year, due to COVID, we still provided much-needed services to help with access-to-care issues in our community but on a smaller scale, stated Beth Tronolone, chair, Owens Dental Hygiene Program. “The event was a great success. Appointments filled up within a week, demonstrating the need for access to dental care for children in our community. In response, we are offering anyone that could not make the event an opportunity to schedule a free appointment.”

The ADHA believes that the secret to oral health for life is establishing a healthy dental hygiene routine from the start.  When parents understand more about nutrition, fluoride, brushing habits, flossing, rinsing, and more, they start to see that prevention is the key to success.

To schedule an appointment, area residents should call (567) 661-7294 and ask for the Free Dental Hygiene Day for kids. An appointment will be booked during regular dental hygiene clinic hours.

“At Owens, we feel privileged to assist in this long-standing tradition to bridge the gap between providing dental hygiene care and access-to-care issues,” said Tronolone.

Per CDC guidelines, the clinic is limiting the number of children per day to ensure a safe environment.

Owens’ Dental Hygiene 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. The clinic provides dental care in the form of exams by a dentist, x-rays, oral hygiene and nutritional education, dental cleanings, fluoride varnish and restorative treatment needs if necessary. Appointments usually are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $35 fee.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS SAFE INDIVIDUALIZED TOURS FOR POTENTIAL STUDENTS

Posted on February 4th, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of the experiences that first-time students have come to expect when planning for college. Still, Owens Community College is committed to giving potential students as full experience as possible in a safe environment. Owens will be offering individualized tours during its annual President’s Day Preview, Mon., Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are finding that prospective students and their families want to come to campus and see our great facilities and we want to welcome them safely,” said Erin Kramer, Owens director of Admissions. “We have found that providing individualized tours is a safe way to show families around. It’s a great opportunity to see what Owens is about.”

Prospective students will be given personal tour guides and can choose the academic areas they want to see and ask any questions they may have. Admission representatives will also help fill out applications and explain the next steps that students need to take.

Each student is welcome to bring one guest with them on tour, but they must wear masks and adhere to social distancing practices.

Tours will take place on the Toledo-area Campus and last approximately one hour.

Participants can schedule an appointment at www.owens.edu/visit/presidentsday/.

For more information, please contact Admissions at (567) 661-7777 or admissions@owens.edu.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO EXPAND ONLINE-TEACHING SKILLS

Posted on February 1st, 2021

Ultimate goal is improving student success 

Ten faculty members from Owens Community College have jumped at the chance to improve their online teaching skills by participating in a 25-week Effective Online Teaching Practices course offered in collaboration with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).

The teachers will be joining more than 150 faculty members from 22 Ohio community colleges as they learn and implement equity-promoting, evidence-based teaching practices shown to improve student engagement, persistence, course completion, and learning.

The program is part of a collaboration between the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). ACUE programs in effective teaching practices are based on more than three decades of research that demonstrates effective teaching improves learning for all students.

Considered a graduate-level course, the program consists of 25 modules separated into four blocks—Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Online Learning Environment, Promoting Active Learning Online, Inspiring Inquiry and Lifelong Learning in Your Online Course, and Designing an Effective Course.

Equity-promoting teaching practices are among the hundreds of recommended approaches that faculty learn about and develop in ACUE courses, as demonstrated in ACUE’s Inclusive and Equitable Teaching Curriculum Crosswalk.

Faculty will be teaching classes at Owens while taking the course, which begins this month, so they will use what they learn immediately. Faculty who satisfy program requirement will be awarded ACUE’s Certificate in Effective College Instruction, the only nationally-recognized college teaching credential endorsed by the American Council on Education.

The opportunity is offered free of charge to faculty through a partnership between ACUE and OACC’s Success Center as part of the Every Learner Everywhere (ELE) initiative—and was made possible by Achieving the Dream (ATD), an ELE network partner. 

Jack Hershey, president and chief executive officer of the OACC, said the training will teach faculty ways to keep their online courses fresh and impactful.

“We are working hard to level the playing field to close equity gaps among Ohio students,” Hershey said. “Offering this course to faculty is one more way to do that.”

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OWENS SELECTED AS THE NEWEST GENE HAAS CNC MACHINING LAB

Posted on October 27th, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2020 – The strong partnerships between Owens Community College, Haas Automation, Inc., HFO Midwest and the Gene Haas Foundation has been taken to the next level as the Gene Haas Foundation recently awarded a $250,000 grant for naming rights to the new Owens Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Lab. The 7,000-square-foot space will be known as the Gene Haas CNC Machining Lab and will feature several Haas CNC machine tools to prepare students for high-paying manufacturing jobs.

The Haas Foundation grant follows the 2019 gift from Dana Incorporated for which the advanced manufacturing training center is named.

“Our Dana Center, including the Gene Hass CNC Machining lab, demonstrates the college’s commitment to specialized training in advanced manufacturing and related fields,” said Bill Balzer, interim president, Owens Community College. “This generous grant from the Gene Haas Foundation enhances our strong, long-standing partnership to ensure meeting the region’s employment and training needs for many years to come.”

Students pursuing a mechanical major are instructed in drafting, machine design and repair and machining principles, which may include tool and die design and detailing, fluid power applications and CNC applications. In addition to theory and hands-on instruction, students will take courses such as communications, industrial psychology, management and applied statistical process control.

The Gene Haas CNC Machining lab is a premiere educational space for students, incumbent workers, individuals, and companies who seek hands-on training and advanced skills needed by Northwest Ohio’s regional manufacturing-based employers. Additionally, the lab will be dedicated to students pursuing many degrees and certificates, including Applied Engineering Technology, CAD Technology, Skilled Trades Mechanical, Industrial Mechanic Certificate, Tool & Die/Mold Making, Welding and more.

“I’m extremely proud of the evolution of our partnership with Owens Community College (OCC) and congratulate them on being awarded a $250,000 grant by the Gene Haas Foundation!” states Dave Tucker, president of HFO Midwest. “Owen’s Community College was one of our earliest Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC) success stories, going back more than 20 years. Our early adoption of the HTEC program has proven to be a winning proposition for all stakeholders, as well as the manufacturing communities we serve. I’m confident that the new Gene Haas CNC Machining Lab at Owens will prepare students for a great career in manufacturing by educating them on the most popular and advanced CNC machine tools currently in use.”

Owens regional business partners have expressed an urgent need for additional training to meet the predicted 2,118 new jobs in advanced manufacturing over the next five years. The Gene Haas Foundation’s continued investment in Owens will provide additional hands-on training to students and increase skilled personnel entering the workforce.

“Owens Community College is a known pillar in the region for delivering advanced manufacturing training opportunities,” Adds Toni Neary, director of education, Morris Group, Inc., Haas Tower Services. “We have fostered an amazing partnership with Owens Community College including housing our local showroom on campus, working pro-actively in the HTEC (Haas Technical Education Center) network and with annual grants for student scholarships from the Gene Haas Foundation. This takes our partnership to the next level.”

Approximately 200 to 300 credit and non-credit students utilize the CNC lab annually while completing Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) courses.

The Dana Center focuses on expanding and preparing new and incumbent skilled workers in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The 59,000-square-foot facility features six skilled technology labs, including computer-aided design (CAD), CNC and manual machining, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and alternative energy, mechanical and pneumatics, and robotics and programmable logic controller (PLC).

For more information on the Dana Center or the Gene Haas CNC Machining Lab, please visit owens.edu/danacenter.

About the Gene Haas Foundation
Founded by Haas in 1999, the Gene Haas Foundation has awarded more than 50 million dollars to deserving charities and educational institutions. The Foundation was formed to fund the needs of the local community and to support manufacturing education. The foundation provides scholarship funds to community colleges and vocational schools for students entering technical training programs, especially machinist-based certificate and degree programs as well as supports youth programs that inspire young people to consider manufacturing careers.

 About HFO Midwest
Haas Factory Outlet (www.hfomidwest.com) a division of Midwest Manufacturing Resources, Inc., has been supporting the manufacturing community of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia for over 25 years as the exclusive distributor for Haas CNC machine tools, rotary products and automation. Offices are located in Springboro (Cincinnati-Dayton) and Twinsburg (Cleveland). Each facility offers showrooms for demonstrations, training and services.

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ACADEMY IS FIRST IN NATION TO IMMERSE MID-LEVEL LEADERS IN SUCCESS MODELS

Posted on October 16th, 2020

Participants Include Two from Owens Community College

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 16, 2020 –  Two leaders from Owens Community College have graduated as fellows of the first Ohio Leadership Academy for Student Success.

Erica Parish, dean, Accreditation and Academic Support and David Shaffer, executive director, Student Services were among more than 40 leaders representing all of Ohio’s community colleges that graduated Oct. 2, 2020, as part of the academy, organized by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC). It is the first of its kind in the nation to gather mid-level administrators, faculty and staff for a year of leadership development, exchanging ideas and immersion in how to promote student success.

“The fellows learned how to more effectively lead the many changes underway at our colleges – transformational changes – to improve student success,” said Laura Rittner, executive director of the OACC’s Success Center for Ohio Community Colleges. “We brought together people who have different roles at colleges so they could have a deeper understanding of how college leaders can work together to usher in these student success models.”

The president of each of the state’s community colleges could nominate two employees as fellows. They met six times throughout the year for two-day meetings, first in person and then online as the pandemic took hold. Sessions were relevant to Ohio specifically and included aspects of the Aspen Institute’s presidential leadership curriculum. Fellows also worked on projects in small groups between sessions.

“The Ohio Leadership Academy gave me a greater understanding how the budget process and other decisions made at the state-level affect what happens on our campus and in turn affect the success of students,” said Parish. “This experience was worthwhile and something that I would highly recommend to other college leaders.”

The academy was funded by several national organizations, so colleges had minimal expenses to participate. Next year’s academy will begin early in 2021, Rittner said, in the hopes that some sessions can be held in person.

The OACC represents the presidents and trustees of the state’s 23 public two-year institutions that work to advance community colleges through policy advocacy and professional development. For more information, please visit www.OhioCommunityColleges.Org.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS STUDENTS A NEW FAST TRACK PROGRAM

Posted on September 15th, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2020 – Owens Community College is offering a new fast track program that puts students on an accelerated path to earning their degree. The program is designed to provide academic and personal support that aims to close the completion gap by helping students finish their degree or certificate in three years or less from the time they join the program.

“This is a small program designed to have a large impact on a specific population,” said James Jackson, director, Fast Track Program. “We want to help close the equity gap for students who come to Owens with few academic, economic and family resources and help them complete their degree as quickly as possible.”

Fast Track is based on a national model being used at several schools around the country, including in New York, New Jersey and California, to name a few.

Students are required to enroll full time (12 credits) and meet with a success coach twice a month, who will assist them with navigating their degree pathway, campus culture and learning to juggle their competing demands such as family responsibilities and work. Students participating in the program will have access to Fast Track Program activities, events and resources where they will meet fellow students and learn new skills. They will also receive a $50 a month incentive, as long as they remain eligible by meeting the program’s expectations.

Eligible Students must: 

• Have accumulated less than 24 college credits
• Be able to enroll in at least 12 credits per semester
• Fill out a financial aid application (FAFSA)
• Not currently be a participant in TRIO or other Student Support Services

Placement in the program is limited to 60 students for the 2020-21 academic year and the deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 25. Interested students should fill out an application and email it to james_jackson11@owens.edu.

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OWENS OFFERING NEW SCHOLARSHIP FOR CLASS OF 2020 WHOSE EDUCATIONAL PLANS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY COVID-19

Posted on September 1st, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2020 – Owens Community College is offering members of the Class of 2020 the unique opportunity to continue their academic path at Owens with the Spring Start: High School Class of 2020 Scholarship. This scholarship is a $500 non-need-based award intended to provide new graduates whose educational plans may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic the assistance they need to start their journey in the spring and keep their education on track. Eligible students would be awarded a scholarship for the 2021 Spring Semester. An additional $250 scholarship would be awarded for the 2021 Summer semester to those Spring 2021 scholarship recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements.

“With this unique initiative Owens hopes to demonstrate to our area high schools and community the College’s ongoing commitment to increasing college enrollment and student success as part of our strategic plan and our critical role in the northwest Ohio higher education ecosystem,” stated Amy K. Giordano, vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Services.

A recent survey by Junior Achievement and Citizens Bank (COVID Impact Survey) found that nearly half of high school juniors and seniors (44%) say COVID-19 has impacted their plans to pay for college. The survey also found that 30% say that COVID-19 is impacting their expected college start date.

Owens own enrollment trends show that these uncertainties especially affect the direct from high school students from the larger, public urban high schools with these student numbers behind prior year enrollment trends. With this new scholarship, Owens provides students who delayed their college career this additional financial assistance and wrap around support services to help ensure they don’t find themselves falling behind in their educational journey.

“This scholarship, open to all eligible students regardless of need, will reduce Owens already low cost for the 2021 Spring Semester,” said Giordano.

Requirements for the new scholarship are:

• Must be a member of the Class of 2020 from our legal service district (Lucas, Wood, Hancock and parts of Ottawa and Sandusky counties) who have not yet enrolled in college or university post-graduation
• Must be enrolled in 12 credit hours as of Spring 2021 census date
• Must be degree or certificate-seeking
• Must have completed FAFSA on file
• For Summer 2021 students must be enrolled in six credit hours, and maintaining a 2.0 GPA

If you are interested in this scholarship and would like to learn more, please contact Amy K. Giordano at amy_giordano@owens.edu.

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OWENS AWARDED $254,261 TO HELP LOW INCOME, FIRST GENERATION, AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES SUCCEED

Posted on August 18th, 2020

Federal Student Support Services grant awarded every five years

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug.18, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Education announced that Owens Community College will receive a federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant to help more students succeed in and graduate from college. TRIO SSS has been at Owens Community College since September 2015 and has served over 200 students.

SSS helps college students who are low income, first-generation (those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree) or students with disabilities. The array of services the grant will provide are comprehensive and will include academic tutoring, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, help in choosing courses, and other forms of assistance. Such services enhance academic success and make it more likely that students will graduate or transfer with the lowest possible debt. Many Student Support Services alumni have gone on to great success, among them Emmy, Tony and Academy-Award winning actress Viola Davis, U.S. Rep. Gwendolyn Moore of Wisconsin’s 4th District and Franklin Chang-Diaz, the first Hispanic astronaut.

SSS began in 1968 and is one of the eight federal “TRIO” programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to help college students succeed in higher education. It recognizes that students whose parents do not have a college degree have more difficulties navigating the complexity of decisions that college requires for success; it bolsters students from low-income families who have not had the academic opportunities that their college peers have had and helps students with disabilities remove obstacles preventing them from thriving academically.

We are excited about the opportunity to continue to serve students at Owens Community College. The grant proposal team consisted of members from across the Owens community: Heidi Altomare, Director of Grants; Dr. Denise Smith, Vice President of Academic Affairs/ Provost; Dr. Anne Fulkerson, Director of Institutional Research and Institutional Effectiveness; Erica Parish, Dean of Accreditation and Academic Support Services; David Shaffer, Executive Director of Student Services and Enrollment Services; and Brandon Gaddy, Director of TRIO Student Support Services. Their input and collaborative work were essential to the grant writing and submission process.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the systemic inequality and financial hardship which keep promising students from succeeding in college. Student Support Services is needed now more than ever,” said Maureen Hoyler. Hoyler is the president of the non-profit Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C., dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.

For more than 50 years, the Student Support Services program has made important contributions to individuals and society as a whole by providing a broad range of services to help students succeed. This vital program can and does make all the difference.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES NAME WILLIAM BALZER INTERIM PRESIDENT

Posted on August 4th, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2020 – Owens Community College Board of Trustees has selected William K. Balzer, Ph.D. to serve as interim president. Balzer will formally assume the interim president position on Aug. 10 following the departure of Steve Robinson, Ph.D. on July 17 to serve as president of Lansing Community College. Robinson served as the seventh president of the College since 2018 after serving as provost and vice president of academic affairs.

“We are very excited to bring Dr. Balzer’s depth of experience to Owens as we search for our next president,” stated Mary Beth Hammond, chair, Owens Board of Trustees. “We will benefit greatly not only from that experience but also the relationships of mutual respect he has built with his colleagues at BGSU and the other four-year institutions that Owens has built partnerships with over the years.”

Balzer has more than 35 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining Owens, he served as vice president for Faculty Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). His responsibilities included providing leadership in the implementation of the collective bargaining agreement with the BGSU Faculty Association, representing the Administration on issues related to the contract, and supporting the professional development of Department Chairs and School Directors at the University. In addition, he had the responsibility of helping support strategic planning and implementation and other strategic initiatives to advance the University.

Following his selection to the interim president position, Balzer said:

“I want to thank the Board of Trustees for both their confidence and the privilege to serve as interim president at Owens Community College. I look forward to working closely over the coming year with the leadership team, faculty, and staff to continue to advance the college’s success in providing students with an affordable and high-quality education to meet their professional and personal goals and enrich the economic vitality of northwest Ohio.”

He earned a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from New York University, a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Balzer is a member of the Association of Academic Personnel Administrators, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the American Psychological Society. He has also served as a member of several community boards.

The Board of Trustees is in the process of conducting a search to name a permanent president of Owens Community College.

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UTOLEDO, OWENS LAUNCH NEW NURSING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

Posted on March 3rd, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 3, 2020 – The presidents of The University of Toledo and Owens Community College will sign a dual-admission partnership for nursing students at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, March 5, in Heritage Hall, Room 123.

The new program — the first of its kind in northwest Ohio — allows nursing students to jointly apply for admission at both Owens and UToledo, establishing a seamless pathway for students to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in registered nursing from Owens followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from UToledo.

“Creating pathways for student success is an important part of Owens’ strategic plan and we are excited for what this dual enrollment agreement with the University of Toledo means for our nursing students,” said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “This seamless pathway from an associate to bachelor’s degree will help remove another barrier to student success and we are proud to partner with The University of Toledo to make that happen.”

“This is a wonderful way to strengthen our relationship with Owens and provide even more opportunities for students in our region, ensuring their success in the workplace,” UToledo President Sharon L. Gaber said. “Having a baccalaureate degree increases opportunities for nurses, and it is important that we establish these types of partnerships to ensure individuals in our community have the strong educational foundation they need for a successful nursing career.”

The new dual-admission program is designed to give students a sense of belonging at both institutions, while providing unique opportunities and support throughout their education.

Advisers from both Owens and UToledo will work with students from the start to ensure they are taking the courses needed to complete both degrees. Students also will have the ability to participate in UToledo events and programming, and to take courses at UToledo while working toward their associate’s degree at Owens.

Upon completion of their associate’s degree from Owens, students have a guaranteed spot in the UToledo College of Nursing’s online R.N. to B.S.N. program, with no additional application or admission fee.

While a B.S.N. isn’t necessary for licensure, recent surveys from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing have found that more than 80% of employers strongly prefer job candidates with a bachelor’s degree. A number of studies also have shown patients who are cared for by nurses with higher levels of education have more positive outcomes.

The dual-admission program is open to new and continuing students at Owens. The institutions will begin taking applications on May 1.

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HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION REAFFIRMS OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACCREDITATION THROUGH 2030

Posted on February 12th, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 12, 2020 – Owens Community College has received notification from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) that the academic institution’s accreditation has been reaffirmed through 2030. Owens has been accredited continuously through the Higher Learning Commission since 1976.

“Achieving continued accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission takes hard work and dedication. I am very proud and appreciative of all of our faculty and staff,” said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. This acknowledgment reaffirms our longstanding educational commitment to serving our students and the surrounding communities.”

The HLC is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region, accounting for 19 states. By law, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) relies in part on accrediting agencies to determine eligibility for U.S. government assistance under certain legislation. HLC is among these governmentally recognized authorities and seeks renewal of ED recognition at least every five years.

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

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CLASS REPRESENTATIVE STRIVES TO BE HER BEST WHILE REPRESENTING HER FAMILY, VENEZUELA AND LATINO CULTURE

Posted on December 9th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 9, 2019 – Venezuelan native, Maria Guadalupe Lopez Davila has been selected as the Owens Community College class representative and will address the 398 graduates during the 39^th Fall Commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 13. She is graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies and Cum Laude honors.

The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center. Admission is free. Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo Mayor, will serve as the commencement keynote speaker.

Lopez Davila came to the United States on an F1 student visa following her 2017 graduation from Juan XXIII High School in Valencia, the third-largest city in Venezuela with a population of approximately 1.8 million. She currently resides in Findlay.

She sought an opportunity to learn and grow away from her native country’s struggles. Civil unrest began in Venezuela in 2013 and has continued to present day due to high levels of urban violence, inflation and chronic shortages of basic goods and services, such as food and water. Widespread political corruption is blamed for much of the country’s problems.

“Maria is a humbly bright individual. Every goal that she sets for herself, she goes beyond it,” Lyndsay Dimick, International Students Advisor, said.

Despite taking English classes since first grade, she said her time at Owens has taught her how to communicate daily in English as she focuses on a Spanish-English communications career in business, journalism or social media. She said she is now beginning to dream in English as well.

Her mother, Dr. Morella Davila, OBGYN, and father, Rostin Lopez, a statistician and broadcaster for the Magellan Navigators professional baseball team in Valencia, hoped to attend the ceremony.

“I was raised in an environment with strong family values. I wanted to make my family proud, to show my mom and dad they did a good job with me,” Lopez Davila said.

After graduation, Lopez Davila has applied for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension to her student visa that would allow her to work for a year in a job related to her major before attending a 4-year university.

“I want to be the best of me so that I represent Venezuela and the Latino culture in what I do,” she said. “I have the duty and responsibility to talk about the good that comes from my country.”

Kapszukiewicz was elected mayor Nov. 7, 2017 and took the oath of office on January 2, 2018, becoming the 58th mayor of Toledo.

He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Marquette University in 1994 and was named the valedictorian of the College of Communication, Journalism, and Performing Arts. He received a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan in 1996.

Kapszukiewicz is an adjunct professor at Lourdes University, where he teaches a night course in urban policy. An avid baseball fan, Kapszukiewicz had his research published in the Spring 2016 edition of the Society for American Baseball Research journal.

A resident of Toledo since 1973, Kapszukiewicz was born in San Diego on October 30, 1972. He and his wife, Sarah, celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary in 2019. They live in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo and have two children, Emma and Will.

For more information about the ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS CONTINUES CAMPAIGN MOMENTUM WITH $100,000 GIFT FOR DANA ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TRAINING CENTER

Posted on October 18th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 18, 2019 – Owens Community College announced today a second major gift of $100,000 from the Owens Alumni Association for the new Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, seven weeks after receiving a $1 million investment from Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN). The announcement was made at the Foundation and Alumni Association’s Annual Dinner Meeting, Thurs., Oct. 17. The gift will result in naming rights within the center and will help to establish the Owens Alumni Association Advanced Manufacturing Scholarship.

“The Alumni Association is excited to be part of the Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center through this significant investment, while also establishing an endowed scholarship to directly benefit those students seeking degrees and certificates in the manufacturing and skilled trades areas,” said Tom Daniels, president of the Owens Community College Alumni Association. “This facility will be a game-changer for Northwest Ohio, and we are doing our part to help advance the region.”

The modernized facility will transform the College’s ability to meet the region’s most critical economic challenges of developing and training a skilled workforce for manufacturing employers.

Labor data forecasts more than 2,100 advanced manufacturing job openings paying an average annual salary of $63,000 in Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties in the next five years.

Designed to provide highly technical and integrated training in a clean and safe environment conducive to learning, the Dana Center includes amenities such as large windows that allow more natural light, glass walls and polished floors. The facility will also provide corporate partners with access to offices and conference space close to technical labs, classrooms and faculty offices.

“The Owens Foundation greatly appreciates this gift in support of the Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at Owens Community College,” said Philip J. Rudolph, Jr., Chair of the Owens Community College Foundation. “The Owens Alumni Association’s investment in the Dana Center is an investment in future alumni who will continue to power Northwest Ohio’s workforce.”

For more information about the new Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, please visit www.owens.edu/amtc.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECEIVES LEAD GIFT FROM DANA INCORPORATED FOR NEW ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TRAINING CENTER

Posted on August 28th, 2019

Owens Embarks on Capital Fundraising Campaign for New $9.6 million, 59,000 Square-foot Facility to Promote Development of Skilled Workers in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 28, 2019 – Owens Community College announced today it received a $1 million investment from Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) for the new Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. The new facility will help address the shortage in skilled workers throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The announcement kicks off a capital fundraising campaign to support the initiative.

Focused on increasing training and development of skilled workers in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, the project will renovate a 59,000 square-foot existing facility, which will feature six skilled technology labs, including computer-aided design (CAD); computer numerical control (CNC) and manual machining; electrical; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and alternative energy; mechanical and pneumatics; and robotics and programmable logic controller (PLC).

“The skills gap is one of the single biggest constraints on growth in our industry and the economy as a whole.  According to estimates from the Manufacturing Institute, there will be more than 4.6 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S. to fill by 2028.  At current rates, we will only have 2.2 million skilled workers for these positions. That is a gap of over 2.4 million jobs,” said James Kamsickas, president and chief executive officer of Dana.  “Dana’s investment with Owens Community College will help to bridge that gap by offering critical training in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades to support the manufacturing base of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.”

The State of Ohio has approved $4 million in capital funding and Owens will invest up to $3.6 million of its local dollars to support the project. The capital campaign will focus on securing the remaining $2 million funding gap to complete the project.

“The new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center will house all of our advanced manufacturing and skilled trade programs in one building, offering our students a more conducive environment for learning current and advanced technologies that are critical for the workforce in our region,” said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president, Owens Community College. “The generous support from a major corporation like Dana demonstrates the trust and confidence we have been able to cultivate through our many years as northwest Ohio’s leader in workforce training.”

The new facility will transform the College’s ability to meet the region’s most critical economic challenges of developing and training a skilled workforce for manufacturing employers.

“Toledo has more robots per capita than any metro area in America, but until today, the area did not have the training partnership between educators and the private sector that can supply the talent needed to grow the modern manufacturing sector of the economy,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “The advanced manufacturing partnership between Owens and Dana is exactly what Northwest Ohio needs to compete educationally and economically.”

For more information about the new Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, please visit www.owens.edu/amtc.

About Dana Incorporated  

Dana is a world leader in providing power-conveyance and energy-management solutions for vehicles and machinery.  The company’s portfolio improves the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-highway equipment.  From axles, driveshafts, and transmissions to electrodynamic, thermal, sealing, and digital solutions, the company enables the propulsion of conventional, hybrid, and electric-powered vehicles by supplying nearly every vehicle and engine manufacturer in the world.  Founded in 1904, Dana employs more than 36,000 people who are committed to delivering long-term value to customers.  Based in Maumee, Ohio, USA, and with locations in 33 countries across six continents, the company reported sales of $8.1 billion in 2018.  Having established a dynamic, high-performance culture, the company has been recognized globally as a top employer, with significant honors in Asia, India, Italy, Mexico, and the United States.  Learn more at www.dana.com.

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OWENS CUSTOMIZED TRAINING HELPS FIRST SOLAR INVEST IN TRAINING ITS WORKFORCE

Posted on August 5th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2019 – According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workforce Learning Report, 93 percent of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their careers. For 19 First Solar employees, this statistic became more of a reality when they earned a state certificate at a special ceremony Friday at Owens Community College after completing customized training made possible through a partnership with Owens Community College and First Solar.

The First Solar employees earned the 34-credit hour Industrial Maintenance Certificate in accelerated time, covering the 13 classes from January to July. A typical student may spend up to 18 months earning this certificate.

Owens customized the educational makeup and delivery of the certificate so First Solar employees attended classes Mondays and Wednesdays in two 12-hour shifts, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Additional examples of the customized training included utilizing First Solar blueprints in the Mechanical Print Reading class and starting an Electrical Principles class at 2:30 a.m.

First Solar began partnership talks with Owens officials in the spring of 2018, immediately after announcing its building expansion in Lake Township and the need for additional employees.

“When First Solar could not find new, qualified employees, they sent their existing employees to us to upgrade their skills. We were excited to provide career growth opportunities for their manufacturing operators and technicians,” said Rob Kraus, executive director of Owens Workforce Training. “What we did with First Solar, we can do with other companies. We offer multiple pathways to train incumbent and future workers and help them earn valuable knowledge and skills to succeed on the job.”

First Solar has already moved forward with another customized training opportunity, enrolling manufacturing operators in Manufacturing Engineer Technician classes leading to a certificate of completion.

“First and foremost, we would like to congratulate our First Solar associates on this wonderful accomplishment.  As we move forward with our vision to lead the world’s sustainable energy future it will be critical to have the most highly skilled associates on the front lines in our manufacturing facilities,” said Jay Lake, manufacturing workforce development and community relations manager, First Solar. “Training programs such as the one that First Solar and Owens Community College have developed will be paramount in bringing this vision to fruition.  We are confident that we will be able to provide cost-advantaged solar technology through innovation, customer engagement, industry leadership and operational excellence with the help of our talented workforce.”

Approximately 50 people attended the graduation ceremony in College Hall.

For more information on customized workforce training, please visit www.owens.edu/workforce_cs or call (567) 661-7357.

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RAMADEVI KANNAN RECEIVES 2019 ACBSP TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Posted on July 18th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 18, 2019 –  Ramadevi Kannan, professor of accounting, has been named a regional recipient of the 2019 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Teaching Excellence Award. The ACBSP recognizes individuals each year who exemplify teaching excellence in the classroom.

Professor Kannan was honored, along with other regional recipients, at the 2019 ACBSP Conference in Houston, Texas in June. She received a crystal medallion and a $250 check. In addition, Ms. Kannan was selected from all regional award winners as the recipient of the ACBSP International Teaching Excellence Award for 2019, which was not announced until the awards ceremony at the conference. She was presented with an engraved crystal award and a check for $500.

“Ms. Kannan has a reputation for working very closely with students to ensure they have the tools needed to be successful. She is fair and kind when dealing with students’ issues and she delivers the curriculum to suit multiple learning styles. Furthermore, I recently learned that Rama even went so far as to financially assist a student whose laptop was stolen during the semester. That level of dedication to students is extraordinary, and illustrates her kindness and compassion for helping students succeed,” said Elizabeth “Libby” King, chair, Business Technologies, Owens Community College.

The ACBSP Associate Degree Commission established the International Teaching Excellence Award in 1995 to recognize outstanding classroom teachers. In 2002, the Baccalaureate Degree Commission created a similar award to recognize excellence in teaching at the baccalaureate/graduate degree level. ACBSP is the only specialized body for business schools that presents an award recognizing excellence in teaching, open to application by the entire membership.

“It is more important than ever for business programs to produce graduates who are ready to enter the global marketplace,” said Jeffrey Alderman, ACBSP president and CEO. “ACBSP has a mission to develop, promote and recognize best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education. Recognition of teaching excellence is one way we achieve this goal,” he stated.

About ACBSP 

ACBSP’s mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize excellence in the accreditation of business education programs around the world. ACBSP, www.acbsp.org, is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a specialized accreditation agency for business education. ACBSP is the only global accrediting body to accredit business, accounting, and business-related programs at all degree levels. ACBSP currently has 1,100+ member campuses in 60 countries. Of those campuses, 942 have achieved accreditation and more than 150 are in candidacy for accreditation. Individual members on these campuses now exceed 13,000. FAQs / Accreditation FAQs 

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GM PARTNERS WITH OWENS TO CHART DEBT-FREE PATH FOR IN-DEMAND AUTO TECH JOBS

Posted on June 13th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 13, 2019 – General Motors Co. (GM) has chosen Owens Community College as one of seven community colleges in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania to launch its GM Dealer Technician Scholarship, a program that can help students graduate debt-free with a two-year associate degree in automotive technology, beginning fall 2019. This scholarship is offered through the Owens Community College Foundation to assist eligible students who are enrolled in the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) with full tuition and fees.

“This is great news for our students who are looking to enter the automotive technology field with low cost, high-quality training,” said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president, Owens Community College. “We are proud to continue our more than 25-year partnership with GM to help fill the gap between industry needs and qualified workers.”

The GM Dealer Technician Scholarship will help address the growing demand for highly trained automotive service technicians. The Ohio Occupational Employment Projection Report estimates that the industry will need 28,675 more technicians by 2026 due to anticipated demand and attrition.

Owens Community College works with nearly 50 GM dealerships in the region to provide students the opportunity to work alongside experienced technicians to maintain and repair today’s high-tech vehicles.

There is a 100 percent job placement rate for students completing the GM ASEP program at Owens.

The end goal of exposing these students to many of GM’s industry-leading technologies, including battery-electric vehicles, semi-autonomous driver assistance systems like Cadillac Super Cruise and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity is full-time employment at one of more than 4,000 GM dealerships around the country.

“We’re tearing down the barriers that stand in the way of people pursuing these good-paying, high-tech jobs,” said Terry Rhadigan, executive director, GM Corporate Giving. “After two years, we want people to hit the ground running, so we will help them get a quality education, technical training and hands-on experience without the burden of student loans.”

Students interested in the scholarship program should contact Owens Transportation Technologies department at (567) 661-7388.

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622 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 7th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Tuesday, May 7, 2019 –  622 candidates for graduation, including 67 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 53^rd annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 10. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Jennifer Gebes, a dental hygiene technology major with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 1991 Fostoria High School graduate already has two certifications and a bachelor’s degree, completing the Pharmacy Technician non-credit certificate and Medical Transcription certificate from Owens and Applied Health Science bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University.

“She is a diligent worker and pays great attention to detail,” Beth Tronolone, Dental Hygiene Chair, said. “She is kind, caring and provides a high standard of care with her clinical patients.”

Gebes, 46, is a single mother to two boys, Brendan, 16, and Landon, 14, the youngest who had significant special needs in his early childhood years.

As an infant, Landon Gebes was exposed to a virus that caused encephalitis on the left side of his brain, which controls speech and language. Despite years of doctors’ visits and tests, a correct diagnosis was not made until closer to his 5^th birthday. Some medical professionals suggested he would never speak. Gebes said she would not accept that outcome for her son’s life.

Gebes began working with a Ph.D. from Sylvania, who now works at the Cleveland Clinic, on behavioral replacement therapy, learning a picture communication system with positive reinforcement to in turn teach her son. She started with a picture of a cat and piece of candy.  She said “cat,” and until her son said “cat,” he could not have the candy. It took eight weeks, working 50 hours a week, before he said that first word, “and then our world was open.”

Assisted by two BGSU graduate students, the learning evolved to the point Gebes immersed her son in a public school full time in third grade. Today, Landon speaks, reads and continues to learn with his classmates.

Her time freed up, Gebes returned to Owens to pursue an Associate of Science degree – a degree she said she was one class short of completing. She transferred the credits to BGSU for her bachelor’s degree, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and Summa Cum Laude honors.

Wanting a career that would provide for her sons, she applied to Case Western Reserve University’s master’s degree program for anesthesia. From a pool of 1,200 qualified applicants, she was one of 18 accepted. She lived in an apartment in Cleveland during the week and came home on the weekends for two semesters. But she did not complete the five-semester program, giving it up in 2017 because she said her boys needed her at home.

“For me, that meant coming home to Owens. I found a degree in dental hygiene that seamlessly adopted my bachelor’s degree and used my knowledge of head, neck and oral anatomy.”

Rodney Rogers, Ph.D., president of Bowling Green State University, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Rogers assumed the role as the 12th president of Bowling Green State University on February 23, 2018, after serving in the interim post since January 1, 2018. Prior to being named president, Rogers had served as provost and senior vice president since 2012 and, before that, dean of the BGSU College of Business since 2006.

Before joining BGSU, Rogers served as associate dean and director of academic programs within the School of Business at Portland State University, in Oregon. He has taught financial reporting, performance measurement and international financial reporting at various universities including Portland State, Case Western Reserve, Thunderbird: The American Graduate School of Management, and the École de Management at EuroMed-Marseille, in France.

Experienced in both academia and business, Rogers has a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University, an MBA from BGSU and a B.A. in music from Ohio Northern University. Before completing his doctorate at Case, he practiced as a CPA for 10 years.

Rogers is a former member of the Wood County Hospital board and currently serves on the board of directors of the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium. In addition, he serves on the executive committee of the Regional Growth Partnership and on the board of trustees for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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RAMADEVI KANNAN RECEIVES 2019 ACBSP TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Posted on April 16th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 16, 2019 – Ramadevi Kannan, professor of Accounting, has been named a regional recipient of the 2019 ACBSP Teaching Excellence Award. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) recognizes individuals each year who exemplify teaching excellence in the classroom.

Professor Kannan will be honored, along with other regional recipients, at the ACBSP Conference 2019, June 21-24 in Houston, Texas. She will receive a crystal medallion and a $250 check. Two International Teaching Excellence Award recipients, one from a baccalaureate/graduate degree-granting institution and one from an associate degree- granting institution, will be announced at the Salute to Regions ceremony. As a regional recipient, Professor Kannan is now a candidate for the international award.

“Ms. Kannan has a reputation for working very closely with students to ensure they have the tools needed to be successful. She is fair and kind when dealing with students’ issues and she delivers the curriculum to suit multiple learning styles. Furthermore, I recently learned that Rama even went so far as to financially assist a student whose laptop was stolen during the semester. That level of dedication to students is extraordinary, but illustrates her kindness and compassion for helping student succeed,” said Elizabeth “Libby” King, chair, Business Technologies, Owens Community College.

The ACBSP Associate Degree Commission established the International Teaching Excellence Award in 1995 to recognize outstanding classroom teachers. In 2002, the Baccalaureate Degree Commission created a similar award to recognize excellence in teaching at the baccalaureate/graduate degree level. ACBSP is the only specialized body for business schools that presents an award recognizing excellence in teaching, open to application by the entire membership.

“It is more important than ever for business programs to produce graduates who are ready to enter the global marketplace,” said Jeffrey Alderman, ACBSP president and CEO. “ACBSP has a mission to develop, promote and recognize best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education. Recognition of teaching excellence is one way we achieve this goal,” he stated.

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UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY, OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCE OILER EXPRESS DUAL ADMISSION PROGRAM

Posted on March 25th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 25, 2019 –  Thanks to a partnership between University of Findlay and Owens Community College, students now have a new option for earning a four-year degree from Findlay. The presidents of Findlay and Owens will sign a dual-admission agreement called the Oiler Express on Thursday, March 28 at 2 p.m. in the Center for Student Life and College of Business on University of Findlay’s campus.

The Oiler Express enables students to apply once for dual admission to both Owens and Findlay, then chart their course straight through to their bachelor’s degree from Findlay. Students enrolled in the Oiler Express program will attend Owens for their associate degree while the University of Findlay closely tracks their progress to ensure their Owens classes transfer seamlessly to Findlay.

“We are happy to partner with Owens Community College to provide another path to a four-year degree for students in Northwest Ohio,” said University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D. “University of Findlay and Owens Community College have been strong partners for many years, and this new program is evidence of our institutions’ commitment to ensuring that our community continues to thrive.”

New and continuing Owens students who qualify can apply to the Oiler Express program to take advantage of the guaranteed admission to Findlay beginning with the Summer 2019 term. With the help of a transfer counselor, this option allows students to save time by focusing on classes that count toward their specific degree at UF.

“We are honored to continue our commitment to removing barriers for transfer students by partnering with the University of Findlay,” Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president, Owens Community College. “This program creates a seamless process for students to begin their academic careers at Owens and then continue straight through to their bachelor’s degree with the University of Findlay.”

To qualify for the Oiler Express program, students cannot have previously attended University of Findlay and must meet the University’s minimum admission criteria. Current UF students who are taking classes at Owens to transfer back to Findlay are eligible for the program.

To learn more about the Oiler Express Dual Admission Program, contact the University of Findlay’s Office of Admissions at 419-434-4732 or admissions@findlay.edu.

Or call the Owens Office of Admissions at 567-661-7777 (Toledo) or admission@owens.edu.

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CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE DENTAL SERVICES DURING ANNUAL GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY AT OWENS

Posted on January 23rd, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2019 – Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children ages six months to 18 years with limited or no access to care. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 1, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic located on the second floor of the Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, 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.

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 programs will provide educational presentations for parents and children.

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 $30 fee.

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.

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OWENS’ WELDING PROGRAM EARNS PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY ACCREDITATION

Posted on December 11th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2018 – The Owens Community College Welding Program has received accreditation through 2021 from the American Welding Society (AWS) by meeting the rigorous standards AWS has set in the industry.

The Welding Design Center at Owens is now one of just eight AWS accredited test facilities in Ohio.

“The AWS accreditation process is significant and thorough,” said Tracy Campbell, chair of Applied Engineering and Industrial Technologies. “You need to have the qualified instructors, staff, equipment and facilities. We have a quality program housed in the Welding Design Center.”

The $1.1 million Welding Design Center opened in 2011.

“The AWS accreditation will benefit our credit students and our non-credit students,” Campbell added. “We will be able to offer to industry and their employees any welder qualification test and to whatever code they are governed. We also will offer more classes and training to support these initiatives to prepare students for their specific testing.”

The AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders. The program requires that a facility implement a quality assurance program that meets the requirements established in the AWS QC4-89, Standard for the Accreditation of Testing Facilities. The requirements include that the facility have a Quality Manual that controls the activities related to the testing of welders in the facility according to AWS QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders. For more information, visit www.aws.org.

The accreditation comes at a good time, given recent projections form the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics of a 26 percent increase in the demand for welders by 2020.

Owens trains students in all aspects of welding, including stick, gas, MIG and TIG. Advanced students may take plate or pipe welding pre-certification testing. I-CAR Automotive Steel GMAW (MIG) Welding Qualification Testing (WQ) is also available for welding and auto body students.

For more information on the Owens’ Welding Program, please contact Tracy Campbell at (567) 661-7164.

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461 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 10th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 10, 2018 – 461 candidates for graduation, including 82 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 38th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 14. Of those graduates, 98 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Alexandra R. Kania of Toledo has been selected as the Owens Community College class representative and will address the graduates during the 38^th Fall Commencement ceremony. She is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Early Childhood Education Technology program with Cum Laude honors.

Kania is currently student teaching in an inclusive preschool classroom at Whiteford Elementary School in Sylvania. She has accepted a paraprofessional teaching position at the school following graduation.

Her love for education began growing up in a large, blended family with two older stepsiblings, one younger biological brother, two younger half siblings and a younger, adopted cousin who she now says is her brother.

“With my younger (biological) brother, I was teaching him how to read when I was 8 and he was 4. I always forced him to play school,” said Kania, 21. “My grandma found a report card I had made for my little cousin. … I was always playing the teacher role. I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”

She said working with her adopted cousin, who has special needs, inspired her to work with preschoolers who have special needs.

“As a teacher of young children, Alex is very intentional in her planning and attentive to the individual needs of every child,” Elisa Huss-Hage, Professor of Teacher Education, said. “She reflects the professional standards of our nationally accredited program, setting a high bar for her performance in all her classes and generously offering advice, suggestions and support to her classmates.”

After graduation from Perrysburg High School in 2015, Kania did not consider Owens. She wanted to live what she called the California dream and moved to San Diego, where she enrolled at MiraCosta College to study early childhood education. She also worked three part-time jobs to pay her rent. Nine months later, her car’s engine blew.

“I had no one to call except my mom in Ohio,” she said. “I realized it was time to come back home and get my life together.”

She started a full-time job working as a nanny for a Sylvania family with three children ranging in age from 3-13 and enrolled at Owens.

Kania soon learned she would have a child of her own, starting a whirlwind 15 months culminating with her Owens graduation.

In October 2017, Kania discovered she was pregnant. In April 2018, she and her future husband, Jed, bought a house. Their daughter, Rae, was born in July 2018. They married in August 2018.

“You can make plans all you want, but life doesn’t always care about your plans,” she said. “I’m still planning, but I know that life may not go the way I want it to. I say in my speech; failed plans are beautiful sometimes. My daughter wouldn’t be here if my plans had gone the way I wanted them to. She’s the best thing that happened to me. No matter what life throws at me, I know I can handle it.”

Brian Kennedy, president, director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art will serve as the commencement keynote speaker.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Kennedy studied art history and history at University College in Dublin, earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Prior to coming to the United States, Kennedy spent eight years as assistant director of the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin (1989-1997) and seven years as director of the National Gallery of Australia (1997-2004) in Canberra. While in Australia, he initiated a free admission policy, increased attendance through a series of major exhibitions and acquisitions and oversaw a total building refurbishment as well as an expansion to accommodate major temporary exhibitions.

From 2005-2010, Kennedy was director of Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum of Art in Hanover, New Hampshire, which has one of the largest and finest art collections at an American college or university.

In 2003, he was awarded a Centenary of Federation medal by the Australian Government for service to Australian Society and its art. In 2013, he was appointed inaugural eminent professor of the University of Toledo and in 2014 received an honorary doctorate from Lourdes University. Most recently, Kennedy received the 2014 Northwest Region Ohio Art Education Association’s award for Distinguished Educator for Art Education.

A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, Kennedy is a respected art historian, curator and author. He has authored six books, most recently books on the artists Sean Scully and Frank Stella.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS ANNOUNCES BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Posted on November 20th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 20, 2018 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored high achieving students enrolled for the fall semester by awarding thousands of dollars through the Board of Trustees Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients are awarded $1000 per semester, for up to four consecutive semesters if they continue to meet the criteria.

Students are eligible for this scholarship if they reside in the Owens legal district, enroll for the fall semester and meet one of the following criteria:

• Graduating high school senior with a high school GPA of 3.7 or above
• Graduating high school senior with a GPA of 3.0-3.69 and demonstrates academic motivation
• High school graduate or GED recipient who has not been in school for at least a year and demonstrates motivation through community leadership, academic performance or experience as related to career path

Students receiving a Board of Trustees Scholarship are:

• Alexander Buehler, Central Catholic High School
• Alexandria Eck, Genoa Area High School
• Amanda Czech, Central Catholic High School
• Ashley Riley, Oak Harbor High School
• Austin Charter, Whitmer Senior High School
• Blake Osborn, Lake High School
• Breanna Longenecker, Springfield Senior High School
• Britney Grisez, Maumee High School
• Cade Boos, Eastwood High School
• Carson Garlock, Liberty Benton High School
• Danielle Kosmyna, Perrysburg High School
• Danielle McConnell, Toledo School of the Arts
• Erika Berg, Cardinal Stritch High School
• Frederick Barber, Achieve Career Prep Academy
• Grace Hansen, Findlay Senior High School
• Hanna Rose, North Baltimore High School
• Hope Santangelo, Bowling Green Sr. High School
• Ja Roya Ector, Calvin M. Woodward High School
• Jarrett Batanian, Sylvania Northview High School
• Joy Ruetz, Woodmore High School
• Katalina Sobczak, Rossford High School
• Kayla Bekier, Lake High School
• Kristen Zink, Lake High School
• Kolton Bloom, Elmwood High School
• Lauren Matuszewski, Whitmer Senior High School
• Marissa Sheldon, Elmwood High School
• Maxine Birdsell, Rossford High School
• Mikaila Sweeney, Genoa Area High School
• Nathaniel Staley, North Baltimore High School
• Paige Anderson, Sylvania Northview High School
• Phoebe Church, Clay High School
• Rosa Sanchez, Morrison R. Waite High School
• Sarah Bird, Bowling Green Sr. High School
• Spencer Wilkerson, Anthony Wayne High School
• Taylor Carpenter, Perrysburg High School
• Trevor Beamer, Clay High School

For more information regarding Owens’ scholarships including criteria for the Board of Trustees Scholarship, please visit www.owens.edu/financial_aid/scholarships.

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ALLAN AND SUZANNE LIBBE RECEIVE INAUGURAL PHILANTHROPY AWARD FROM OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Posted on October 30th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2018 – The Owens Community College Foundation presented Allan and Suzanne Libbe with its inaugural philanthropy award during its 16^th annual dinner meeting and donor appreciation event on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Established by the Owens Foundation Board of Directors, this award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated commitment, leadership, and collaboration through their service and philanthropy to Owens Community College and the Owens Foundation.

The Owens Foundation Board of Directors unanimously voted to name the award after Allan and Suzanne and future recipients will receive the Owens Community College Foundation – Allan and Suzanne Libbe Philanthropy Award. Mr. Libbe’s commitment to Owens Community College and its students spans nearly 30 years while serving in leadership positions.  He was a gubernatorial appointed trustee to the Owens Community College Board of Trustees from 1992 – 2012 and served as chairman of the board from early 1996 through December 1997.  Mr. Libbe currently serves on the Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors since 2002 and served as honorary chair of a majors gifts campaign that raised more than $2.5 million in gifts, pledges and planned gifts.

“The Libbes commitment to education has impacted thousands of individuals and families throughout our communities,” said Philip Rudolph, Jr., Owens Community College Foundation chairman. “The Owens Foundation views this award as part of their legacy that we are now able to share with others with the same philanthropic spirit who support Owens Community College.”

Also announced was the establishment of the Rudolph Libbe Group – Allan Libbe Honorary Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship is made possible through contributions from the Rudolph Libbe Group, and Allan and Suzanne’s children – John Libbe and Margaret Libbe St. John. This scholarship will continue helping students into perpetuity, many of whom have the greatest needs.

During the meeting the Owens Foundation also elected the following board members to 3-year terms beginning in 2019: James F. Carter, Wood County Commissioner (retired), James H. Geers, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (retired), Andrea M. Gurcsik, First Solar, Jeannie Y. Hylant, Hylant and Allan J. Libbe, Rudolph Libbe Group (retired). The following individuals were also elected as officers for 2018-2019: Philip J. Rudolph, Jr., (chairman), Diana H. (Dee) Talmage (vice chairman), Michael E. Duffey (secretary), and Alan M. Sattler (treasurer).

For more information on the Owens Community College Foundation, please visit www.owens.edu/foundation.

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LOURDES UNIVERSITY AND OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

Posted on October 12th, 2018

The presidents of Lourdes University and Owens Community College will sign a dual admission partnership called Gray Wolf Express at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 12 in Russell Ebeid Hall on the Lourdes campus, 6832 Convent Blvd. in Sylvania.

Gray Wolf Express is designed to provide a seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree from Lourdes University while also decreasing the time to degree completion, saving students time and money.

“The partnership between Owens and Lourdes once again demonstrates our commitment to making a bachelor’s degree affordable and accessible to a broad range of learners. The Gray Wolf Express pathway not only benefits students, it also benefits our region and economy,” says Mary Ann Gawelek. Ed.D., president of Lourdes University.

“We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Lourdes University by offering a more seamless pathway for students to gain admission to both institutions simultaneously,” says Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “Owens is committed to removing barriers to student success, and Gray Wolf Express is another important part of that commitment.”

Interested students should apply to Owens Community College indicating their interest in transferring to Lourdes University upon receiving their associate’s degree. The program guarantees admission to Lourdes and allows students to chart their course to a bachelor’s degree with the assistance of Owens and Lourdes advisors, and academic and student services.

For more information, contact Michelle Rable, Lourdes University Assistant Vice President of Institutional Research & Dean of Enrollment, at 419-885-5291 or luadmits@lourdes.edu.

 

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS FIRST OF ITS KIND SCHOLARSHIP IN NORTHWEST OHIO

Posted on September 28th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 28, 2018 – Owens Community College is offering Owens College Credit Plus (CCP) students the unique opportunity to continue their academic path at Owens with the Start Here Scholarship, the only one of its kind in Northwest Ohio. The scholarship will begin being awarded in February 2019 for the 2019-2020 academic year.

“Owens is proud of the hard work of our CCP students and excited to further assist them on their academic journey by offering this scholarship,” said Amy Giordano, vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Services. “This scholarship will allow many more students to continue their academic studies while also minimizing out of pocket tuition cost.”

The Start Here Scholarship will cover the gap of tuition after all other scholarships and grants are applied for eligible students. Students who qualify will automatically receive the scholarship.

Qualifications for the new scholarship are:

• Be an Ohio resident.
• Be a high school senior graduating in spring 2019 who has earned at least nine credits at Owens through the CCP program.
• Apply to Owens, have an Owens CCP GPA of 2.75 or higher, and a high school CPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Owens.
• Enroll in 15 credits for fall 2019.

Start Here Scholars will also receive priority registration for future semesters and VIP access to Owens academic and student support services including special meeting times with advisors, Oserve representatives, tutoring mentors, and more.

The scholarship covers tuition only and students may be responsible for books and any additional fees depending on their chosen program of study.

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

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OWENS’ NURSING PROGRAM EARNS MAXIMUM AWARD BY THE ACCREDITATION COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION IN NURSING

Posted on August 21st, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 21, 2018 –  The Owens Community College registered nursing program has received the maximum award of eight-years’ accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and will have a scheduled site visit in the spring of 2026.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for our program and highlights the hard work of our faculty and staff,” said Cathy Ford, M.Ed., R.T., dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Being awarded accreditation for the maximum eight-years emphasizes the high standards we set for the program and acknowledges our program as one of the best in northwest Ohio.”

Owens nursing students who have taken the National Council Licensing Exam for registered and practical nursing (NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN) have pass rates and placement rates among the highest in the country and routinely outperform the state and national average.

For example, during the second quarter of 2018, 145 students who took the NLCEX-RN passed on the first attempt, resulting in a pass rate of 96.67 percent and 2 students who took the NCLEX-PN passed on the first attempt, resulting in a pass rate of 100 percent. Both pass rates exceeding the national and state passage rates.

“The quality of nurses that come out of Owens can be seen in the students pass rates,” said Irene Jones, MSN, RN, chair, Nursing Department. “We have excellent students in our nursing program and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments.”

The ACEN is the national accreditation agency for all types of nursing education programs and is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

For additional information about the College’s nursing programs, please call 567-661-2387 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2387 or visit www.owens.edu/sonhp.

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC, SEPT. 17

Posted on July 24th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 24, 2018 – Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni programs and scholarships as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association holds its sixteenth annual Golf Classic and Drone Golf Ball Drop presented by Hylant. The event will occur on Monday, September 17, 2018.

Organized by the Owens Alumni Association’s steering committee, the golf outing will be held at the historic Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch, cocktails/hors d’oeuvres and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsor is Hylant. In addition, Metzgers Printing & Mailing is the print sponsor, Toledo Aerial Media is the Drone Sponsor and Rudolph Libbe Group is the Drone Golf Ball Drop sponsor.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to continue the tradition of this popular outing that brings the community together with Owens to support our students,” said Bridget Shea, Owens Alumni Association executive director and event chair. “We are excited to hosts the second annual Drone Golf Ball Drop. This fun raffle gives non-golfers an opportunity to participate in the event and help students achieve their educational goals.”

Prior to the start of play a drone, operated by Toledo Aerial Media, will drop a load of numbered balls onto the practice green. The three balls closest to the pin or in the hole and the ball farthest from the pin win cash prizes.

• First prize winner will receive $1000
• Second prize winner will receive $500
• Third prize winner will receive $250
• Farthest from the pin will receive the cost of their ticket back ($20)

Only 400 golf balls will be sold via raffle tickets, $20 each, and can be purchased online at www.owens.edu/alumni/golf.

The four-person scramble golf competition will begin with a shotgun start at 1:10 p.m. Lunch will precede the golf from 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., followed by the Drone Golf Ball Drop at 12:45 p.m. The day will conclude with participants reminiscing about their golfing experience over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. A short program will occur at this time to recognize all prize winners.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the Golf Classic by entering a team and/or becoming a sponsor. Among the various levels of support include the Eagle Sponsor ($1,000), Birdie Sponsor ($800), Cart Sponsor ($500) and Par Sponsor ($350).

The Belmont Country Club is located on Bates Road in Perrysburg. The tournament is limited to the first 32 foursome teams. For more information, or to register a team, contact the Owens Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7410 or www.owens.edu/alumni/classic.

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NEXUS PARTNERS WITH OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN MANUFACTURING

Posted on June 27th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 27, 2018 – NEXUS Gas Transmission, LLC (NEXUS) donated $50,000 to the Owens Community College Foundation as a part of their ongoing effort to support students training for careers in technical trades.

The donation was used by Owens to purchase a new VF-2 CNC Mill. The new equipment will meet the training needs for students and workers in technical fields that train with simulators. The simulators allow for items to be created by students – giving them valuable experience – without incurring the cost of materials. The simulation program provides significant cost and time savings to the college while keeping tuition and fees affordable for Owens students.

“Technical workers in manufacturing fields continue to be in high demand, especially given the steady loss of workers due to baby boomers retiring and the low number of students going into these fields,” said Owens Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Fehnrich. “We are grateful for this donation and the ability to train future workers on equipment that is critical to the industrial, skilled and technical trades.”

The state-of-the-art CNC Mill has already been installed and is operational at the college’s lab facility. Owens is prepared to use the new machine to train both students and businesses. With the knowledge received through training, Owens hopes to address workforce shortages and contribute positively to community needs by supplying specialty parts using the CNC Mill.

“We value the role that Owens plays in educating and training the work force in the region,” said NEXUS Spokesman Adam Parker. “Our investment in Owens Community College is rooted in our commitment to help build a highly skilled employee base in communities where we work and operate. Not only do we support their education, but our project – both directly and indirectly – can provide jobs for many who receive technical training.”

To learn more about NEXUS Gas Transmission, please visit www.nexusgastransmisison.com. More information about Owens Community College can be found at https://www.owens.edu.

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OWENS LANDSCAPE AND TURFGRASS CREW CLUB TO HOST ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE

Posted on April 26th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 26, 2018 – 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, May 2 and Thursday, May 3. 

The plant sale will be held from 10 a.m. until 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 an assortment of potted herbs and annuals, as well as shrubs and rare, unusual trees. 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 are Proven Winner brand and will be in 4.5” pots, assorted hanging baskets, and a wide variety of combination planters filled with beautiful blooming plants,” added Foley. “The annuals were all grown by students in the Greenhouse Management classes in our greenhouse.” Prices for the annuals will vary, based on sizes, but will competitive.

Shrubs on hand will include eight different hydrangeas, hardy shrub roses, Fothergilla, lilacs, and many others. Shrubs will range in price from $18 to $25. Trees available will include natives as well as several rare and unusual ones. Including; sassafras, oaks, redbud, serviceberry and buckeye, Japanese maples, dogwoods, magnolias, and dawn redwood, and 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 www.owens.edu/direct/plantsale.pdf.

All proceeds from the plant sale will help in supporting the organization’s participation in the annual NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) National Collegiate Landscape Competition, 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 Green Industry and its 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, email Chris Foley at Christopher_foley@owens.edu.

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 23rd, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 23, 2018 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen seventeen area residents to receive the 15th annual Outstanding Service Awards for their tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s communities. The recipients will be honored as part of a community celebration Friday, April 27 in the Audio Visual Classroom Center, rooms 121-128 on Owens Toledo-area Campus beginning at 8 a.m.

Award recipients are Todd Shelton, John Growden, Frank Reidy, Robert Sweeney, Bryan Bryant, Gary McClure, Brent Riley, Luke Cantu, Jeff Smith, Melvin Russell, Kevin Sanders, Jon Curtis, Ward Lemke, Shaun Conklin, Benjamin Cousino, Andre Williams and Kyle Blausey.

This year’s awards are presented within the categories of Outstanding Police, Firefighter and Service to the Community. Selection criterion is based upon a nomination process for candidates demonstrating exceptional service related to dedication, ingenuity, bravery, special skills and/or community service over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient and can be a group honor where teamwork was a key element.

The recipients of the Outstanding Police Award are Sergeant Todd Shelton and Officer John Growden (Holland Police Department), Deputy Sheriff Frank Reidy and Deputy Sheriff Robert Sweeney (Lucas County Sheriff’s Office), Sergeant Bryan Bryant, Office Gary McClure, Officer Brent Riley (Tiffin Police Department), Deputy Sheriff Luke Cantu, Deputy Sheriff Jeff Smith (Seneca County Sheriff’s Office), Officer Melvin Russell and Officer Kevin Sanders, Officer Jon Curtis Sergeant Ward Lemke, Officer Shaun Conklin and Officer Benjamin Cousino (Toledo Police Department).

The recipients of the Outstanding Firefighter and the Outstanding Service to the Community Award are Private Andre Williams (Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) and Firefighter/Medic Kyle Blausey (Fostoria Fire Division) respectively.

The Owens Community College Alumni Association recognizes the tremendous contribution that police, fire and emergency medical professionals make to our communities. Their selfless acts of courage make our lives safer. We honor those whose actions went above and beyond the high standards of their profession, often serving in conjunction with other public safety departments to help those in need. The Alumni Association is privileged to sponsor the Outstanding Service Awards Celebration.

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

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OWENS TO HOST EIGHTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM AND MEDALLION CEREMONY

Posted on April 19th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 19, 2018 – Owens Community College honors and service learning students will have the opportunity to showcase their research and creative works in multiple disciplines during the eighth annual Symposium and Medallion Ceremony on Friday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall, Room 123 on the Toledo-area Campus.

The symposium is the pinnacle of academic work for scholars from the Honors and Service Learning programs. Their formal presentations showcase the student learning outcomes in the areas of critical thinking, articulate communication, ethical thinking and community service and leadership.

Owens’ Honors Program encourages students to initiate, create, and think critically in a wide variety of challenging courses across departments and programs in the College. Honors courses and individualized studies are designed to foster intellectual inquiry and growth by providing a dynamic environment that inspires rewarding intellectual pursuits. The program also facilitates student access to the College’s educational resources and provides an opportunity for outstanding students and faculty to engage in exciting learning experiences.

To be considered for admission into the selective program, a currently enrolled student must have a minimum 3.2 grade point average (GPA) with 12 credits completed at Owens. A new student must have achieved a high school GPA of 3.2 or be enrolled as a post-secondary enrollment option student.

Service Scholars are committed to community service that is relevant to their academic program or course of study. Students in the Service Scholar program receive exposure to community engagement initiatives through designated service activities, service learning courses and selected on-campus events. These scholars have completed at least 40 hours of community service as part of their academic experience at Owens and have expressed a commitment to community engagement as a part of their personal and professional path.

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINDLAY-AREA CAMPUS CERTIFIED “BEE CAMPUS USA” AFFILIATE

Posted on April 17th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 17, 2018 – The Owens Community College and Bee Campus USA announced that the Findlay-area campus is the 36th educational institution in the nation to be certified as an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program and the first in the state of Ohio.

The Bee Campus USA program fosters ongoing dialogue to raise awareness of the role pollinators play in our communities and what each of us can do to provide them with healthy habitat. As a certified “Bee Campus USA,” Owens will be required to commit to pollinator-friendly practices on campus such as planting native plants and pollinator-friendly habitats and conduct educational outreach to the local community.

With generous financial support from the Owens Faculty Association, the campus will be adding five beehives to its community garden, with delivery of the hives taking place later this month.

“Imperiled pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of ninety percent of the world’s wild plant and tree species,” Said Bee Campus USA director, Phyllis Stiles. “Owens Community College is a stellar example of the influence educational institutions can have on their students and the broader community. Their talented faculty, staff and students offer an invaluable resource for Findlay-area residents in seeking ways to manage ornamental landscapes in more wildlife-friendly ways.”

College students, faculty, administrators, and staff have been among the nation’s most stalwart champions for sustainable environmental practices and Owens is proud to carry on that tradition.

“We are excited about the educational opportunities and service learning for students and the local community,” said Robert Connour II, professor of biology at Owens. “Faculty, staff and students have been working together to study and create pollinator habitats with native plants in preparation for the arrival of our beehives.”

According to Stiles, certified campuses must reapply each year and report on accomplishments from the previous year.

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SELECTS STEVE ROBINSON AS SEVENTH PRESIDENT

Posted on April 11th, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 11, 2018 – Following a five-month nationally-advertised search, the board of trustees for Owens Community College has named Steve Robinson, Ph.D. as the institution’s new president. The appointment was announced following the board’s meeting held on campus today.

Robinson joined Owens Community College in January 2015, when he was named provost and vice president of academic affairs.  In July 2017, the board appointed Robinson interim president.

“We are thrilled Steve will be leading our college as we begin a new chapter here at Owens Community College,” said Board Chair Diana H. (Dee) Talmage.  “During the past year, Steve has demonstrated he has the skills and vision to serve our students, engage our faculty and connect to the community in a way that will continue to make Owens a vital part of this region.  He was a key member of the senior leadership team that developed and executed the plan that brought Owens Community College out of fiscal watch, and he has made countless contributions to both our academic programming and the management of our college during his time here.  He has our board’s full support as he assumes this new role.”

Robinson was one of 41 candidates considered for the presidency and was one of two finalists for the position, Talmage said.  Robinson’s deep knowledge of the school, his solid connections throughout Northwest Ohio and his career spent working for community colleges were all factors leading to the board’s decision, she added.

Robinson began his career as a professor of English at Mott Community College, a two-year public institution with more than 7,000 students located in Flint, Michigan.  During his tenure there, Robinson served as president of the Mott Community College Education Association, interim dean of Mott’s Social Sciences Division, interim dean of Health Sciences and executive dean of planning, research & qualitative initiatives.  He also served as dissertation chair for the Community College Leadership Program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and as a graduate lecturer at the University of Michigan Flint campus.

“The faculty, staff and students of Owens Community College are a daily inspiration to me,” Robinson said.  “Nothing could make me prouder than to lead this institution toward a bright and promising future.  Owens is an indispensable partner to this region.  The students we serve are critical to the schools, hospitals, businesses and agencies that make our community thrive.  We must become an engine of workforce development that prepares our students for in-demand jobs and fosters innovative solutions to the problems facing our region. My goal will be to work with the leaders of this area, our students and our faculty to make sure Owens is offering the training and experiences to help our graduates make meaningful contributions to Northwest Ohio and beyond.”

Robinson is a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Toledo, an institutional team lead for the Student Success Leadership Institute, a member of the State of Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Task Force and a board member of the Regional Growth Partnership. He currently is one of 40 community college leaders completing an Aspen Institute presidential fellowship for community college excellence.

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

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NINETEEN GRADUATE FROM THE OWENS AND UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO JOINT POLICE ACADEMY

Posted on December 6th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2017 – Nineteen students (14 University of Toledo students and 5 Owens students) will be honored for their exemplary academic achievements during graduation from the Owens Community College and University of Toledo joint Police Academy, Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

“This will be the third University of Toledo class that has graduated from the Owens Community College Basic Police Academy,” said Mark King, chair, Owens Criminal Justice and Emergency Services. “Our partnership with the University of Toledo has strengthened and proved beneficial to both institutions.”

The ceremony will take place at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus, 30335 Oregon Rd, Perrysburg.

Founded in 1970, the Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy at Owens Community College is offered in cooperation with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission. Police Academy students take courses in patrol operations, firearms, defensive tactics and criminal investigation using modern, high-tech police equipment.  Students also receive expert instruction from local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers, as well as state and federal agents.

For more information on Owens’ Criminal Justice and Emergency Services program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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464 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 4th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 04, 2017 – 464 candidates for graduation, including 67 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 37th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 08. Of those graduates, 90 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 75 Associate of Applied Business; 196 Associate of Applied Science; 77 Associate of Arts; 80 Associate of Science and 36 Associate of Technical Studies.

Kozait Elkhatib, Business Administration major graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 31-year-old native of Lebanon was born in a Palestinian refugee camp and lived there with her mother, older sister and younger brother until marrying her husband, U.S. Army veteran Talal Elkhatib, in March 2007. Their original wedding date in 2006 was postponed when the Israeli-Lebanese war broke out. They moved to the United States in April 2007 and began their life, starting a family which now includes two daughters, ages 9 and 6.

Elkhatib wanted to encourage her daughters to go to college when they were older, with the thought “education is not something we can be done with – you learn more every day.” She felt she needed to earn a degree first and enrolled at Henry Ford Community College when the family lived in Dearborn, Michigan. In 2016, the Elkhatibs moved to Perrysburg for Talal’s job at the Toledo Correctional Institution. She transferred her credits and enrolled at Owens.

“Owens felt like a family atmosphere. I love the classes. The teachers are wonderful. The same for the advisors. They respond in 24-48 hours. That’s important to me because I like to get things done,” she said.

A graduate of the Owens Honors Program, Elkhatib impressed with her presentation on Muslims in America at the Owens Honors and Service Learning Symposium and at the Mid-East Honors Association Symposium at Eastern Michigan University during Spring Semester 2017, according to Dr. Russ Bodi, Professor of English.

Added Jonathan Boyle, Adjunct Faculty in Business, “Kozait has proven herself to be an asset to the Owens Community College community. She is not only a scholar, but someone with an interesting life history.”

Earlier this year, Elkhatib started the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and it culminated in September when she was among 85 new citizens from 37 different countries naturalized at a ceremony at the University of Toledo.

In January, Elkhatib will begin a cohort program pursing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Managerial Studies at Tiffin University. She anticipates graduating in May 2019.

Away from college and family life, she works at New York Life Insurance Company in Maumee where she is a licensed insurance agent and will soon become a licensed financial advisor.

Jack Hershey is the president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), which represents the presidents and trustees of the state’s 23 community colleges), will serve as the keynote speaker.

Hershey came to the OACC in 2014 after spending 10 years at the Ohio State University, where he most recently was the university’s Associate Vice President for State Relations, a position in which he managed state government affairs for the university.

Earlier in his career, Hershey was deputy director of the Office of Budget and Management under former Gov. Bob Taft and was director of finance and a financial analyst in the Ohio House of Representatives under former Speaker Jo Ann Davidson.

A Cleveland-area native, Hershey holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Management from the University of Akron. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Public Policy Management from the Ohio State University. Hershey, his wife, Sharon, and their two children reside in the Columbus area.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADDS COMMUNITY AND FAMILY SERVICE DEGREE

Posted on August 9th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 9, 2017 – Blending the strengths of an early childhood educator and social worker, Owens Community College is adding a new program that will focus on making a difference in the lives of children and families living in northwest Ohio.

The Community and Family Service program requires 63 credit hours to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be offered on both the Toledo- and Findlay-area Campuses.

“Our graduates will have a primary role of engaging families of young children through activities, practices and services that support parents as the primary nurturers, experts and teachers of their child. By doing so, parents will be able to promote and sustain their child’s learning development and academic and life successes,” said Dr. Katherine Danko-McGhee, Chair, Teacher Education and Social Work department.

Workers in this field will have specific and intentional roles in the following four activities/strategies areas:

• Promote and enhance the parent-child relationship
• Engage parents in discussions about their child’s growth and development and provide parents information and opportunities to learn about concrete things they can do to promote their child’s learning
• Encourage parents’ involvement in the education of their child
• Facilitate the delivery of services to children and families through collaboration with community partners

Graduates will find employment with Early Head Start and Head Start or similar community agencies as a family advocate, home visitor, family service worker or family educator.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field will grow by 11 percent by 2024.  Median income is currently slightly more than $30,000.

“Parents are a child’s first and best teachers,” Danko-McGhee said, “and a graduate with this degree supports parental development by building on the family’s strengths.”

For more information about the Community and Family Service program, go online to www.owens.edu or call (567) 661-7283.

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TOLEDO EDISON HIRES 19 GRADUATES FROM POWER SYSTEMS INSTITUTE TRAINING PROGRAM AT OWENS

Posted on July 14th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 14, 2017 – Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has hired 19 graduates of the companies’ utility worker training programs as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance service reliability for customers in northwest Ohio.

The new line workers represent the first graduating class since the Power Systems Institute (PSI) training program was reinstituted by FirstEnergy at Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio.

“The PSI program is an effective pipeline for adding well-trained, highly skilled employees to our workforce,” said Rich Sweeney, regional president of Toledo Edison. “The rigorous class work and experience gained in the field by working with veteran line and substation personnel helps ensure our ability to maintain safe and reliable electric service for our customers.”

The new Toledo Edison lines employees listed by work location, with their hometowns, are:

• Holland – Cody Eaken, Cygnet; Jacob King, Maumee; Travis Sumner, Maumee; Bailey VanStone, Carleton, Mich.; Joshua Willis, Oregon.
• Lakewood – Andrew Bennett, Toledo; Nathan Brodbeck, Monclova; Zach Stewart, North Baltimore; Austin Thomas, Bowling Green.
• Lindsey – Colin Dinkens, Maumee.
• Wauseon – Andrew Drabek, Sylvania; Hayden Faber, Ida.

The new Toledo Edison substation employees listed by work location, with their hometowns, are:

• Lakewood – Seth Dobbelare, Oak Harbor; Caleb Good, Hamler; Daniel Kegerize, Curtice; Michael Osbourne, Oak Harbor; Nathaniel Smith, Perrysburg; Arthur Stokes, Toledo; Ryan Swiczkowski, Temperance, Mich.

PSI is an award-winning, two-year educational program originally developed by FirstEnergy in 2000 to help prepare the company’s next generation of utility line and substation workers.

PSI students split time between classes at Owens Community College and Toledo Edison training facilities. Since the program’s inception, FirstEnergy has hired nearly 1,500 line and substation personnel who completed PSI programs in Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

For information about the PSI program, call 1-800-829-6801, or go to www.firstenergycorp.com/psi.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES NAME DR. STEVE ROBINSON INTERIM PRESIDENT

Posted on June 6th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 6, 2017 – Owens Community College Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Steve Robinson to serve as Interim President. Dr. Robinson will formally assume the Interim President position on July 1, 2017, following Dr. Mike Bower’s retirement on June 30.  Dr. Bower has served as President of the College since July, 2012.

Robinson has over 25 years of community college experience. He joined Owens in January, 2015, and currently serves as the College’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Robinson is active in the Northwest Ohio higher education and service communities.  Following his selection to the Interim President position, Steve said:

“I am extremely honored to be selected as Interim President,” stated Robinson. “Dr. Bower has assembled an excellent team, and it will be a privilege to work with the dedicated faculty, staff, and administration of Owens Community College to help our students and our communities succeed.”

Prior to joining Owens Robinson served as Executive Dean of Planning, Research and Quality at Mott Community College in Flint, Mich. He earned a Ph.D. in English from Michigan State University and has decades of teaching experience at the community college and university levels.  He is a graduate of the Harvard Management Development Program for college administration, and was recently named as one of 40 Aspen Presidential Fellows through the Aspen Community College Excellence Program at Stanford University.

Robinson is a member of the Toledo Rotary Club and represents the College on the Board of Regional Growth Partnership.  He is also active in the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, and serves as the community college representative for Northwest Ohio to the Ohio Department of Education’s Guaranteed Transfer Steering Committee.  Robinson’s focus has been on building community partnerships with the College, especially those that target completion, transfer, and regional employment.  Under Robinson’s leadership, the College has created innovative dual enrollment programs with Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo, as well as training partnerships with Cherry Street Mission, Dana Corporation, and many other community partners.

The Board of Trustees is in the process of conducting a search to name a permanent President of Owens Community College.

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

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OWENS ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on May 8th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 8, 2017 – Owens Community College announced a new Board of Trustees Scholarship to replace the Academic Excellence Scholarship and the Academic Achievement Scholarship.

The new scholarship will award $1,000 per semester, for up to four consecutive semesters. Students enrolling at Owens in the fall semester immediately after graduating from a high school in the Owens legal district, and who have a high school GPA of 3.7 or above, will be eligible and must submit official high school transcripts on or after January 1 of their senior year to be considered.

In addition, students who meet one of the following qualifications may also apply for the scholarship:

• A high school senior attending a high school located in the Owens legal district, who has a high school GPA of 3.0 – 3.69, demonstrates student motivation, and enrolls in the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
• A high school graduate, who has not been in high school for at least one year, or a GED recipient (applicants may not have attended Owens for at least one year); resides in the Owens legal district; demonstrates motivation through exceptional work or public/community service (including military service), academic performance, other demonstrated leadership, or other experience as related to a career path; and enrolls for the fall semester immediately following the award of the scholarship.

All recipients must meet the following criteria:

• Apply for admission to Owens as a regular student
• Pursue a degree or certificate with the intent to complete at Owens Community College
• Maintain full-time enrollment at a minimum of twelve credit hours each semester
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average to continue eligibility for each semester at Owens, for a maximum of four total consecutive semesters (summer optional)

For more information regarding Owens’ scholarships, please visit www.owens.edu/financial_aid/scholarships.

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696 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on April 28th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 28, 2017 – 696 candidates for graduation, including 82 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 51^st annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 5. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Dan Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Cherry Street Mission, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Rogers grew up in Lorain County in Ohio and at an early age experienced the ill effects of generational poverty. Because of his childhood experiences, he decided to pursue a lifelong goal of challenging the systems that create cycles of poverty.

He studied psychology and theology at Mount Vernon College in Ohio, and after graduation went on to learn from and serve impoverished people groups globally. His travels and work experiences have included serving in the leper colonies of eastern India, the indigenous people of central Mexico and the extreme poor in the mountain regions of Jamaica.

A recipient of the 2009 Jefferson Award for Public Service and of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence Hall of Fame in 2014, Rogers is a consultant to nonprofits, and a Leadership Coach.

Currently, he is spearheading the development of Cherry Street’s Life Revitalization Center by facilitating social impact partnerships in order to establish a career and vocational school in central city Toledo. The Life Revitalization Center will aid in the reversal of poverty and end homelessness in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Helen Dilworth of Sylvania, a social work concentration major graduating with Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

Dilworth, 68, graduated high school in northern Kentucky in 1967 and even though Morehead State offered her a partial scholarship to study education, she was denied the opportunity to attend by her father because a woman under the age of 21 at that time needed her father or husband’s permission to sign a contract. Her father said no.

After graduating high school, Dilworth scored 98 percent on the Civil Service Exam and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Cincinnati hired her as a secretary. Within a year, she was one of a handful of employees selected to go to Washington, D.C. and work at the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency, which collaborated with Keep America Beautiful and launched Earth Day. The national campaign was an immediate success, and Dilworth was in the middle of it, answering all of President Nixon’s correspondence and taking it to the White House for his signature.

“I met President Nixon and shook his hand. It was an interesting time. I did it for seven years.”

Dilworth enrolled at Owens in Fall Semester 2013 a few years after the death of her husband of 24 years, Robert. She quickly thrived. She was elected to the Phi Theta Kappa honors society, took part in the Honors Program and Honors Club and got a job in the Admissions office.

While visiting Toledo in the mid-1980s she met her future husband. They married and had a son, John. Helen read all of John’s textbooks during his school years to help quench her thirst for knowledge. John Dilworth is also an Owens graduate who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. He will earn a master’s degree from the University of Toledo May 6. Starting Fall Semester 2017, Helen Dilworth will enroll at the University of Toledo and begin work on a bachelor’s degree.

For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE VP OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS SELECTED AS ONE OF ONLY 40 NATIONWIDE FOR 2017-2018 ASPEN PRESIDENTIAL FELLOWSHIP

Posted on April 20th, 2017

Highly-Selective Program Expanding Talent Pipeline Amid Looming Shortage of Community College Presidents and Critical Need to Improve Student Success

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 20, 2017 – Steve Robinson, Ph.D.,  vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer, has been awarded the prestigious Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, a highly selective leadership program aimed at developing a new cadre of outstanding leaders capable of transforming student success at community colleges across the U.S. The Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC, today announced that Robinson joins the 2017-2018 class of Aspen Presidential Fellows.

Robinson and the 39 other Aspen Presidential Fellows will embark on a year-long fellowship in July 2017.  Delivered in collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative and top community college leaders, the program focuses on a new vision of leadership and aims to guide new and aspiring community college presidents to dramatically change student outcomes in four areas: learning, completion while in community college and of bachelor’s degrees after transfer, employment and earnings after graduation, and equitable access and success for underrepresented minority and low-income students.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, 365 presidents left their posts over the past year. This staggering rate of turnover is happening at the same time that increasing numbers of students—including growing numbers of minority, low-income, and first-generation to college students—are flocking to community colleges to earn degrees that lead to good jobs.

Robinson was selected through a rigorous process that considered his abilities to take strategic risks, lead strong teams and cultivate partnerships, and focus on results-oriented improvements in student success and access.

The 2017-2018 Aspen Presidential Fellows hail from 24 states and 38 community colleges of varying sizes. For more information, visit: http://as.pn/1ky. The Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, College Futures Foundation, ECMC Foundation, Greater Texas Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation.

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

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OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 17th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 16, 2017 – Owens’ Alumni Association has chosen Austin Robinson to receive the 10^th Annual Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship and Josh Ellis to receive the 3^rd Annual Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship.

In tribute to and appreciation for the memory, life and heroism of Detective Keith Dressel, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2007.

The Scholarship is awarded annually to an Owens student who has the courage to become a police officer and embodies the passion, conviction and perseverance demonstrated by Detective Dressel during his career.

Austin Robinson, this year’s recipient of the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time student working on  a criminal justice technology degree.

In high school, Mr. Robinson joined International Club, took honors mathematics and sciences all four years as well as honors band and Spanish. He was active in band, and volunteered with Partners for Clean Streams.

In honor of and gratitude for the remembrances, lives and heroism of Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2014.

The Scholarship is awarded annually to an Owens student who has the passion to become a firefighter and embodies the courage, beliefs and determination demonstrated by Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman during their careers.

Josh Ellis, this year’s recipient of the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time Owens student working on his emergency services technology degree. His future plan is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Department Administration.

Ellis has been an active community volunteer. He has been involved in the ”Be a Hero for Autism” collection, during the Toledo Water Crisis he spent several days distributing clean water to those affected, and assisted with fire prevention projects. Through his work with the Oregon Fire Explorers he found employment with the Oregon Fire & Rescue Department as a Firefighter/EMT recruit.

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OWENS APPOINTS LISA NAGEL AND LAURIE ORZECHOWSKI TO PERMANENT POSITIONS

Posted on April 6th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 6, 2017 – Owens Community College has appointed Lisa L. Nagel, J.D., to the position of general counsel and vice president, administration and Laurie Orzechowski to the position of chief information officer.

Nagel will now be permanently responsible for all operations of legal services, human resources, labor relations, and public safety. Previously, she served as general counsel and interim vice president, human resources.

Prior to joining Owens, Nagel served as law director for the City of Napoleon.  In that position, she provided leadership for all legal-related decision making and advice for the City, the Mayor and seven City Council members.

Nagel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo, College of Law.

Orzechowski will now be permanently responsible for all operations of Information Technology. She has served as interim chief information officer since Dec. 2016.

Previously, she served as director of enterprise application systems. In that position, she helped implement DegreeWorks, a comprehensive, easy-to-use, web-based academic advising and degree audit tool, as well as the conversion to Banner, a comprehensive computer information system that contains information on courses, students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Orzechowski earned both her Bachelor of Science degree and her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio.

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

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OWENS RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM OHIO HUMANITIES

Posted on March 28th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 28, 2017 – Owens Community College recently received a $10,000 grant from Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to create a Chautauqua Performance Program under the tutelage of Jeremy Meier, associate professor, Fine and Performing Arts.

A Chautauqua performance is an historical improvisation in which a performer impersonates a historical figure. The program seeks to foster a deep understanding of prominent American historical figures from the early 20th century as well as the events and innovations that affected the lives of those people.

Community members and Owens alumni wrote proposals for developing original solo performances based on historical figures from the early 20th Century in January. Four scholars were selected for the training including Caleb Hall (Nikola Tesla), Justin McDanel (John Barrymore), Natalie Phelps (Amelia Earhart) and Drew Young (Henry Ford).

Under direction of Owens Associate Professor of Theatre, Jeremy Meier, the scholars have begun researching the historical figures and developing original one-person performances. Meier has developed and toured Chautauqua performances on John Dillinger and Oliver Hazard Perry for the Ohio Humanities.

In addition, three drama students at Rossford high school have been selected to develop short form presentations on local historical characters.

The program will culminate in a showcase of performances July 19-23, at the Veterans Park & Marina along the banks of the Maumee River. The event titled, “Seeds of Change: America in the Early 20^th Century,” will feature a keynote performance of ‘Gone With the Wind’ author Margaret Mitchell by Chautauqua veteran Debra Conner. Other characters include Henry Ford, Amelia Earhart, John Barrymore and Nikola Tesla.  Rossford High School students will portray influential figures from local NW Ohio history including Edward Ford, Florence Scott Libbey and Samuel ‘Golden Rule’ Jones.

For more information about Owens Fine and Performing Arts program, please visit www.owens.edu/fpa.

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OWENS MUSIC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Posted on March 1st, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 1, 2017 – Two Owens Community College Music Business Technology students have been nominated for a national award for their work at the College’s new Internet radio station, OCCR.

David Brehm of Findlay and Herbey Atkinson of Blissfield, Michigan are finalists in the Best Artist/Band Interview category and will attend the 77^th Annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards March 4 in New York City. The awards are part of the three-day IBS conference March 3-5 at the Hotel Pennsylvania that accompanies the ceremony.

Brehm and Atkinson were nominated for their interview of the Tony Godsey Band of Bowling Green, Ohio. Both are Music Business Technology majors. Brehm will graduate in May, while Atkinson will graduate in December.

Owens Community College Radio (OCCR) is a student-run station that operates in the Music Business Technology Program in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. The station serves the College community by broadcasting a diverse platform represented by the first letters of Owens – Opportunities, Work, Entertainment, News and Sports. Launched in March 2016, OCCR is available on SmartPhone Apps for Android and iOS or online at www.owens.edu/fpa/owensradio.

The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Trophy Awards honor excellence in programming, air personalities, public service efforts and outstanding stations in school, college radio, TV and webcasting. IBS is a not for profit educational association and foundation that was founded in 1940.

For more information on Owens or the Music Business Technology program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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GLENN RETTIG CHOSEN AS CHAIR-ELECT TO THE ATMAE BOARD OF ACCREDITATION

Posted on February 9th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2017 – Glenn Rettig, dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics was recently named as chair-elect to the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) board of accreditation.

He is the first community college dean to hold this position and will assume the chair duties and conduct the next ATMAE board of accreditation hearings and business meeting in Cincinnati in early Nov. 2017.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be picked by my peers from across the U.S. to lead the ATMAE accreditation board,” said Rettig. “I never would have imagined that I would be elected to represent a program accreditation body that has oversight of colleges and universities that include Owens Community College, Purdue, California Polytechnic State University and many more.”

Rettig, a Findlay-area resident, has been a member of the ATMAE for 14-years and has been part of the accreditation board for nine-years. He began his career at Owens as an adjunct professor on the Findlay-area campus in 1990.

The ATMAE board of accreditation meets yearly during the ATMAE conference to review the accreditation status of the universities and colleges that receive their program accreditation from ATMAE. There are more than 115 colleges and universities across the U.S. that seek their accreditation from ATMAE. The ATMAE, which was formerly known as the National Association of Industrial Technologies (NAIT), will be celebrating its 50^th year at the November 2017 conference.

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OWENS AWARDED $49,500 CAREER READY INTERNSHIP GRANT FROM GREAT LAKES

Posted on February 8th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2017 – Owens Community College has been awarded a two-year, $49,500 Career Ready Internship Grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates. An anticipated 25 new paid internships will be created during the 2017-2018 academic year.

“Paid internships benefit students, colleges and employers,” said Richard D. George, Great Lakes President and Chief Executive Officer. “Students gain meaningful workplace skills and are more likely to earn degrees and use their internship experiences to help secure good jobs upon graduation. Colleges will see increased completion and job placement rates, and employers gain a pipeline to fresh talent. It’s a win-win-win.”

Owens is one of 16 two-year institutions across Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin that received a combined $2.1 million to create over 1,000 internships. Owens will collaborate with businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide the greatest number of current and future students with an educational opportunity they might not otherwise have.

“With this two-year Career Ready Internship grant, students who otherwise would be unable to participate in unpaid off-campus internships due to financial need, work schedules and family commitments, will now have that opportunity,” said Krista Kiessling, director, Owens’ Center for Experiential and Community Engaged learning.

Owens will spend the spring and summer of 2017 on administrative planning, employer outreach, and student recruitment, and will begin placing students in paid internships in September 2017. The Great Lakes grant period continues through May 2018.

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CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE DENTAL SERVICES DURING ANNUAL GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY AT OWENS

Posted on January 30th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2017 – Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children ages six months to 18 years with limited or no access to care. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic located on the second floor of the Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, 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.

“Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is excited 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 programs will provide educational presentations for parents and children.

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 $30 fee.

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.

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OWENS EXCEEDS ENROLLMENT TARGET FOR SPRING

Posted on January 25th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 25, 2017 – Owens Community College announced yesterday that the combined enrollment for the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as the Downtown Learning Center, was 9,196 students. This number reflects a 101 percent attainment of the College’s strategic enrollment target goal for spring semester.

This target was developed more than a year ago, taking into account high school completion rate data, unemployment figures, and other enrollment trends. The development process is a collaborative effort by various college stakeholder groups, including student services, academic affairs, business affairs, and institutional research.

The College’s 2016-2017 budget was built taking into account these targets.

Looking more closely at enrollment by student type, the College exceeded targets for both guest and transient categories and reached 99 percent of its goal for continuing students, the largest student type.

“We take a great deal of pride in helping our students accomplish their academic goals on their path to a career or additional education, so keeping every student who starts with the College here until they complete their degree or certificate is critical to our mission,” said Amy Giordano, vice president of Student Services.

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

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OWENS PARTNERS WITH DANA INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE WORKFORCE TRAINING

Posted on December 6th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2016 – Owens Community College today announced a new partnership with Dana Incorporated to provide workforce development and training for Dana’s new driveline manufacturing facility in Toledo, Ohio. The training program is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2017, coinciding with the hiring process for the facility.

“Owens Community College is very excited to partner with Dana in developing its next generation of plant employees here in Northwest Ohio,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “We welcome this type of collaboration, for it demonstrates how Owens’ strength in workforce education can be deployed to benefit business throughout our region and to further promote Ohio’s economic growth.”

Owens will develop and provide custom short-term training that addresses skills required at an advanced manufacturing facility. These include aptitude in basic math functions; manual dexterity; mechanical reasoning; and training in workplace safety, fundamentals for programmable logic controller operations, and the fundamentals and troubleshooting techniques associated with automation and robotics.

“Dana is investing more than a quarter of a million dollars in this program, as we are confident that it will provide our new employees the best possible start and highest opportunity for success when they begin working within Dana’s brand-new, state-of-the-art facility,” said Kristi Hill, human resources manager at Dana’s Toledo Driveline Facility.  “Start-up and production schedules for the facility are very aggressive. With production beginning in mid-2017, we plan to hire more than 220 employees within the next year, all of whom will benefit from the training provided at Owens Community College.”

In the spring of 2017, prospective employees will be able to apply online via Dana’s career page (dana.com/careers) and through the Lucas County Work Ready Program.  For qualified applicants, the training program will be offered at no charge to participants.  All persons successfully completing the program will receive a certificate.

The Office of Workforce and Community Services at Owens is the region’s leader in providing affordable training to allow business and industry to thrive. Training is available in almost any subject matter, including the trades, computer skills, process improvement, and certification preparation.

To learn more about Owens workforce training, please visit www.owensworks.com or call (567) 661-7357.

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528 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 5th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 05, 2016 – 528 candidates for graduation, including 77 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 36th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 09. Of those graduates, 118 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 85 Associate of Applied Business; 222 Associate of Applied Science; 90 Associate of Arts; 114 Associate of Science and 17 Associate of Technical Studies.

Jacquelle Luckey, Applied Business major graduating with Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 46-year-old Toledo resident was born in Hawthorne, California and grew up in San Fernando Valley, graduating from Chatsworth High School about an hour northwest of Los Angeles.

Luckey enrolled at Owens during Fall Semester 2014 after her office job was outsourced to Costa Rica. She recalled her doubts when she considered earning a higher education. She said she thought it was too daunting a task, because she was too old and a college campus was intimidating.

She said she overcame her fears, got started and gave herself a two-year deadline to earn a degree. She’s meeting her self-imposed deadline this evening.

“My experience at Owens has been great,” she said. “I followed the rules and put in the work. I did what I needed to do to get done. It’s a strong academic community at Owens. You are part of something that’s going to help you move forward in your life. I want to stay connected to Owens after I graduate.”

Personable and self-motivated, Luckey will discuss empowerment in her speech.

“Jacquelle sets a high standard for herself and is an outstanding example to others,” said Sherri Johnson, the secretary in the Transportation Technologies academic department who supervises Luckey in her role as student worker. “Many students have gone to Jacquelle for support and advice, and she has been unwavering in stepping up to support and direct her classmates to be successful. Other students have sought her out to work on group projects with them.”

Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., 17^th president of The University of Toledo (UT), will serve as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Gaber is moving UT forward through several major plans, including: a strategic plan that will chart UT’s course for the next several years; a diversity plan that helps to ensure UT’s campuses are welcoming and inclusive for everyone; a master facilities plan to reduce UT’s footprint and use space more efficiently; and an enrollment plan to increase enrollment and improve student retention rates.

Dr. Gaber currently serves on the board of trustees for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the board of directors for the Regional Growth Partnership. A city and regional planning expert, she came to UT following six years as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas. Prior to that, Dr. Gaber served in multiple roles in the provost’s office at Auburn University in Alabama, and also worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles, a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and her doctoral degree in city and regional planning from Cornell University. Dr. Gaber is the mother of three children, including one who is a UT student.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS RECEIVES $1.18 MILLION GRANT TO IMPROVE ADULT COLLEGE READINESS

Posted on August 25th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2016 – Adults interested in continuing their education but unsure where to begin now have additional resources available at Owens thanks to a $1.18 million Educational Opportunities Center (EOC) program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Owens will receive $236,000 per year for 5-years to provide counseling and information on college admissions to low income and first-generation adults age 19 or older who desire to enter, reenter, or continue a program of postsecondary education.

“EOC will allow Owens to further improve our community by providing more information and support to adult students who wish to pursue postsecondary education;” said Denise Smith, associate vice president, Academic Affairs. “We are excited to offer more one-on-one support to help those we serve obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, apply to college, and increase their financial literacy and understanding of student aid options.”

Educational Opportunities Centers are one of eight federal grant programs known as the Federal TRIO Programs that identify and provide services to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as: low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and those with disabilities. These programs assist in advancing these individuals from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu or call the Admissions office for information on the EOC program at 1-800-GO-OWENS.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS 2016 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 4th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 05, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored area high school seniors for their outstanding achievements, offering thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to commend the Trustees’ Academic Excellence scholarship recipients on their accomplishments said Ed Nagle, chair, Owens Board of Trustees. It is the responsibility of Owens to deliver a direct path to higher paying and rewarding jobs by providing motivated students with the best education at an affordable cost in the least amount of time. These are the type of motivated students that we wish to invest in.”

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 scholarship.

The scholarship is provided over four consecutive semesters with applicants being enrolled full-time and pursuing an associate 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 $1.3 million in scholarships to over 700 students.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship at Owens include:

• Marissa Harrington (Anthony Wayne High School)
• Jala Phillips (Apollo Career Center)
• Sarah Hofacker (Arcadia High School)
• Nolyn Burkholder (Archbold High School)
• Alexandra Sheldon (Arlington High School)
• Shelby Bechstein (Bowling Green High School)
• Colleen Stamper (Calvin M. Woodward High School)
• Carissa Wallace-Cullum (Central Catholic High School)
• Gino Giovanoli (Clay High School)
• Samuel Bowers (Continental High School)
• Shaylin Barnd (Cory-Rawson High School)
• Brooke Purney (Eastwood High School)
• Meg Elizabeth Clark (E.L. Bowsher High School)
• Kelsey Bloom (Elmwood High School)
• Kyle Dobransky (Emmanuel Christian)
• Sydney Northrup (Evergreen High School)
• Alexis Sullivan (Findlay Digital Academy)
• Alexandria Hill (Findlay High School)
• Hannah Simmons (Genoa Area High School)
• Alda Ibarra (Horizon Science Academy of Toledo)
• Marlena Cortland-Wilson (Jesup W. Scott High School)
• Makenzie Mazey (Lake High School)
• Cole Smith (Liberty-Benton High School)
• Kirstin Daniels (Liberty Center High School)
• Tanya Lark (Maumee High School)
• Dakota LaRue (McComb High School)
• Jamie Watson (Millstream Career Center)
• Bailee Daughenbough (Mohawk High School)
• Carleigh Black (Monclova Christian Academy)
• Brandon Wagner (Morrison R. Waite High School)
• Olivia Frost (North Baltimore High School)
• Brianna Mansberger (Northwood High School)
• Victoria Allore (Notre Dame Academy)
• Allison Schroeder (Oak Harbor High School)
• Lexie Rieger (Otsego High School)
• Davis Andrews (Penta Career Center)
• Jennifer Modene (Perrysburg High School)
• Tiffany Zacharias (Polly Fox Academy)
• Tamera Payteon (Robert S. Rogers High School)
• Daniel Fox (Rossford High School)
• Seth Augustyniak (Saint Francis De Sales High School)
• Benjamin Bruss (Saint John’s Jesuit High School)
• Erika Angstmann (Saint Mary’s Memorial High School)
• Adam Vandergrift (Springfield High School)
• Kesean Bannister (Summit Academy Toledo Secondary)
• Stephen Nelson (Swanton High School)
• Isaac Tatkowski (Sylvania Southview High School)
• Julia Lakin Kingston (Toledo Christian School)
• Jake Mish (Toledo School for the Arts)
• Chelsea Garza (Toledo Technology Academy)
• Justin Chu (Van Buren High School)
• Shyloe Hartman (Vanlue High School)
• Alicia Danylchuk (Van Wert High School)
• Olivia Banister (Wauseon High School)
• Brynn Smith (Whitmer High School)
• Emily Barringer (Woodmore High School)

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743 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 3rd, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 3, 2016 – Seven hundred forty-three candidates for graduation, including 81 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 50^th annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 6. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For family and friends unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed online and can be accessed at www.owens.edu/commencement. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of ProMedica, will serve as the keynote speaker. In addition to president and CEO, Oostra has held numerous roles at ProMedica since joining the system in 1997 including: president and chief operating officer, regional president, and corporate vice president, strategic business development.

Prior to joining ProMedica, Oostra, 61, served in myriad roles in health care leadership, including: Saint Anthony’s Health System, Alton, Illinois; Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Health One Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and LCM, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Oostra holds a Doctorate in Management from Case Western Reserve University, a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.

 His commitment to the healthcare industry, and community, is evidenced in his extensive involvement in numerous professional and civic organizations at the local, regional and national levels.  Oostra is a board member of the American Hospital Association, a member of the Ohio and Michigan Hospital Associations, and is a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.  He is a Board Member of the Regional Growth Partnership, Toledo Art Museum, Northwestern College (Iowa), Board Chair for the Toledo Symphony, a member of the Development Committee for Bread for the World and a member of the Third Frontier Advisory Committee.

Crystal Kurtz, a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 30-year-old Monroe, Michigan resident is the first person from her family to attend college.

The 2002 graduate of Monroe Jefferson High School briefly pursued a nursing degree at Monroe County Community College before leaving college and beginning to work a variety of jobs.

The position that changed her future was at Kindred RehabCare in Monroe, a facility that employed Owens PTA graduates. Working as a rehab technician, Kurtz became interested in a PTA career. She decided to pursue a degree at Owens and enrolled in Spring Semester 2012.

“I fell in love with the school. I thought it was the perfect fit for me,” she said.

Kurtz describes herself as shy, but credited the Owens faculty and staff for assisting her in overcoming any fears she had about invading the personal space of others, given the nature of the PTA profession. She thanked Nancy Rupp, PTA Professor, “for challenging my thinking. She doesn’t settle for average students.”

Bradley Wood, Assistant Chair of the PTA program, describes Kurtz as an intelligent, quick study and a hard worker.

“She has a bright future. She will be an advocate for Owens Community College and will forge strong relationships in the community that she serves,” he said.

Kurtz married her high school sweetheart, Cory, six years ago. Cory Kurtz earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing two additional master’s degrees in business and finance.

“My dad is my inspiration. He is a smart man,” Kurtz said. “I wanted to show him I could do something other than odd jobs. Now I’ve done it.”

After taking her national PTA licensure exam this summer, Kurtz plans to find employment in her field. Her long-term goal includes pursuing additional education and teaching, perhaps at a community college.

For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 29th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 29, 2016 – Owens’ Alumni Association has chosen Timothy Griffin of Upper Sandusky to receive the 9^th Annual Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship and Matthew Huth to receive the 2^rd Annual Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship.

In tribute to and appreciation for the memory, life and heroism of Detective Keith Dressel, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2007.

The Scholarship is awarded annually to an Owens student who has the courage to become a police officer and embodies the passion, conviction and perseverance demonstrated by Detective Dressel during his career.

Timothy Griffin, this year’s recipient of the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time student and has earned 28 credit hours toward a criminal justice technology degree.  After graduating with honors from Upper Sandusky High School in 2015, Griffin immediately enrolled at Owens in the fall.  While in high school, he also earned post-secondary option college credit from three different institutions, including Owens Community College.

Griffin has always had the desire to work in public safety. He says, “Ever since I was a little boy, I remember wanting and desiring to go into law enforcement.”  Both his father and grandfather worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Maintaining a 3.4 grade point average, Griffin has organized 5K’s, rang the bell for the Salvation Army and routinely donated blood. He has also volunteered for the REACH (Recognizing & Enriching All Children) program in Upper Sandusky, which provides religious outreach and teaches life skills and recreational activities to area youth. Additionally, he works part-time as an office assistant for Saull Law Offices, LLC.  His educational goal is to complete his associate’s degree in both criminal justice and business management technologies.  After graduation, Griffin hopes to join the ranks as an Ohio State Trooper.

In honor of and gratitude for the remembrances, lives and heroism of Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2014.

The Scholarship will be awarded annually to an Owens student who has the passion to become a firefighter and embodies the courage, beliefs and determination demonstrated by Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman during their careers.

Matthew Huth, this year’s recipient of the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time Owens student, completing 23 credit hours toward his emergency services technology degree. The 2015 Hopewell-Loudon graduate began studies at Owens in the fall of 2014 as a post-secondary option student.

Huth says, “I want to become a firefighter because I think that it is one of the best and most rewarding careers in the world.” He recognizes that a firefighter can change a person’s day for the better and maybe even save a life. He loves the brotherhood and sisterhood bond of firefighters and looks forward to being part of that group.

Huth has maintained a 3.2 grade point average while volunteering in the community. He is a volunteer firefighter for the city of Bascom.  He assists with annual community festivals, Bascom Lion’s Club dinners and is a regular blood donor.  He volunteers at his local school helping to repair the baseball field fences and building new dugouts. After graduation, he hopes to work at a local fire department as a full-time firefighter and paramedic.

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OWENS TO HOST TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES CAREER FAIR

Posted on March 3rd, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 3, 2016 – Owens Community College will host the 2016 Career Fair for transportation technology industries Wednesday, March 16 in the Transportation Technologies building on Owens’ Toledo-area Campus, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg.

The career fair will be broken out into two different sessions. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. focused toward high school students and the second from 4 to 7 p.m. for a general audience. However, members of the community are welcome to attend either session.

Students and community members will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the automotive, diesel heavy truck, agricultural equipment, construction equipment and collision industries. Industry representatives will be searching for employees to fill current positions as well as students looking for paid internships in conjunction with Owens.

Interested attendees should bring a resume and high school portfolio/transcripts and be prepared to speak to potential employers and/or Owens personnel regarding internship programs starting in fall 2016.

In addition, Owens faculty and staff from the College’s Transportation Technologies department will be available to answer questions for those interested in careers as automotive, diesel, auto collision repair, agricultural equipment and construction equipment technicians. Owens’ Transportation Technologies currently offers seven degrees and four certificate programs

For more information, please visit www.owens.edu or call 567-661-7388 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7388.

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OWENS’ NURSING PROGRAMS RECEIVE FIVE-YEAR APPROVAL FROM OHIO BOARD OF NURSING

Posted on February 18th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 18, 2016 – Owens Community College recently received official notice from the State of Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) that the nursing programs have been granted full approval for a period of five years.

“We are very proud of this accomplishment and it means a lot to our faculty and students,” said Cathy Ford, M.Ed., R.T., interim dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Receiving approval for five years shows we are meeting the states high standards and we offer a top program in northwest Ohio.

Owens nursing students who have taken the National Council Licensing Exam for registered and practical nursing (NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN) have traditionally had high passage rates. For example, during 2015, 139 students who took the NCLEX-RN and passed on the first attempt, resulted in a pass rate of 95.86 percent and 22 students who took the NCLEX-PN passed on the first attempt, resulting in a pass rate of 100 percent. Both pass rates exceed the national and state passage rates.

This is the fourth year in a row the students taking the NCLEX-PN have earned a 100 percent pass rate.

“We are extremely proud of the students from our nursing program,” said Irene Jones, MSN, RN, chair, Nursing Department. “Their passage rates speak volumes to the high quality of nurses that are being sent out into our community.”

Owens’ nursing programs are accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League Nursing Accreditation Commission (NCLNAC), through spring 2018.

For additional information about the College’s nursing programs, please call 4567-661-7338 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7338 or visit www.owens.edu/sonhp.

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LT. COL. DAVE GROSSMAN TO PROVIDE TRAINING SESSION, ‘BULLET PROOF THE MIND’

Posted on February 16th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 16, 2016 – Owens Community College is pleased to welcome Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, M.Ed., Us. Army (Ret.) a leading law enforcement trainer and Pulitzer nominated author, Tuesday, March 15, 9 a.m. – 3p.m. in the Audio Visual Classroom Center, rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus.

Lt. Col. Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. He’s a member of the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security and American College of Forensic Examiners Institute.

Col. Grossman is a former West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ranger who has combined his experiences to become the founder of a new field of scientific endeavor, which has been termed “killology.” In this new field, Col. Grossman has made revolutionary new contributions to our understanding of killing in war, the psychological costs of war, the root causes of the current “virus” of violent crime that is raging around the world, and the process of healing the victims of violence, in war and peace.

He has authored nearly a dozen books, including “On Killing”, which is required reading at the FBI academy. He also has contributed to journals and periodicals, penned forewords, and written scholarly reference works. He has been an expert witness and consultant in state and Federal courts, to include serving on the prosecution team in UNITED STATES vs. TIMOTHY MCVEIGH.

Col. Grossman is an Airborne Ranger infantry officer, and a prior-service sergeant and paratrooper, with a total of more than 23 years’ experience in leading U.S. soldiers worldwide. He retired from the Army in February 1998 and has devoted himself to teaching, writing, speaking, and research. Today he is the director of the Killology Research Group, and in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks he is on the road almost 300 days a year, training elite military and law enforcement organizations worldwide about the reality of combat.

Registration is $35. For more information and to register, please visit www.owens.edu/bulletproof or call 567-661-7357.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS

Posted on February 4th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2016 – Owens Community College recently welcomed Tonya Rider, a detective with the Toledo Police Department and Michael McAlear, president and CEO of Service Spring Corporation as the newest members of the Board of Trustees.

“We are honored to welcome two outstanding and hard-working community leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “We look forward to their positive contribution on the future of Owens.”

Since January 2013, Rider has served as a detective in the Crimes Against Persons Unit. In her 26-year law enforcement career she has gained experience dealing with robbery, homicide, child and adult sexual exploitation, theft and fraud investigation, and Internet safety. She is a State-Certified Unit Instructor in the Ohio Peace Officer Training Program through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. She currently serves on the Toledo Police Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.

Rider earned her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, graduating with honors in 2003 and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007 both from Lourdes College. She earned her Master of Organizational Leadership in 2011 from Lourdes University.

McAlear began his career in 1978 working for his family’s business started by his grandfather, Service Springs Corporation (SSC). In 1994, at the age of 33, he became president of SSC and in 2005 he became CEO. Since early in his career, McAlear has been involved in the community serving as a member of several local and regional boards. He currently serves on the local boards of ProMedica Bay Park Hospital and the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio.

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems in 1982 and his Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1990 both from the University of Toledo. He is also a graduate of the Ohio Peace Officer Academy, he assists the Wood County Ohio Sheriff’s Office as an Auxiliary Deputy and also Steuben County, Indiana as a Reserve Marine Deputy.

“It’s exciting to have a full nine member Board of Trustees committed to making positive contributions to Owens and to the educational future of students,” said Bower.

For more information on Owens’ Board of Trustees, please visit www.owens.edu/trustees.

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CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE DENTAL SERVICES DURING ANNUAL GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY AT OWENS

Posted on January 29th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2016 – Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children ages six months to 18 years with limited or no access to care. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic located on the second floor of the Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, 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.

“Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is excited 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.

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 $30 fee.

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.

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OWENS RECEIVES $5,000 FROM DELTA DENTAL FOUNDATION TO IMPROVE ORAL HEALTH IN TOLEDO

Posted on January 15th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 15, 2016 – Owens Community College recently received $5,000 grant from Delta Dental Foundation to help purchase a mobile dental chair and dental unit for students to take to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers to provide dental cleanings to residents.

The Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Program is designed to prepare graduates for positions in private dental offices, hospitals, managed care facilities, federal, state and municipal health departments and correctional institutions.  Emphasis is placed on the relation between prevention, education, the clinical phases of dental hygiene and basic and social sciences. Hands-on clinical experience allows the students to treat a variety of patients: pediatric to geriatric including medically compromised and special needs.

“Many elderly people experience significant barriers to receiving necessary dental care,” said Beth Tronolone, RDH, director of Owens’ Dental Hygiene Program. “This grant will allow students not only to experience caring for these individuals, but also experience planning the community project and identifying the patients needs and providing the necessary care and referral for the patients.”

The Delta Dental Foundation is focused on ensuring that children and adults in Ohio receive high-quality oral health education and high-quality dental care. Through its Brighter Futures initiative, Delta Dental is committed to improving people’s oral and overall health and well-being through advocacy, education and philanthropy.

“We are proud to recognize the work being done by Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Program by selecting it as one of our grant recipients,” said Teri Battaglieri, Delta Dental Foundation director. “By increasing access to dental care, we can help improve the oral and overall health and well-being of children and adults by preventing serious health issues down the road.”

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The foundation’s goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science, and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For more information, visit www.deltadentaloh.com.

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649 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 7th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 7, 2015 – Six hundred forty-nine candidates for graduation, including 117 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 35th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 18. Of those graduates, 129 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 120 Associate of Applied Business; 268 Associate of Applied Science; 129 Associate of Arts; 116 Associate of Science and 16 Associate of Technical Studies.

Mackenzie Harder, Education Transfer Concentration major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors with a 4.0 grade-point average, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 20-year-old Martin native grew up on a 500-acre crop and livestock farm just outside Genoa with her parents, Neil and Tracy; older sister, Lindsay; younger brother, Noah; and grandparents, Allen and Beverly Harder.

A 2013 Toledo Christian High School graduate, Mackenzie originally started her higher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, majoring in exercise science. But she said she did not like the 4-year college’s size. At home during Thanksgiving break, while pondering her future, she saw an Owens commercial on TV, and decided Owens was the college for her. She enrolled in January 2014.

Of her Owens experience, she said, “I love it her. I feel right at home.”

She mentioned Elisa Huss-Hage, as one of the professors who was most helpful during her time at Owens.

“Mackenzie not only went above and beyond in her classroom studies, but took her experience past the classroom to volunteer for Special Olympics,” Elisa Huss-Hage, professor, Teacher Education and Human Services said. “Observing her interact with and support the Special Olympic athletes solidified my already strong feelings that Mackenzie is a caring, empathetic individual and one who emulates what I think all Owens graduates should espouse to be. I know that she will be an excellent teacher.”

In the summers, Harder works at SpringHill Camp in Evart, Michigan, where she started as a counselor and next summer will be a member of the resident staff overseeing and organizing operations. The camp offers faith-based activities and teachings for children in grades 1-12.

Before her next camp experience in 2016, Harder will spend three months in Cork, Ireland, working at a church teaching children and interning at a radio station.

In Fall 2016, Harder’s goal is to be employed by a school district as a teacher’s aide, supporting the teaching staff and making a difference in student lives.

“I want to give other people the opportunities I’ve had in life. I want to help others flourish and reach their goals,” she said.

Dr. David J. Livingston, president of Lourdes University, will serve as the keynote speaker.

A native of Dundee, a suburb of Chicago, IL, he received his B.A. in Chemistry from Augustana College; his M.A. in Theology from Loyola University, and his Ph.D. in Theology from Vanderbilt University. Past appointments have included teaching at Joliet Catholic Academy, and Loyola Academy in Joliet, and Wilmette, Illinois. Entering higher education in 1997, he accepted a tenure-track appointment in the Religious Studies Department at Mercyhurst College.

He and his wife Joan, a therapist, have seen their academic and professional careers take them to many cities throughout Illinois, and other locations including Europe, Mexico, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and now Ohio. The couple also enjoys spending time with their adult children Matt and Sara.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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BGSU, OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREATE FALCON EXPRESS DUAL ADMISSION PROGRAM

Posted on December 5th, 2015

BOWLING GREEN, OH.—Incoming college students now have an express track to a four-year degree from Bowling Green State University, starting from Owens Community College. BGSU and Owens are partnering to create the Falcon Express Dual Admission Program, in which students apply once and then chart their course straight through to their bachelor’s degree.

“The new Falcon Express partnership is a great opportunity for students. It will provide guaranteed admission to BGSU and extra academic support while reducing costs and paperwork,” said BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey. “Bowling Green State University and Owens Community College have been strong partners for many years, and we share a commitment both to the success of our students and to the economic vitality of our region.”

Mazey and Owens President Mike Bower signed the partnership agreement Dec. 5. The program begins in January 2016.

Depending on where they are in their coursework, some current Owens students might also find Falcon Express meets their needs.

BGSU has always welcomed numerous students from Owens. For those who already plan to make the transition, the process will be even smoother. Advisers at both schools will work with Falcon Express students to make sure all their coursework credits are transferrable and meet the requirements for their chosen four-year degree.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Bowling Green State University to create a more seamless process that allows students to gain admission to both institutions simultaneously,” Bower said. “At Owens we are committed to student success, and this strengthened partnership will help to remove barriers and extend opportunities for students.”

To qualify for the Falcon Express program, students cannot have previously attended BGSU. They may not attend any other institution after graduating from Owens with their associate degree before moving on to Bowling Green, and must enroll within three years of beginning coursework at Owens.

To learn more about the Falcon Express Dual Admission Program, contact the BGSU Office of Admissions at 419-372-2478 or choosebgsu@bgsu.edu.

Or call the Owens Office of Admissions at 567-661-7777 (Toledo) or 567-429-3509 (Findlay), or email admission@owens.edu.

 

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OWENS THEATRE PROGRAM AND THE VALENTINE THEATRE PARTNER FOR SCHOOLS HELPING SCHOOLS

Posted on November 17th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 17, 2015 – Community members are cordially invited to support the second annual, Schools Helping Schools, a partnership with the Valentine Theatre’s education outreach program, by purchasing a patron ticket that includes a private dessert reception following Owens Theatre performance, Theatre Express.

The patron ticket will cover the cost of 10 students from a Toledo Public School to attend a Valentine School Day performance throughout the 2015-16 school year. Schools located in underserved areas will be the recipients of these tickets.

The Valentine Theatre’s education outreach program, Valentine School Days, provides professional theatre productions for children from pre-school through high school. The national tours are top-quality and incorporate the arts together with the Ohio Core Standards and provides for a learning opportunity that ties literature with the spoken-word.

Patron tickets are $30 each and holders are encouraged to attend the Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Owens Theatre Program performance, Theatre Express, a production of six different plays that have been written, cast, rehearsed and performed in a 24-hour period before the private dessert reception, featuring the Owens Jazz Express immediately following.

Toledo Express will take place at Owens Community College’s Toledo-area Campus, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg.

To purchase patron tickets, please visit www.valentinetheatre.com or call 419-242-2787. Your total purchase is tax deductible.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE WELCOMES AMERICORPS COLLEGE COMPLETION COACHES

Posted on September 17th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2015 – Owens Community College recently welcomed two AmeriCorps College Completion Coaches in an effort to assist first-time community college students to succeed in their academic and career aspirations.

The AmeriCorps College Completion Coaches Initiative is part of a collaborative effort between the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN) and ServeOhio (Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism).

Serving as AmeriCorps College Completion Coaches at Owens are Lindsey Minnig of Van Wert and Hilary Tore of Toledo. Minnig is a recent graduate of Owens Community College, and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), while Tore is finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies, also at BGSU.

“One of my biggest passions in life is to help students because when I first came to Owens I struggled,” said Minnig. “Luckily, I had a mentor and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today, so in a way I am trying to pay it forward.”

The coaches will be responsible for helping students in completing their developmental courses and then helping them to enroll in college-level credit courses. Additionally, coaches will serve as a support system for the students and assist them in progressing through their completion plan.

“Our purpose is to increase student retention by providing students with a variety of resources both on and off campus,” said Tore. “The benefit of working with a completion coach is having one place to go for help with any personal or academic issues.

In 2012, the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) and the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN) entered into a strategic partnership to develop and implement the AmeriCorps College Completion Coaches initiative

Since the initiatives inceptions, coaches have served in the following community colleges: Clark State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, North Central State College, Northwest State Community College, Southern State Community College, Stark State Community College, Terra Community College, Zane State Community College, Owens Community College and Hocking College.

Students interested in speaking with an AmeriCorps College Completion Coach can email Lindsey Minnig at Lindsey_minnig@owens.edu or Hilary Tore at Hilary_tore@owens.edu.

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OWENS RECEIVES $220,000 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GRANT TO ENHANCE STUDENT SERVICES

Posted on July 22nd, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 22, 2015 – Owens Community College’s mission of providing an exceptional education and student success will be bolstered by a $220,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will help serve 140 students in the first year.

“Owens is honored and excited to receive the means to enhance our student services,” said Denise Smith, associate vice president of academic affairs. “This grant will help provide students with the necessary and crucial educational resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.”

The five-year TriO Student Support Services grant will be used to increase persistence, good academic standing, and graduation and transfer rates of students through an integrated and comprehensive set of services. These services include first-year programs, proactive individualized academic advising, career guidance and goal setting, transfer planning, professional tutoring, financial planning, and assistance with financial aid and scholarships.

The Federal TriO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TriO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through their academic careers from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. TriO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TriO projects.

For more information about Owens Community College and services available, please visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FOUNDATION

Posted on June 29th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 29, 2015– Owens Community College has named Jeff Keim as executive director of the Owens Community College Foundation. This position is responsible for raising private and annual revenue for the Foundation to provide for the current and future needs of the College and its students.

Keim remarked, “Owens Community College is an undervalued asset and creates a vital economic impact in our region. I’m excited to join this team and share the life-changing stories resulting from the affordable education, world-class workforce training and athletic opportunities available on both our campuses. The Foundation provides the help and support for many to achieve the dreams that would otherwise be impossible.”

Since 2006, Keim has served as a financial advisor, most recently with MassMutual Ohio. In this position, he provided financial planning, including retirement analysis and programs, estate strategies, employee benefit and retention services, business continuation strategies, trust services, asset accumulation and distribution strategies, and financial products and services for high net worth families, businesses and institutions.

For more than 23 years, Keim’s role as auctioneer, master of ceremonies and development consultant has resulted in raising charitable contributions in excess of $8 million for various organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, including Mercy Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio, Rotary Club of Maumee, Boys & Girls Clubs, Toledo Opera Association, Toledo Christian Schools, St. John’s Jesuit, St. Francis de Sales, and Central Catholic high schools.

“We are eager to announce another addition to the Owens family,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president, Owens Community College. “Jeff brings with him a wealth of fundraising experience and a large network of contacts within the philanthropic community. His ability to raise revenue for the Foundation will be an integral part of moving Owens forward.”

Keim earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Toledo and is currently president of Rotary Club of Maumee.

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OWENS APPOINTS DAVID CANNON VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Posted on June 24th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 24, 2015 – Owens Community College has appointed David Cannon as vice president/chief financial officer, pending Board of Trustee approval. This key administrative position is responsible for direct and strategic leadership in the areas of finance and accounting, budget, and facilities. The vice president/chief financial officer will ensure that business transactions and support services meet the College’s short- and long-term objectives and goals.

“I’m extremely excited about becoming a part of the Owens family,” said Cannon. “Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to work with Owens staff and have been impressed with their commitment to students and the community. I look forward to working together as a team to continue to make Owens a leader in higher education.”

Since 2011, Cannon has served as vice chancellor of finance and data management for the Ohio Board of Regents (OBR), which advises the chancellor on issues of statewide importance affecting higher education. In this position, he provided leadership, vision and accountability in the management and oversight for Finance and Data Management operations. Financial duties under his leadership included the State Share of Instruction (SSI) funding formula for higher education, budgeting, and Senate Bill 6 activities.

Prior to his work with the Ohio Board of Regents, Cannon served as chief financial officer for Union County, North Carolina; county administrator for Delaware County, Ohio; chief financial officer for the Auditor of State’s Office and administrator of fiscal services for Delaware County, Ohio. He was also a platoon leader in the Ohio Army National Guard.

“We are very excited for David Cannon to be joining Owens Community College,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president Owens Community College. “David has an extensive background in finance and with the OBR and will be a key asset in executing the College’s fiscal watch recovery plan moving Owens forward toward a more robust fiscal health.”

Cannon earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from The Ohio State University, and a master’s degree in Finance from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, while serving in the United States Air Force.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO IMPLEMENT TUITION GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Posted on June 17th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 17, 2015 – Owens Community College today announced the implementation of a tuition guarantee program, pending Ohio Board of Regents approval, that will hold tuition rates for Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 for up to three years or until the completion of a degree, whichever comes first.

“Our mission is student success and for many students cost plays a big factor in their ability to continue their education, Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “While our tuition rate is still lower than other institutions in northwest Ohio, we want to do all we can to assist students in not only reducing cost, but also the time required to complete a degree.”

Existing full and part-time students and new (first-time) full-time students who elect to enroll in at least 15 credit hours in Fall semester 2015 or Spring semester 2016 will be eligible for the guarantee. Their tuition will be guaranteed at current rates during the time of their participation in the program.

Students will be required to sign a completion pledge that states they will: maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring semesters with at least 15 credit hours per semester for three years or until degree completion, whichever comes first; and complete an academic plan by the end of their second semester.

“The tuition guarantee program is designed to help students and parents accurately predict tuition costs for their entire time here at Owens,” said Bower. “We want to see students succeed and this program is rewarding students for taking positive steps toward completion.”

The tuition guarantee is part of Owens’ “Take 15” initiative that assists students in graduating on time, saving tuition money, and starting their careers sooner.

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXCELLENCE AWARD – FINDLAY

Posted on May 22nd, 2015

FINDLAY, Ohio, May 22, 2015 – Owens Community College Findlay- area Campus students Tara Osborne and Benjamin Book have been chosen by the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee to receive student excellence awards for their commitment to academics, community engagement, student leadership and involvement in student life.

Osborne and Book received Certificates of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership. Award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Timothy Rice, professor of English, nominated Osborne for her leadership efforts in creating the registered student organization, Student-Faculty Relations (StuFaR) and presiding as its inaugural president. The purpose of the organization is facilitating communication and interaction between students and faculty, which enhanced student and faculty relations through regular organized activities such as volleyball tournaments, board game days and popcorn days on the Findlay-area Campus.

Osborne, a adolescent education concentration major, had a 4.0 grade point average and was recognized as Summa Cum Laude at the May 8 Commencement Ceremony.

Heather Crozier, librarian, nominated Book for his leadership as president of the registered student organization, the Rotoract Club, which under Book’s leadership and organization, was active with monthly campus or community activities, including members volunteering for the Medical and Supplies Abroad warehouse, the City Mission and the Salvation Army.

Book has been a driving force in organizing the Conversation Club, a joint project with Read for LIFE, providing Rotoract members with the opportunity to assist students for whom English is a second language in developing their conversational English skills. He also showed effective leadership skills as an Owens student ambassador in the Findlay community.

The Board of Trustees Student Life Committee was chartered in 2011 to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate the College’s core values of service, learning, innovation, collaboration and excellence through their achievements in academics, community engagement or involvement in student leadership and student life.

Any individual may nominate an Owens student or a group of students who demonstrate achievements specific to the award categories of Exemplary Academic Achievement, Extraordinary Community Engagement or Volunteerism and Exceptional Student Leadership or Student Life Involvement. The awards are presented regularly to student recipients during Board of Trustees meetings.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXCELLENCE AWARD – TOLEDO

Posted on May 22nd, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 22, 2015 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees Student Life Committee has chosen students April Rose Brown, Brooke Wise, Grace Rader and members of the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team: Jeffry Davison, Kathryn McCain, Louisa Kerrigan, Margaret Kerrigan and Rachael Duda to receive student excellence awards for their commitment to academics, community engagement, student leadership and involvement in student life.

April Rose Brown and the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team received the Certificate of Recognition for exemplary academic achievement, while Brooke Wise and Grace Rader were honored with the Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership. Award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Russell Bodi, Owens professor of English, nominated Brown, an applied science major, for her dedication to academic study and her positive attitude. Brown had a 4.0 grade point average and was recognized Summa Cum Laude during the May 8 Commencement Ceremony. As an Honors Scholar she has gone above and beyond performing the honors option requirement. She currently holds the record for completing five additional independent study projects beyond the required three. This makes her eligible to be a Distinguished Honors Program Graduate.

Edward Gozdowsi, chef and adjunct instructor, Culinary Arts, nominated members of the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team for their high knowledge and dedication to learning the craft of culinary arts. Jeffry Davison, Kathryn McCain, Louisa Kerrigan, Margaret Kerrigan and Rachael Duda were selected for the inaugural Owens Culinary Knowledge Bowl team from a pool of 25 students. The team dedicated many hours for study and practice, taking first seed among the six teams of the northeast region and finishing with a silver medal in the Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl Competition of the Northeast Region for the American Culinary Federation.

Susan Wannemacher, professor of dental hygiene, nominated students Brooke Wise and Grace Rader for their leadership and dedication to the profession of dental hygiene and their fellow students seeking certification. Wise is the president and Rader is an active member of the College’s student chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and in their respective leadership roles, they have coordinated a successful food drive for the Owens Harvest Pantry and a major fundraiser garnering $6,000, which will help to defer the individual student cost (up to $1,350 per student) of the national and regional dental hygiene board exams. They also competed amongst university and college peers and won first place in the research-based table clinic competition at the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association 91^st Annual Session in November 2014.

The Board of Trustees Student Life Committee was chartered in 2011 to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate the College’s core values of service, learning, innovation, collaboration and excellence through their achievements in academics, community engagement or involvement in student leadership and student life.

Any individual may nominate an Owens student or a group of students who demonstrate achievements specific to the award categories of Exemplary Academic Achievement, Extraordinary Community Engagement or Volunteerism and Exceptional Student Leadership or Student Life Involvement. The awards are presented regularly to student recipients during Board of Trustees meetings.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD 2015 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 13th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 13, 2015 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees honored area high school seniors recently for their outstanding achievements, offering 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 Richard Rowe, 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 scholarship.

The scholarship is provided over four consecutive semesters with applicants being enrolled full-time and pursuing an associates 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 $1.3 million in scholarships to over 700 students.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship and their intended course of study at Owens include:

• Samantha Gill, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (Culinary Arts)
• Ashton Johns, an Archbold High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Courtney Stoltz, an Arlington High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Arely Cardenas, a Bowling Green High School graduate (Early Childhood)
• Maya Olive, a Calvin M. Woodward High School graduate (Social Work)
• Tyler Kish, a Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School graduate (Marketing and Sales)
• Alexis Zacharias, a Central Catholic High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Madeline Duwve, a Clay High School graduate (Entrepreneurship)
• Mallory Bowen, a Crestview High School graduate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
• Marissah Blunk, an E. L. Bowsher High School graduate (Undeclared)
• Morgan Donaldson, an Eastwood High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Dylan Benschoter, an Elmwood High School graduate (Business Mgt.)
• Cassidy Daniels, an Emmanuel Christian graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Stephen Markley, a Findlay Digital Academy graduate (Accounting)
• Ashley Overacker, a Findlay High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Paige Wheeler, a Four County Career Center graduate (Photography)
• Meghan Cook, a Fremont Ross High School graduate (Hospitality Mgt.)
• Monique Nelson, a Horizon Science Academy of Toledo graduate (Pre-nursing)
• Chris Serra, a Lake High School graduate (Business)
• Nicholas Kurtz, a Maumee High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Nakayla Shoemaker, a McComb High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Thomas Stennett, a Millstream Career Center graduate (Undeclared)
• Lynzee Richardson, a Napoleon High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Ashley Fisher, a North Baltimore High School graduate (Pre-Vet Science)
• Stephen Sutton, a Northwood High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Molly Baker, a Notre Dame Academy graduate (Undeclared)
• Ryan Pavlica, an Oak Harbor High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Micah Swanson, an Otsego High School graduate (Education)
• Danielle Flory, a Penta Career Center graduate (Physical Therapy Asst.)
• Cassandra Schorsch, a Perrysburg High School graduate (Early Childhood)
• Victoria Williams, a Rogers High School graduate (Pre-Health Info.)
• Hannah Gauthier, a Rossford High School graduate (Medical Imaging)
• William Newland, a Roy C. Start High School graduate (Construction Trades)
• Brianne Grup, a Springfield High School graduate (Medical Assisting)
• Braxton Bowers, a St. John’s Jesuit High School graduate (Electrical)
• Madison Collins, a St. Joseph Central Catholic High School graduate (Business)
• Rachel Kashian, a St. Paul High School graduate (Medical Imaging)
• Jayda Wertz, a St. Ursula Academy graduate (Undeclared)
• Khalil Pettaway, a Summit Academy Secondary graduate (Mechanical Engineering)
• Jillian Keil, a Swanton High School graduate (Radiology)
• Shania Veteto, a Sylvania Southview High School graduate (Technical Study)
• Aubrey Thompson, a Toledo School for the Arts graduate (Undeclared)
• Nicholas Taylor, a Toledo Technology Academy graduate (Machining Certificate)
• Timothy Griffin, an Upper Sandusky High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Mackenzie Howard, a Van Buren High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Dalton Mason, a Vanlue High School graduate (Undeclared)
• Mickenna Schweinhagen, a Wauseon High School graduate (Pre-Dental Hygiene)
• Alissa Saddoris, a Whitmer High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Kiel Fritz, a Willard High School graduate (John Deere)
• Kaila Grant, a Woodmore High School graduate (General Arts)

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765 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 4th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 4, 2015 – Seven hundred sixty-eight candidates for graduation, including 112 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 49^th annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 8. The commencement will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For family and friends unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed online and can be accessed at www.owens.edu/commencement. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Senator Randy Gardner will serve as the keynote speaker. Gardner is currently in his 30^th year of serving Northwest Ohio in the Ohio General Assembly.  During this time, Senator Gardner has never missed one day of voting session in the House of Representatives or Senate, casting more than 9,600 consecutive roll call votes on bills, amendments and resolutions.

His leadership positions have included Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker Pro Tem.  A former high school history and government teacher, Senator Gardner has been honored with the Pioneer in Education Award from the Ohio Department of Education, the Washington Center Award for his work in support of higher education and the Andrew Carnegie Award from the Ohio Library Association. He became a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society in a ceremony at Owens Community College.

Senator Gardner received both his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Political Science from Bowling Green State University.

Today, he is a member of the Senate Education and Finance committees and chairman of the Senate Finance Higher Education Subcommittee.

Senator Gardner resides in Bowling Green with his wife, Sandy, an Owens Community College Alumna. They are the parents of three children; Brooks, who attended Owens Community College, Christina and Austin.

Ebony High, a Medical Office Support major graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 37-year-old Toledo resident is the first person from her family to both attend college and earn a college degree. High embarked on a lengthy life journey before starting her own Owens education.

Primarily a stay-at-home mom for nearly a decade, she and her family left Toledo in February 2009 after her husband, Greg, lost his skilled trades job due to the economic downturn. They also lost their house. With Mr. High in search of employment, they moved to Atlanta and then Dallas where family and friends lived. But the skilled trades positions did not work out in either location.

The High family returned to Toledo to start over in December 2010. Mr. High opened his own tile and flooring business and Mrs. High wanted to support her husband, so she pursued administrative assistant degree options at Owens that would complement his business, enrolling in Fall Semester 2011. “We wanted to support each other as best as we could,” she said.

Growing up, High lived with her mother who struggled financially as a single parent to provide for her five children. But she emphasized she did not have a bad childhood. After her mother married High’s stepfather, together they provided a stable home for the family.

The 1995 Scott High School graduate spent two years at a local 4-year university before meeting her future husband, getting married and focusing her energy and faith on raising their three children, Draivon, 17; Domonic, 15 and Daneah, 6.

High acknowledges she has risen from financial hardship to middle class. She said she is thankful for her increased self-worth due to her Owens experience.

“You don’t know that you are not educated until you are educated,” she said.

After Commencement, High will be looking for a job. She has applied for several office administrative positions. She also has considered returning to college and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.

For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 24th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 24, 2014 – Owens’ Alumni Association has chosen Aalea Robertson of Toledo to receive the 8^th Annual Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship and Kyler Omey to receive the inaugural Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship.

In tribute to and appreciation for the memory, life and heroism of Detective Keith Dressel, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2007.

The Scholarship is awarded annually to an Owens student who has the courage to become a police officer and embodies the passion, conviction and perseverance demonstrated by Detective Dressel during his career.

Robertson is currently a part-time student, with a projected May 2015 graduation with a criminal justice technology degree. She enrolled at Owens in Fall 2012 after graduating from the Toledo School for the Arts.

Robertson has always had the desire to work in law enforcement. She says, “The idea of placing society’s well-being before the well-being of oneself for a greater cause is what really intrigues me.”

She is a student worker for the Owens Department of Public Safety, conducting fingerprinting and background checks; an unarmed security guard for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and part of the security team for the Stranahan Theater. Robertson has participated in several internships with the Lucas County Heroin Overdose Task Force and the Lucas County Domestic Violence Task Force. She has also volunteered with the Toledo Police Explorers 12 Kids of Christmas, shopping with youths, and Lucas County Sheriff’s Explorers at the Lucas County Fair. Robertson feels all of these experiences have provided valuable hands-on experiences in preparing her for a future in law enforcement.

Maintaining a 3.57 grade point average, Robertson is a member of Owens’ honor societies, Phi Theta Kappa and Chi Alpha Epsilon. She plans to attend the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy at Owens in Fall 2015. Upon graduating from the Academy, she hopes to join the Toledo Police Department. Long term, her educational goal is to attend Tiffin University and earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

In honor of and gratitude for the remembrances, lives and heroism of Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2014.

The Scholarship will be awarded annually to an Owens student who has the passion to become a firefighter and embodies the courage, beliefs and determination demonstrated by Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman during their careers.

Kyler Omey, the recipient of the inaugural Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship, has that passion and determination. He is currently a part-time Owens student, completing 55 credit hours toward his fire science technology degree. The 2012 Sylvania Northview grad began studies at Owens in Fall 2012. Omey says, “Becoming a firefighter has not just been a goal, but a dream of mine.” He recognizes the impact firefighters make on the community, the uniqueness of the bond they develop with fellow firefighters and how they are positive role models.

His educational goal is to complete his degree with certifications in firefighting, emergency medical tech and paramedic. After graduation, he hopes to work at a local fire department as a full-time firefighter.

Omey has maintained a 3.38 grade point average while volunteering in the community. He has built houses for Habitat for Humanity and fed the homeless at the Cherry Street Mission. Additionally, he plays hockey for the Toledo Cherokee Hockey Club. All of these activities showed Omey the importance of teamwork and how you can impact other’s lives by doing the smallest things.

“Firefighting is not only my passion, aspiration or career choice, but a manner to impact those I encounter on a daily basis and be a productive member of the community,” said Omey.

 

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OWENS STUDENT WINS PEARSON WRITING CONTEST

Posted on April 21st, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 21, 2015 – According to a recent AACU survey, more than 75 percent of employers say they want to see competency in graduates in key areas that include written and oral communication skills, amongst other key 21^st century skill-areas. The Pearson Writing Rewards Contest was created to help increase awareness of the importance of writing; to encourage students to foster these skills, as they are a precursor for success in today’s knowledge-based economy; and to show students the rich rewards associated with developing their writing skills.

The 2013-2014 contest was open only to college students currently enrolled in a pre-composition, developmental, or non-credit courses. Five Pearson authors of various English, reading, and writing course materials, who hold 50+ years of experience in the classroom, judged essay submissions, identifying three final winners. The essays were graded on a 1-10 scale based on clarity of writing, organization of the essay, and writing correctness.

The students who communicated in written form most effectively and efficiently were rewarded with a cash prize. The winners and their sponsoring professors are:

• 1^st place: Awarded to Laura Wilson, Owens Community College, Professor: Dr. Kay Blue

• 2^nd place: Awarded to Morgan Faulkner, North Carolina Central University, Professor: Anne McCarthy

• 3^rd place: Awarded to Rachel Shrock-Russell, Chemeketa Community College, Professor: Samuel Snoek-Brown

“I always liked to write but I never thought that I would be a writing contest winner. As a result of this experience, I have more confidence in myself. I’m excited to see where my writing will take me,” said Laura Wilson, student at Owens Community College.

Winners, their teachers, and their writing program administrators will be featured on respective Pearson websites. Winning submissions are eligible for publication in Pearson educational content and throughout Pearson’s online writing courses or MyLabs.

According to Jilani Warsi, Pearson author and judge of the contest, “Judging student essays is not simply about rewarding the strongest writers. It’s about seeing talent and potential and recognizing it, so that you can inspire students to become their most successful selves.”

Due to the success of the pre-composition contest, the 2014-2015 contest will be opened to composition students, or students who are taking for-credit classes. Applications for this year’s award are due by May 31, 2015. To apply, visit this link.

About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. For more information about Pearson, visit http://www.pearson.com.

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OWENS CELEBRATES COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH

Posted on April 8th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 8, 2015 – 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 on which to build future success,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “As community colleges across the country celebrate April as Community College Month, I encourage those individuals who are or have attended a community college to share their story of success with someone who may have never considered higher education as an option. Together, we can positively impact the lives of others through lifelong learning.”

The celebration will include a variety of weekly events to help recognize the important role that community colleges play in educating students and to express appreciation to faculty, staff, students and community partners for their hard work and dedication to Owens and our communities.

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 12 million students. The average age of a community college student nationwide is 28. More than 750,000 associate degrees are awarded annually and 46 percent of all U.S. undergraduates attend a community college. Owens’ Community College Month activities are collaboration between several College departments. For additional information and a list of events, visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS’ MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING PROGRAM FIRST IN NATION TO RECEIVE ACCREDITATION

Posted on April 7th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 7, 2015 – The Owens Community College Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program has become the first community college in the nation to earn the distinction of receiving initial program accreditation by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

“Owens is very proud to be the first community college to receive accreditation for its Magnetic Resonance program,” said Catherine Ford, M.Ed., R.T. (R), program director. “This achievement recognizes Owens’ commitment to providing an excellent academic program that gives students a foundation for future success.”

Owens’ program earned the maximum accreditation award for a new program of three years from the JRCERT after a recent peer review and site visit that recognized the programs substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.

“Earning this accreditation is a credit to the hard work of the Magnetic Resonance program faculty,” said Doug Mead, DMA, associate dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Each of them is dedicated to serving our students and community through excellence and innovation.”

The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivered educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. Specialized accreditation awarded by the JRCERT offers institutions significant value by providing peer evaluation and by assuring the public of quality professional education in the radiologic sciences.

Magnetic resonance technologists are medical professionals who perform magnetic resonance imaging procedures. They are educated in patient care, human anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiopharmacology, imaging procedures, MR physics, ethics and medical terminology. Magnetic resonance technologists must possess, utilize and maintain knowledge about magnetic protection and safety. They must recognize conditions essential for successful completion of the procedure and exercise independent professional and ethical judgment.

Offered on the Toledo-area Campus, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program offers students a combination of didactic instruction with practical application in clinical education affiliates.

Graduates must take and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

For more information on the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program or other programs, please visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS TO HOST FIFTH ANNUAL HONORS PROGRAM SYMPOSIUM AND MEDALLION CEREMONY

Posted on March 31st, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 31, 2015 – Owens Community College honors students will have the opportunity to showcase their research and creative works in multiple disciplines during the fifth annual Honors Symposium and medallion Ceremony on Friday, April 10.

The Honors Program Symposium and Medallion Ceremony will occur from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Audio Visual Class Rooms 121-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The event is free and open to the public.

The Owens’ Honors Program Symposium and Medallion Ceremony will feature oral presentations and panel discussions by students on several topic areas, including history, politics, culture, ethics, morality, critical thinking, anthropology, religion, literature, international affairs and Shakespeare, among others. Each presentation and panel discussion is a collaborative effort between Honors Program students and Owens faculty members.

In addition, the Owens Honors Program will recognize students for their educational success and leadership with the bestowing of an Owens Honors Program medallion.

The Honors Program at Owens provides a challenging educational opportunity, above and beyond the standard curriculum, for exceptional students who strive for academic excellence. More than 100 students are members of the current Owens Honors Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

To be considered for admission into the selective program, a currently enrolled student must have a minimum 3.2 grade point average (GPA) with 12 credits completed at Owens. A new student must have achieved a high school GPA of 3.2 or be enrolled as a post secondary enrollment option student.

Honors Program students must complete a total of 15 credit hours of honors courses, which includes nine credit hours of elective honors courses and two core courses titled Introduction to Critical Thinking and Honors Great Readings: Ancient World through the Middle Ages. To graduate as an Honors Scholar and receive the Honors Program medallion, a student must earn a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and complete an honors portfolio where they engage in directed research or service learning around essential questions or themes appropriate to their program of study as part of a capstone project, among other criteria.

In addition, Owens Honors Program graduates are able to continue their educational pursuits at Bowling Green State University, Eastern Michigan University or the University of Toledo as the academic institutions have in place seamless transfer agreements between the respective Honors Programs.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES STUDENTS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Posted on February 26th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 25, 2015 – Owens Community College Foundation has awarded more than $153,400 in scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year to students for their outstanding achievements.

“Owens Community College’s Foundation is honored to recognize these outstanding scholarship recipients for their exemplary efforts while pursuing their dream of a college education,” said Laura Moore, Owens Interim Executive Director of College Development and the Foundation. “It is the generous support of our donors that allows us to recognize and honor these students’ achievements. Every donor who supports Foundation scholarships helps in providing enhanced opportunities for students to achieve success.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $3.5 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.

Allan & Suzanne Libbe Scholarship: Katlyn Moriarty of Toledo received a $500 scholarship and Bayley Hill of Findlay and Samantha Hill of Findlay each received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to incoming freshmen that are graduates of Findlay High School or Maumee High School.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship: Dane Fountain of Holland and Aricka Lavoy of Pemberville each received a $3,500 scholarship and Paul Cieply of Rossford and Cassidy Hopkins of Perrysburg each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and have a parent or legal guardian who is a current, paid voting member of the Owens Alumni Association.

American Society for Industrial Security International, Toledo Chapter, Fred C. Heck and Charles W. North Scholarships: Amber Harris of Walbridge and Mary Johnson of Waterville each received a $500 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.

Art and Connie Smith Honors Scholarship: Ann Leahy of Toledo, Lucy Hutchins of Findlay and Kathleen Shaw of Tiffin each received a $512 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Bill Buck Memorial Scholarship: Katilin Glover of Maumee received a $385 scholarship and Gili Oren of Toledo received a $154 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.

Bud Weaver Memorial Scholarship: Elizabeth Reynolds of Wauseon received a $493 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.

Central West Area Council Scholarship: Steven Ambrose of Toledo received a $1,146 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.

Chuck Holsclaw Memorial Scholarship: Kira Robertson of Oregon and Cynthia Trutt of Findlay each 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 students who are 22 years of age or older.

Cloyd Payne Memorial Math Scholarship: Christopher Anukwu of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have successfully completed MTH 232.

Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #772 Scholarship: Breana McPherson of North Baltimore and Katlyn Moriarty of Toledo each received a $452 scholarship. Recipients must be a graduate of a Northwest Ohio high school, be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to a student of Italian descent.

Delta Dental Foundation Dental Hygiene Scholarship: Rebecca Acosta of Pemberville and Lainey Foster of Columbus each received a $1,250 scholarship and Haley Hermiller of Ottawa and Cynthia Trutt of Findlay each received a $625 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program.

Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship: Scott Histed of Maumee received a $2,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

Donald Leonhardt Welding Scholarship: Paul Cieply of Rossford received a $1,034 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.

Dr. Bettie Gehring Scholarship: Sherell Osbin of Fremont received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to single parents enrolled in Early Childhood Education Technology.

Edward and Linda Reiter Scholarship: Kole Peterson of Pioneer received a $647 scholarship and Lizzie Heyman of Monroeville received a $323.50 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 degree program.

Edwin H. Simmons Memorial Scholarship: Alexander Bohland of Oregon, Alexander Korecki of Toledo, Tim Martin of Toledo and Luke Sines of Bryan each received a $2,500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a degree or certificate program offered through the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

Findlay Accounting Scholarship: Lucy Hutchins of Findlay received a $400 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a Findlay-area Campus student who is an Accounting major.

Findlay Leadership Scholarship: Clinton Berry of Findlay received a $400 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: Cristin Franks of Findlay, Harold Kuhbander of Columbus Grove and Shelby Rowe of Alger each received a $764 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.

George D. Allesee Memorial Scholarship: Christina Brown of Fostoria and Barbara Fritz of Arlington each received a $500 scholarship and Helen Dilworth of Maumee 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.

Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Barbara Fritz of Arlington, Toni Walk of Risingsun and Sally Young of Findlay 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.

Helen Steinke IAAP Scholarship: Lynne Gramling of Toledo received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a Toledo-area campus student enrolled in the Office Administration major.

James A. Adams Memorial Scholarship: Sarah Sandoval of Montpelier, Catherine Studer of Bellevue and Phillip Wells of Fostoria each received a $586 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.

James H. Baehren Scholarship: Heather Haynes of Pemberville and Nathan Lueders of Vanlue each received a $614 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Janet and Ralph Patchin LegUP Scholarship: Jonathan Thomas of Walbridge received a $2,500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, have emancipated from the foster care system and be deemed financially independent. Preference will be given to Wood County residents with second preference to Hancock, Lucas, Ottawa and Sandusky county residents.

John and Margaret Kurfess Scholarship: Kelsey Kalisik of Liberty Center and Geneva Scott of Walbridge each received a $335.50 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.

John Deere Scholarship: Daniel Bittner of Decatur, IN, Nathan Buehrer of Montpelier, Kody Degler of Portland, IN, Robert Fisher of New Vienna, Joel Foister of Home, PA, David Geiger of Harbor Beach, MI, Braden Kehres of Crestline, Joshua Kellar of Rayland, Jonathon Lewellen of Mount Vernon, Nathan McClain of Payne, Jarred Melcher of Bowling Green, Nathan Patton of Walbridge, Luke Sines of Bryan and Benjamin Thomas of Grand Rapids each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be a John Deere major.

Jones-Hamilton Company Scholarship: Alexander Shelhart of Oregon and Anthony Smoktonowicz of Perrysburg each received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester and have and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to residents of Lake Township, Perrysburg Township, Rossford or Northwood

Margaret (Margy) Matthews Scholarship: Bailey Ridge received a $728 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 who is an Early Childhood Education major.

Mary’s Scholarship: Cathryn Alexander of Toledo, Kaitlin Fall of Toledo, Julie Feltman of Perrysburg, Jennifer Marlowe of Perrysburg, Toni Walk of Risingsun and Sally Young of Findlay each received a $932 scholarship; Kristine Combs of Findlay, Tammi Diemer of Ottawa, Elizabeth Fajkos of Oregon, Amber Miller of Risingsun, Kristy Polan of Weston and Megan Tanner of Toledo each received a $466 scholarship; Janet Torres of Oregon received a $560.25 scholarship and Robert Mullens of Oregon received a $126.10 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: Kathlyn LaChapelle of Maumee received a $1,500 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.

Michael W. Rickard Memorial Scholarship: Cynthia Trutt of Findlay received a $708 scholarship. Recipients should display sustained Owens school spirit, devotion to the College or other forms of enhancing the student experience and demonstrate high levels of participation and engagement in campus life within student clubs, organizations or athletics. Preference is given to a student who is enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and has achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Mike and Carol Bower Honors Scholarship: April Brown of Lambertville, MI and Kimberly Ferguson of Northwood each received a $1,250 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Mosser Construction Scholarship: Thomas Russell of Toledo received a $1,836 scholarship. Recipients must be a second-year student enrolled in a construction-related program and must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Megan Dunn of Graytown was awarded a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be a graduate of Oak Harbor High School.

Officer William A. Miscannon Memorial Scholarship: Taylor Beck of Genoa received a $1,800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per 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 Foundation Scholarship: Edward Coker of Toledo, Rachel Isenhart of Toledo and Kimberly Stevens of Wauseon each received a $1,000 scholarship; Lainey Foster of Columbus, Viktoriya Gudnyy of Toledo, Haley Hermiller of Ottawa, Addison Lane of Whitehouse, William Lemle of Monclova, Cassandra Passalacqua of Maumee, Bailey Ridge of McComb, Pam Talmadge of Findlay, Makenzie Watkins of Fostoria, Tammy Williams of Genoa and Lydia Yeager of Toledo each received a $500 scholarship and Kyle Olszewski of Maumee received a $250 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 $1,500 scholarship and Laura Aranda of Toledo and Robert Santillan of Toledo each 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 of Latino heritage.

Owens Corning Diamante Latino Scholarship: Laura Aranda of Toledo and Robert Santillan of Toledo each received a $289.50 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 Faculty Association Scholarship: Allison Glanz of Grand Rapids received a $300 scholarship and Haley Hermiller of Ottawa and Isaiah Rupp of Palmyra, MI each received a $150 scholarship. Recipients must be the child of a current Owens Faculty Association member and be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. Current students must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, while new students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Owens Honors Scholarship: Ayanda Mkhize of Findlay and Terry Spitnale of Toledo each received a $460 scholarship and Karen Medina of Toledo and Catherine Studer of Bellevue each received a $230 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Pauline Schmidt Memorial Scholarship: Rebecca Acosta of Pemberville received a $326 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.

Perrysburg Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Maegen Anders of Maumee and Alison Kopp of Perrysburg 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.

PNC Diamante Latino Scholarship: Laura Aranda of Toledo received a $640 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: Hannah Ball of Findlay, Cassidy Hopkins of Perrysburg, Rachel Law of Jenera, Jacob Mattoni of Waterville, Emily Mysinger of Curtice, Macy Smith of Findlay, Taylor Smith of Fostoria, Amalya Stevenson of Northwood and Rachel Wiseley of Findlay each received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester 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: Taylor Broadwater of Holland, Stephanie Endicott of Fostoria and Nichole Miller of Toledo each received an $811 scholarship and Megan Albright of Clyde, Juanita Ellis of Toledo, Brandon Geiser of Pioneer and Brittany Grady of Whitehouse each received a $405.50 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: Stephanie East-Ginting of Perrysburg and Melinda Tulak of Toledo each received a $607 scholarship and Teresa Boice of Milton Center and Julie Feltman of Perrysburg each received a $303.50 scholarship. Recipients must be a non-traditional student who is a dislocated or soon-to-be dislocated worker.

Ray Windecker Memorial Scholarship: Debra Secord of Carey and Bryan Post of Toledo each received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in an Automotive Technology or Auto Body Repair program. This scholarship is funded by the Western Lake Erie Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club.

Regina and Harry Silletti Scholarship: Ayanda Mkhize of Findlay received a $4,284 scholarship and Katelyn Motsinger and Anthony Smoktonowicz each received a $2,142 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to a non-traditional student who has been accepted in the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship: Christina McCullough of Liberty Center received a $581 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.

Rudy Aschenbrener Memorial Scholarship: Jerome Johnson of Toledo 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 automotive body repair program.

Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship: Conner Edgar of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to Early Childhood Education, Information Systems, Computer Programming or Computer Systems majors.

Scott Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Emilee Ball of Toledo, Michael Kirkham of Toledo, Ryan Mathena of Toledo and Elizabeth Reynolds of Wauseon each received a $207.50 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 or who are members of the Owens Community College basketball team.

Shirley S. Dick Scholarship: Tiffany Eschedor of Bradner and Melissa Richardson of Haskins each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a female student. This scholarship is awarded in honor of Shirley S. Dick and presented through the Toledo Woman’s Club.

Slade Wielinski Memorial Scholarship: Tim Martin of Toledo received a $ 500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a non-traditional student majoring in Biomedical Electronics, Chemistry or other engineering major.

Spanish American Organization Scholarship: Robert Santillan of Toledo received a $717 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.

Steven G. Guerrero Memorial Scholarship: Kelsey Kalisik of Liberty Center received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to students entering their second year at Owens who are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester.

Tall Timbers Foundation Scholarship: Bayley Hill of Findlay received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a Findlay-area Campus student who is an employee or child of an employee at the Tall Timbers Industrial Center of Findlay.

The Andersons Scholarship: Jordin Baker of Oregon, Weiwei Jones of Holland and Randall Reynolds of Grand Rapids each received a $588 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 the School of Business, Information & Public Services, the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics and the natural sciences area.

Toledo Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship: Alexx Myers of Rossford and Tori Schramm of Maumee each received a $1,842.50 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be an employee or relative of an employee of member dealerships of the Toledo Automobile Dealers Association.

Toledo Community Foundation – Marsh Family Fund Scholarship: Danielle DiNardo of Toledo, Brandon Geiser of Pioneer, Allison Glanz of Grand Rapids, Brittany Grady of Whitehouse and Erin Weaver of Findlay 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: Orr Buchris of Toledo, Joshua Callaghan of Toledo, Lori DeShetler of Perrysburg, Indigo East of Perrysburg, Matthew Grogan of Toledo, Meirav Pierce of Northwood, Reginald Reese of Toledo, Megan Tanner of Toledo and Dareisha Taylor of Toledo each received a $500 scholarship and Lucille Carter of Toledo, William Frye of Toledo, Nakeia Hamilton-Barber of Toledo, Amy Smith of Toledo and Jerardo Soto of Toledo each received a $250 scholarship. 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: Tim Martin of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, and be an Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology or Skilled Trades Technologies Electrical major

Will Webb Scholarship: Erin Danielson of Tiffin received a $500 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 Findlay-area Campus student in the School of Nursing.

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OWENS WELCOMES MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AND GENOCIDE SURVIVOR JOHN DAU

Posted on January 29th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2015 – Owens Community College is excited to welcome author, philanthropist and genocide survivor John Dau to the Toledo- and Findlay-area campuses Tuesday, Feb. 24. During his presentation, Dau will share his story of survival after being driven from his village in war-torn Sudan and his eventual immigration to the United States.

Dau is one of 27,000 “Lost Boys of Sudan,” who were driven from their villages when the northern Arab government attacked the ethnic minority population of South Sudan in 1987. For five years, he led groups of displaced boys across Sudan to neighboring Ethiopia and later to a refugee camp in Kenya, but by that time – due to starvation, violence and disease – only 12,000 remained.

“Owens is honored to not only host John Dau, but to give students and the community the opportunity to hear his story first-hand,” said L. Scott Deaner, assistant professor of Geography and co-chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “This is a great opportunity for the plight of those living in South Sudan to become more real than just something we hear or read about in the news.”

From 1992-2001, Dau lived in the Kenyan refugee camp, when he was one of 3,800 “Lost Boys” selected to immigrate to the United States. He settled in Syracuse, N.Y., where he still lives today. Following his initial culture shock, Dau worked multiple jobs, earned an associate degree from Onondaga Community College and later a Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University.

Currently, Dau is the president of the John Dau Foundation and the South Sudan Institute. He also regularly speaks throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Dau will visit the Findlay-area Campus at 9:30 a.m. in room FCE 111 and the Toledo-area Campus at 2 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

For more information, please contact L. Scott Deaner at (567) 661-7521 or l_deaner@owens.edu.

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CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE DENTAL SERVICES DURING ANNUAL GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY AT OWENS

Posted on January 26th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 26, 2015 – Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children ages six months to 18 years with limited or no access to care. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 6, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic located on the second floor of the Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, 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.

“This is an opportunity for Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene students to raise awareness of the importance of preventive dental care,” said Beth Tronolone, Owens Chair of Dental Hygiene. “We are honored to take part in this great community service event and provide that care to those who may not receive it otherwise.”

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.

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 $30 fee.

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.

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TRAVELING EXHIBITION TELLS OF LINCOLN’S STRUGGLE TO MEET THE CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES OF THE CIVIL WAR

Posted on January 20th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2015 – “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” a traveling exhibition opening at the Owens Community College Toledo-area Terhune Art Gallery on January 29 examines how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War—the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties.

Lincoln is widely acknowledged as one of America’s greatest presidents, but his historical reputation is contested. Was he a calculating politician willing to accommodate slavery, or a principled leader justly celebrated as the Great Emancipator? This exhibition provides no easy answers. Rather, it encourages visitors to form a nuanced view of Lincoln by engaging them with Lincoln’s struggle to reconcile his policy preferences with basic American ideals of liberty and equality. This exhibition develops a more complete understanding of Abraham Lincoln as president and the Civil War as the nation’s gravest constitutional crisis.

“We are delighted to have been selected as a site for this exhibition,” said Steven Culbertson, Ph.D., professor of Communications, Humanities and Languages. “Each section of the exhibit features information about a different aspect of Lincoln’s presidency and helps visitors understand why Lincoln’s struggle with the Constitution still matters today.”

The National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office organized the traveling exhibition, which was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): great ideas brought to life. The traveling exhibition is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the National Constitution Center.

The traveling exhibition is composed of informative panels featuring photographic reproductions of original documents, including a draft of Lincoln’s first inaugural speech, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment.

For more information, please contact the Terhune Gallery at (567) 661-7081. “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” will be on display until March 4.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Posted on January 9th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2014 – The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has selected Owens Community College for its 2015 Community Engagement Classification.

“Community engagement is a major component to the success of students, as well as Owens as an institution, and we are extremely pleased those efforts have been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “This national designation highlights the hard work and level of commitment to community engagement shared by our faculty, students and staff.”

Owens joins 240 colleges and universities across the nation being recognized for their campus-wide commitment to civic engagement. In order to receive the classification, the college had to demonstrate a commitment to curricular engagement, outreach and partnerships.

“Through service learning, community engagement and other partnership opportunities, students get a true sense of the impact they can make on our communities,” said Krista Kiessling, director of service learning, civic engagement and leadership. “The type of leadership skills students need to succeed after college can only be learned through hands-on involvement with the community. This recognition shows Owens’ commitment to giving students the tools to thrive.”

This year, 133 institutions submitted applications for recognition for the first-time and 83 were successfully classified as community engaged institutions. Similarly, 188 institutions were eligible for re-classification and 157 were successfully re-classified.

In the notification letter regarding the classification designation, Carnegie President Anthony Bryk wrote:

Your application documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement, and it responded to the classification framework with both descriptions and examples of exemplary institutionalized practices of community engagement. The application also documented evidence of community engagement in a coherent and compelling response to the framework’s inquiry.

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

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FALL PINNING CEREMONY HONORS REGISTERED AND PRACTICAL NURSING STUDENTS AT OWENS

Posted on December 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2014 – More than 70 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to registered nursing and practical nursing. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

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 adopted soon after, and the first pin was awarded to the Class of 1880 at the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing in New York City.

Practical nursing pinning recipients are Shelby Elledge of Jenera, Katie Gayhart of Sylvania, Kelsie Gonyer of Findlay, Kati Graham of Cygnet, Dawn Hassan of Mount Cory, Stephanie Hook of Fostoria, Amber Huffman Findlay, Shannon McCann of Bowling Green, and Shannon Vanhoose of Fostoria.

Registered nurse pinning recipients are Amanda Alge of Forest, Paul Ang or Toledo, Jennifer Baxa of Tiffin, Jordan Best of Toledo, Robin Biery of Lima, Jennifer Biggs of Swanton, Brandi Bishop of Findlay, Bernadette Briones of Napoleon, Amber Brown of Fostoria, Heather Caligiuri of Findlay, Angela Castillo of Archbold, Barbara Charlton of Attica, Kristen Colter of Swanton, Kristine Combs of Findlay, Ashley Cooper of Findlay, Amanda Davis of Northwood, Tammi Diemer of Ottawa, Lonia Dodson of Holland, Christine Eckel of Haskins, Juanita Ellis of Toledo, Branden Engle of Toledo, Nikki Errett of Bowling Green, Brenda Ferreira of Toledo, Brittany Fisher of Helena, Brittany Fuhrmann of Bowling Green, Jaclyn Fuller of Findlay, Jessica Goerlich of Temperance, Michi., Mindy Hansen of Swanton, Adrian Hasenfratz of Toledo, Alaina Haubert of Genoa, Molly Hovest of Ottawa, Lindsey Iler of Weston, Candace Jewell of Toledo, Kamesha Jones of Toledo, April Kay of Findlay, Kelly Kibalchich of Toledo, Melanie Kocher of Findlay, Richard Legg of Toledo, Jennifer Lentz of Fostoria, Brian Lundy of Toledo, Jacquel McCadney of Toledo, Alexa McNamee of Walbridge, Kristy Polan of Weston, Heather Ramser of Rossford, Bobbi Ritter of Findlay, Meaghan Roberts of Ottawa Hills, Stacie Robinson of Toledo, Alyssa Rybka of Toledo, Cine Sanders of Toledo, Nicole Schmidt of Toledo, Julia Sherwood of Bloomville, Stephanie Simon of Maumee, Matthew Slee of Holland, Devon Smith of Toledo, Anthony Sopko of Genoa, Heather Stewart of Northwood, Angela Todd of Bowling Green, Tyler Trease of Toledo, Aubrey Ufford of Toledo, Mandy Valadez of Toledo, Stephanie Veselka of Bowling Green, Sarah Walkowiak of Sylvania, Erica Wallen of Findlay, Jewel Webster of Maumee, Jennifer WIlgus of Maumee, Jay Wilson of Findlay, and Stacie Wood of Lambertville, Mich.

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.

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.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Posted on December 15th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 15, 2014 – Owens Community College has named Steve Robinson, Ph.D., as vice president of academic affairs. This is a key academic position responsible for academic programming, teaching and learning, faculty and academic staff. He will also support the institution’s completion plan and strategic enrollment growth. He will also provide leadership, vision, and expertise in developing viable academic strategies that will continue to meet the needs of the community and align the College’s academic program offerings with high demand workforce opportunities. Robinson fills a critical role for Owens as the institution supports the needs of the community and transforms itself to regain fiscal health.

“Owens Community College is fortunate to welcome Steve Robinson, who has an extensive background in higher education and brings a high caliber skill set in academic affairs,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “Steve brings with him a vision that aligns with Owens’ current needs that will be a tremendous asset.”

Robinson has spent the last 21 years working in higher education. Since 2008, Robinson has served as executive dean, Planning, Research and Quality Initiatives at Mott Community College in Flint, Mich. In this position, he served as the senior administrator in charge of strategic planning, institutional research, continuous quality improvement and institutional accreditation. His responsibilities also included college-wide data research initiatives and providing day-to-day management on student success initiatives such as Achieving the Dream, a national reform network dedicated to community college student success and completion.

“I’m very excited to be joining Owens Community College,” said Robinson. “During the selection process, I was especially impressed with the faculty and staff and their commitment to student learning. The passion for students at Owens is inspiring to me. I look forward to serving students and the community.”

He has also served as the interim dean of Health Sciences at Mott Community College where he supervised and provided support for faculty in the occupational programs of Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Assisting. He has also served as a full-time faculty member and continues to teach.

The Grand Blanc, Mich. resident earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, a master’s degree in English, and a doctorate in critical studies in the teaching of English, all from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

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646 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 8th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 8, 2014 – Six hundred forty-six candidates for graduation, including 122 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 34th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 12. Of those graduates, 130 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 130 Associate of Applied Business; 273 Associate of Applied Science; 138 Associate of Arts; 99 Associate of Science and 6 Associate of Technical Studies.

Christina McCullough, Quality Assurance major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 35-year-old Toledo native first enrolled at Owens after graduating from Toledo Whitmer in 1998, but left a year later when she encountered financial barriers. Not long after leaving Owens, she met her future husband, Mark. They now have been married for nine years and have two daughters, Maia, 7, and Alana, 5.

McCullough resumed Owens classes in August 2010, first wanting to go into the Physical Therapist Assistant program and then the Sonography program. She looked at other possibilities, discovered the Quality Assurance program, and “fell in love”.

While attending Owens, she cared for her mother, whose two-year battle with COPD ended in May 2013.

“I felt like if she could fight this hard, then so could I,” said McCullough. “It seemed like a balance; I motivated her by doing well in school and in life in general and she did the same for me.”

McCullough is the recipient of The Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship and the 2014 George H. Barrows Master Scholarship by the Toledo Section of the American Society for Quality.

After graduation, she will pursue a job with her Quality Assurance degree, and will eventually seek a bachelor’s degree. In the coming years as her daughters grow older, she plans to share the importance of a higher education.

“I want to make it so my kids go to college and strive for these achievements,” she said.

Mrs. Chrys Peterson, former WTOL news anchor, will serve as the keynote speaker. After 20 years anchoring the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts, Peterson retired from television news and opened her own consulting firm.

Peterson has received many honors and awards for community service and is a two-time recipient of the distinguished Jefferson Award because of her extensive involvement in the Toledo community. She has also received two Emmy Awards for community service, an Emmy Award for reporting, three “Best Newscast” Emmy Awards, four coveted Edward R. Murrow awards for journalism and several Associated Press awards.

A native of Alexandria, Virginia, she attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. In 2012, she earned her Master of Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS DESIGNATED AS A 2015 STEM JOBS APPROVED COLLEGE

Posted on December 5th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2014 – Owens Community College has been designated a 2015 STEM Jobs^SM Approved College by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting individuals in transition with education and career opportunities, and creator of STEM Jobs^SM media, education and career resources for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. The 2015 STEM Jobs^SM Approved Colleges inaugural list is the first of its kind to rate universities, colleges, community colleges and trade schools on their responsiveness and relevance to high-demand, high-growth STEM occupations.

 Owens was among over 1,600 schools participating in the STEM Jobs^SM survey process. Schools submitting surveys were scored on publicly available data and responses to proprietary questions around three key indicators of success: STEM job alignment, STEM job placement, and diversity in a school’s STEM programs. The assessment and rights to the STEM Jobs Approved^SM Colleges designation were available to qualifying schools at no cost. Owens will be featured in the Winter 2015 issue of STEM Jobs^SM magazine, along with the entire 2015 list of STEM Jobs^SM Approved Colleges.

“We are excited and proud to prepare our students for a number of in-demand STEM careers,” said Glenn Rettig, interim dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “The workplace demand for skilled, creative, problem-solving technicians is greater than it has been in forty years, and the School of STEM can prepare students for a successful career in the field that interests them most. This recognition is a great acknowledgment of our efforts in providing valuable STEM programming.”

For more information about Owens’ commitment to students interested in STEM fields of study and careers, visit www.owens.edu.

For additional information about STEM Jobs^SM or to request a free survey assessment, please contact us at VictoryMedia.com/contact.

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OWENS BEGINS RECOVERY PLAN IN RESPONSE TO STATE FISCAL WATCH

Posted on November 10th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2014 – Leaders of Owens Community College informed the campus community today that the College anticipates being placed onto Fiscal Watch sometime next year. At the same time, they announced the beginning of a recovery plan that will help the college stabilize its finances and continue to fulfill its vital role as a leading education provider and economic engine within our communities.

“We will be challenged to be more entrepreneurial, to share difficult sacrifices, and to move this college forward,” Mike Bower, Ph.D., and President of Owens College told the gathering. “We can and WILL transform this College.”

Based on Ohio law, a college can be placed onto Fiscal Watch for a number of reasons. In Owens’ case, the trigger is a set of composite ratios that measure fiscal health. Fiscal Watch would require Owens to report its finances to the State more frequently and to develop and implement a 3-year recovery plan.   Based on the anticipated composite ratios for Owens, the State would not be required to appoint a conservator.

Fiscal Watch would not become official until the Ohio Board of Regents receives the College’s audit and calculates the official composite ratios and adopts a resolution to that effect. This would likely occur during the First Quarter of 2015 calendar year. However, Dr. Bower told the College audience that Owens is not waiting to begin the recovery plan.

When talking about the recovery plan, which includes initiatives on the revenue and the cost sides of the budget, Dr. Bower said that “The College understands that it cannot solely cut its way out of the fiscal challenges and still be true to its mission.”

The President announced a five-part recovery plan:

1. Revenue Enhancement through strategic enrollment growth, retention and completion.
2. Develop new long-term revenue sources, including but not limited to a tax levy proposal.
3. Analyze spending to ensure all spending is focused on recruiting and educating students and implementing a student completion plan.
4. Reduce employment costs through position elimination. The College’s leadership will consult with Deans and Department Heads in the coming weeks to align position eliminations with Owens’ needs moving forward.   The College community will be informed on which positions will be included in the reduction in January 2015. At this time, it is not known how many positions will be impacted.
5. Implement across-the board salary and wage reductions among non-bargaining staff beginning January 1, 2015, while requesting all bargaining units to make a similar sacrifice. (Reductions will range from 2 to 5 percent with smaller reductions for those individuals in lower pay grades and higher reductions not to exceed 5% for those in higher pay grades. President Bower will take a 6% salary reduction.) In addition, the College will offer the opportunity for employees to take voluntary furloughs.

Owens has taken aggressive steps already to control costs and reduce prior shortfalls. Nearly $16 million was cut out of the Fiscal Year 2014 budget alone. However, enrollment continues to decline. Owens has seen a 38% reduction in enrollment over the past four years. The loss of revenue associated with this in terms of both tuition and state funding continues to put pressure on the College’s finances, resulting in the expected Fiscal Watch.

“We are proposing some very challenging measures while focusing on initiatives which will improve our revenue,” Dr. Bowers said, in conclusion. “We will write a story where Owens makes the tough decisions needed to regain fiscal health and builds on a legacy of high-quality education and continue to fulfill our vital role as a leading education provider and economic engine within our communities.”

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OWENS NURSING STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ‘GOING HOME TO STAY’ EVENT

Posted on October 28th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2014 – Owens Community College Registered Nursing Students will participate in the “Going Home to Stay” event, offered at no charge to participants by The Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio, Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Government Center, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.. This is a resource program offered to ex-offenders, his or her family members and significant others to assist them with their reentry into the community.

“At Owens we believe in providing the tools to help students to succeed and this event will do the same for those trying to reenter the community,” said Kimberly Holman, MSN, RN, Owens clinical teaching faculty, Department of Nursing. “It’s also an amazing opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience working in the community.”

Owens Registered Nursing students are participating as part of their Community Health course requirements. The students will provide education information in the form of Service Learning on various health promotion and disease prevention topics. Educational material will include information on blood pressure measurements and the risks and prevention of Hypertension, as well as Diabetes, smoking and Hepatitis C.

The Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio and Ohio Adult Parole Authority developed the “Going Home to Stay” meetings for anyone with a criminal history or their family members who wants to learn about resources available in the community. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m. – 1p.m. at the First Floor Commissioners Chambers, One Government Center, Toledo. For more information, please contact Chris Stewart, MSW, reentry coordinator at 419-245-3046.

For more information on the Owens Community College Registered Nursing program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS NURSING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘MORNING BLESSINGS’ OUTREACH

Posted on October 24th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2014 – Owens Community College Registered Nursing Students will be providing educational health information during a free community breakfast, “Morning Blessings” sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Thursday, Oct. 30, 7:30 – 10 a.m.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students gain personal knowledge of the community environment and working with diverse populations while demonstrating responsibility and accountability,” said Kimberly Holman, MSN, RN, Owens clinical teaching faculty, Department of Nursing. “It’s also a way for Owens and students to give back to our community.”

Students will provide more than 150 displaced or low-income community members with educational information on various health promotion and disease prevention topics, as well as free blood pressure screenings. Educational material will include information on blood pressure measurements and the risks, proper nutrition and prevention of Hypertension, Diabetes, substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St, hosts the “Morning Blessings” community breakfast every Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 – 10 a.m. For more information, please contact Pastor Peter Bowmer at 419-243-4214.

For more information on the Owens Community College Registered Nursing program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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TOLEDO EDISON AND OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO OFFER TRAINING PROGRAM FOR FUTURE UTILITY WORKERS

Posted on October 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 17, 2014 – Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is partnering with Owens Community College to reinstate an award-winning program to train the next generation of utility line and substation workers.

The Power Systems Institute is a two-year program that combines hands-on utility skills at a Toledo Edison training facility with technical coursework in an Owens Community College classroom. Program graduates will earn an Associate of Technical Studies degree with a focus on electric utility technology. A high percentage of PSI graduates have been offered positions with Toledo Edison.

“The Power Systems Institute already has provided Toledo Edison with nearly 100 highly-qualified employees who are working in the field today, using the training they received from this unique program to keep the lights on for our customers,” said Linda Moss, regional vice president of Toledo Edison. “Whether it’s linemen who work above ground or substation personnel who operate on the ground, PSI provides great training for someone looking for a career in the utility industry.”

“Owens Community College is pleased to reactivate the Power Systems Institute,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “This program fits perfectly into our mission to provide our future workforce with practical skills that are both useful and marketable.”

FirstEnergy originally introduced PSI in 2000 as a way to help replace retiring line workers. Programs were established with colleges throughout the company’s six-state service area, including Owens Community College. With the economic downturn, in 2011 most of the PSI programs were placed on hold because projected hiring needs did not support bringing in new students. As future manpower needs at FirstEnergy were re-evaluated, the decision was made to reinstate the PSI program, targeting a fall of 2015 enrollment class.

Program openings are limited, with 12 spots available for line workers and 12 spots available for substation workers. Applicants will be assessed through a competitive, multi-step process. FirstEnergy will pay for PSI students to go to school if they agree to stay with the company for at least five years. An orientation program for prospective candidates will take place Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 10 a.m. to noon at Owens Community College – Toledo Area Campus, 30335 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551. For more information, please visit www.firstenergycorp.com/psi or call 800-829-6801.

Toledo Edison serves more than 300,000 customers in northwest Ohio. Follow Toledo Edison on Twitter @ToledoEdison.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES PROCLAIMS MEDICAL ASSISTANTS RECOGNITION WEEK

Posted on October 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 17, 2014 – Owens president and the Board of Trustees have proclaimed Oct. 20-24, 2014 and the third full week of every October as Medical Assistants Recognition Week at Owens Community College in appreciation of the Medical Assisting program students, faculty, staff and alumni.

In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, Owens Medical Assisting students will be offering free blood pressure checks, pulse ox checks and glucose testing, Wednesday, October 22, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 1 – 2:15 p.m. in the Health Technologies building, room 307 on the Toledo-area campus.

Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting continues to be projected as one of the fastest growing occupations.

For more information regarding Owens’ Medical Assisting Program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING RAISES $28,707 IN SUPPORT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on October 3rd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 3, 2014 – One hundred twelve area residents recently enjoyed a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni scholarship programs as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association held its twelfth annual Golf Classic. The 28-team event netted $28,707 to benefit scholarship and outreach endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has netted over $343,000 to support Owens students pursuing a college education and their career aspirations.

“Owens Alumni Association is again overwhelmed by the community support we received this year,” said Laura Moore, Owens Alumni Association executive director. “The success of this event helps ensure our students are able to take advantage of the opportunities offered for lifelong learning.”

Organized by the Owens Alumni Association’s steering committee, the golf outing was held at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event featured 18-holes of golf, lunch, grazing dinner and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsor was Hylant Family Foundation. In addition, Metzgers was the print sponsor.

Edward Jones sponsored the four-person scramble championship team. Team members included Rich Rowe and Puck Rowe of Findlay and Senator Randy Gardner and Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green.

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OWENS STUDENT AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on August 13th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2014 – The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation has awarded Owens student and Toledo resident, Jennifer Chaput, the Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year.

The $2,500 scholarship will help Jennifer complete an Associates of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology educational program. This scholarship was created in honor of Edward Jerman and John Cahoon and is made possible by support from ASRT Foundation Patrons and a generous grant from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

“We are happy to provide Jennifer with financial support to get the tools she needs to further her education and career,” said Phelosha Collaros, ASRT Foundation’s director. “The scholarship is a testament to the commitment and collaborative spirit of the radiologic technology community.”

To be eligible, applicants must be entry-level students enrolled in an accredited radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance or nuclear medicine program.

Scholarship recipients submitted applications and were selected based on evidence of commitment, leadership, achievement and financial need. The Foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee evaluated scholarship applications and provided recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees then approved recipients.

To learn more about scholarship programs, including eligibility requirements and application information, and for more information about the ASRT Foundation, visit www.asrtfoundation.org.

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OWENS STUDENT LEADERS INDUCTED INTO SPRING PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Posted on July 23rd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 23, 2014 – Owens Community College students recently were honored for their excellence in higher education, earning membership into the Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for the Spring Semester. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest in Ohio.

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 by the presidents of eight Missouri junior colleges for women. In 1924, the international organization was expanded to include all two-year colleges. To date, more than one million individuals have been inducted into the international honor society.

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.

Selection criterion for students receiving the honor is based upon enrollment in a two-year college, completing a minimum number of course hours set forth by the individual chapter, achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average and exemplifying academic excellence, as determined by faculty.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2014 Spring Semester are:

Rawan A. Abdelrahman of Toledo

Walaa E. Ahmed of Toledo

Ganda B. Alabbas of Perrysburg

Baqer J Aljabr of Saudi Arabia

Daniel J. Angel Of Woodville

Krista K. Balduf of Wharton

Emilee A. Ball of Toledo

Jacob B. Barnard of Perrysburg

Skyler L. Bell of Mingo Junction

Brandi J. Bishop of Findlay

Jodi L. Bixler of Bowling Green

Amber L. Blackburn of Whitehouse

Lilian A. Briggs of Toledo

Kyle T. Brown of Walbridge

Nicholas A. Calmes of Curtice

Shelley R. Carr of Toledo

Jessica L. Ciacelli of Lambertville

Alex J. Claussen of Northwood

Laura K. Condon of Milton Center

Jeffry W. Davidson of Tiffin

Helen L. Dilworth of Maumee

Lauren J. Downard of Bowling Green

Bailey A. Elgin of Cygnet

Christian T. Erdmann of Toledo

Nicholas Esterline of Defiance

Joan L. Ferola of Perrysburg

Jenna N. Filas of Toledo

Matthew A. Fitch of Woodville

Barbara J. Fritz of Arlington

Libby A. Fritz of Findlay

Marah Ghannam of Toledo

Allison K. Glanz of Grand Rapids

Melissa M. Goetz of Haskins

Kamisha S. Gutelius of Toledo

Dakota S. Harrell of Sylvania

Kimberly M. Harris of Dundee

Bobbie S. Harris of Toledo

Kimberly Henninger of Logansport

Hilda V. Heuring of Toledo

Annette M. Homan of Whitehouse

Joanne Y. Hosny of Toledo

Austin P. Ibarra of Oregon

Adam J. Inniger of Williamstown

James Jacobs of Toledo

Laura A. Jensen of Graytown

Jaclyn N. Jezak of Maumee

Mary L. Johnson of Waterville

Ayisha M. Jones of Toledo

Michelle L. Keip of Toledo

Aaron R. Konoff of Whitehouse

Zachary B. Kornowski of Oregon

Kenny T. Kruse of Woodville

Brianna L. Lazur of Oregon

Ashley N. Lowry of Toledo

Jamie L. Mallery of Toledo

Donald J. Managhan, Jr. of Toledo

Natasha M. Marchese of Maumee

Daniel K. Mathena of Napoleon

Desirae A. McDonald of Defiance

James W. Metcalf of Bryan

Lindsey M. Minnig of Van Wert

Ayanda C. Mkhize of Findlay

Emily E. Mysinger of Curtice

Dean C. Niederkohr of Ottawa Lake

Leandra L. Oman of Arlington

Derek C. Opdycke of Stryker

Gili Oren of Toledo

Steven E. Osborn of Sylvania

Samantha L. Pacynski of Toledo

Nick L. Papenfuse of Toledo

John M. Rathke of Pioneer

Lawrence M. Richardson III of Perrysburg

Jason L. Ridley, Sr. of Toledo

Jacquelyne R. Robinson of Toledo

Isaiah G. Rupp of Palmyra

Leila N. Rush of Toledo

Andrew M. Schultz of Maumee

Tyler D. Selz of Perrysburg

Kathleen E. Shaw of Tiffin

Charity L. Sizemore of Toledo

Christy S. Smith of Bowling Green

Christinia J. Snider of Genoa

Terry L. Spitnale of Toledo

Jenise M. Stanley of Toledo

Elsa P. St. John of Toledo

Michael A. Stroud of Toledo

Leigha J. Sugg of Toledo

Brittany R. Suwinski of Toledo

Byron S. Swartz of Milbury

Megan R. Szymanowski of Maumee

Joshua D. Thilmony of Findlay

Stephanie M. Tucker of Fremont

Zachary L. Vickers of Northwood

Kathy M. Wagner of Toledo

Kristen E. Walton of Maumee

Joel R. Washing of Toledo

Lisa Waterfield of Grand Rapids

Jennefer P. Williamson of Toledo

Stephanie L. Wonnell of Oregon

Michael G. Yaklin of Maumee

Daniel B. York of Toledo

Rana A. Zeyadah of Toledo

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GENERAL MOTORS INVESTS IN OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Posted on July 18th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 18, 2014 –General Motors (GM), one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, recently added a 2014 GMC Yukon to the 11 other vehicles donated since the fall of 2012 to Owens Community College for its automotive training program.

“We are proud to support training programs that prepare the next generation of automotive technicians,” said Rick Jackson, manager for GM ASEP. “Our commitment to our customers goes well beyond building a quality product. Our dedication to excellence starts at the training level by partnering with schools in communities around the globe to share our collective passion for the automotive industry and educate, inspire and motivate the technicians of tomorrow.

The donated vehicles will be used to train aspiring technicians enrolled in GM’s Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP). The two-year associate degree program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to diagnose, correct, and repair electrical, fuel, emissions, and mechanical problems found in today’s modern automobiles. Owens students are taught by General Motors certified instructors and all lab/lecture instruction is specific to General Motors products. As part of the academic curriculum, students rotate between working full- time at a General Motors dealership and taking Owens classes full-time in eight-week increments. Scholarships are also available for prospective students interested in the program.

The GM ASEP began at Owens in 1988 and has had several hundred vehicles donated by GM for instructional purposes since that time.

“Owens plays an important role in helping the auto industry fill a critical need: developing and retaining skilled automotive technicians,” said Tracy Campbell, chairman, Owens Community College Transportation Technologies. “This generous donation from GM enables us to deliver the highest quality education to our students.”

For more information on Owens Transportation Technologies programs, please call (567) 661-7136. For more information on GM ASEP, visit www.gmasep.org

About GM ASEP

Since 1979, GM’s continued commitment to identify and support the GM ASEP colleges and universities has produced over 16,000 service technicians. GM ASEP incorporates advanced automotive technical training with a strong academic foundation of math, reading, and electronics, and both analytical and technical skills. Students can earn an Associate’s Degree while working and learning on the job, resulting in a solid education combined with invaluable work experience. More information can be found at www.gmasep.org.

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OWENS AND WALTERS FAMILY AWARDS RYAN, MARY AND HAYDEN WALTERS SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on June 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 17, 2014 – Owens Community College student Conner Edgar of Toledo has been chosen by the Walters Family to receive a $500 Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship for the upcoming 2014-15 academic year.

Established in 2011, the endowed scholarship honors the legacy of Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters and their commitment to lifelong learning. The scholarship is given annually to an Owens student with aspirations of careers in early childhood education, information systems, computer programming and computer systems.

“On behalf of the Walters’ family, extended family, friends, and local community it is truly an honor to present the Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship to Conner Edgar,” said Robin Arquette, who is the sister of Ryan Walters. “It gives us great joy and pride to be able to assist in helping students in the community achieve their educational goals.”

Selection criteria for the scholarship is based upon recipients being enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at Owens per semester and achieving a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Additionally, preference is given to a student who is majoring in early childhood education, information systems, computer programming and computer systems. Scholarship applicants also must state how they will utilize their college degree to give back to the community in which they live in the form of an essay.

Edgar is pursuing his associate’s degree in early childhood education and plans to continue on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. He graduated in 2012 from Whitmer High School with a 4.0 GPA and will be the first person in his family to attend college. He ultimately envisions a career working with children with learning disabilities.

“Teaching and working with children is what I have always dreamed of doing,” explained Edgar. “Receiving this scholarship will help me to continue my service to the community and pay it forward. The experience of helping others has taught me that it is not the material things in life that make you happy but building relationships and sharing with other.”

In June 2010, Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters lost their lives as a result of a tornado and damaging storms that devastated the Northwest Ohio region.

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OWENS ANNOUNCES GATEWAY TO COLLEGE PROGRAM FALL 2014 APPLICATION PROCESS

Posted on June 10th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 10, 2014 – Area residents between the ages of 16 and 21 who are interested in receiving a second chance to receive a high school diploma are invited to apply for the upcoming 2014 Gateway to College program student class at Owens Community College as the academic institution is now accepting applications for the Fall Semester.

Interested applicants can also receive additional details about the program by attending one of several a formal Gateway to College Program Informational Sessions taking place Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the Owens Community College Downtown Toledo Learning Center at The Ohio Means Jobs Lucas County Bldg. (1301 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH). The Information Session will provide students and families with additional information about the program and the application process.

Gateway to College is designed for young adults ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of high school or are significantly behind in credits and unlikely to graduate. The program enables them to complete their high school diploma requirements while simultaneously earning college credit toward an associate degree or certificate.

Students must meet specific criteria for entrance into the program and will be dually enrolled at Toledo Public Schools and Owens Community College until they complete their high school diploma. The program is free to students and covers tuition, fees and books, as well as lunch and transportation to the College’s Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo.

Owens is one of over 40 community and technical colleges in 23 states across the country currently offering the Gateway to College program.

Prospective students must reside in the Toledo Public Schools district. Applications are available and must be returned to the College’s Gateway to College Office at the Owens Downtown campus by August 1. Fall classes at the Owens Downtown campus begin, Monday, August 25.

For more information about the Gateway to College program or the informational sessions, call (567) 661-2850 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2850, or e-mail at gateway@owens.edu.

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OWENS STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO SPRING CHI ALPHA EPSILON NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Posted on May 22nd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 22, 2014 – 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 200 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.

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 2014 Spring Semester are Ashley Altaffer of Montepelier (business administration), Lisa Arend of Toledo (medical office assistant), Julie Bitter of Oregon (education), Kristen Borcherding-Jacobs of Luckey (occupational therapy assistant), Jennifer Cavey of Oregon (criminal justice), Michael Chizmar II of Perrysburg (commercial art tech.), Barbara Fritz of Arlington (business administration), Margaret Fuller of Toledo (Landscape and Turfgrass Management), Kajara Furr-Ruffin of Toledo (accounting), Erica Gears of North Balitmore (pre-nursing), Heather Harris of Toledo (business), Richard Harrison, Jr. of Perrysburg (business management), Scott Histed of Maumee (criminal justice), Chelsea Hooks of Oregon (dental hygiene), Joan Hosny of Toledo (business administration), Jolene Jackson of Toledo (business administration), Courtney Knadler of Lambertville, Mich. (AS General Concentration/Dental Assisting), Heather Koziel of Findlay (social work), Haley Kreger of Temperance, Mich. (occupational therapy assistant), Michelle Link of Lima (diagnostic med. tech.) Lindsy Machado of Maumee (dental hygiene), Gregory McClusky of Toledo (computer programmer), Dustin Moosman of Waterville (John Deere tech.), Kristy Oates of Bowling Green (RN), Kyle Olszewski of Toledo (business management), Leticia Parish of Toledo (social work), Brianna Planz of Ottawa (business), Megan Rahm of Toledo (commercial art tech.), Aalea Robertson of Toledo (criminal justice), Scott Romaker of Fostoria (business tech.), Ricky Staler of Enoa (psychology), Taylor Smith of Wauseon (nursing), Sarah Soncrant of Northwood (accounting tech.), Jayme Wietrzykowski of Toledo (health information tech.), and Tonya Young of Elmore (accounting tech.).

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DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY – VASCULAR PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

Posted on May 22nd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 22, 2014 – The Owens Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Vascular program has earned the distinction of receiving initial programmatic accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as a result of its commitment to excellence, accountability and the highest accreditation standards.

“Owens is honored to receive initial accreditation for our Medical Sonography – Vascular program,” said Stacie Gessler, program director, Medical Sonography. “This accreditation recognizes our commitment to providing an excellent academic program that benefits both our students and the health care community.”

Owens’ program earned five-year initial accreditation by the CAAHEP after a recent peer review conducted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Daignostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors that recognized the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.

The accreditation standards are established by CAAHEP, JRC-DMS, American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), American College of Radiology (ACR), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), and the society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU).

CAAHEP is recognized as the largest programmatic accrediting organization in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, reviews and accredits over 2,000 educational programs in 20 health science occupations.

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OWENS’ CENTER FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TO BEGIN FIRE SERVICE TRAINING CONSORTIUM

Posted on May 14th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 14, 2014 – Owens Community College’s Center for Emergency Preparedness is offering Northwest Ohio fire departments the opportunity to join a new regional fire service consortium beginning July 2014.

The intent and purpose of the training consortium is to provide valuable and required Fire Service based training at an economical price to member agencies. Membership is on a yearly basis and the total cost will be based on how many fire stations each department operates in their district.

Current members of the training consortium include Bradner, Helena, Lake Township, Linsdey, North Baltimore, Troy Township, and Wayne Fire Departments.

“There is a direct correlation between training and the success and survival of firefighters,” said Mark Briggs, fire training coordinator. “The training consortium will assist fire departments in Northwest Ohio in obtaining quality training while also being fiscally responsible to their communities.

The college in partnership with member agencies, and governmental and private agencies will provide training in courses such as live fire, mass casualty, search and rescue, tanker, car and kitchen fire training. Classes will begin in July and will be conducted in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards. Owens’ Center for Emergency Preparedness is accredited through The Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS for EMT and Firefighter training.

Owens has been at the forefront in providing educational training to public safety forces for over three decades. In 2009, the College invested 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. Since opening the facility, 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.

For more information on the regional fire service consortium, please contact Mark Briggs at 564-667-2081.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO HOST GED GRADUATION CEREMONY

Posted on May 13th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 13, 2014 – More than 50 area residents will be honored for achieving their Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma, also known as the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma as Owens serves as host to its fifth annual GED Graduation Ceremony. The special ceremony will occur Sunday, May 18, 1-4 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus.

The GED examination was created with the goal of providing individuals who do not finish high school with an opportunity to earn an Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma and advance their academic and career aspirations. In order to earn an Ohio GED Diploma, students must pass all sections of their official examination. The College’s Office of Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program is offered at no cost to students and provides individualized study plans for each student.

Owens ABLE, which is funded by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Board of Regents and the U.S. Department of Education, is committed to meeting the needs of the surrounding communities by providing an array of enriched learning opportunities and academic resources that include reading, writing, mathematics and computer skills. Specific programs available include preparing for post-secondary training and education, obtaining a GED Diploma, improving employability skills and learning English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

The College offers ABLE classes at multiple locations in Northwest Ohio, including the Owens Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township, the Owens Findlay-area Campus in Findlay, the Owens Learning Center in Maumee, the Owens Learning Center Downtown Toledo, Goodwill Industries in Toledo, The Providence Center in Toledo, Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo in Toledo, Pilgrim Church in Toledo, and at several Toledo-Lucas County Public Library locations.

Individuals who are interested in Owens’ ABLE classes can call (567) 661-ABLE or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ABLE.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS 2014 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 7th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 7, 2014 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees honored area high school seniors recently 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 Richard Rowe, 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 scholarship.

The scholarship is provided over 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 $1.3 million in scholarships to over 700 students.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship and their intended course of study at Owens include:

• William Lemle of Monclova, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (General Studies)
• Hannah Ball of Findlay, an Arcadia High School graduate (Undecided)
• Chelsea Marquart of Arlington, an Arlington High School graduate (Nursing)
• Taylor Purcell of Temperance, a Bedford High School graduate (Nursing)
• Alicia Kikomoor of Bowling Green, a Bowling Green High School graduate (Fine Arts)
• Miranda Sauerwein of Toledo, a Bowsher High School graduate (Accounting Tech.)
• Rachel Green of Carey, a Carey High School graduate (Undecided)
• Timothy Marciniak of Toledo, a Central Catholic High School graduate (Welding)
• Anyssia Flores of Toledo, a Clay High School graduate (Nursing)
• Megan Albright of Clyde, a Clyde High School graduate (Occupational Therapy Assistant)
• Ryan Mang of Perrysburg, an Eastwood High School graduate (Nursing)
• Jordan Matthews of Montpelier, an Edon Northwest High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Kyra Bloom of Bloomdale, an Elmwood High School graduate ( Physical Therapy Assistant and Massage Therapy)
• Rachael Smith of Ottawa Lake, an Emmanuel Christian School graduate (Undecided)
• Cristin Franks of Findlay, a Findlay Digital Academy graduate (Physical Therapy Assistant)
• Bayley Hill of Findlay, a Findlay High School graduate (Occupational Therapy)
• Troy Laird of Fremont, a Fremont Ross High School graduate (Culinary Arts)
• Keri Leskow of Perrysburg, a Lake High School graduate (Nursing)
• Kennedy Wood of Napoleon, a Liberty Center graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Matthew Lawson of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (Information Technology Systems)
• Gretchen Bersinger of Holland, a Monclova Christian Academy graduate (Undecided)
• Adam Altaffer of Montpelier, a Montpelier High School graduate (John Deere Tech.)
• Ethan Nominee of North Baltimore, a North Baltimore High School graduate (Education)
• Shelby Tittle of Northwood, a Northwood High School graduate (Undecided)
• Alyssa Tori of Temperance, a Notre Dame Academy graduate (Undecided)
• Cassandra Brenneman of Oak Harbor, an Oak Harbor High School graduate (Undecided)
• Kyle Wright of Grand Rapids, an Otsego High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Logan Meyer of Ottawa, an Ottawa Glandorf High School graduate (Physical Therapy Assistant)
• Abigail Abke of Pemberville, a Penta Career Center graduate (Electrical)
• Nicole Hersch of Perrysburg, a Perrysburg High School graduate (General Studies)
• Nadia Coleman of Holland, a Phoenix Academy graduate (Undecided)
• Rocio Gonzalez of Toledo, a Polly Fox Academy graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Kristen Evans of Forest, a Riverdale High School graduate (Elementary Education)
• Qingquan Lin of Toledo, a Rogers High School graduate (Electrical Certificate)
• Wyatt Kinkade of Perrysburg, a Rossford High School graduate (Networking and Information Systems Support)
• Jordyn James of Holland, a Springfield High School graduate (Nursing)
• Katie Collins of Toledo, a St. Ursula Academy graduate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
• Lydia Yeager of Toledo, a Start High School graduate (Undecided)
• Allister Stange of Toledo, a Summit Academy graduate (Engineering)
• Emily Maier of Swanton, a Swanton High School graduate (Dental)
• Haley McKinch of Sylvania, a Sylvania Southview High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Kyle Ciha of Toledo, a Toledo Technology Academy graduate (Electrical Engineering)
• Ivan Quezada of Findlay, a Van Buren High School graduate (Undecided)
• Rachel Wiseley of Findlay, a Vanlue High School graduate (Undecided)
• Amber Webb of Toledo, a Waite High School graduate (Business)
• Kaytlyn Wagner of Toledo, a Whitmer High School graduate (Undecided)
• Matthew Hartford of Elmore, a Woodmore High School graduate (Commercial Art)
• Giovanni Cuadra of Toledo, a Woodward High School graduate (Computer Science)

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768 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 5th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 5, 2014 –Seven hundred sixty-eight candidates for graduation, including 122 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 48^th annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 9. The commencement will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For family and friends unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed online and can be accessed at www.owens.edu/commencement. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French will serve as the keynote speaker. For the past two decades, Justice French has dedicated her career to public service. In that time, she has served the State of Ohio as a lawyer for a state agency, an assistant attorney general, counsel to the Governor, and, finally, as a judge. In December 2012, Governor John Kasich appointed Justice French to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court of Ohio. She became the 155th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court on January 1, 2013.

A native of Sebring, Ohio, a small town in Mahoning County, she received three degrees from The Ohio State University: a B.A. in political science, an M.A. in history (with a concentration in military history and strategic studies), and a J.D., with honors. Justice French currently resides in Grandview Heights, near Columbus, with her husband and two children.

Lisa Long, an Early Childhood Education Technology major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 30-year-old Fostoria resident is the first person from her family to both attend college and earn a college degree, Long’s journey to the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus started in southern California, where she grew up in sunny San Diego. There, she met her future husband, Richard. They returned to Ohio in 2009 to be near Richard’s family and married in 2010. They now have two boys, ages 10 and 3.

In 2009, Long made the decision to pursue higher education at Owens and enrolled in Spring Semester 2010.

“I was working 3 minimum wage jobs and was a full-time mom. I was spending savings just to pay my own bills. I wasn’t making enough to live. I didn’t own a car,” she said of the life-changing moment when she decided to go to college. “I was riding on the bus with my son, singing the ABCs. I knew I couldn’t go on working these jobs and not being able to pay to live. I had to go to college. I figured out I wanted to be a teacher. The joy I had of being around my son, I wanted that all the time.”

“If you have to be away from your children, you want to do something that you love,” she said.

For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN HONOR OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

Posted on May 2nd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 2, 2014 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is honoring the legacy of Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman of the Toledo Fire Department for their bravery, courage and service to the community by establishing a new $10,000 scholarship endowment fund in their memory.

The Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded annually to a recipient at the Outstanding Service Awards by the Owens Alumni Association. The first-ever scholarship will be awarded in the 2015 – 2016 academic year.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to honor the lives and heroism of Privates Machcinski and Dickman,” said Matt A. Feasel, president, Owens Alumni Association. “The creation of this endowed scholarship fund will serve as a lifetime tribute to their service, their lives and their memory.”

Selection criteria for the new scholarship initiative will be based upon recipients being enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at Owens per semester, holding second-year student status in fire science technology and achieving at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

In January 2014, Private Machcinski and Private Dickman lost their lives in the line of duty while fighting a six-unit apartment building fire. Machcinski had been with the Department since 1998 and leaves behind his parents, a brother and a sister. Private Dickman had been with the Department since 2013 and leaves behind his wife, a 3-year-old daughter, a 1-month-old son as well as his parents and two sisters.

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 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS DETECTIVE KEITH DRESSEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on April 29th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 29, 2014 – Owens Community College student Scott Histed of Maumee has been chosen by the Alumni Association to receive a $2,000 Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship for the upcoming 2014-15 academic year.

Established in 2007, the endowed scholarship honors the legacy of Detective Keith Dressel of the Toledo Police Department’s Vice/Narcotics Section Special Enforcement Division and his service to the community. The scholarship is given annually to an Owens student at the Outstanding Service Awards who has the courage to become a police officer and embodies the passion, conviction and perseverance demonstrated by Detective Dressel during his career.

According to Laura Moore, executive director of the Owens Alumni Association, the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Detective Dressel and his dedication to public service, as well as support the next generation of law enforcement officers.

“Every year, the Alumni Association has the privilege of awarding the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship to a very deserving recipient,” stated Moore. “This year we are pleased to honor Scott Histed with the award. He will certainly honor the legacy of Detective Dressel.”

Additional selection criteria for the scholarship is based upon recipients being enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at Owens per semester, holding second-year student status and achieving at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Preference is given to students with aspirations of a law enforcement career.

Histed is a full-time Owens student, having enrolled as a criminal justice major in the fall of 2011 after graduating early from Maumee High School. Histed has maintained a 3.0 grade point average in addition to working. He is also an active member of his church.

Following graduation from Owens, Histed plans to enroll in the Owens Police Academy. After completing the Academy, he hopes to work at a local police department as a road patrol officer before getting a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“I’ve wanted to become a police officer ever since I was a little kid,” stated Histed. “I want to become the best police officer I can be and have strong community relations within the community in which I work and live.”

During his senior year in high school, he participated in a ride-along program with the Maumee Police Department, recording and documenting more than 70 hours spent with dispatchers, detectives and road patrol officers.

In February 2007, Detective Dressel was fatally wounded in the line of duty. He provided public service to the Toledo Police Department and the citizens of Toledo for 14 years. Detective Dressel left behind his wife, Danielle, and two children, along with a very large extended family.

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 23rd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 23, 2014 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen seven area residents to receive the 11th annual Outstanding Service Awards for their tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities.

Award recipients are Sutton A. Flick, James Dickman, Stephen Machcinski, Mark Klempner, George Simko, Michael Fuelling, and Paul Heineman.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to once again recognize the selfless acts of Northwest Ohio’s safety forces that so often go unnoticed,” said Matt A. Feasel, president, Owens Alumni Association. “The Outstanding Service Awards were created to honor their efforts and thank them for their continued service to our region, state and country.We are extremely honored to be recognizing such an outstanding group of individuals this year.”

The awards are presented within the categories of Outstanding Police, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician and Service to Community. Selection criterion is based upon a nomination process for candidates demonstrating exceptional service related to dedication, ingenuity, bravery, special skills and/or community service over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient and can be a group honor where teamwork was a key element.

The recipient of the Outstanding Police Award is Sutton Flick of Findlay (Officer, Carey Police Department). Flick was nominated by Daniel Walter, chief of police, Carey Police Department for his professional bravery during his response to an “active shooter” situation.

On the evening of November 1, 2013, Officer Sutton Flick was on routine patrol in the Village of Carey when the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a shooting at the Carey Conservation Club where several victims had been shot in the Club House. The radio call went out for all available officers to respond to the Conservation Club for an “Active Shooter.”

Officer Flick was the first officer to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, several witnesses informed Officer Flick that at least two victims were dead and that the male suspect was barricaded inside the Club House. Officer Flick instinctively headed toward the threat, only to hear witnesses from inside the Club House yelling, “He is coming out!” There was no time to wait for his backup officers.

Officer Flick positioned himself to cover two exit doors with his weapon drawn. The suspect cautiously exited the Club House, still brandishing a pistol. Officer Flick confronted the suspect by ordering him to drop the weapon. The suspect hesitated then obeyed the commands by tossing his pistol to the ground. Officer Flick ordered the suspect to the ground and secured him with handcuffs. Thankfully, there were no other shooters and this entire apprehension occurred prior to the next officer arriving on scene.

James Dickman of Perrysburg (Posthumous Award) (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department), Stephen Machcinski of Toledo (Posthumous Award) (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department), Mark Klempner of Toledo (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) and George Simko of Toledo (Lieutenant, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) are named the Outstanding Firefighter Award recipients. Captain Michael Benadum, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department nominated them for their outstanding efforts and bravery during a two-story building fire.

On January 26, 2014, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Engine 3, including Dickman, Klempner, Machcinski, Simko and other crews, were dispatched to an apartment fire with occupants reportedly still inside.

On arrival, crews found a two-story building with a working fire. After attempting to make entry through a door on the first floor that was found not to lead anywhere, the crew of Engine 3 used a ladder to enter through a second floor window. Firefighter Dickman climbed the ladder, broke out the window and entered with the hose line. Firefighter Machcinski and Lieutenant Simko quickly followed him. Firefighter Klempner was pump operator for the engine supplying water to the hose line.

The crew encountered heavy smoke conditions as they advanced, looking both for trapped occupants and the fire. Shortly after entry, conditions suddenly and rapidly changed. Extreme heat drove the crew to lay flat on the floor as fire rolled over their heads. Lieutenant Simko ordered Firefighter Dickman to put water on the fire, which he did. Moments later, conditions got even hotter. Lieutenant Simko ordered the crew to get out as conditions continued to deteriorate. Lieutenant Simko was forced to dive out a second floor door onto an outside deck-like area in order to survive. Lieutenant Simko immediately noticed Firefighters Dickman and Machcinski had not exited behind him and transmitted a mayday. After being rescued by the Rapid Intervention Team, Firefighters Dickman and Machcinski died as a result of their injuries.

Michael Fuelling of Toledo (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) is the recipient of the Outstanding Emergency Medical Technician Award. Jamie Young, Lieutenant, Toledo Fire &Rescue Department nominated Fuelling for his life-saving efforts during a cardiac arrest on a busy Interstate.

On July 14, 2013, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Engine 17 responded to a report of a person in cardiac arrest on the I-75 South overpass near Exit 204. Off-duty Fuelling witnessed the accident and stopped to help. He found the patient breathless and pulseless. After performing CPR for approximately two minutes, the patient raised his arm and started to breathe on his own. By the time additional assistance arrived on scene, the patient was talking and had good vital signs.

With only his truck as protection on the expressway, Fuelling put himself at great risk while performing CPR until the police and emergency personnel arrived to block traffic. Without his decisive and successful actions, the patient would have had little chance of survival. Fuelling’s courageousness and professionalism was exemplary and heroic.

Paul Heineman of Woodville, (retired Fire Chief, Woodville Township Fire Department) is named the Outstanding Service to Community Award recipient. Chief William Andrews, Woodville Township Fire Department nominated Heineman for his leadership and dedication.

For the past 22 years, Heineman has been fire chief of the Woodville Township Fire Department, dedicating himself to not only making the Woodville Township Fire Department a better fire department, but also to improving communications between the Sheriff’s Office and the individual fire departments within the county.

At 82 years young, Heineman only stepped down because he was elected township trustee.

Over the years, Heineman has fought for levies that allowed the Woodville Township Fire Department to afford the equipment and trucks that have made the department one of the best around, according to those who work there.

Heineman’s leadership has been outstanding over the past 22 years, according to his coworkers, who say he deserves to be recognized for his leadership and dedication, not only to the Woodville Township Fire Department, but to fire service as a whole.

 

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