News Releases

State Board Recertifies College’s Department of Public Safety

Posted on April 28th, 2022

The Owens Community College Department of Public Safety (DPS), led by Chief Steven M. Harrison, has been recognized by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board. Created to hold agencies to high standards, accountability and instill a greater confidence with the public, the Ohio Collaborative certified or recertified the College’s department in these three categories:

Use of force and recruitment and hiring
Community engagement
Bias free policing and investigation of employee misconduct

“We are always looking for ways to increase public trust and confidence. Being certified by the Ohio Collaborative helps us improve those efforts,” said Chief Harrison. “People can come to our college and know they are going to be in a safe learning environment.”

The College’s DPS was recertified for use of force, recruitment and hiring standards. In order to receive recertification, the department had to meeting various protocols including:

Conduct investigation/report review for use of force policy compliance.
Establish an agency recruitment plan.
Detail the sworn officer application and selection process.

DPS has received certification for community engagement as well as bias free policing and investigation of employee misconduct standard. To receive these new certifications, the department had to meet specific protocols including:

Share photos of agency personnel participating in activities or information exchanges.
Document reviews of body camera capture data.
Define timelines for the resolution of complaints.

The Ohio Collaborative is a 12-person panel comprised of law enforcement experts and community leaders, originally established in 2014. A total of 573 law enforcement agencies in Ohio have received certification.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

OACC Recognition Photo 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.

OWENS RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AWARD FROM OHIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Posted on October 6th, 2020

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 6, 2020 – Owens Community College’s Dana Advanced Manufacturing Training Center has been awarded the 2020 Annual Excellence in Workforce Development by the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA). This award recognizes unique approaches to any aspect of workforce development and acknowledges an organization that has developed innovative practices and programs.

“The Annual Excellence Awards showcase the best of the best in economic development and gives members of the profession the opportunity to collectively celebrate the success of the economic development profession,” Jennifer Price, OEDA Executive Director, said.

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); 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).

“We are pleased to have been recognized by the OEDA for the College’s commitment to workforce development. The Dana Center represents the College’s latest significant investment to directly impact Northwest Ohio’s regional economy,” stated Bill Balzer, interim president, Owens Community College. “A skilled workforce is critical to fill thousands of new and existing jobs in manufacturing and aligned careers throughout our region and the state. The Dana Center was specifically designed to meet these needs now and well into the future. We thank Dana Incorporated and other supporters for joining us in meeting the region’s training needs for the new and incumbent workers for decades to come.”

Owens was nominated for the OEDA award by project architect Tim Swartz from SSOE Group. Headquartered in Toledo with a national and global footprint, SSOE is a leader in aligning education design with workforce needs.

For more information on the Dana Center, please visit owens.edu/danacenter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 25th, 2019

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 25, 2019 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen fourteen area first responders to receive the 16th 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 26 in the Veterans Hall on Owens’ Toledo-area Campus beginning at 7:45 a.m.

Award recipients are Kurt Schroeder, Luis Munguia, Matt Gazarek, Dave Molter, Alicia Cryan, Dustin Glass, Kim Katafias, Chris Klewer, Scott Moskowitz, Donny Widmer, Bryce Blair, Scott Perry, Katherine Taylor and Chad Morris.

This year’s awards are presented within the categories of Outstanding Police, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician and Service to the Community. Selection criteria is based upon a nomination process for candidates demonstrating exceptional service related to dedication, ingenuity, bravery, special skills or assistance in a unique situation. 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 Patrol Officer Kurt Schroeder (Perrysburg Township Police), Sergeant Luis Munguia (Owens Community College Police Department), Lieutenant Matt Gazarek, Sergeant Dave Molter, Officer Alicia Cryan, Officer Dustin Glass, Officer Kim Katafias, Officer Chris Klewer, Officer Scott Moskowitz and Officer Donny Widemer (Perrysburg Township Police Department).

The recipient of the Outstanding Firefighter Award is Battalion Chief Bryce Blair (Toledo Fire & Rescue Department).

The Outstanding Emergency Medical Technician Award will be presented to Scott Perry, paramedic (Sylvania Township Fire Department), and Katherine Taylor, emergency medical technician and volunteer firefighter (Rossford Fire Department).

The Outstanding Service to the Community Award will be presented to Lieutenant Chad Morris (Sylvania Township Fire Department).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING AND DRONE GOLF BALL DROP RAISES $50,600

Posted on October 2nd, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 2, 2018 – One hundred twenty area residents recently enjoyed a day of golf and the new Drone Golf Ball Drop in support of alumni scholarship programs as the Owens Community College’s Alumni Association held its 16^th annual Golf Classic. The 30-team event raised $50,600, proceeds will benefit scholarships and outreach endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has netted approximately $462,500 to support Owens students pursuing a college education and their career aspirations.

“The Alumni Association appreciates the generous support of our sponsors,” said Bridget Shea, Owens Alumni Association executive director. “Scholarships are a vital part of student success and this year’s Golf Classic and Drone Golf Ball Drop will help Owens students fulfill their educational goals.”

Organized by the Alumni Association’s steering committee, the golf outing was held at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event featured the first Drone Golf Ball Drop in northwest Ohio, 18-holes of golf, lunch, grazing dinner and an awards program. The Golf Classic event was sponsored by Hylant Administrative Services. Toledo Aerial Media was the Drone sponsor. Rudolph Libbe Group was the Drone Golf Ball Drop sponsor. Control Systems for Building Automation was the Premiere sponsor and Metzgers was the print sponsor. This year, Perrysburg Auto Mall sponsored a hole-in-one contest for the golfers.

Bowers Asphalt and Paving sponsored the four-person scramble championship team. Team members included, Todd Sattler, Brad Kirsten, David Neely and Tony Gucciardo.

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

RONALD MCMASTER RETIRES FROM OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEE

Posted on September 4th, 2018

PERRYSBURG RESIDENT A 25-YEAR MEMBER

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2018 – Owens Community College Board of Trustee member Ronald McMaster, Ph.D. of Perrysburg was honored today for his 25-years of service and commitment to the College and the Board of Trustees. McMasters will retire at the end of his term appointment on Sept. 21.

“Ron’s unwavering commitment to higher education has had a profound impact on Owens Community College,” said Dee Talmage, chair of the Owens Community College Board of Trustees. “We thank him for his dedication and support towards advancing the mission of Owens.”

Initially appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1993, McMaster is retired from the presidencies of McMaster Fuel Ltd. And McMaster Motor Company and was vice president of corporate development for Glasstech, Inc., when he retired in Oct. 2001 after a 24-year career.

During his Board of Trustees tenure, McMaster served as Board Chair (2006-07) and Vice Chair (2002-05). He also served as Chair for the Finance Committee, as a member of the Student Life Committee and served on three President Search Committees.

“Words cannot express the gratitude of the Owens community for Ron and his years of dedication,” said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “His leadership and support has impacted the lives of thousands of students and we extend to him a heartfelt thank you.”

McMaster earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan in mechanical engineering in 1969 and both his masters and bachelors in mechanical engineering cum laude from The Ohio State University in 1964.

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

Owens Board of Trustees members include Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, Edwin J. Nagle of Toledo, MaryBeth Hammond of Findlay, Dr. Srinivas Hejeebu of Sylvania, Jason Johnson of Toledo, Deborah Knight of Perrysburg, and Charles Bills of Findlay.

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

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE VISION FOR SUCCESS

Posted on August 23rd, 2018

STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2021

WHAT:

Owens Community College impacts the community and the economic development of our region. The input of our stakeholders is important as we move forward and strategically think about the future of the College. Members of the community are invited to attend a meeting with Owens President Steve Robinson, Ph.D. to share your thoughts on how we can continue to best serve our students and the members of our communities.

Community members are asked to RSVP to the meeting of their choice in order to get an accurate count for refreshments.

DATES/LOCATION:

Tuesday, Sept. 11
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library – Maumee Branch, 501 River Road

Wednesday, Sept. 12
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library – Waterville Branch, 800 Michigan Avenue

Monday, Sept. 17
Wood County District Public Library – 251 N. Main Street, Bowling Green

Monday, Sept. 24
Way Public Library – 101 E. Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg

Wednesday, Sept.26
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library – Reynolds Corners Branch, 4833 Dorr Street, Toledo.

Monday, Oct. 1
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library – Point Place Branch, 2727 117^th Street

Wednesday, Oct.3
Fostoria Learning Center – 342 Perry Street, Fostoria

Wednesday, Oct. 10
Findlay Hancock Public Library – 206 Broadway Street, Findlay

Monday, Oct. 15
Brunner Campus Community Room – 1224 West Street, Genoa
Tuesday, Oct. 30
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library – King Road Branch (Sylvania), 3900 King Road

TIME:

5:30 p.m. – Pizza and refreshments served

6 – 8 p.m. – Conversations will begin and last approximately two hours

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information or to RSVP to one of the scheduled meetings, please visit http://www.owens.edu/president/strategic-rsvp.

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.

626 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 1st, 2018

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 1, 2018 – 626 candidates for graduation, including 58 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 52^st annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 4. 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.

Nick Komives, Owens alumnus and Toledo council member at large, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Komives, a native of northwest Ohio, attended high school in Genoa. He went on to work as a community organizer while attending Owens where he received an Associate Degree with Honors. He is the recipient of the Toledo 20 Under 40 Leadership Award in 2016, Equality Award from Equality Toledo in 2010, Champion of Equality from the Toledo City Paper in 2016, and several other awards and commendations by various civil rights organizations.

As a community organizer, Komives has fought for the rights of teachers, workers, women, LGBT people and other marginalized communities. He most recently served as Executive Director of Equality Toledo.

Under his leadership, Equality Toledo grew in membership by four-fold. The city’s Municipal Equality Index Score by the Human Rights Campaign increased each year while he worked with the city to improve the inclusion of LGBT people. Most recently, Komives stood at the forefront in passing the country’s most comprehensive ban on conversion therapy, which was unanimously approved by City Council in February 2017.

Komives was elected council member at large in November 2017 and began his service on January 2, 2018. Although he is new in his role, he has already passed several pieces of legislation and resolutions.

Kelsea Scott Briceno of Toledo, a physical therapist assistant major graduating with Suma Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

Scott Briceno, 26, graduated in 2009 from Bowsher High School where she demonstrated determination, toughness and resilience as a teen overcoming the near loss of a leg in a freak accident and receiving an athletic scholarship to play volleyball at Indiana Institute of Technology, a NAIA school in Fort Wayne where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy.

At age 12, the self-described Michael Jordan fan was playing basketball from a trampoline when a backflip trick shot ended with her leg hitting the rim, causing the trauma.

Doctors at the University of Toledo Medical Center originally considered amputating her leg, but Scott Briceno said her mother, Kelly Nova, begged doctors to consider other options. Doctors saved her leg by applying an external fixator system of pins, rods and clamps, which remained in place for six months. She was the first pediatric patient locally to receive the external pin system, which had a small percentage of succeeding. If it did work, the prognosis was that she would not walk again correctly, let alone play volleyball.

She began walking one year later. Another year after that, she was playing volleyball.

As part of the recovery process, she went through “hard core” physical therapy for 18 months. She said her work with physical therapists and PTAs led her to Owens for her chosen career.

“I realized I was lucky I got to play volleyball,” she said. “I started thinking, ‘Why did I get the opportunity?’ It was my physical therapy and my mom that really saved my career. So that’s what I wanted to do.

“I feel like I have a connection with my patients. I feel like I know what it feels like to have a diagnosis that could change your life. I can relate to my patients,” she said.

Scott Briceno impressed the faculty in the Department of Therapeutic Services.

“Kelsea is an outstanding student and leader,” said Tiffany Duran, Adjunct Faculty. “She exemplifies the pillars of Owens and academics.”

“Kelsea approaches all difficulties with a positive attitude and persists through negativity,” added Dr. Sara Burke, Instructor. “Her dedication to her education, profession and family are exemplary. She is a strong professional and represents the finest of the graduating PTA cohort.”

Scott Briceno met her husband, Reinaldo, while in college and he was playing baseball for Indiana Tech. The native of Venezuela briefly played minor league baseball. They have a son, Roman, 2.

Besides her mother, Scott Briceno said her father, Michael Nova, was one of the most significant influences in her life. He died unexpectedly the day after she learned she was nominated to be the Class Representative.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING AND DRONE GOLF BALL DROP RAISES $50,600

Posted on October 4th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 3, 2017 – One hundred twenty area residents recently enjoyed a day of golf and the new Drone Golf Ball Drop in support of alumni scholarship programs as the Owens Community College’s Alumni Association held its 15^th annual Golf Classic. The 30-team event raised $50,600, proceeds will benefit scholarships and outreach endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has netted approximately $430,000 to support Owens students pursuing a college education and their career aspirations.

“The Alumni Association is very thankful for the generous support we received this year from all of our sponsors,” said Bridget Shea, Owens Alumni Association executive director. “Scholarships help students succeed and this year’s Drone Golf Ball Drop and Golf Classic will help Owens students fulfill their educational goals.”

Organized by the Alumni Association’s steering committee, the golf outing was held at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event featured the first Drone Golf Ball Drop in northwest Ohio, 18-holes of golf, lunch, grazing dinner and an awards program. The Golf Classic event was sponsored by Hylant and Hylant Administrative Services. Metzgers was the print sponsor. Rudolph Libbe Group was the Drone Golf Ball Drop sponsor and Toledo Aerial Media was the Drone sponsor.

Edward Jones sponsored the four-person scramble championship team. Team members included, Rick Rowe, Puck Rowe, Senator Randy Gardner and Owens alumnus Brooks Gardner. Brooks Gardner was a member of the Owens Community College golf team when he attended Owens from 2009 until 2011.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Posted on April 4th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OWENS 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAMED 2017 MILITARY FRIENDLY© SCHOOL

Posted on November 10th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2016 – Owens Community College is among a select 24 percent of degree-granting institutions nationally earning the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation by Victory Media, receiving the designation for the sixth consecutive year.

First published in 2009, Military Friendly® Schools is the most comprehensive, powerful resource for veterans today. Each year, the list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from Victory Media’s proprietary survey. A total of 1,160 higher education institutions received the 2017 designation. The U.S. has 4,726 2-year and 4-year colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Owens Community College’s veteran student population of about 400 includes veterans, military spouses or dependents of veterans.

“Owens Community College’s Office of Veterans Services is extremely honored to once again be among the best colleges and universities in the United States,” said Amy Giordano, Owens Vice President of Student Services. “Our commitment to meeting the needs of veterans is unwavering and will remain so through our dedicated staff in the Office of Veterans Services as well as across the entire college.”

Ratings methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.

Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

According to Daniel Nichols, a Navy Reserve veteran and Chief Product Officer at Victory Media, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to the majority of colleges gives veterans a comprehensive view of which schools are striving to provide the best opportunities and conditions for our nation’s student veterans. Military Friendly® helps military families make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

For more information about Owens Community College’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit www.owens.edu/veterans.

About Military Friendly® Schools: The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly®Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weightings were developed by Victory Media with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Data calculations and tabulations were independently evaluated for completeness and accuracy by EY. The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at: https://militaryfriendly.com.

OWENS RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Posted on September 28th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 28, 2016 – Owens Community College has earned the distinction of being named to the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Owens has earned this distinction for the past three years and is the only community college in Ohio to receive the national recognition this year.

Owens was recognized in the categories of General Community Service and Economic Opportunity, demonstrating that its community service work is especially focused in those areas.

“We are committed to service-learning and believes strongly in preparing our students to be active leaders and participants in an ever-changing world,” said Krista Kiessling, director, The Center for Experiential and Community Engaged Learning (CECEL) at Owens. “We’re honored to receive this prestigious award – and owe much of it to the students themselves. They’re the energy driving our commitment and they’re the ones who make it all happen.”

The CECEL was established in 2011 with the overall mission of making service to the community an identifiable aspect of the academic institution’s culture. Outreach initiatives are focused on engaging students and employees in service activities that mutually benefit the academic institution and the surrounding communities.

Additionally, the CECEL maintains partnerships with over 50 community agencies that utilize Owens student volunteers to support community initiatives. Among the on-campus service-learning opportunities include the Owens Harvest Food Pantry and the Community Garden. The sites serve as on-campus living and experiential learning laboratories to support students in need, while also enabling the application of educational learning mastered within academic courses.

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll honors the nation’s leading higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for their commitment to bettering their communities through service. These are institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING RAISES $28,713 IN SUPPORT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on September 21st, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2016 – One hundred eight 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 14^th annual Golf Classic. The 27-team event netted $28,713 to benefit scholarship and outreach endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has netted over $398,000 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 and Hylant Administrative Services. In addition, Metzgers was the print sponsor.

Bowers Asphalt and Paving Inc. sponsored the four-person scramble championship team. Team members included Todd Sattler, David Neely, Rob Crider and Rob Enos all of Perrysburg.

OWENS DELIVERS BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO AREA CHILDREN

Posted on September 16th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million Inc., ten Directions Credit Union branches, two Great Lakes Credit Union branches and six Genoa Bank branches are brightening many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future.” Five hundred seventy-two backpacks and 10,092 school supply items collected throughout the summer months are being donated to 21 area elementary schools during the month of September.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 19, 10:15 a.m., Owens representatives will deliver backpacks and supplies to benefit kindergarten student at ten Toledo Public Schools—Old West End Academy, Birmingham Elementary, Glenwood Elementary, Leverette Elementary, Navarre Elementary, Oakdale Elementary, Reynolds Elementary, Keyser Elementary, Old Orchard Elementary and Burroughs Elementary – presented at Toledo Public Schools’ Old West End Elementary School (3131 Cambridge St.).

Owens representatives will also deliver backpacks and supplies to benefit kindergarten students in Bowling Green, North Baltimore, Rossford, Northwood, Genoa, Elmwood and Woodmore school districts at Rossford’s Glenwood Elementary School (8950 Avenue Rd.) on Tuesday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m.

“Every year, area residents and businesses have given an impressive response and made the ‘Backpack to the Future’ supply drive an outstanding success,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens “Backpack to the Future” project chair and Alumni Association Board director. “It’s wonderful to assure that many more disadvantaged children will be able to begin their school year with new educational supplies.”

Over the past three months, “Backpack to the Future” accepted gently used or new backpacks and new school supplies from area residents to assist disadvantaged kindergarten school children throughout Northwest Ohio. In addition to backpacks, individuals donated crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

The drive also collected over $3,683 from community members. The charitable donations will go toward the purchase of school supplies.

The Owens Alumni Association established “Backpack to the Future” supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given 5,085 backpacks and 91,000 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

“Our focus as an organization is to provide value-added programs and services that strengthen the surrounding communities and ensures every students success,” said Laura Moore, Owens executive director, Alumni Association and director, Alumni Relations.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 27th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 27, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen seven area residents to receive the 13th 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 29 in the Audio Visual Classroom Center, rooms 121-128 on Owens Toledo-area Campus beginning at 8 a.m.

Award recipients are Ken Reno, Jeffrey Martin, Tim Stecker, Fred Genzman, John Kersker, Krystal Sellers-Kominek and David Miller.

“The Outstanding Service Awards are a way for the Owens’ Alumni Association to honor and thank Northwest Ohio’s safety forces for their service to our region, state and country,” said Walt Celley, president, Owens Alumni Association.

This year’s awards are presented within the categories of Outstanding Police 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 recipients of the Outstanding Police Award are Ken Reno of Curtice (sergeant, Oregon Police Division), Jeffrey Martin of Northwood (sergeant, Oregon Police Division), Tim Stecker of Oregon (patrolman, Oregon Police Division), Fred Genzman of Northwood (sergeant, Northwood Police Department) John Kersker of Perrysburg (patrolman, Northwood Police Department), and Krystal Sellers-Kominek of Maumee (patrolman, Northwood Police Department).

These officers were nominated by Paul Magdich, assistant chief, Oregon Police Division, for their quick, decisive and heroic actions in taking three dangerous individuals off the streets.

The event took place in the early morning of Friday, December 18, 2015, when Oregon police officers were dispatched to a restaurant on Navarre Avenue. Initial reports indicated that two men and a woman had assaulted another male patron. The victim had been pistol-whipped and at least one round fired into the air. The trio then retreated to a nearby hotel.

As officers were preparing to enter the hotel, Sergeant Reno observed a vehicle, with no lights on, speeding away. He alerted the other officers and quickly pursued the vehicle and upon arrival, it appeared as though the driver was about to surrender. However, as Sergeant Reno began to give verbal orders, the vehicle sped away and the pursuit continued.

Northwood police officers joined the Oregon units in the pursuit of the vehicle as it entered Northwood. At one point, Sergeant Reno lost sight of the vehicle in a quiet Northwood neighborhood. A witness alerted dispatch of the suspects’ possible location and then dispatch advised the units that Northwood officers were in foot pursuit of a suspect.

Sergeant Martin, and his dog, Grimm, responded and observed Sergeant Genzman chasing one of the suspects on foot. He joined the pursuit and when the suspect failed to comply, he released Grimm to assist in the capture. Oregon Patrolman Stecker, Sergeant Reno, as well as Northwood Patrolmen Kersker and Sellers-Kominek converged on the area and the suspect gave himself up.

Unaware at the time, the officers were standing near a vehicle, backed into a residential drive, which was occupied by the other two suspects. As Officer Stecker leaned forward to adjust his spotlight on the suspect being taken into custody, he narrowly escaped a bullet, fired from the 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun from the other male suspect just yards away. The female suspect stepped out from the rear of the vehicle and also began firing a handgun at officers.

Northwood and Oregon officers engaged the suspects in a brief gun battle. The officers showed tremendous weapon discipline and quickly diffused the threat. Thankfully, no officers were injured during the pursuit and subsequent gun battle. The female suspect received a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her injury was determined not to be caused by the police officers. The male suspect had a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken into custody.

The recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Community Award is David Miller of Woodville (2^nd assistant chief, Woodville Township Fire Department).

William Andrews, chief, Woodville Township Fire Department, nominated Miller for his willingness help when needed.

Miller joined the Woodville Township Fire Department on April 30, 1999, and has worked his way up through the ranks to his current position. He is one of the most active members of the department as demonstrated in the end-of-the-year staff reports. He consistently is the first to volunteer for a project, often stepping up as committee chairman, ensuring project completion and success.

He survived a major vehicle accident when he was younger that may have prohibited many people from doing what he does today. He has also survived cancer and heart failure, pushing through treatments while remaining active. Even a torn meniscus did not stop him from standing nine hours, flipping pancakes at a recent pancake breakfast fundraiser.

The Terry Farrell Firefighter Fund was established in memory of a New York firefighter that died in the World Trade Towers on September 11, 2001, to financially help struggling firefighters and fire departments. When the Northwest Ohio Chapter was about to dissolve, Miller and his wife stepped up to keep the chapter going. They are active in promoting the organization and assisting with vital fundraising events. This organization benefits fire service nationally and shows the character and dedication he has to fire service as a whole.

Miller is also the Vice President of the Sandusky County Firefighters Association and rarely misses a meeting or activity. He has been very active in the Ottawa County Fair with his daughters and their 4-H projects.

His dedication and willingness to help when needed makes him a valuable asset to the Woodville Township Fire Department, the community and those he serves. He goes above and beyond fire service, showing character and commitment in all that he does.

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.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAMED TO 2016 MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOLS LIST

Posted on November 16th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2015 – For the sixth consecutive year, Owens Community College has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds.

Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/advisory-board.

The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.

“Owens Community College’s Office of Veterans Services is extremely honored to be among the best colleges and universities in the United States,” said Amy Giordano, assistant dean of student and veterans services. “Our commitment to meeting the needs of veterans is unwavering and will remain so through our dedicated Veterans Services staff and our college as a whole.”

Owens Community College’s growing veteran family of more than 400 includes veterans, military spouses and dependents of veterans. The Office of Veterans Services opened in 2011 and is staffed by former military personnel.

“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”

For more information about Owens Community College’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, go to www.owens.edu/veterans or call (567) 661-8387.

OWENS EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS TO SPEND DAY GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY GROUPS

Posted on August 19th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2015 – Owens Community College employees and students will spend a morning and afternoon giving back to others in the surrounding Northwest Ohio communities as part of the United Way of Greater Toledo’s “Day of Caring” Friday, Aug. 21.

Throughout the day, Owens volunteers will roll up their sleeves and participate in a variety of interactive projects within the Toledo Public School District that could include, but are not limited to: painting, cleaning, gardening, organizing, building, or visiting.

The community outreach activities in the Toledo area are taking place in conjunction with the United Way’s annual “Week of Caring” initiative. The Owens volunteer team is among a number of organizations, matched with area non-profit groups, who are working on various outreach projects designed to strengthen the surrounding communities through the efforts of the United Way of Greater Toledo.

OWENS FINDLAY- AREA CAMPUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER RECEIVES 5-STAR QUALITY RATING

Posted on July 30th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 30, 2015 – Owens Community College is pleased to announce that the Findlay-area Campus Early Learning Center has received a 5-star Step Up to Quality rating from Ohio Job and Family Services. Less than 5 percent of full-time childcare centers serving toddlers through preschool have received this distinction.

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a voluntary five–star quality rating system administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) that recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality benchmarks over and above minimum health and safety licensing standards. The steps are based on national research identifying the program standards that lead to improved outcomes for children. The maximum number of stars that can be earned is 5.

At the 5-star program level, students benefit from:

Lower teacher/child ratios
Administrators and teachers have higher education qualifications
Administrators and teachers complete more than 20 hours of specialized training every two years
Teachers develop lesson plans that support each child’s growth
Assessments are completed to evaluate and improve the learning experience
Collaboration with families and community to provide more opportunities for children

For more information, please visit www.owens.edu/childcarefindlay.

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.

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.

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.

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 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)

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.

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.

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.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 23rd, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 23, 2015 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen seven area residents to receive the 12th 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 24 in the Audio Visual Classrooms, rooms 125-128 on Owens Toledo-area Campus beginning at 8 a.m.

Award recipients are Sean LaPlante, Dan Garner, Frank Reidy, Chris Archer, Terry Goad, Brandon Loboschefski, and Mark Grove.

“The Outstanding Service Awards are Owens’ Alumni Association way to honor the efforts of Northwest Ohio’s safety forces,” said Matt A. Feasel, president, Owens Alumni Association. “This is our chance to thank them for their continued service to our region, state and country. This year we once again have the privilege of recognizing an outstanding group of individuals.”

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 recipients of the Outstanding Police Award are Sean LaPlante of Maumee (deputy, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office), Dan Garner of Maumee (deputy, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office), Frank Reidy of Toledo (deputy, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office), and Chris Archer of Temperance (deputy, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office).

LaPlante, Garner, Reidy and Archer were nominated by Dave Friddell, captain, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office for their compassion, desire and willingness to go above and beyond to make a positive impact.

On Oct. 5, 2014, Deputies LaPlante and Garner responded to a call regarding a mother who could not take care of her three children, ages 4 months to 11 years, anymore and wanted them to be placed where they would be cared for. After several phone calls, LaPlante and Garner found the children’s grandmother, who agreed to take in the children. Because the grandmother’s home was not prepared for the sudden arrival of three small children, LaPlante and Garner took it upon themselves to provide diapers, wipes, juice boxes, pizza and other amenities for the children. Deputy LaPlante even donated his X-Box gaming system to provide entertainment for the older children.

On July 12, 2014, at the end of a 12-hour patrol shift, Deputy Frank Reidy and Deputy Chris Archer decided to check on an illegally parked RV. Deputy Reidy knocked on the RV door to determine if anyone was inside. A small child answered the door. Inside the RV were five children, ages 3 to 14 years. The children’s father appeared unconscious and smelled of alcohol. The father, once awoken, could not stand without assistance. The father was booked into the Lucas County Corrections Center, charged with five counts of child endangerment.

When speaking with the oldest of the five children, Deputies Reidy and Archer learned the father had taken them to the Toledo Zoo earlier in the day and was to take them to the Toledo Mud Hens game that evening as part of an organized Cub Scout outing. When additional units arrived, Deputies Reidy and Archer loaded the children into cruisers and took them to the Mud Hens game. They escorted the children into the ball field and helped them find their group. They collected amongst themselves and two other deputies nearly $50 so the children could enjoy ballpark snacks. Deputies Reidy and Archer had made early contact with the children’s grandparents and waited with the children until they were reunited safely with their grandparents.

The recipient of the Outstanding Firefighter Award is Terry Goad of Toledo (assistant fire chief, Morin Point Fire Department). Richard Bosak, lieutenant, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department nominated Goad for his selflessness and bravery during a two-car accident that involved two very serious injuries and a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.

On the evening of June 27, 2014, a white Lincoln, driven by a 23-year-old man was traveling the wrong way on Benore Road and the I-75 overpass. Witnesses say cars swerved to barely escape collision. At an estimated speed of 60 miles per hour, the wrong-way driver ultimately crashed into a Grand Prix driven by a 22-year-old female. The Lincoln burst into flames with the driver trapped inside.

Assistant Fire Chief Terry Goad, while off-duty, came upon the horrific scene. The car was totally engulfed in flames. He was told that someone was trapped inside the burning vehicle, so he ran to the car and pried the door open. The driver’s foot was pinned, making removal a challenge. After a few attempts, the driver was pulled out at the last minute. Assistant Fire Chief Goad helped direct several civilians in the removal and relocation of the driver to a safe place away from the burning vehicle. He then turned his attention to the female driver who was trapped in her vehicle just feet from the burning automobile.

Brandon Loboschefski of Maumee (fire chief, City of Maumee Fire Division) is the recipient of the Outstanding Emergency Medical Technician Award. John Jezak, city administrator and safety director, and Tom King, fire inspector, Maumee Fire Division, City of Maumee, nominated Loboschefski for his life-saving efforts during the cardiac arrest of King.

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, Maumee Fire Inspector Tom King arrived home from an out-of-town vacation. Planning to spend Sunday unpacking and preparing to return to work on Monday, Inspector King instead awoke at 6 a.m. gasping for breath. Instinctively, his wife, Renee, realized something was very wrong and quickly dialed 911 for help.

As fate would have it, his next-door neighbor, Fire Chief Brandon Loboschefski, happened to have his scanner on and heard the emergency call. He immediately ran to the King residence where he removed Inspector King from the bed and began performing CPR. He also applied an AED that he brought with him and administered one shock prior to the arrival of paramedics. Inspector King was suffering a cardiac arrest and his condition, often referred to as a “widow maker,” was grave.

After extensive treatment, surgery and rehabilitation that lasted nearly three months, Inspector King was cleared to return to work, suffering no brain damage and only the slightest damage to his heart. Chief Brandon Loboschefski not only saved Inspector King’s life, he preserved its quality as well.

Mark Grove of Woodville (1^st assistant fire chief, Woodville Township Fire Department) is named the Outstanding Service to Community Award recipient. William Andrews, chief, Woodville Township Fire Department, nominated Grove for his leadership and dedication.

For the past 38 years, Mark Grove has been with the Woodville Township Fire Department, serving as assistant chief since 1996. Assistant Chief Grove takes fire prevention, fire safety and knowledge of fire service very seriously. He has taken classes on his own and brought back information to teach others, improving the department. He also performs annual pump tests on department pumpers to save money. Assistant Chief Grove’s knowledge of equipment, water movements and fire services expertise benefits the whole department, as well as neighboring departments that ask for his help.

Grove uses his personal time to teach fire prevention and fire safety to local elementary school children. He routinely secures donations of materials and labor to build the props he uses, many times building them himself. Examples of the educational props include multiple styles of windows to teach skills needed to exit a burning home and a hollow core door internally fitted with a heating pad so students can learn how to feel a door for heat. In addition to stop, drop and roll techniques, Grove teaches children the importance of parent-led fire drills complete with family meeting locations and regular smoke detector operational checks.

He has helped the police department teach bicycle safety and assisted with the distribution of donated bicycle helmets during Bicycle Safety Week. Grove is a local fire inspector and maintains his certification by attending continuing education courses on his own time.

He has been an asset to the department for many years and has given of himself to make the department and the community a safer, better place.

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.

OWENS TO HOST STUDENT LEAD DEBATE AND FORUM ON ETHICS OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE

Posted on April 14th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 14, 2015 – The controversial argument surrounding assisted suicide is a powerful one that on one side speaks to the capacity for compassion and individual choice and the other to the reverence for life. Area residents interested in learning more about both sides of the issue are encouraged to attend a free debate and forum at Owens Community College Tuesday, April 21.

“Events like this challenge students to look at contemporary concerns in a critical light, and gives them the tools to help other do the same,” said Michael Greene, adjunct faculty member, Owens Community College.

Hosted by Owens philosophy students, the debate and forum will begin at 9 a.m. in College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Greene will serve as the moderator for the open discussion.

For additional information about the event, call (567) 661-7454 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7454.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE VETERANS SERVICES RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR

Posted on September 23rd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2014– Owens Community College has earned the coveted Military Friendly® Schools designation for the fifth consecutive year from Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning to civilian life.

The 2015 Military Friendly® Schools listing honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the U.S. for exemplary efforts in embracing America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensuring their success on campus.

The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past six years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.

“Owens Community College’s Office of Veterans Services is extremely honored to be among the best colleges and universities in the United States,” said Dr. Betsy Johnson, Owens vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Services. “Our commitment to meeting the needs of veterans is unwavering and will remain so through our dedicated Veterans Services staff and our college as a whole.

The 2015 Military Friendly® Schools results were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology developed by Victory Media with input by its independent Academic Advisory Board.

Owens’ Office of Veterans Services is dedicated to assisting veterans, active service personnel, reservists and eligible dependents in their pursuit of a college education. A total of 438 veteran students representing the armed forces are enrolled at Owens Community College for Fall Semester 2014.

In recent years, the Office of Veterans Services has expanded its outreach, sponsoring Veterans Appreciation Night games at the Toledo Mud Hens and Toledo Walleye; collaborating with other college departments on Toys for Tots drives with the U.S. Marine Corps. and hosting luncheons to celebrate Veterans Day for the on-campus veterans population.

Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that has been serving the military community since 2001. Our data-driven Military Friendly® lists are published in G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur media channels, republished in periodicals like USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Bloomberg BW and are frequently cited on national TV by NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, CNBC, Fox News and others.

OWENS DELIVERS BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO AREA CHILDREN

Posted on September 15th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2014– Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million Inc., nine Directions Credit Union branches, two Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches are brightening many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future.” Five hundred forty-eight backpacks and 8,787 school supply items collected throughout the summer months are being donated to 17 area elementary schools during the month of September.

Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m., Owens representatives will donate backpacks and school supplies to seven Toledo Public Schools—Old West End Academy, Whittier, Arlington, Marshal, Pickett Academy, Riverside, and Rosa Parks Elementary Schools – presented at Toledo Public Schools’ Old West End Elementary School (3131 Cambridge St.). Owens will deliver backpacks and supplies to benefit kindergarten students in Bowling Green, North Baltimore, Rossford, Northwood, Genoa, and Woodmore school districts at Rossford’s Glenwood Elementary School (8950 Avenue Rd.) at 3:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 23. Owens representatives will make their final stop at Jacobs Primary (600 Jacobs Ave.) in Findlay on Thursday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.

The drive also collected over $3,000 from community members. The charitable donations will go toward the purchase of school supplies.

The Owens Alumni Association established “Backpack to the Future” supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given 3,948 backpacks and 71,011 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

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.

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

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.

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.).

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

OWENS ASSISTS SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH ‘BACKPACK TO THE FUTURE’ SUMMER SUPPLY DRIVE

Posted on May 1st, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 1, 2014 –As another school year comes to an end, many students are once again placing their backpacks in storage or are discarding them entirely in anticipation of buying next fall’s latest fashion trend. Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has taken the initiative of once again organizing a gently used backpack drive to provide new life for what many students consider their mobile lifeline to learning.

The College’s Alumni Association community service endeavor, titled “Backpack to the Future,” is currently accepting gently used or new backpacks and new school supplies from area residents during the summer months. Items collected, as part of the “Backpack to the Future” program, will be given to low-income elementary school children throughout Northwest Ohio.

“There are many low-income families that can barely afford to pay their bills, and may not be able to provide their children with new supplies. The Owens Community College Alumni Association’s goal is to ensure that such occurrences do not happen and that all children begin their school year with new educational resources,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens Community Service Chair of the Alumni Association.

In addition to the gently-used backpacks and new backpacks, individuals can donate crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues. Area residents can bring their charitable donations to the Office of Alumni Relations on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township and the Education Center Atrium on the Findlay-area Campus in Findlay.

Since establishing the program in 2004, the Owens Alumni Association has given 3,399 backpacks and 62,224 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

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

For more information about the school supply drive, or to make a donation, contact the Owens Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876 or alumni@owens.edu.

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.

OWENS TOLEDO-AREA CAMPUS DEDICATES NEW CULINARY ARTS CENTER

Posted on April 24th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 24,2014 – Culinary arts students at Owens Community College recently began classes in the newly constructed Culinary Arts Center on the Toledo-area campus. The Center will be formally dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, April 29.

The facility spans 14,000-square-feet – an increase over the 3,700-square-foot kitchen lab where classes were taught in the past. The new facility includes three unique culinary labs: a baking lab, a culinary skills lab, and a restaurant skills lab. The Center also includes a classroom and a 75-person capacity dining area with a demonstration station overlooking a tree-lined patio. The Center’s large dining area will host lunches and special events, giving students real-world experience creating menus, preparing and plating food and serving.

“This new facility creates many new and exciting opportunities for our students that were not available in our old space,” said Joann Gruner, chair, Food, Nutrition and Hospitality. “Having a larger space will also allow us to eliminate student wait lists and better meet the needs of the community by providing non-credit courses and industry training in culinary arts.”

State appropriated capital renovation and equipment funds were used to finance the $3.1 million construction project, completed by Holland, Ohio based Midwest Contracting. Owens received major grants from The Honor Project Trust in the amount of $50,056 for audiovisual and information technology systems and from The Andersons Inc. Charitable Foundation in the amount of $25,000 for equipment. Libbey Glass also made an in kind donation of tableware and service ware.

The dedication ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. as Owens representatives join community leaders and elected officials to officially open the facility’s doors. The ceremony will feature remarks by Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens, as well as comments by area elected officials and a representative from the architectural and construction team.

The Culinary Arts Center is home to five academic programs and certificates: the Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Dietetic Technology, Associate of Applied Business degree in Hospitality Management, a Culinary Arts certificate and a Baking and Pastry certificate. The American Culinary Federation Educatin Foundation recently recommended Owens Culinary program and certificates for full accreditation status.

For additional information on the Culinary Arts program, call (567) 661-7214 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7214.

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 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.

OWENS TO HOST FOURTH ANNUAL HONORS PROGRAM SYMPOSIUM AND MEDALLION CEREMONY

Posted on April 9th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 9, 2014 – Owens Community College honors students will have the opportunity to showcase their research and creative works in multiple disciplines during the fourth annual Honors Symposium and medallion Ceremony on Friday, April 11.

The Honors Program Symposium and Medallion Ceremony will occur from 9 a.m. – 2 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.

“Owens is extremely proud and excited to once again give our honors students the opportunity to share the result of their intellectual energy and effort,” said Dr. Russell Bodi, Owens Professor of English and Honors Program Director. “These students are leaders who have gone above and beyond the standard curriculum and The Honors Program is honored to recognize them for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments.”

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. Over 100 students are members of the current Owens Honors Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

OWENS TOLEDO-AREA CAMPUS DEDICATES NEW CULINARY ARTS CENTER

Posted on January 24th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 24, 2014 – Culinary arts students at Owens Community College recently began classes in the newly constructed Culinary Arts Center on the Toledo-area campus. The Center will be formally dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 28.

The facility spans 14,000-square-feet – an increase over the 3,700-square-foot kitchen lab where classes were taught in the past. The new facility will include three unique culinary labs: a baking lab, a culinary skills lab, and a restaurant skills lab. The Center will also include a classroom and a 75-person capacity dining area with a demonstration station overlooking a tree-lined patio. The Center’s large dining area will host lunches and special events, giving students real-world experience creating menus, preparing and plating food and serving.

“This new facility creates many new and exciting opportunities for our students that were not available in our old space,” said Joann Gruner, chair, Food, Nutrition and Hospitality. “Having a larger space will also allow us to reduce student wait lists and more easily meet the needs of the community by providing non-credit courses and industry training in culinary arts.”

The dedication ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. as Owens representatives join community leaders and elected officials to officially open the facility’s doors. The ceremony will feature remarks by Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens as well as comments by area elected officials and a representative from the architectural and construction team.

The Culinary Arts Center is home to five academic programs: the Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Dietetic Technology, Associate of Applied Business degree in Hospitality Management, a Culinary Arts certificate and a Baking and Pastry certificate.

For additional information on the Culinary Arts program, call (567) 661-7214 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7214.

OWENS STUDENT LEADERS INDUCTED INTO PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Posted on January 14th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2014 – Owens Community College recently honored 96 students for their excellence in higher education, with membership in the Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for the Fall Semester. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest in Ohio.

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 exchange of ideas and ideals. In addition, the society continues to promote among its members four standard hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. To date, more than one million individuals have been inducted into the international society.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2013 Fall Semester are:

Angela M. Ames of Maumee, Ohio

Cynthia A. Ardner of Tiffin, Ohio

Nicole F. Barkhimer of Swanton, Ohio

Rachel M. Bellner of Whitehouse, Ohio

Bailey P. Bibler of Findlay, Ohio

Kayla N. Born of Waterville, Ohio

Natalie C. Brandt of Fostoria, Ohio

Kathryn E. Brinker of Gibsonburg, Ohio

Mackenzie C. Brown of Bowling Green, Ohio

Leisa N. Canales of Wauseon, Ohio

James W. Cathers of Toledo, Ohio

John E. Clemons of Northwood, Ohio

Colin C. Connors of Sylvania, Ohio

Jessica P. Cook of Toledo, Ohio

Jeremy P. Corbin of Marblehead, Ohio

Jamie N. Dixon of Toledo, Ohio

Alicia M. Dodd of Woodville, Ohio

Natalie S. Domitio of Toledo, Ohio

Kimberly I. Ferguson of Northwood, Ohio

Brooke A. Forster of Toledo, Ohio

Richard Frost of Sylvania, Ohio

Benjamin R. Fry of Toledo, Ohio

Sahara N. Gagne of Toledo, Ohio

Natalie M. Garcia of Maumee, Ohio

Regina C. Gilbert of Toledo, Ohio

Serapio Gonzales of Defiance, Ohio

Catina L. Gregory of Toledo, Ohio

Timothy L. Grindle of Toledo, Ohio

Laura J. Grna of Toledo, Ohio

Jesse L. Grumelot of Toledo, Ohio

Suzanne M. Hass of Holland, Ohio

Shirley T. Harris of Toledo, Ohio

Heather M. Harris of Toledo, Ohio

Kayley J. Hashbarger of Ottawa, Ohio

Jordan L. Haynes of Pemberville, Ohio

Samantha J. Heafey of Toledo, Ohio

Nicole Hoffman of Defiance, Ohio

Kearstin M. Horn of Toledo, Ohio

Lisa A. Howard of Toledo, Ohio

Synthia L Jahns of Toledo, Ohio

Aaron J. Jenkins of Ada, Ohio

Steven Jerzykowski of Lambertville, Mich.

Matthew P. Johnston of Maumee, Ohio

Retchie S. Joven of Northwood, Ohio

Deborah S. Kazmierczak of Sand Creek, Mich.

Erin E. Kelley of Maumee, Ohio

William A. Kersten of Toledo, Ohio

Dustin M. Kindle of Bradner, Ohio

Susan D. Korecki of Toledo, Ohio

Stephanie M. Kuras of Toledo, Ohio

Nicole A. Lamb of Oregon, Ohio

Aricka N. Lavoy of Pemberville, Ohio

Ann M. Leahy of Toledo, Ohio

Michelle A. Link of Lima, Ohio

Gene A. Madrzykowski of Perrysburg, Ohio

Matthew J. Majchrowski of Toledo, Ohio

Molly R. Mangett of Arlington, Ohio

Tim E. Martin of Toledo, Ohio

Anthony Martinez of Findlay, Ohio

Adrienne M. Massey of Toledo, Ohio

Marc C. Mohr of Wauseon, Ohio

Alexandria K. Morelock of Gisonburg, Ohio

Katlyn S. Moriarty of Toledo, Ohio

Katelyn M. Motsinger of Bowling Green, Ohio

Hope K. Myers of Toledo, Ohio

Michael P. Myers of Toledo, Ohio

Aric R. Neeld of Toledo, Ohio

Thuhanh T. Nguyen of Maumee, Ohio

Theresa S. Nickerson of Toledo, Ohio

Sara N. Nietz of Walbridge, Ohio

Jeffery A. Nissen of Toledo, Ohio

Valerie Novack of Toledo, Ohio

Nadine Omari of Holland, Ohio

Sarah O. O’Reilly of Findlay, Ohio

Andrew P. Osborn of Sylvania, Ohio

Donna F. Pace of Toledo, Ohio

Dyanni D. Price of Sylvania, Ohio

Janice E. Reardon of Toledo, Ohio

Haley Rosenthal of Maumee, Ohio

Shelby F. Rowe of Alger, Ohio

Sara J. Rybaczweski of Toledo, Ohio

Alexander L. Samson of Orrville, Ohio

Jennifer L. Schramm of Toledo, Ohio

Melissa S. Snyder of Genoa, Ohio

Joshua D. Soboleski of Prairie du Sac, Wis.

Jerardo Soto of Toledo, Ohio

Yawo H. Tchevi of Findlay, Ohio

Douglas B. Thayer of Bowling Green, Ohio

Ranee L. Urban of Toledo, Ohio

David B. Vollmar of Bloomdale, Ohio

Gregory D. Weiner of Sylvania, Ohio

Donna J. Welly of New Riegel, Ohio

Cassie M. Westrick of Toledo, Ohio

Samuel B. Wilburn of Genoa, Ohio

Lauren E. Wood of Findlay, Ohio

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. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as at the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and the Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo. Owens offers associate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has 54 programs that are accredited through their own discipline-specific accrediting bodies. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

OWENS DELIVERS BACKPACKS AND SUPPLIES TO AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, SEPT. 18-19

Posted on September 18th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2013 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with two Books-A-Million Inc. locations, nine Directions Credit Union branches, two Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches are brightening many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future.” Five hundred twenty-nine backpacks and 8,130 school supply items collected throughout the summer months are being donated to 17 area elementary schools during the month of September.

Beginning on Wednesday, Sept.18, Owens representatives will deliver backpacks and supplies to benefit kindergarten students in Bowling Green, North Baltimore, Elmwood, Eastwood, Rossford, Northwood, Genoa and Woodmore school districts at Rossford’s Glenwood Elementary School (8950 Avenue Rd.) at 3:45 p.m. On Thursday, Sept. 19, Owens will donate backpacks and school supplies to five Toledo Public Schools—Old West End Academy, Samuel M. Jones at Gunckel Park, East Broadway, McTigue and Edgewater elementary schools—presented at Toledo Public Schools’ Old West End Elementary School (3131 Cambridge St.) at 10:00 a.m.

Over the past three months, “Backpack to the Future” accepted gently used or new backpacks and new school supplies from area residents to assist disadvantaged school children throughout Northwest Ohio. In addition to backpacks, individuals donated crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

The drive also collected over $3,433 from community members. The charitable donations will go toward the purchase of school supplies.

The Owens Alumni Association established “Backpack to the Future” supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given over 3,410 backpacks and more than 62,370 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

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

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBER PUBLISHES VERMICOMPOSTING LESSON ON TED-ED

Posted on August 15th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, August 15, 2013 – Students from around the world, not just at Owens Community College, can learn about vermicomposting through an animated video and lesson plan published to TED-Ed by Owens faculty member Matt Ross.

Vermicomposting is the process in which worms convert organic waste materials into an excreted soil additive known as castings. Students in Owens’ LTM 102 Soil Science course will learn about vermicomposting through this and other online lessons this fall.

“Students have already expressed appreciation for this video and were inspired to take action in the world of worms,” Ross said. “Due to the immense popularity of YouTube, students appreciate the short, entertaining, yet informative, delivery of Ted-Ed.”

This four-minute video, which explains worms’ role in an emerging agricultural growth sector, is part of a series focused on quick lessons for educations and students from around the world. TED-Ed is an extension of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) programming initiated by Richard Saul Wurman, which has included lectures from Bill Clinton to Bill Gates. TED-Ed has more than 350,000 subscribers on its YouTube channel and offers a wide range of entertaining and impactful lessons.

Ross, who has been an Owens faculty member for five years, was nominated for the opportunity to publish a video by Owens Landscape Turfgrass management alumna Jennifer Taynor. The opportunity was part of a competition sponsored by Kohl’s.

During the several-month process, Ross worked with a team of professional writers, voice actor Addison Anderson and animator Johan Sonestedt to complete the animated short directed by Veronica Wallenberg.

“I hope the video will inspire people from around the world to think about alternative approaches to reducing the current waste stream,” Ross said.

A series of lesson plans were created to go along with the video and act as a resource for educators looking to incorporate the world of worms into their classroom. The lesson plan has links to websites, journal articles and reference texts to assist educators from elementary to collegiate levels.

The video can be viewed at: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/vermicomposting-how-worms-can-reduce-our-waste-matthew-ross.

LTM 102 is in the curriculum for several Owens offerings, including the Urban Agriculture and Sustainability Certificate, the Landscape and Turfgrass Management Program and the Golf Course/Athletic Field Management Program. For additional information about any of these offerings, call (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

TED-Ed’s commitment to creating lessons worth sharing is an extension of TED’s mission of spreading great ideas. Within the growing TED-Ed video library, you will find carefully curated educational videos, many of which represent collaborations between talented educators and animators nominated through the TED-Ed platform. This platform also allows users to take any useful educational video, not just TED’s, and easily create a customized lesson around the video. Users can distribute the lessons, publicly or privately, and track their impact on the world, a class, or an individual student.

Owens Community College Students Receive Board of Trustees Excellence Award

Posted on June 17th, 2013

Owens students (L to R) Lisa Gonzalez and Christina Perry pose for a photo after receiving the College’s Board of Trustees Excellence Awards.

FINDLAY, Ohio – Owens Community College students Christina Perry of Perrysburg and Lisa Gonzales of Carey 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.

Perry received the Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Community Engagement and Volunteerism, while Gonzales was 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.

Perry, a world languages major, was nominated by Owens President Dr. Mike Bower for her efforts in empowering students and embodying the academic institution’s mission through her service to students, faculty and the community. Perry is a tireless volunteer for the Owens Harvest Food Pantry where she delivers food from the Toledo Seagate Food Bank, stocks shelves and has been trained to assess social needs of patrons for referrals to the Ohio Benefit Bank. In addition, she serves as an Owens Civic Ambassador and mentors students and assists faculty with their service learning initiatives through connecting classrooms and community partners. Perry also recently volunteered for a service-abroad trip to assist the citizens of Chimbote, Peru.

Gonzales was nominated by Gail McCain and Timothy Rice for her exceptional student leadership, volunteerism and support of other students, which has had a profound impact on enhancing their access to higher education. The engineering major is a member of the College’s Honors Program and the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society on the Findlay-area Campus. Her educational advocacy efforts have led to the organization of a scholarship information program for students to learn how to pursue and apply for scholarship opportunities. Additionally, Gonzales is an active member in the local chapters of Rotaract, Kiwanis and Project One Matters and led efforts to coordinate a Hurricane Sandy relief collection drive to assist those in need on the East Coast. She also voluntarily tutors a local resident preparing for the GED examination.

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of six community leaders who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio. Owens Board of Trustees members include Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, Edwin J. Nagle of Toledo, William E. Takacs of Toledo and Thomas R. Uhler of Rossford.

Ohio Association of Community Colleges Honors Owens Board of Trustees Member With State Award

Posted on June 13th, 2013

OACC Chairman Matt Smith (L to R), Owens Board of Trustees member Dee Talmage and OACC Director of Operations Leah Dickinson pose for a photo following the award ceremony.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Board of Trustees member Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills has been chosen by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) to receive the Maureen C. Grady Award for Special Achievement for her outstanding commitment to the local community and higher education.

Talmage was recently honored for her exemplary efforts to Ohio’s community colleges during the OACC’s annual Excellence Awards Gala in Columbus. The Excellence Awards were established by the OACC with the overall goal of providing an opportunity for the state’s 23 community colleges to honor individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions.

“Dee Talmage exemplifies the dedicated community college trustee and she is so deserving of this award from her peers,” said Dr. Ronald Abrams, President of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, which presents the annual award as part of the organization’s Excellence Awards. “We at the OACC look forward to Dee’s continued service with the organization as a leader and example to other community college trustees around this great state.”

First presented to its namesake in 1994, the Maureen C. Grady Award for Special Achievement recognizes the extraordinary leadership and contributions of those trustees who receive the award. Serving as an example for all trustees to emulate, Grady has dedicated much of her life to furthering the mission of community colleges in Ohio and throughout the nation. A former trustee of Clark State Community College, Grady also served as the first Chairperson for the OACC from 1993-94. In addition to her work at the state level, Grady served on the boards of both the American Association of Community College and the Association of Community College Trustees. Trustees who have been selected as award recipients embody the qualities and characteristics Grady has demonstrated during her years of service.

Initially appointed to the College’s Board of Trustees in November 2002, Talmage, a retired educator and former school board member, has held several leadership positions at the K-12 and higher education levels. Her professional and community involvement includes membership with the American Red Cross, the Toledo Hospital Foundation and TARTA. Additionally, she serves as a Secretary on the Owens Foundation Board of Directors and holds membership on the College’s Academic Quality Improvement Program Planning Council.

Talmage’s advocacy for higher education also includes developing and chartering the Board of Trustees’ Student Life Committee for the purpose of recognizing Owens students for their academic achievements, community engagement, volunteerism, student life involvement and student leadership. In addition, Talmage is dedicated to furthering the community college mission through her service and leadership on the OACC committees for governance, development and the Executive Board, most recently serving as the association’s Chair-Elect. She recently was inducted into the Ottawa Hills Hall of Fame.

She received her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Toledo and a bachelor’s degree in education from The Ohio State University.

The OACC was founded with the overall mission of advancing and implementing initiatives that work to ensure the success of the more than 300,000 community college students in Ohio. Rooted in the belief that every person should have access to a high quality college education, the OACC supports the mission of the state’s 23 community colleges to provide programming in technical education, lower-division baccalaureate education, developmental education and continuing education in the local communities.

Owens Community College and Walters Family Awards Second Annual Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship

Posted on June 10th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student Kaleb Hartman of Bryan has been chosen by the Walters Family to receive a $500 Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship for the upcoming 2013-14 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 at the Walters Family 5K Run with aspirations of careers in early childhood education, information systems, computer programming and computer systems.

“On behalf of the Walters’ family, extended family, friends, local community, Pastor Robert Noble of Calvary Lutheran Church and the Walters’ Family 5K Committee, it is truly an honor to present the Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship to Kaleb Hartman,” 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.”

Hartman intends on pursuing his associate’s degree in information systems this fall at Owens and aspires to work in the information technology field. The 2013 Bryan High School graduate is a member of the National Honor Society and achieved a 3.6 GPA. In addition to his high school educational achievements, Hartman is employed at the Bryan Wash n’ Fill in Bryan. He also is gaining hands-on experience in learning about information technology while serving as an assistant in the Information Technology Department at Bryan City Schools. During his high school career, Hartman also provided assistance to Bryan City Schools’ staff members in solving their technological issues as a member of the Tech Team.

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. The Walters Family 5K Run was established to honor the seven victims of the June 5, 2010 tornado. Proceeds from the race benefit the Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Endowed Scholarship Fund.

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

Posted on May 30th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – 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 student inductees for the 2013 Spring Semester are Sylvia Angel of Perrysburg (dental hygiene), Ibironke Badmus of Toledo (associate of science, general concentration), Ashley Benishek of Bowling Green (pre-sonography), Rachael Billau of Toledo (culinary arts), Laura Burrell of Holland (occupational therapy assistant), Tiffany Callahan of Toledo (vascular sonography), Steven Campbell of Millbury (business management technology), Perry Catlin of Toledo (psychology), Edward Coker of Toledo (pre-medical imaging), Vickie Ferguson of Findlay (associate of science, general concentration), Nicole Fournier of Holland (pre-nursing), April Hager of Toledo (middle childhood education), Scott Hartzell of Oregon (business management technology), Ashley Helmke of Gibsonburg (marketing and sales technology), Kyle Hill of Pemberville (business management technology), Bradley Hooser of West Unity (economics and mathematics), Scott Johnson of Toledo (psychology), Aaron Kuns of Toledo (biomedical electronics), Lynne Long of Walbridge (office administration technology) and Ambre Martinez of Bowling Green (fine art).

Owens’ Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society student inductees also include Michelle Meiring of Metamora (dental hygiene), Samantha Moore of Maumee (criminal justice technology), Rebecca Nollendorfs of Walbridge (pre-pharmacy), Brooke Rehus of Findlay (accounting technology), Kelsi Reinhard of Findlay (occupational therapy assistant), Megan Rickard of Sandusky (diagnostic medical sonography), Kimberly Rogers of Toledo (medical office support), Eunice Russell of Woodville (early childhood education), Melissa Russell of Grand Rapids (associate of arts, general concentration), Asmaa Saleh of Toledo (English), Esther Sandoval of Toledo (accounting technology), Brandi Schimming of Martin (exercise science), Evan Shasteen of Perrysburg (business management technology), Sarah Soncrant of Northwood (accounting technology), Jeanie Spanyers of Luckey (environmental health and safety technology), Morgan Taylor of Walbridge (office administration technology), Dawn Thayer of Toledo (culinary arts), Jamie Verbryke of Perrysburg (pre-nursing), Claire Vroman of Findlay (pre-nursing), Ross Wentling of Carey (criminal justice technology), Jackie Wetmore of Northwood (medical assisting), Eileen Witter of Findlay (medical assisting) and Tiffany Young of Toledo (associate of science, general concentration).

28 Owens Community College Students Graduate During Basic Peace Officer Academy Completion Ceremony

Posted on May 28th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Twenty-eight Owens Community College students recently were honored for their exemplary academic achievements as new Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduates during a Basic Peace Officer Completion Ceremony.

“Owens Community College is proud to continue its collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and recognize these 28 individuals for their educational accomplishment,” said Robert Albright, Owens Academic Program Chair of Criminal Justice and Emergency Management.

Founded in 1970, the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy is offered in cooperation with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission. As part of the seven-month program, Owens police academy students take courses in patrol operations, firearms, defensive tactics and criminal investigation using modern, high-tech police equipment. Participants receive expert instruction from local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers, as well as state and federal agents.

Following successful completion of the College’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy, Owens graduates become eligible for certification as an Ohio peace officer. In addition, coursework earned by police academy graduates will apply toward an associate degree at Owens in law enforcement.

Local law enforcement agencies where Owens graduates have been employed include the Findlay Police Department, Fostoria Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Lucas County Sheriff’s Department, Maumee Police Department, Northwood Police Department, Perrysburg City Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Sylvania City Police Department, Sylvania Township Police Department, Toledo Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

Owens police academy graduates have completed the required number of law enforcement contact hours set forth by the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

The College’s Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Day Academy graduates are John Barkley of West Orange, N.J., Daniel Black of Bowling Green, Joshua Dix of Woodville, Lonnie Fosnight of Millbury, Matthew Gankosky of Toledo, Justin Halker of Columbus Grove, Cory Henson of Toledo, Justin Lambert of Toledo, Cody Pence of Toledo, Gustaro Perez of Toledo, Nathan Ramsey of Toledo, Jeffrey Russell of Holland, Andrew Sabo of Bowling Green, Daniel Shaferly of Tiffin, Jacob Spettle of Norwalk, Andrew Thomasson of Maumee, Lawrence Vanhooser of Perrysburg and William Watson III of Toledo.

Owens students graduating from the Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy include Vincent Cope of Toledo (sponsored by Mercy Health Partners Public Safety Department), Benjamin Cowell of Genoa, Dominic Goodell of Toledo, Shannon Heider of Oregon, Christina Herrera of Northwood, Jack Jacobs of Northwood (sponsored by Woodville Police Department), Maria Martinez of Toledo, Levi Pauli of Ottawa Lake, Mich., Andrew Peterman of Forest and Bryan Smith of Sylvania.

Spring Pinning Ceremony Honors Owens Registered Nursing Students

Posted on May 22nd, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 80 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to registered nursing during a ceremony. 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 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.

Registered nurse pinning recipients are Felicia Alexander of Toledo, Katie Alford of Tiffin, Shaya Askins of Bowling Green, Melissa Atkins of Toledo, Ciara Beegle of Belmore, Colleen Belt of Waterville, Judith Berger of Findlay, Jacquelyn Boggs of Newport, Mich., Sue Bohls of Toledo, Mallory Brown of Woodville, Heather Campbell of Toledo, Kristen Campbell of Bluffton, Belinda Castillo of Defiance, Chelsea Clark of Holland, Shena Cramner of Vanlue, Lori Crouse of Sylvania, Kristen Current of Perrysburg, Charity De La Cruz of Fostoria, Shauna Doolittle of Findlay, Jessica Eberly of Bowling Green, Amanda Elvey of Toledo, Caroline Endersbe of Toledo, Leona Forde of Toledo, Isha Giesey of Findlay, Linda Green of Fostoria, Kevin Hendricks of Delta, Justin Hines of Toledo, Susann Hocanson of Jenera, Benjamin Irvine of Maumee, Chelsea King of Toledo, Colleen Kozlowski of Toledo, Tanya Kramer of Perrysburg, Jeanie Krueger of Toledo, Kelly Lambert of Findlay, Rebecca Lane of Farmington Hills, Mich., Marisa Lehman of Findlay, Danielle Leonard of Findlay, Amy Long of Findlay, Matthew Lortz of Carey, Myiisha Lott of Toledo and Crystal Mathias of Bloomville.

Registered nursing students also receiving pinning honors include Kathryn McCray of Toledo, Kristen Metroff of Toledo, Amy Miller of Adrian, Mich., April Miller of Findlay, Teri Minkowski of Toledo, Magdalena Morse of Toledo, Nargis Morsfield of Findlay, Alisha Mossburg of Monroe, Mich., Myriah Mundy of Kenton, Randi Murdock of Liberty Center, Andrew Novotny of Perrysburg, Ellissa O’Leary of Perrysburg, Laura Ostrander of Toledo, Lacie Pace of Fostoria, Karen Penrod of Walbridge, O’Della Quinn of Toledo, Emily Rehklau of Toledo, Ross Reid of Toledo, Taylor Rhoades of Nevada, Cheryl Rice of Whitehouse, Wylliam Risner of Columbus Grove, Judith Ruhlen of Tiffin, Andrew Ruman of Temperance, Mich., Leslie Sauerwein of Oregon, Jamie Schmidt of Upper Sandusky, Kathryn Serna of Swanton, Tonya Shank of Perrysburg, Joanna Shaw of Whitehouse, Katie Shrewsbury of Perrysburg, Amanda Snyder of Oregon, Kim Spitnale of Toledo, Ashley Stephens of Toledo, Jill Stephens of McClure, Brandy Sterling of Findlay, April Stokosa of Rockwood, Mich., Michael Swick of Toledo, Lanita Vance of Toledo, Nicole Vidak of Swanton, Lori Wagner of Continental, Patrick Walsh of Sylvania, Rachel Washer of Maumee, Jessica Wenzlick of Sylvania, Michael Wheeler of Holland and Kelly Yesnach of Monroe, Mich.

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

Owens’ registered nursing program requires 73 credit hours of coursework, which includes courses in nutrition, nursing concepts, pharmacology, psychology, nursing skills, adult health issues, anatomy and physiology, obstetrics, pediatrics and geriatrics, as well as other program course requirements. Following graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to become a registered nurse.

Local Residents Achieve Goals During GED Graduation at Owens

Posted on May 21st, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 50 area residents recently were honored for achieving academic excellence as Owens Community College served as host to its fourth annual GED Graduation Ceremony.

Graduates received their Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma, also known as the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma, as part of the graduation ceremony. Also, several student class representatives addressed the graduates as keynote speakers during the event. All graduates received special diploma covers and honor students were recognized with medallions.

For 22-year-old Ronald Cooper Jr. of Toledo, achieving his GED Diploma is a step toward a new future.

“I want to become a marine biologist,” explained Cooper Jr. who intends on continuing his educational journey in college. “Getting my GED Diploma has given me self-confidence and I now know that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

“Owens Community College is honored to celebrate the many successes of our graduates, many of whom have defied the odds and overcome obstacles in pursuit of their GED Diplomas,” said Jill Souza, Manager of Owens ABLE. “Each student has worked extremely hard to earn this credential, which will open new doors to career and educational possibilities. Several of these graduates have already registered for classes at Owens and other educational institutions. The GED is a student’s first step toward continuing his or her education, and we’re excited to see so many students already taking that second step.”

Students receiving their GED Diploma as part of the graduation celebration were John Akins of Kansas City, Geri Brown of Toledo, Danielle Camino of Toledo, Phylicia Cattladge of Toledo, Tiffany Collins of Toledo, Ronald Cooper Jr. of Toledo, Alice Couch of Findlay, Arianne Custer of Toledo, Amanda Davis of Toledo, Damian Deuble of Findlay, Christy Engelhardt of Toledo, Jamal Gamble of Toledo, Linda Garcia of Northwood, Brenda Gerken of Findlay, Margarita Gonzalez of Edna, Texas, Anthony Graham of Toledo, Darryl Hammer of Findlay, Gregory Hammer of Findlay, Sarah Hatch of Toledo, Cathy Hebert of Toledo, James Humphries of Toledo, Brandon Huntley of Toledo, Ashley Hurst of Toledo, Keisha King of Toledo, Kison Kongkeo of Toledo, Fatima Longoria of Findlay, Edith McCoy of Gibsonburg, Mobley Ronderrick of Toledo, Sherrie Monday of Findlay, Vera Partlow of Toledo, Casey Prenzlin of Findlay, Amy Price of Findlay, Yahana Ramsey-Evans of Toledo, Leona Robinson of Toledo, Nicole Robinson of Toledo, Gregory Roman of Toledo, Yazmin Ruiz of Toledo, Christine Russell of Toledo, Andre Saunders Jr. of Toledo, Kourtney Seidwosky of Toledo, Angel Tall of Toledo, Antoinette Thomas of Toledo, Rhonda Thomas of Toledo, Melissa Trotzier of Toledo, Brianne Wawrzyniak of Toledo, Desiree Webster of Toledo, Julie Williams of Toledo, Stephen Williams of Toledo and Madison Baum of Toledo.

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 five subject areas that include language arts-writing, language arts-reading, science, social studies and mathematics on their official examination. The 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), among other academic resources.

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 Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee, the Owens Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo, Washington Local Schools in Toledo, The Providence Center in Toledo, Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo in Toledo, the Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority in Toledo, Pilgrim Church in Toledo, Hancock County JOBsolutions in Findlay, University of Toledo Scott Park Campus in Toledo and at several Toledo-Lucas County Public Library locations.

Owens Community College Board of Trustees Awards 2013 Academic Excellence Scholarships

Posted on May 15th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Area high school seniors recently were honored by Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees for their outstanding achievements, receiving thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

The scholarship is available for four consecutive semesters with applicants being enrolled full-time and pursuing an associate’s degree at the College, as well as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average each semester. Since its creation more than a decade ago, the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program has provided over $1.3 million in scholarships to over 700 students.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship and their intended course of study at Owens include:

Morgan Riegsecker of Waterville, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (dental hygiene)
Lauren Ward of Findlay, an Arcadia High School graduate (radiologic technology)
Ashley Frankart of Jenera, an Arlington High School graduate (medical assisting)
Henry Apple of Bowling Green, a Bowling Green High School graduate (business management)
Ashley Monroe of Toledo, a Bowsher High School graduate (exercise science)
Sara Turner-Smith of Toledo, a Cardinal Stritch High School graduate (psychology)
Adam Staler of Oregon, a Clay High School graduate (electrical/electronics engineering technology)
Kaitlyn Wolfarth of Bluffton, a Cory-Rawson High School graduate (registered nursing)
Cassandra Hoffmann of Perrysburg, an Eastwood High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Brittany George of Wayne, an Elmwood High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Cody Daniels of Toledo, an Emmanuel Christian High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
Gabrielle Brandt of Fostoria, a Hopewell-Loudon High School graduate (registered nursing)
Kayla Siefker of Ottawa, a Kalida High School graduate (adolescence education and mathematics)
Emily Eikost of Walbridge, a Lake High School graduate (computer programming technology)
Jessica Walter of Bradner, a Lakota High School graduate (occupational therapy assistant)
Taylor Benjamin of Findlay, a Liberty-Benton High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
Micah Lee of Toledo, a Maritime Academy of Toledo graduate (undecided)
Kelsey Growden of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (health information technology)
Colten Greer of McComb, a McComb High School graduate (biology)
Brandon Allomong of Sycamore, a Mohawk High School graduate (journalism)
Jacob Christensen of North Baltimore, a North Baltimore High School graduate (architectural engineering technology)
Brandon Geiser of Pioneer, a North Central High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Kathryn Rygalski of Northwood, a Northwood High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Kaleb Maguire of Oak Harbor, an Oak Harbor High School graduate (associate of science general concentration)
Courtney Stone of Luckey, a Penta Career Center graduate (Caterpillar dealer service technician)
Paul Cieply of Rossford, a Rossford High School graduate (welding)
Allison Patton of Holland, a Springfield High School graduate (dental hygiene)
Beverly Manning of Toledo, a Start High School graduate (associate of arts general concentration)
James Hendricks III of Toledo, a St. Francis de Sales High School graduate (fire science technology)
Georgia Kitchen of Fostoria, a St. Wendelin High School graduate (registered nursing)
Heather Homrich of Toledo, a Sylvania Northview High School graduate (communication studies)
Hannah Rowland of Toledo, a Sylvania Southview High School graduate (registered nursing)
Kristen Walton of Maumee, a Toledo Central Catholic High School graduate (undecided)
Kaylyn Gullikson of Toledo, a Toledo School for the Arts graduate (undecided)
Malynn Eaton of Findlay, a Van Buren High School graduate (dental hygiene)
Emily Rodriguez of Vanlue, a Vanlue High School graduate (marketing and sales technology)
Mikayla Miller of Toledo, a Waite High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Alyssa Goldsmith of Toledo, a Whitmer High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Andrea Jahns of Toledo, a Woodward High School graduate (diagnostic medial sonography)

Owens Community College Graduates 740 Students During Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Posted on May 7th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Seven hundred forty Owens Community College students recently realized their educational goals and dreams as they were awarded degrees in various academic disciplines during the academic institution’s 47th annual Spring Commencement ceremony.

For 67-year-old Mary Visco of Holland, a landscape and turfgrass management major, Spring Commencement represents the beginning of a second career involving her passion – horticulture.

“Graduation represents a whole new life for me,” stated Visco, who was previously a self-employed business owner for 35 years. “I always had the desire to want to learn about horticulture and Owens allowed my passion to become a reality. My desire to learn far outweighed any anxiety of returning to school in my 60s.”

Visco, who already holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Toledo, can now add an associate’s degree to her educational attainment and a new career as a part-time horticulturalist at the Toledo Botanical Garden.

Tiffin resident and business management technology major Julia Parkins, age 17, views graduation as the first step toward her ultimate goal of a career in marketing.

“Hard work pays offs,” explained Parkins, who is obtaining her associate’s degree prior to graduating from Tiffin Columbian High School in June. “I am a go getter and Owens has afforded me great opportunities to pursue a college education while in high school.”

After completing her education at Owens and Tiffin Columbian, Parkins will attend The Ohio State University in the fall and set her sights on a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

“Graduating from Owens begins a new chapter in my life and for my family,” stated 30-year-old Nichole Aldrich of Gibsonburg. “I lost my job when the factory that I was working at closed. My education is allowing me to start a new career as a dental hygienist where I will not only be able to help but also educate people about dental health.”

For Aldrich, an Honors Program Scholar, obtaining her associate’s degree in dental hygiene would not have been possible without the support of her loving family.

“My family means the world to me. They have played a huge part in my success,” she concluded.

Robert W. LaClair, President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank (Northwestern Ohio), served as the keynote speaker for the College’s Spring Commencement and provided the graduates with some words of encouragement as they embark on many new life-changing adventures.

“You are all going to find that your success, your happiness and your place in life will all be determined not by where you grew up, how much money you or your family had or didn’t have, your ACT score or your GPA, but from the choices you will make,” LaClair stated. “You are leaving Owens today better prepared to make those life and career choices that when you first arrived. I’m sure of that.”

Additionally, Bradley W. Higgs, a criminal justice student, was selected as the Owens class representative and addressed the graduates during the Spring Commencement ceremony.

Higgs’ speech highlighted the challenges he and his fellow graduates have overcome to realize their dreams and goals.

“I know that each of you have had barriers and obstacles to overcome, but by God’s grace you have succeeded, and our graduating from Owens is just one of the joys that we shall enjoy in a life full of successful accomplishments,” stated Higgs. “Give yourselves a round of applause Class of 2013. We did it!”

Higgs grew up in Toledo and was kicked out of his house at the age of 10 along with his three younger siblings. They were homeless and made money washing cars and pumping gas. Eventually, the four children were picked up by the police and placed in foster homes.

At the age of 15, Higgs was adopted along with his 14-year-old sister by their oldest sister, who was 21 at the time. By the time he was 16, he started to get into trouble and by 19 he had been arrested and was serving time in prison.

After serving his sentence, he became reacquainted with religion and changed his life in a Volunteers of America halfway house. Soon after, he enrolled at Owens.

Higgs, who holds a GED Diploma, never forgot his experience at the halfway house and went back to volunteer at Volunteers of America. Eventually, he was hired and promoted by the outreach organization. He is now the Front Desk Security Supervisor at the Chestnut Hill Apartments in Toledo.

The 35-year-old has a 3.8 grade point average and is graduating Magna Cum Laude from Owens.

Higgs credits his success to the support and encouragement of the faculty at Owens, especially Wayne Seely and Angela Ondrus. The support of his family was also a critical part of his success, including his daughter, Alasha, who is also an honors student in middle school.

The Toledo resident plans on continuing his education and transferring to a four-year college or university this fall with the goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in social work. Ultimately, his goal is to work with juvenile offenders.

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Owens Community College Student Receives Board of Trustees Excellence Award

Posted on May 2nd, 2013

Owens’ Board of Trustees honored student Benjamin Irvine with a Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student Benjamin Irvine of Maumee has been chosen by the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee to receive a student excellence award for his commitment to academics, community engagement, student leadership and involvement in student life.

Irvine received the Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership and was recognized for his achievement at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Irvine was nominated by Kimberly Holman for his exceptional student leadership in supporting fellow nursing students in the development of their own academic and leadership skills and service in the community. The registered nursing major serves as President of the Pi Chapter of the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society at Owens and led the efforts in organizing the chapter’s capstone project requirement while encouraging member involvement. Irvine is also a member of the Owens Student Nurses Association and voluntarily formed a biweekly pharmacology study group that has impacted student achievement within the classroom. Additionally, he provides service to the community through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity.

Owens Community College Foundation Recognizes Students for Academic Excellence

Posted on May 1st, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Foundation has awarded more than $156,000 in scholarships for the 2012-13 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 Daniel E. Kimmet, Owens Foundation Chairman. “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 Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

James A. Adams Memorial Scholarship: Tanya White of Perrysburg and Brian Wickensimer of Washington Court House each received a $790 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.

George D. Allesee Memorial Scholarship: Michele Janz of Whitehouse and Stephen Zarich of Pemberville 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 business majors and students who are 22 years of age or older.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship: Timothy Reinhart of Alvada received a $3,500 scholarship and Jessica Knallay of Bradner and Jessica Saxton of Toledo each received a $1,250 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 member of the Owens Alumni Association.

American Society for Industrial Security International, Toledo Chapter, Fred C. Heck and Charles W. North Scholarships: Melissa McGaharan of Toledo and Gina Meyers of Leipsic 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.

The Andersons Scholarship: Ciara Stewart of Toledo and Maja Valusek of Toledo each received a $745 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, the School of Technology, the School of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the natural sciences area.

The Rudy Aschenbrener Memorial Scholarship: Daniel Carpenter of Wapakoneta 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.

Auto Dealers United for Kids Scholarship: Matt Alford of Toledo, Brian Baldock of Holland, Joshua Barnes of Sylvania, Albin Bauer of Northwood, Michael Bigelow of Toledo, Andrew Billmyer of Temperance, Mich., Christopher Bodette of Toledo, Dean Boyak of Toledo, Jonathan Ciha of Temperance, Mich., Carson Coleman of Monclova, Trygvie Connerton of Toledo, Christopher Cook of Toledo, Joshua Cooper of Whitehouse, James Crothers of Sylvania, Tyler Drushell of Nova, Shawn Ewing of Dundee, Mich., Nicholas Fortney of Napoleon, Tyrice Gaston of Toledo, Alexander Geiger of Temperance, Mich., Craig Gribben of Sandusky, Samuel Harris of Maumee, Markus Hayworth of Toledo, Grant Henry of Elmore, David Hinkle of Findlay, Joshua Koperski of Toledo, Chad Macke of Toledo, Branden McCullough of Delta, Michael Murray of Toledo, Michael Napolski of Whitehouse, Luis Perez of Toledo, Cyrus Porter of Delta, Maurecio Price of Toledo, Kenneth Redman of Toledo, Sean Ross of Maumee, Justin Seckinger of Toledo, Matthew Shaffer of Weston, Traci Spencer of Perrysburg, Jerry Stephens of Toledo, Paul Trabbic of Erie, Mich., Corey Tyda of Bowling Green, Jerrel Valliant of Sandusky, Joshua Wolfe of Elmore, Krissada Wongsa of Perrysburg, Thomas Worden of Toledo, Michael Wrobleski of Findlay and Michael Ziethlow of Monroe, Mich., each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in the automotive technology program. Preference is given to students who are a resident of Southeast Michigan or Northwest Ohio.

The James H. Baehren Scholarship: Suzanne Haas of Holland 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.

President Daniel H. Brown Scholarship: Alison Foster of Toledo, Marisa Lajiness of Petersburg, Mich., Nikki Laws of Toledo and Krista Roberts of Fostoria each received a $900 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.

The Bill Buck Memorial Scholarship: Katilin Glover of Maumee, Ashley Hileman of Napoleon and Rebecca Schoch of Toledo each received a $273 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, be working toward an associate’s degree, have a disability and be registered with the College’s Disability Services Office.

Central West Area Council Scholarship: Jazmin Brown of Toledo received a $1,000 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.

Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #772 Scholarship: Summer Butz of Findlay received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be a graduate of a Northwest Ohio high school, be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to a student of Italian descent.

Computers for Scholarships Scholarship: Brian Hinebaugh of Toledo and Christopher Peace of Maumee each 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. Preference is given to students who have shown an interest in the environment through their major, involvement in the Owens Environmental Club or through environmental community service.

The Shirley S. Dick Scholarship: Emily Fintel of Forest and Sue Keil of Northwood 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.

Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship: Joshua Pettit of Walbridge received a $1,171 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.

Findlay Accounting Scholarship: Lorena Walton of Upper Sandusky 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: Sally Young 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: Anne Krumel of Perrysburg, Melissa McGaharan of Toledo and Chelsea Turner of Monroe, Mich., each received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester. This award is designated for women and minorities and preference is given to Ford employees and their spouses and children.

Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Laura Feeney of Findlay, Seth Holman of Arcadia and Joleen Palko 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.

Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship: William Terry of Toledo received a $530 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and exhibit a strong desire to pursue a quality assurance career in manufacturing.

Chuck Holsclaw Memorial Scholarship: Angela Graham of Swanton and Brittney Slane of Bluffton 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.

The Darla Johannsen Scholarship: Holly Smith of New Riegel received a $750 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a Findlay-area Campus student majoring in office administration.

John and Margaret Kurfess Scholarship: Linda Keller of Holland received a $600 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.

Jones-Hamilton Company Scholarship: Sabrina Lewis of Perrysburg received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be a resident of Lake Township, Perrysburg Township, Rossford or Northwood, must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Donald Leonhardt Welding Scholarship: Jason Fuentes of Walbridge received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in welding.

Margaret (Margy) Matthews Scholarship: Rebecca Schoch of Toledo received a $565 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: Bernadette Briones of Napoleon, Justin Hines of Toledo, Skylar Jackson of Toledo, Tammy Koleszar of Toledo, Angela Lawrence of Elmore, Courtney Price of Kenton, Sara Rynski of Perrysburg and Jennifer Wagner of Findlay each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to employees of Little Sisters of the Poor or the College’s nursing majors.

Maumee Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Destiny Garn of Toledo and Alex Hinz of Maumee each 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.

The Officer William A. Miscannon Memorial Scholarship: Taylor Reed of Toledo received a $1,500 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.

Mosser Construction Scholarship: Karl Ritchey of Toledo received a $1,600 scholarship. Recipients must be a second-year student enrolled in a construction-related program and must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Owens Community College Bookstore Scholarship: Brice Bassett of Bradner, Linda Keller of Holland and Andrew Sickelbaugh of Perrysburg each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business management or marketing and sales majors.

Owens Community College Foundation Scholarship: Alaina Adamson of Northwood, Karen Birkholz of Fremont, Brendan Cline of Carey, Margaret Fortney of Fostoria, Audrey Jackson of Tiffin, Bethany Jiamachello of Toledo, Nathan Jorrey of Ottawa, Ida Kluding of Norwalk, Jason Ripley of Bowling Green, Leah Ross of Liberty Center, Velani Tucker of Toledo, Jennifer Vanscoder of Bowling Green and Tammy Williams of Genoa each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship: Krystel Castilleja of Toledo, Rajesh Felix of Perrysburg, Sarah Felix of Perrysburg, Esperanza Gonzales of Toledo and Hanna Guerra 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 Community College Marketing and Sales Scholarship: Franklin Lindsey of Toledo received a $300 scholarship. Recipients must have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in marketing and sales, retailing management or financial services sales, and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Owens Corning Diamante Latino Scholarship: Diana Lagunovich of Findlay received a $540 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 Honors Scholarship: Tobias Flemming of Maumee received a $750 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Owens Faculty Association Scholarship: Haley Hermiller of Ottawa received a $250 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.

Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation Scholarship: Audrey Herroon of Perrysburg received a $5,000 scholarship. Recipients must be a Penta Career Center graduate whose home school is Perrysburg High School, Lake High School or Rossford High School. Penta STRIVE graduates are also eligible. Recipients must have a final high school cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Perrysburg Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Joshawa Minard of Bloomdale and Courtney Schreiber of Grand Rapids 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: Gina Voltaire of Findlay received a $590 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: Chelsee Beck of Fostoria, Aliana Bills of Toledo, Alexis Burkey of Toledo, Kristine Combs of Findlay, Indigo East of Perrysburg, Hunter Elmore of Maumee, Nichole Eschedor of Bradner, Hillary Faust of Toledo, Emily Fintel of Forest, Alexandria Fisher of Millbury, Michael Fitzpatrick of Walbridge, Kyle Jenkins of Perrysburg, Jordyn Jude of Oregon, Sara Kidwell of Northwood, Amber Kiss of Maumee, Alison Laing of Millbury, John Markley of Findlay, Jerico Orona of Leipsic, Nicole Pickering of Napoleon, Sarah Rieff of Bradner, Levi Rosales of Delta, Kelly Schaefer of Oregon, Erin Sehlhorst of Tiffin, Matthew Smith of Maumee, Melissa Spicer of Colton, Tess Tobias of Holgate, Lisa Urbanski of Toledo, Joshua Vance of Bowling Green and Kelly Zurvalec of Oak Harbor each received a $450 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.

Private Industry Collaborative Scholarship: Nathaniel Lewis of Toledo and Barbara McBride of Cygnet each received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be a non-traditional student who is a dislocated or soon-to-be dislocated worker.

Edward and Linda Reiter Scholarship: Julie Pitts of Columbus Grove and Jayson Schube of Tiffin each received a $550 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.

The Michael W. Rickard Memorial Scholarship: Ashley Hileman of Napoleon received a $500 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 have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship: Amber Gonzales of Findlay 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.

Pauline Schmidt Memorial Scholarship: Lydia Crews of Huron received a $290 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the dental hygiene program.

Seeger Consulting Service Scholarship: Barbara Bertonaschi of Bowling Green received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business majors.

The Scott Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Rachelle Lincoln of North Baltimore received a $745 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 a member of the Owens Community College basketball team.

Slade Wielinski Memorial Scholarship: Jose Martinez of Fostoria 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 a non-traditional student majoring in biomedical electronics, chemistry or other engineering major.

The Art and Connie Smith Honors Scholarship: Paige Durst of Fostoria and Carrie Lee of Oak Harbor each received a $480 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Spanish American Organization Scholarship: Samantha Berryhill of Toledo and Dianna Ysasi of Toledo each received a $656 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: Nicholas Duff of Wapakoneta 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: Danielle Sanchez of Findlay received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Individuals must be a Findlay-area Campus student who is an employee or child of an employee at the Tall Timbers Industrial Center of Findlay.

Toledo Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship: Joseph Phillips of Oak Harbor and Benjamin Wineinger of Reading, Mich., each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.4 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the diesel or automotive technology program.

Toledo Community Foundation – Marsh Family Fund Scholarship: Brice Bassett of Bradner, April DeCant of Delta, Kane Holman of Arcadia, Renee Imbrock of Hamler and Andrew Sickelbaugh of Perrysburg 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: Kimberly Barnard of Toledo, Danara Fryman of Toledo, Katilin Glover of Maumee, Abigail Hall of Holland, Richard Harrison of Perrysburg, Janell Holey of Lambertville, Mich., Kristie Lewis of Toledo, Lynne Long of Walbridge, Brittney Rupert of Oregon, Tina Russell of Toledo, Holly Sebring of Toledo, Scott Shaw of Maumee, Kristi Tiell of Toledo and Jenna Whetsel of Rossford each received a $500 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: Nicholas Easterwood of Curtice 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.

UPS Scholarship: Weiwei Jones of Holland, Joshua Junge of Napoleon and Michelle Link of Lima each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA.

Bud Weaver Memorial Scholarship: Jeremiah Robinson of Toledo received a $430 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.

Will Webb Scholarship: Ashley Bogue of Kenton 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.

Matthew D. Winckowski Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Owens of Oregon received a $415 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a graduating senior from Clay High School. Preference is given to a student who is a commercial art technology major.

Owens Board of Trustees Honors Express Basketball Teams

Posted on May 1st, 2013

Owens Express men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes and staff as well as Board of Trustees members pose for a photo after the two teams were honored during the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored the Express men’s and women’s basketball teams for exhibiting leadership, teamwork and excellence during their highly successful 2012-13 seasons. Team members were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

“Our goals as an athletic department are very simple, and we stress them daily to our student-athletes. We want to win championships and graduate student-athletes,” said Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics. “We have been very successful in achieving those goals, but only because of the tremendous support of our Administration and Board of Trustees. We are very proud to represent the entire Owens Community College family, both locally and nationally, and thank the Board of Trustees for this special recognition.”

The Express men’s basketball team, led by Head Coach David Clarke, recently finished fourth among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. Owens, which finished with a 26-10 overall record, totaled two victories and two loses during the double elimination tournament. Tournament wins came against Iowa Lakes Community College and Central Community College-Columbus. The Express’ tournament loses were to Rend Lake College and Brown Mackie College.

This was Owens’ eighth trip to the national championship tournament. The men’s basketball program captured NJCAA national championships during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons and finished national runner-up in 1993-94. The Express’ most recent tournament appearance, prior to this year, took place in 2002-03. During the regular season, Clarke’s team finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (10-2 record).

The Express women’s basketball team recently completed one of its most successful seasons in program history finishing seventh among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, Owens totaled three victories and one loss during the tournament. Tournament wins came againstErie Community College, St. Louis Community College and Lake Michigan College. The Express’ lone tournament loss was to Community College of Rhode Island.

This was the fifth trip for the Express to the national championship tournament. Owens’ previous appearances, prior to the 2012-13 campaign, were in the 1997-98 (seventh place), 1998-99 (eighth place), 2002-03 (sixth place) and 2003-04 (ninth place) seasons.

Owens finished the season with a 28-8 overall record. Additionally, the Express captured the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (10-2 record) for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign. Owens was ranked No. 9 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball regular season poll.

Owens Community College Alumni Association Honors Local Safety Forces With Outstanding Service Awards

Posted on April 26th, 2013

Local safety forces were recognized for their tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities during Owens Community College Alumni Association’s annual Outstanding Service Awards.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Ten area residents have been chosen to receive the 10th annual Outstanding Service Awards by Owens Community College’s Alumni Association for tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities. The recipients are honored as part of a community celebration.

Award winners are A.J. Green, Joseph Camerato, Jared Davis, Rachel Doran, Jason Hart, Christopher Mrkva, Claudia Rodriguez, Robert Thomas, Keith Loreno and John Farley.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to once again recognize the humanitarian efforts of Northwest Ohio’s safety forces,” said Matt Feasel, Owens President of the Alumni Association. “Many of their selfless acts of public service go unnoticed as they do not seek out attention. The Outstanding Service Awards were created to honor their efforts and thank them for their continued service to our region, state and country.”

The awards are presented within the categories of Outstanding Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Service to Community and Community Spirit. 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 Firefighter Award is A.J. Green of Gibsonburg (Firefighter, Lindsey Volunteer Fire Department). Green was nominated by Barbara Aldrich for putting his life at risk to save the lives of fellow bus passengers during a multiple vehicle accident.

On April 12, 2012, a private bus left Fremont filled with people anticipating a getaway tour of New York City. Headed east on the Ohio Turnpike and just outside South Amherst, the bus collided with a vehicle that was part of an existing multiple vehicle accident. Subsequently, the bus was hit by another vehicle and the windshield of the bus was knocked out, leaving the bus driver trapped in the wreckage and knocked unconscious. Additionally, the steering mechanism on the bus was sheared upon impact, making steering impossible.

Green and another passenger immediately made their way to the front of the bus and attempted to recover control of the vehicle while others tended to the driver. While Green tried to stop the bus or steer it to safety, it continued out of control for approximately a mile until finally stopped. The engine, however, was still running and revving leaving the passengers in danger. Green and the other passenger took it upon themselves to stop the engine. When it was deemed safe, Green led the group of passengers to the safety of a turnpike plaza.

After the incident, Green organized a bus safety training day with emergency professionals on how to handle several types of buses in emergency situations. Green saved the lives of the bus passengers and turned a negative incident into a positive learning experience for others.

Joseph Camerato of Port Clinton (Lieutenant, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Jared Davis of Sylvania (Firefighter/Paramedic, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Rachel Doran of Toledo (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Jason Hart of Toledo (Firefighter/Paramedic, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Christopher Mrkva of Lambertville, Mich. (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Claudia Rodriguez of Millbury (Firefighter/Paramedic, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department) and Robert Thomas of Toledo (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department) are named the Outstanding Emergency Medical Technician Award recipients. They were nominated by Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Medal Ceremony Committee for their outstanding efforts in saving the life of another person.

On March 7, 2012, Engine Company 6 and Life Squad 2 were dispatched to assist the Toledo Police Department with a motor vehicle/pedestrian accident. A male victim was run over by his girlfriend and the victim was wedged underneath the vehicle. The victim appeared to be lifeless with no pulse or visible breathing.

Crews attempted to pull the victim from under the vehicle unsuccessfully and responders continued to search for signs of life as Camerato called for a truck for extraction/body recovery to lift the vehicle off the victim. Instead of waiting for the truck to arrive, squad members, led by Doran, made the decision to lift the vehicle by themselves off the victim in one last attempt at saving his life. The group was able to lift the car high enough to pull the victim from his location. A faint heart beat was found and the victim was transported to a hospital. The victim survived the injuries thanks to the determination of the team and their heroic efforts.

Keith Loreno of Gibsonburg (Fire Chief, Fostoria Fire Department) is the recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Community Award. Loreno was nominated by Fostoria Safety Service Director Allyson Murray for his endless dedication and leadership to his community and the safety forces field.

Loreno’s commitment to safety prevention in the community has spanned nearly three decades. He began his career as a Firefighter/EMT in 1982 with the Perkins Township Fire Department and went on to serve in such positions as a Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff and an Assistant Chief of the Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau with the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

Additionally, Loreno is one of the first to volunteer his time to various community outreach initiatives, which includes serving as Board Trustee for the United Way of Fostoria. He also organizes an annual “coats for kids” campaign, a smoke detector giveaway program, a safety town program for preschool students and a mock crash event to teach the dangers of drinking and driving to teenage students, as well as devoting countless hours to teaching students about fire prevention.

John Farley of Berkey (Communications Support Volunteer, Richfield Township Fire Department) is named the Community Spirit Award recipient. Farley was nominated by Richfield Township Fire Department Fire Chief Ronald Tate for exemplifying community spirit through his tremendous contributions to the community and the region.

Farley has served the Richfield Township Fire Department throughout the past 10 years as a Dispatcher, Association Secretary and Association Treasurer. Farley, who is blind, was hired to a full-time position several years ago and excelled in the many areas of his job description. His work ethic, attention to detail and commitment and service to the community humbled his fellow colleagues.

Due to some changes in the dispatching system, Farley’s paid position was eliminated. Despite that change, he continues to play an integral role in the Richfield Township Fire Department’s operations as a volunteer, primarily through communications support. He is described as generous and courageous by the community and is dedicated to giving back through community service.

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

Owens Community College Alumni Association Awards Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship

Posted on April 26th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student Taylor Beck of Genoa has been chosen by the Alumni Association to receive a $1,253 Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship for the upcoming 2013-14 academic year.

According to Laura Moore, Executive Director of the Owens Alumni Association, the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Detective Keith Dressel and his dedication to public service, as well as support the next generation of law enforcement officers.

“Both Detective Dressel and his wife, Danielle, are part of the College’s alumni family as they both attended Owens. The Alumni Association is pleased to award the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship to Taylor Beck as she is a very deserving recipient of this award and will certainly honor the legacy of Detective Dressel,” stated Moore.

Taylor is a full-time Owens student, having enrolled as a criminal justice major in the fall of 2012. She is a graduate of Genoa High School.

For several years, Beck has actively worked to be a positive influence in her community, which includes organizing a fundraiser for a sister’s friend who was stricken with stage two breast cancer. The event raised over $5,000 to assist with medical bills. She also started a drive in her church to assemble and send care packages to military men and women deployed overseas in Kuwait. Additionally, Taylor led an initiative to decorate a “mitten tree” at her church where people could hang mittens, gloves and hats on the tree like ornaments. All items were donated to Cherry Street Mission Ministries.

Following graduation from Owens, Beck plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and eventually her master’s degree.

“Being a police officer is honorable,” stated Beck. “My ultimate aspiration is to become one of those women in uniform with the privilege of protecting the people of my community.”

Owens Community College Students and Faculty Receive Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association Honors

Posted on April 16th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College culinary arts students and faculty were recently honored for exhibiting academic and professional excellence at the highest level as the Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association local chapter of the American Culinary Federation recognized both culinary students and professionals during its 35th Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner at the Toledo Club.

As a culinary society, the Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association local chapter of the American Culinary Federation recognizes and honors members, associate members and friends of the association who, in one manner or another, enhanced its operation throughout the year.

The Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association awarded multiple student scholarships to deserving and aspiring culinary professionals. Owens student Dawn Thayer of Toledo received a $1,500 Northwest Ohio Restaurant Association Scholarship, while Owens student Amy Morford of Toledo garnered a $2,500 Hollywood Casino, Toledo, Scholarship. Morford also was awarded the Aspiring Culinarian of the Year for her activism within the local chapter and aspirations of becoming an executive chef and earning American Culinary Federation certification.

In addition, Owens Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Assistant Professors Gretchen Fayerweather of Maumee and Bill Powell of Findlay earned Chef of the Year and Educator of the Year honors, respectively, for their commitment and dedication to the organization through outreach and service. Owens Community College received the Friend of the American Culinary Federation-Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association Award for its collaborative efforts toward the Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association.

The annual dinner is coordinated by professionals and aspiring culinary professionals, including Owens, Penta Career Center, Maritime Academy of Toledo, Whitmer Career and Technology Center, and Clay High School Career Technical representatives, within the Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association. All proceeds from the event benefit scholarships presented to students by the Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association.

The Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association is comprised of chefs, cooks and aspiring culinarians from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan who are committed to providing a variety of professional development opportunities and scholarship assistance to food service professionals and culinary students living in the region. Established in 1976 as a charter of the American Culinary Federation, the Maumee Valley Chefs’ Association is engaged in a variety of charitable causes, including food preparation projects, education, certifications and scholarships.

Owens Student and Faculty Leaders Inducted Into Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society

Posted on April 11th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students and a faculty member were recently honored for their academic accomplishments in business, earning membership into the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society.

Kappa Beta Delta was established in 1997 as an international honor society exclusively for Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredited two-year business programs.

Standing for excellence, trustworthiness and genuineness, the overall mission of Kappa Beta Delta is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management and administration at two-year academic institutions. Additionally, the international honor society promotes student aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.

Owens Assistant Professor of Business Management and Kappa Beta Delta Co-Advisor Margaret Parker added, “Induction to Kappa Beta Delta is considered a lifetime honor and quite an achievement within the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. We commend our students for exhibiting academic excellence at the highest level.”

In addition to student recipients, Owens Assistant Professor of Accounting Ramadevi Kannan of Bowling Green was named an honorary inductee to the Kappa Beta Delta program. Kannan was recognized for her efforts in going above and beyond to better educational opportunities for Owens students.

Selection criterion for students into Kappa Beta Delta is based upon completing a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit and achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average, among other areas.

The Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society student inductees for the 2012-13 academic year are Melissa Cook of Fostoria, Cinthia Leite of Toledo, Dawn Foster of Risingsun, Edward Kime of Toledo, Qingjuan Kong of Toledo, Karen Lehman of Carey, Lynne Long of Walbridge, Zeina Nuhfer of Toledo, Julie Pitts of Columbus Grove, Karen Ricica of Toledo, Richard Scott Jr. of Toledo, Dania Sinclair of Delta, Sarah Soncrant of Northwood, Jessica Szumigala of Toledo, Jayme Weber of Sylvania, Holly-Lynn Wright of Toledo and Tonya Young of Elmore.

Owens Community College Receives National Honor Roll Recognition for Community Service

Posted on April 11th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College has earned the distinction of being named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Owens is the only community college in Ohio to receive the national recognition.

“Owens Community College is committed to service-learning and believes strongly in preparing our students to be active leaders and participants in an ever-changing world,” said Krista Kiessling, Owens Director of Service Learning. “We’re honored to receive this prestigious award – and owe much of it to the students themselves. They’re the energy driving our commitment and they’re the ones who make it all happen.”

The College’s Office of Student Learning was established in 2011 with the overall mission of making service to the community an identifiable aspect of the academic institution’s culture. Outreach initiatives are focused on engaging students and employees in service activities that mutually benefit the academic institution and the surrounding communities.

Additionally, the Office of Student Learning maintains partnerships with over 50 community agencies that utilize Owens student volunteers to support community initiatives. Among the on-campus service-learning opportunities include the Owens Harvest Food Pantry and the Community Garden. The sites serve as on-campus living and experiential learning laboratories to support students in need, while also enabling the application of educational learning mastered within academic courses.

“Congratulations to Owens Community College, its faculty and students for its commitment to service, both in and out of the classroom,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of Corporation for National and Community Service. “Through its work, institutions of higher education are helping to improve their local communities and create a new generation of leaders by challenging students to go beyond the traditional college experience and to solve local challenges.”

Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, Corporation for National and Community Service has administered the award since 2006 and manages the program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education and Campus Compact.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund and other programs, and leads U.S. President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve.

Owens Community College Recognizes Employees For Excellence in Higher Education

Posted on April 1st, 2013

Mark Karamol

Peter Johns

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

Recipients for the 2012-13 academic year are:

Peter Johns of Oregon, Lab Technician for Manufacturing Technology (Employee of the Year Award)
Mark Karamol of Delta, Director of E-Learning (Administrator of the Year Award)

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

Selection criteria for the Employee of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards are based upon an employee’s dedication to the College’s mission and vision, as demonstrated by their commitment to the College’s core values of service, learning, innovation, collaboration and excellence. Additional award criteria includes exhibiting excellence in leadership and fostering a positive learning environment.

the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as at the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and the Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Fall Pinning Ceremony Honors Registered and Practical Nursing Students at Owens

Posted on February 7th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 100 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to registered nursing and practical nursing during a ceremony. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

Registered nurse pinning recipients are Matthew Babaki of Westlake, Gabrielle Barbara of Toledo, Jennifer Bare of Findlay, Aaron Baxter of Findlay, Colleen Belt of Waterville, Amy Bethel of Toledo, Brandy Boaston of Toledo, Heidi Bouillon of New Reigel, Judith Boyle of Toledo, Audrey Bradford of Cygnet, Antanai Brown of Toledo, Heather Campbell of Toledo, Sarah Chambers of Maumee, Debra Conkle of McComb, Kimberly Cousino of Toledo, Sara Coy of Oregon, April Davis of Toledo, Cassandra Dietrich of Toledo, Melissa Duly of Curtice, Brenda Dunning of Wauseon, Jeffrey Easterwood of Toledo, Laura Elliott of Toledo, Patricia Ferguson of Rossford, Wendy Ferris of Oregon, Lycrecia Fitch of Toledo, Heidi Folger of Toledo, Laura Frontz of Tiffin, Sarah Gedert of Perrysburg, Danielle Glover of Toledo, Rebecca Gluza of Toledo, Darlene Grey of Toledo, Jacob Grime of Archbold, Jennifer Haase of Findlay, Aaron Halstead of Toledo, Careigh Hand of Maumee, Melissa Hartenburg of Perrysburg, Kevin Hendricks of Delta, Jennifer Hill of Risingsun, Darlasia Hudspeth of Toledo, Danielle Inbody of Pandora, Alexis Johnson of Fremont, Cheryl Johnson of Toledo, Sarah Johnson of Holland and Andrea Lofay of Tiffin.

Registered nursing students also receiving pinning honors include Heather Luttke of Toledo, Shelby Majors of Toledo, Tiffany Mattys of Toledo, Terrie McDougle of Gilboa, Chelsey McMillan of Monroe, Mich., Grezen Micua of Toledo, M. Richard Middleton of Northwood, Elizabeth Montgomery of Jenera, Adam Montz of Carey, Nicholas Montz of Tiffin, Kelly Morrow of Maumee, Brianne Newcomer of Sycamore, Heather Nino of Genoa, Ann Palmer of Maumee, Megan Passet of Findlay, Holly Patton of Carey, Jennifer Phillips of Walbridge, Courtney Price of Findlay, Emily Rehklau of Toledo, Christine Roudebush of Perrysburg, Erica Russell of Toledo, Elizabeth Sanderson of Toledo, Connie Sayler of Blissfield, Mich., Cindy Schirack of Northwood, Andria Seifert of Toledo, Kathryn Serna of Swanton, Tonya Shank of Perrysburg, Katie Shrewsbury of Maumee, Shannon Smith of Toledo, Kim Spitnale of Toledo, Antoinette Stevens of Toledo, Candas Switzer of Tiffin, Renee Szablewski of Tiffin, Cheri Taulker of Fostoria, Jacqueline Trubisky of Painesville, Lanita Vance of Toledo, Sara Verhoff of Ottawa, Rachel Washer of Maumee, Lori Watson of Northwood, Sarah Webb of Toledo, Michael Wheeler of Holland, Sarah White of Findlay, Kayli Wiley of Maumee, Meshell Wilson of Perrysburg, Leigh Wright of Deshler and Heather Zimmerman of Toledo.

Practical nursing students receiving their honorary pins are Monica Aldrich of Fostoria, Ashley Cole of Findlay, Tammy Douglas of Findlay, David Foust of Findlay, Kelsey Helfer of Findlay, Dusti Herz of Van Buren, Amy Hoffman of Napoleon, Traci Hotelling of Findlay, Lindsey Iler of Bowling Green, Ashley Nelson of Findlay, Claire Vroman of Findlay, Rhonda Wells of Findlay and Kari Yaney of Swanton.

Owens’ practical nursing certificate is offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses and requires 43 credit hours of coursework, which includes courses in basic nutrition, nursing trends, pharmacology, general psychology, nursing care of adults, and human anatomy and physiology, as well as other course requirements. Following graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination to become a licensed practical nurse.

The practical nursing certificate 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, behavioral health facilities, hospice and rehabilitation centers. The program combines studies at Owens with planned and guided clinical experience in client care for health care facilities and community agencies.

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Fall Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Posted on February 6th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – 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 Fall Semester. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest in Ohio.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2012 Fall Semester are:

Muthanna Alhayani of Toledo (business management technology)

Dana Almester of Rossford (photography)

Steven Ambrose of Toledo (business management technology)

Tyler Baer of Portage (emergency medical management)

Debra Baker of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)

Sarah Barker of Perrysburg (biology)

Abigail Bellas of Temperance, Mich. (multi-age education)

Jacquelyn Boggs of Newport, Mich. (registered nursing)

Daniel Boss of Findlay (accounting technology)

Amanda Boyer of Millbury (pre-nursing)

Steven Branam of Maumee (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Christopher Brickner of Findlay (technical studies)

Allison Brinkman of Perrysburg (associate of arts, general concentration)

Averie Brown-Culbertson of Toledo (journalism)

Jakob Buehler of Sylvania (adolescence education)

Kala Butler of Bowling Green (pre-nursing)

Lucille Carter of Toledo (business management technology)

Lucas Clauson of Toledo (culinary arts)

Gina Conner of Toledo (criminal justice technology)

Christopher Cook of Toledo (automotive technology)

Sarah Cook of Bloomdale (associate of arts, general concentration)

Marty Coombs of Toledo (automation electronics)

Itiya Felix Miss of Toledo (pre-licensed practical nursing to registered nursing)

Jennifer Garcia of Oregon (pre-surgical)

Andrew Gerwin of Gibsonburg (information systems technology)

Danielle Glover of Toledo (registered nursing)

Renee Grabarczyk-Schafer of Sylvania (associate of arts, general concentration)

Berkeley Haney of Monclova (undecided)

Nathan Hartman of Toledo (commercial art technology)

Keevan Hazel of Toledo (adolescence education)

Lamara Heiden of Holland (associate of arts, general concentration)

Donald Heiden of Holland (technical studies)

Valerie Herron of Toledo (accounting technology)

Melanie Iacoangeli of Monroe, Mich. (pre-business administration)

Joshua Jones of Toledo (pre-professional engineering)

Destany Jones of Toledo (pre-licensed practical nursing to registered nursing)

Christie Jones of Sylvania (business management technology)

Shawn Kebker of Genoa (world languages)

Rebecca Kory of Sylvania (adolescence education)

Ashley Kravetsky of Perrysburg (biology)

Louis Krolak of Toledo (emergency medical management)

Agnieszka Kupiec of Holland (diagnostic medical sonography)

Tom Leahey of Swanton (biomedical electronics)

Bobby Linder Sr. of Petersburg, Mich. (advanced integrated systems technology)

Shayna Lindley of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)

Zachary Lopez of Williston (architectural engineering technology)

Tammie Mallory of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Ladreena May of Toledo (pre-licensed practical nursing to registered nursing)

James McGaha Jr. of Genoa (pre-nursing)

Christina Mock of Northwood (commercial art technology)

Christina Montez of Toledo (social work)

Amy Morford of Toledo (pre-culinary arts)

Tracy Mossing of Sylvania (pre-nursing)

Charles Pengov of Toledo (journalism)

Parth Pitroda of Sylvania (commercial photography technology)

Cyrus Porter of Delta (automotive technology)

Hannah Posadny of Maumee (multi-age education)

Elizabeth Robertson of Sylvania (operations management)

Jordan Robertson of Sylvania (electrical/electronics engineering technology)

Danielle Schick of Ottawa Lake, Mich. (biology)

Peggy Shane of Perrysburg (pre-licensed practical nursing to registered nursing)

Amanda Sinay of Oregon (pre-business administration)

Christopher Skibinski of Toledo (CAD technology)

Meghan Slates of Sylvania (auto body repair)

Jason Sniegowski of Toledo (adolescence education)

Shana Sparks of Toledo (pre-medical imaging)

Alex Steinline of Perrysburg (associate of science, general concentration)

Kimberly Stevens of Wauseon (health information technology)

Robert St. John of Monclova (pre-medical imaging)

Amanda Storm of Metamora (pre-nursing)

Michael Suhan of Perrysburg (fire science technology)

Thomas Tiggs of Toledo (fire science technology)

Andre Tiggs of Toledo (fire science technology)

Carri Tuvell of Toledo (medical office support)

Danielle Urbaniak of Perrysburg (pre-pharmacy)

Maggie VanMeter of Clyde (pre-medical imaging)

Mark Waggoner of Perrysburg (English literature)

Brianna Westrick of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Jordan Windnagle of Maumee (associate of arts, general concentration)

Krissada Wongsa of Perrysburg (automotive technology)

Firas Yassin of Toledo (pre-surgical)

Sarah Zimmerman of Toledo (pre-business administration)

Owens Community College Students Receive Board of Trustees Excellence Awards

Posted on February 6th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student John Breno of Maumee and Global Connections Student Club and Owens Photography Student Club 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.

Breno received the Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Volunteerism, the Global Connections Student Club received the Certificated of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership and Student Life Involvement and the Owens Photography Student Club received the Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Community Engagement and Volunteerism. Award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Breno was nominated by Frances O’Connor for his leadership and volunteerism in providing students with access to technology in support of student learning. The networking and information systems support major was instrumental in gathering fellow students for the task of refurbishing desktop computers to benefit eligible students and their pursuit of higher education. The initiative is titled Otech and focused on conserving resources through experiential learning and community resources.

Owens’ Elaine Shafer nominated the Global Connections Student Club for their leadership and advocacy in celebrating the College’s international students and engaging students in cultural exchange. The student organization was responsible for planning and organizing the College’s International Celebration event, which introduced students and area residents to international cultures, cuisine, music and dance. Student members include Liyaquat Qurban-ali of Ghazni, Afghanistan (pre-nursing), Mudhafar Alayani of Amman, Jordan (business administration), Razia Sultana of Gilgit, Pakistan (accounting technology) and Fibriani Widyaningrum of Sidoajo, Indonesia (business management).

The Owens Photography Student Club was nominated by Ruth Foote for their volunteerism and engagement with the community through the Help Portrait initiative. Help Portrait is a global movement of volunteer photographers who provide free professional portrait sessions in socio-economically challenged areas to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate. The Owens Photography Student Club’s outreach efforts included planning, sponsoring and operating a photo studio at the East Toledo Family Center in honor of Mother’s Day. During the event, Owens students provided service to 142 family groups through Help Portrait. Owens Photography Student Club members are Teri Birtwhistle of Toledo (commercial photography technology), Aaron Gonya of Arcadia (commercial photography technology), Cheri Guthrie of Waterville (commercial photography technology) and Matt Hamilton of Toledo (commercial photography technology).

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of six community leaders from Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Sandusky counties who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio. Owens Board of Trustees members include Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, Edwin J. Nagle of Toledo, William E. Takacs of Toledo and Thomas R. Uhler of Rossford.

Owens Community College Receives National Endowment for the Humanities Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Award

Posted on January 16th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College libraries on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses have earned the distinction of being chosen by the National Endowment for the Humanities, in collaboration with the American Library Association, to receive the prestigious Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Award.

The award is part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Bridging Cultures initiative, which engages the power of the humanities to promote understanding of and mutual respect for people with diverse histories, cultures and perspectives within the United States and abroad. Projects already funded under the Bridging Cultures initiatives address themes as varied as the role of civility in democracy, religious pluralism in the United States, the Muslim world and the humanities, the role of women in war and peace, and the history of relations between China and Africa, among others.

As part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, the National Endowment for the Humanities is collaborating with the American Library Association to present Muslim journeys, the first in a planned series of Bridging Cultures Bookshelves. Through Bridging Cultures Bookshelf program, the National Endowment for the Humanities will provide resources to enhance Owens’ library collections and their capacity to engage audiences in reflection on and conversation about the Bridging Cultures theme of the Muslim world.

“Owens Community College is extremely honored to be chosen to participate in the National Endowment for the Humanities Bridging Cultures initiative and the opportunity to raise awareness about the heritage and cultures of Muslims in this country and worldwide,” said Thomas Sink, Owens Library Dean. “I would like to thank the Owens Muslim Student Association as well as several local community groups for their enthusiastic support in helping Owens Community College secure such a prestigious honor.”

Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager on the Findlay-area Campus added, “The educational resources provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities will afford Owens Community College the opportunity to share the journeys made by Muslims to America through a variety of educational programming and resources. We look forward to celebrating diversity and its significance in our society through enriched learning opportunities.”

The Muslim Journeys Bookshelf provided to Owens will feature a book and video collection and is designed to introduce individuals to new and diverse perspectives on the people, places, histories, beliefs, practices and cultures. Educational programming will be open to the public and begin in the fall of 2013 on the College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities. National Endowment for the Humanities grants enrich classroom learning, create and preserve knowledge and bring ideas to life through public television, radio, new technologies, exhibitions and programs in libraries, museums and other community places.

Established in 1876, the American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world. Through its Public Programs Office, the American Library Association promotes cultural and community programming as an essential part of library service in all types and sizes of libraries.

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

Posted on January 10th, 2013

Karrie Alvarez of Fostoria (office administration technology)
Patricia Bellville of Toledo (medical office support)
Brittney Bialecki of Holland (health information technology)
Ashley Bogue of Kenton (registered nursing)
John Bohm of Maumee (networking and information systems support)
Rose Bonilla of Toledo (registered nursing)
Holly Brown of Findlay (pre-business administration)
David Castro of Toledo (computer programming technology)
Candice Coleman of Toledo (dental hygiene)
Melissa Cook of Fostoria (accounting technology)
Tamala Dyar of Wayne (commercial art technology)
Rechawn Fair of Toledo (dental hygiene)
Edward Flores of Northwood (pre-business administration)
Amy Hannum of Toledo (history)
Jonathan Harman of Perrysburg (alternative energy and sustainable systems technology)
Annette Harper of Holland (social work)
Jon Hens of Perrysburg (associate of arts, general concentration)
Holly Jester of Perrysburg (culinary arts)
Rebecca Jones of Perrysburg (welding)
Rick Juarez of Toledo (music business technology)
Pamela Lambert of Toledo (social work)
Laurie Maze of Parma (medical office support)
Joshua McCartney of Fostoria (mechanical)
Jenelle Milletti of Holland (pre-nursing)
Tracy Mossing of Sylvania (pre-nursing)
Karen Ricica of Toledo (accounting technology)
Tamra Roe of Northwood (associate of arts, general concentration)
Rebecca Sabin of Bowling Green (accounting technology)
Robert Siler of Toledo (registered nursing)
Matthew Slee of Holland (registered nursing)
Cristina St. Clair of Toledo (pre-nursing)
Robert St. John of Monclova (radiologic technology)
Taraghi Hedieh of Toledo (dental assisting)
Jessica VanDenEynde of Forest (social work)
Donna Welly of New Riegel (pre-physical therapist assistant)
Holly-Lynn Palmer-Wright of Toledo (accounting technology)
Marianne York of Toledo (accounting technology)
Anthony Young of Belmore (psychology)

Owens Board of Trustees Honors Express Volleyball Team

Posted on January 2nd, 2013

Owens officials and volleyball team members pose for a photo after being honored at the College’s Board of Trustees meeting.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored the Express women’s volleyball team for exhibiting leadership, teamwork and excellence during their highly successful 2012 season. Team members were recognized for their achievements at the College’s Board of Trustees meeting.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the Owens Community College Board of Trustees,” said Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics. “Our student-athletes would not be able to realize their full potential, both in competition and in the classroom, if not for the support of our Board of Trustees and our outstanding administration. For that, we are truly grateful.”

The Express women’s volleyball team recently completed one of its most successful seasons in program history finishing fourth among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. Owens served as the host site for the national tournament.

Owens totaled two victories and two loses during the three-day double elimination consolation tournament. Tournament wins came againstKirkwood Community College and Iowa Central Community College. The Express’ tournament loses were to Cowley County Community College and Parkland College. This was Owens’ third trip to the NJCAA Division II National championship tournament and their best finish in program history at this level, besting the 2003 team’s fifth place finish. Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Express women’s volleyball completed the 2012 season with a 37-11 overall record and captured its 12th Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship in the last 13 years. Coach Lewis’ squad finished 12-0 in the OCCAC regular season standings and was ranked No. 17 in the latest NJCAA Division II national volleyball regular season poll.

Team members are Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse, setter (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Alyssa Meis of Curtice, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.); Brandi Schimming of Martin, defensive specialist (Genoa H.S.); Kennedy Geyman of Monroe, Mich., defensive specialist/outside hitter (Jefferson H.S.); Tiffani Hobbs of Toledo, rightside hitter (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Kenzie Kleinhenz of St. Henry, rightside hitter (St. Henry H.S.); Dakia Sellers of Mansfield, outside hitter/middle blocker (Madison H.S.); Jazmine Thomas of Lima, middle blocker (Lima Senior H.S.); Lisa Urbanski of Toledo, defensive specialist (Notre Dame Academy); Bailey Windham of Monroe, Mich., setter (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), and Dominique Yates of Toledo, middle blocker/outside hitter (Bowsher H.S.).

Owens Community College Graduates Over 530 Students During Fall Commencement Ceremonies

Posted on December 18th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 530 Owens Community College students recently realized their educational goals and dreams as they were awarded degrees in various academic disciplines during the academic institution’s 32nd annual Fall Commencement ceremony.

For 42-year-old Amy Harrison of Toledo, a criminal justice technology major, Fall Commencement represents the start of new career aspirations within the field of law enforcement.

“I always had an interest in law enforcement and decided it was time to go back to school and pursue my passion,” explained Harrison, who has been working in accounting for the past 20 years. “Graduating with my degree in criminal justice is a sense of accomplishment and pride.”

Harrison, an Honors graduate, added, “I have learned so much during my time at Owens. There are so many great people who have helped me get to where I am today. I am extremely thankful and excited to begin my new law enforcement career as a dispatcher.”

Washington Court House resident Adam Wickensimer views his graduation from Owens as the first step in his educational journey as the 28-year-old intends to now pursue his bachelor’s degree in business through a unique articulation partnership between Owens and Ohio University.

“Every moment is significant in life and graduating from Owens is certainly a significant moment,” stated Wickensimer, an Honors Program Scholar as well as a published poet and a military veteran. “I eventually want to attend law school with the goal of serving as an advocate for the disadvantaged and minorities.”

Dr. Katherine Fell, President of The University of Findlay, served as the keynote speaker for the College’s Fall Commencement and provided the graduates with some words of encouragement as they begin the next stage of their lives.

“Graduates, I am honored to be here with you. I know that the faculty and staff of Owens Community College have prepared you well,” stated Fell. “In fact, I make some assumptions about you because you are graduating from this highly respected college: I assume that you are self-disciplined, curious about the world around you, and ready to begin, on this commencement day, the next stage of your education, whether that be pursuing another degree or learning on the job as you start a new career.”

Additionally, Chelsey McMillan, a registered nursing student, was selected as the Owens class representative and addressed the graduates during Fall Commencement ceremony.

McMillan’s speech highlighted the challenges she and the other graduates encountered on their own personal journeys.

“As I look out into this crowd, I know that each of us, however different we may seem or look, are all similar because we have all encountered obstacles and tragedies that made our goals seem impossible to reach,” stated the Monroe, Mich., resident. “I want to let you know that I am so proud of each and every one of you for possessing the courage and persistence to not give up on your dreams in times of hardship, but instead to excel and accomplish a major milestone.”

She added, “Congratulations on reaching such an incredible accomplishment. I wish you all the best of luck and may each of your personal journeys lead you to a world of success and happiness in your future careers.”

McMillan began her educational journey at Owens in January 2011 after working toward a nursing degree at another college.

“Right away at Owens, I noticed a supportive environment. I felt like the faculty wanted to see you succeed,” explained the 22-year-old.

In addition to the honor of being selected to represent her class, McMillan holds a 4.0 grade-point average at Owens and enjoys running marathons in her personal time.

She credits her success to the support and love of her family, as well as her boyfriend, Drew, and his family. She would like to thank the nursing faculty for its support, especially Julie Lohse, who McMillan described as her constant cheerleader.

After graduation, McMillan, a 2008 Jefferson High School graduate, envisions working as an Obstetrics Nurse and plans on pursuing her bachelor’s degree and eventually becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife or a Nurse Practitioner.

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Owens Community College Students Showcase Baking and Pastry Talents Through Delectable Desserts

Posted on December 4th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Area residents recently were invited to experience an array of amazing foods ranging from chocolate truffles to candy cane bark at the Owens Community College Terrace View Café as students within the Culinary Arts Program’s Baking and Pastry II class presented “An Evening of Chocolate” during a themed dessert buffet event.

The Baking and Pastry II class opened the College’s student-run Terrace View Café to the public as attendees enjoyed the opportunity to partake of Parisian macaroon cookies, chocolate cake pops, candy cane bark, hazelnut ice cream with brownie, white chocolate pistachio cookies, an assortment of chocolate truffles and chocolate with dipping pretzels, marsh mellow and strawberries. Owens’ restaurant is coordinated by the Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Department.

Owens students showcasing their talents were Shelbie Pinkelman of Metamora, Jerilyn St. Clair of Swanton, Amber Simmet of Delphos and Linzy Packard of Bowling Green. The Baking and Pastry II class is taught by Owens Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Instructor Kelly Wolfe.

The Baking and Pastry II class is designed to provide students with experiential learning related to fundamental baking techniques, food science and sensory perception as frameworks, among other academic areas. Classroom instruction includes the examination of taste, baking and pastry techniques, ingredients and spices, as well as academic curriculum that builds on previous educational learning in such areas as recipe research, recipe production for consumption, recipe evaluation and cost analysis.

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

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

Owens’ Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality also offers a three-semester Baking and Pastry Certificate Program for those individuals interested in becoming a professional baker or pastry chef.

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Owens Community College Honors Local Students for International Essay Writing Excellence

Posted on November 29th, 2012

International Essay Contest Winners (L to R) Madalyn Vesoulis, Savannah Brandon and Lauren Meyers pose for a photo with Owens Vice President and Provost Dr. Renay Scott during a special ceremony at Owens.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Three local middle school students were recently honored by Owens Community College’s Office of International Programs and Services for exhibiting writing excellence from a worldwide perspective as part of the first-ever International Essay Contest. Madalyn Vesoulis of Sylvania, Savannah Brandon of Mount Blanchard and Lauren Meyers of Fostoria were recognized for their accomplishments in conjunction with the academic institution’s celebration of International Education Week.

“Owens Community College’s Office of International Programs and Services is extremely honored and proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Madalyn Vesoulis, Savannah Brandon and Lauren Meyers,” said Deborah Gavlik, Owens Director of International Programs and Services. “Each of their respective schools should be proud of them as they shared a very unique view of the world through their essays. On behalf of Owens Community College, I want to thank Madalyn, Savannah and Lauren for sharing their thoughts on the importance of world history.”

Each recipient was invited to read their award-winning essay during a special ceremony at Owens. Madalyn Vesoulis, a seventh grade student at West Side Montessori School in Toledo, was awarded first place for her essay titled “Cutting the Direct Line to World History”. Her essay sponsoring teacher is Mary Brandon. Savannah Brandon garnered second place honors for her essay titled “A Lost Generation”. She attends Riverdale Local Schools in Mount Blanchard as an eighth grade student and her essay sponsoring teacher is Beth Wetherill. Third place honors went to Lauren Meyers for her “The Effects of World History” essay. An eighth grade student, Meyers attends St. Wendelin Catholic School in Fostoria. Her essay sponsoring teacher is Adam Flugga.

The award-winning essays were chosen by a panel of current and retired Owens faculty and staff, as well as Owens international students. Selection criteria included overall impression of the essay, how the essay engages the reader, grammar, organization, and main and supporting ideas, among other areas. Each applicant could choose from several questions focused on international education. The essay submissions were based on their own personal beliefs and experiences.

International Education Week was established as part of a joint initiative with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to support programs dedicated to preparing Americans for a global environment and to attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

Owens’ Office of International Programs and Services is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities to international students from around the globe. During the Fall Semester, over 115 students from 35 countries are pursuing higher education at Owens. Countries represented in Owens’ international student enrollment are Kenya, Egypt, China, India, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Nigeria and South Korea, among others.

Additionally, in the past several years, the College’s International Programs and Services has established several new study abroad educational opportunities for Owens students in such countries as China, Peru and Greece. Furthermore, eight students are attending Owens this fall term through the Community Colleges for International Development, which is supported through the U.S. Department of State, among many other initiatives.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Students Receive Board of Trustees Excellence Awards

Posted on November 8th, 2012

FINDLAY, Ohio – Owens Community College students Hannah Russell of Findlay and Jeffrey Hansell of Findlay 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.

Russell received the Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership, while Hansell was honored with the Certificate of Recognition for Exemplary Academic Achievement. The two students were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Russell was nominated by Dana Roof for her leadership and serving as a positive role model for students pursuing a college education at Owens. The social work major has devoted her time in advancing the mission of Owens through such initiatives as serving as a Bridge to Success Program peer mentor, working in the advising area as a student worker and through her visits to high schools where she shares her message of how Owens changed her life.

Hansell, a CAD technology major, was nominated by Eric Duling for his achievement and his focus on student learning while mentoring and assisting students. Hansell’s exemplary academic achievement in design technologies, including his application of concepts to fully functioning assemblies, has been instrumental in his ability as a student worker to articulate the applications of design to enhance student success among his fellow students.

The Board of Trustees Student Life Committee was chartered last year 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.

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of eight community leaders from Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Sandusky counties who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio. Owens Board of Trustees members include Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Allan J. Libbe of Perrysburg, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, R J Molter of Woodville, Edwin J. Nagle of Toledo, William E. Takacs of Toledo and Thomas R. Uhler of Rossford.

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Owens Community College Announces Gateway to College Program Spring Application Process

Posted on October 26th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Area residents between the ages of 16 and 21 who are interested in receiving a second chance to realize their fullest academic and career potential are invited to apply for the upcoming 2013 Gateway to College program student class at Owens Community College as the academic institution is now accepting applications for the Spring Semester.

Interested applicants can also receive additional details about the program by attending one of several informational sessions taking place Mondays at 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the College’s Learning Center at The Source through Dec. 13. The Learning Center is located on Monroe Street in downtown Toledo. Each one-hour session will provide additional information about the program and the application process.

In 2011, Owens, in partnership with Toledo Public Schools, was awarded a $325,000 start-up grant from Gateway to College National Network to implement Gateway to College, a nationally recognized dropout recovery program.

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.

Up to 150 students from Toledo Public Schools will be served through the program over the next three years. 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.

Students are placed into small learning communities during their first (Foundation) term, and together they take classes in reading, writing, math and college skills. After completing the Foundation term, students transition to the comprehensive campus, taking classes with the general student population. Throughout their enrollment in the program, students receive one-on-one advising and support from resource specialists who act as coaches, mentors and advisors. The wrap-around support of the resource specialist keeps students on the right track for success.

Students graduate from Gateway to College once they have completed their high school diploma requirements. Nationally, Gateway to College students accrue an average of 35 college credits by the time they graduate from the program, putting them well on their way to earning a college credential.

Fifty students are currently enrolled in the program as part of the first Gateway to College class during the fall term. Owens is one of over 30 community and technical colleges 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 by Dec. 14. Spring classes begin Jan. 7.

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.

Owens Community College Receives National Sustainability Leadership Award

Posted on October 25th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College has been selected as one of only nine colleges and universities nationwide to receive a 2012 Sustainability Leadership Award from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Now in its seventh year, the AASHE Sustainability Awards program recognizes the exemplary efforts of faculty and staff, campuses and students within the areas of research and leadership specific to advance sustainability.

The College was named the recipient of the Campus Sustainability Case Study Award for its outstanding service learning, campus outreach and sustainability efforts related to the new Community Garden and Owens Harvest Food Pantry initiatives. Both outreach programs were established within the last two years and provide collaborative learning opportunities for students as well as faculty and staff in various academic departments and disciplines. The two initiatives also offer financial help and assistance to students in the form of perishable and non-perishable food resources.

“Sustainability in higher education continues to gain momentum and we are proud to recognize both the veteran as well as the new student leaders in these activities,” said Paul Rowland, Executive Director of AASHE. “Our award winners show us that higher education does make a difference in advancing sustainability and that it can lead the sustainability transformation.”

“Owens Community College is extremely proud to be recognized as a higher educational leader in sustainability by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education,” said Krista Kiessling, Owens Director of Service Learning. “Receiving the Sustainability Leadership Award is quite an honor and certainly affirms the academic institution’s commitment to philanthropy, service and education for our students.”

The winners of the 2012 Sustainability Leadership Awards will be featured in the December issue of “Sustainability: The Journal of Record”. In addition to Owens, other colleges and universities receiving national honors include the University of Tennessee, the University of California, Berkeley, Humboldt State College, the University of Oregon, Alfred State College, Skidmore College, the University of British Columbia and the University of Wisconsin.

AASHE is committed to creating a brighter future of opportunity for all by advancing sustainability in higher education. By creating a diverse community engaged in sharing ideas and promising practices, AASHE provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the business that serve them, with thought leadership and essential knowledge resources, outstanding opportunities for professional development and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives.

Pinning Ceremony Honors Practical Nursing Certificate Students at Owens

Posted on October 16th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 20 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to practical nursing during a recent ceremony. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

Nursing students receiving their honorary pins include Angela Adams of Toledo, Diona Brown of Toledo, Michael Carr of Swanton, Tiffany Carter of Toledo, Melissa Clinard of Rossford, Erica Davenport of Walbridge, Jana Detrick of Toledo, Amber Dunbar of Toledo, Jennifer Guzman of Findlay, Jennifer Isbell of Oregon, Candace Jewell of Toledo, Brittany Joly of Toledo, Brittany Lasher of Curtice, Christopher Lender of Millbury, Lei Liu of Perrysburg, Melissa McGee of Toledo, Kelly McGinnis of Genoa, Siddhi Patel of Pikeville, Ky., Keon Ruplinger of Delta, Amy Snider of Findlay, Michael Thieman of Toledo, Charles Thuita of Sylvania and Suzanne Weyer of Findlay.

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

Posted on September 28th, 2012

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

ShaRhonda Barbour of Toledo (occupational therapy assistant)

Jennifer Basinger of Northwood (pre-business administration)

Loral Browning of Toledo (financial services sales)

Erica Davenport of Walbridge (licensed practical nursing)

Dawn Davis of Toledo (business management technology)

Jodi Dlugoleski of Perrysburg (medical assisting)

Sondra Garbers of Delta (accounting technology)

Kathleen Gerity of Whitehouse (information systems technology)

Alma Gomez of Toledo (pre-radiologic technology)

Moriah Gromer of Toledo (criminal justice technology)

Monica Hartman of Toledo (commercial art technology)

Ashley Hileman of Napoleon (pre-business administration)

Robin Hoffman of Dunbridge (CAD technology)

David Jaime of Holland (business management technology)

Trista Kitts of Toledo (diagnostic medical sonography)

Rachel Knott of Maumee (multi-age education)

Roxanne Lehman of Findlay (accounting technology)

Cori Lucio of Toledo (business management technology)

Duane Malanchuk of Toledo (e-business technology)

Adam Masters of Perrysburg (massage therapy technology)

Steve Mikoleski of Sylvania (networking and information systems support)

Marquetta Modisett of Toledo (early childhood education technology)

Kelsy Nagle of Sylvania (criminal justice technology)

Kimberly Nieset of Fostoria (medical assisting)

Michelle Pierce of Oregon (baking and pastry)

Malinda Rosenbrook of Toledo (early childhood education technology)

Lora Routzon of Findlay (registered nursing)

Nisha Saeed of Toledo (radiologic technology)

Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (early childhood education)

Shelly Steinmetz of Wharton (early childhood education technology)

Nikoy Wallace of Northwood (diesel technology)

Alexis Westphal of Maumee (pre-nursing)

Caroline Young of Toledo (criminal justice technology)

Nuhad Zeitoun of Oregon (medical assisting)

Heather Zimmerman of Toledo (licensed practical nursing)

Shelbi Beaupre of McClure (radiologic technology)

Sean Binkley of Toledo (nuclear medicine)

Debra Bourn of Toledo (criminal justice technology)

Terry Burkhead of Toledo (pre-business administration)

Heather Cavallaro of Lambertville, Mich. (medical assisting)

Juan Chapa Jr. of Monclova (diesel technology)

Tirzah Davis of Toledo (registered nursing)

Steven Dickens of Oregon (biomedical electronics)

Myron Draime of Northwood (electrical)

Tiffany Finch of Holland (criminal justice technology)

Dana Frederick of Toledo (associate of arts general concentration)

Leesa Frost of Woodville (computer programming technology)

Kathleen Gerity of Whitehouse (information systems technology)

Jo Ellen Gross of Findlay (medical office support)

Teri Hansen of Toledo (pre-nursing)

James Howard of Toledo (business management technology)

Margaret Ingram of Toledo (registered nursing)

Jerry Isom of Toledo (commercial art technology)

Karen Jackson of Toledo (pre-surgical)

Pamela Johnson of Findlay (office administration technology)

Katlyn Keller of Perrysburg (occupational therapy assistant)

Katrina King of Cygnet (business management technology)

Carol Kopp of Maumee (medical assisting)

Ruth Kuohn of Toledo (medical office support)

Kevin Leemaster of Fostoria (biomedical electronics)

Sasha Lindhorst of Toledo (occupational therapy assistant)

Deanna Lopez of Toledo (office administration technology)

Michelle Lozoya of Curtice (psychology)

LaRhonda McCoy of Toledo (small business management technology)

Melissa Milazzo of Oregon (early childhood education technology)

Tabitha Mixon of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Brittany Morris of Northwood (radiologic technology)

Davina Pettaway of Toledo (criminal justice technology)

Linda Pina of Arcadia (office administration technology)

Andrew Pinciotti of Millbury (commercial art technology)

Heidi Pocock of New Riegel (registered nursing)

Mary Puterbaugh of Toledo (culinary arts)

Perla Ruiz-Santiago of Toledo (early childhood education technology)

Samar Saleh of Toledo (associate of science general concentration)

Debra Shannak of Perrysburg (office administration technology)

Toni Shultz-Heilman of Vanlue (criminal justice technology)

Kathy Smith of Fostoria (accounting technology)

Melissa Steinmetz of Republic (pre-pharmacy)

Judy Stewart of Oregon (occupational therapy assistant)

Kristi Tiell of Toledo (pre-medical imaging)

April Tiell of Arcadia (small business management technology)

Arthur Traxler of Toledo (pre-massage therapy)

Maria Trease of Toledo (early childhood education)

Robert Vidra of Maumee (CAD technology)

Adam Vitek of Findlay (computer programming technology)

Rhonda Wells of Findlay (licensed practical nursing)

Dawn Williamson of Benton Ridge (accounting technology)

Krissada Wongsa of Perrysburg (automotive technology)

Elizabeth Yeager of Toledo (culinary arts)

Northwest Ohio Community Leaders and Organizations Honored During Diamante Community Awards Event at Owens

Posted on September 18th, 2012

Diamante Awards recipients (L to R) Alberto Serrano-Chavez, Cynthia Geronimo, Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union President/CEO Sue Cuevas and Celeste Taylor take time to pose for a group photo at Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Northwest Ohio community leaders and organizations, as well as area college and university students, recently were honored for their achievements and service to the Latino community as Owens Community College served as host to the 23rd annual Diamante Awards.

In addition to recognizing four Diamante (diamond in Spanish) Awards recipients, scholarships were presented to over 20 students from Owens Community College, Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University and The University of Toledo – the four Northwest Ohio academic institutions whose partnership in the awards program benefits their Latino students.

Diamante Award recipients are chosen based on recognition of exemplary leadership/achievements within the Latino community or community at large, or demonstrated excellence in their fields; dedication and commitment in an ethical and inclusive fashion, and modeling qualities and behaviors of a mentor for youth and the community.

The Diamante Award recipient in the category of Corporate/Community Agency is Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union (NECCU). The organization was federally chartered in 2010 to provide access to financial service to the largely underserved Hispanic population of Toledo. The credit union was created to offer services to immigrant and low-income Hispanic families and has obtained a low-income designation from the National Credit Union Administration. NECCU is the first Latino community credit union in Ohio.

NECCU provides services in the Old South End of Toledo, an economically underprivileged area of 4,406 households. Due to the unique characteristics of this target market, NECCU integrates financial services with education to improve members’ financial literacy. In addition to basic financial services, NECCU staff offer one-on-one 15-minute orientations to new members when they inquire about share savings or share certificates of deposit (current services).

Alberto Serrano-Chavez of Maumee received the Diamante Award in the category of Latino Youth Leadership. Serrano-Chavez was born in Logrono, Spain and moved to Ohio at the age of three. He graduated with honors from Maumee High School in 2012. Serrano-Chavez was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the main arteries and underwent several open heart surgeries and other, less intrusive, operations to correct his heart issues throughout his life.

Now fully recovered from his health problems, Serrano-Chavez has been heavily involved in community service and leadership, which began with his acceptance into the 2009-10 class of Youth Leadership Toledo. After graduating from Youth Leadership Toledo, he was a two-year member of YIPEE during his junior and senior years in high school. While in YIPEE, he learned about fundraising, grants and non-profit organizations alongside other Youth Leadership Toledo graduates. Both years that he was a member, the organization raised more than $17,000.

Serrano-Chavez, who plans on studying individualized-business with an emphasis on fundraising and a minor in music at Bowling Green State University, wants to help others with the valuable life lessons he has learned and envisions working for Musicians On Call, which is an organization that brings musicians to hospitals so they can perform for people who are too sick to leave their beds.

The recipient of the Diamante Award in the category of Latina Adult Leadership is Cynthia “Cindy” Geronimo of Toledo. Geronimo serves as the Executive Director of the Lucas County Land Bank, whose mission is to preserve property values and strengthen neighborhoods. She is a dedicated public servant who is passionate about making a positive impact in the surrounding communities.

After graduating from Libbey High School, Geronimo enlisted in the 180th Ohio Air National Guard where she served for nine years and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. She was honorably discharged in 1995 and received several honors including two medals of Honor for Expeditionary Service and Meritorious Service.

Geronimo has served in the community as a past member of several boards such as the City of Toledo Youth Commission, United Way Steering Committee, Diamante Awards, Latino Vote and the Viva South Community Development Corporation. She currently holds board-level membership with ProMedica Insurance Corporation and is a member of the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions, Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities and the City of Toledo Board of Community Relations.

The Diamante Award recipient in the category of Latina Adult Professional is Celeste Taylor of Toledo. Upon arriving at EOPA years ago, Taylor began her advocacy for services within the Latino community to include translating all materials into Spanish to provide self-sufficiency opportunities, facilitating Spanish-speaking workshops and raising funds to help children and families receive new clothing for winter and toys for Christmas.

In her quest to ensure that Latinos are treated fairly, Taylor has instituted several procedures and programs to meet their needs. Such efforts include hiring a Bilingual Family Service Worker that provides services to the Latino families in Spanish, securing multiple grants to enhance the lives of area residents and obtaining school supplies, with the help and support of family and friends, for Latino children. Taylor’s dedication and commitment to EOPA goes above and beyond her regular job duties and has had a profound impact on the Latino community and the organization.

In addition to Diamante Award winners, scholarships were awarded to students exhibiting academic excellence, service and leadership at the highest level. Scholarship recipients include Stephanie Garcia of Goshen, Ind. (BGSU student) (BGSU Diamante Foundation Scholarship), Diana Gonsalez of Claypool, Ind. (BGSU student) (BGSU Diamante Foundation Scholarship), Maria Figueroa of Goshen, Ind. (BGSU student) (BGSU Diamante Huntington Bank Endowed Scholarship), Rachel Martinez of Oregon (UT student) (Diamante Image Latino Scholarship), Mia Steen of Maumee (UT Student) (Diamante Image Latino Scholarship), Andres Zapata of Gibsonburg (UT student) (Diamante Image Latino Scholarship), Andres Zapata of Gibsonburg (UT student) (KeyBank Diamante Latino Scholarship), Elisea O’Donnell of Holland (Lourdes student) (Lourdes University Diamante Scholarship), Maria Symeou of Toledo (Lourdes student) (Lourdes University Diamante Scholarship), Krystel Castilleja of Toledo (Owens student) (Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship), Rajesh Felix of Perrysburg (Owens student) (Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship), Sarah Felix of Perrysburg (Owens student) (Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship), Esperanza Gonzales of Toledo (Owens student) (Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship) and Hanna Guerra of Toledo (Owens student) (Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship).

Diamante Award scholarship recipients also are Nichole Plasensio of Toledo (Lourdes student) (PNC Diamante Latino Scholars Fund), Larry Sloan of Rossford (UT student) (PNC Diamante Latino Scholars Fund), Gina Voltaire of Findlay (Owens student) (PNC Diamante Latino Scholars Fund), Corina Flores of Leipsic (UT student) (Owens Corning Foundation Diamante Latino Scholars Fund), Diana Lagunovich of Findlay (Owens student) (Owens Corning Foundation Diamante Latino Scholars Fund), Amparo Pecina of Toledo (Lourdes student) (Owens Corning Foundation Diamante Latino Scholars Fund), Samantha Berryhill of Toledo (Owens student) (Spanish American Organization Scholarship) and Dianna Ysasi of Toledo (Owens student) (Spanish American Organization Scholarship).

The annual Diamante Awards, comprising Owens Community College, Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University and The University of Toledo, was founded in 1989 by IMAGE of Northwest Ohio, a local chapter of a national Latino non-profit organization, to recognize individuals and organizations in the local Hispanic community for their outstanding contributions. The initiative includes providing scholarships and other support to make it possible for Latino students to achieve their fullest potential by attending an institution of higher learning.

Owens Community College Veterans Services Receives 2013 Military Friendly School National Honor

Posted on September 17th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College has earned the distinction of being designated as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, a nationally-recognized media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools listing honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools for exemplary efforts in embracing America’s military service members and veterans as students.

“Owens Community College’s Office of Veterans Services is extremely honored to once again be chosen as a Military Friendly School,” said Vickie Adams, Owens Director of Veterans Services. “This marks the third consecutive year that the Office of Veterans Services has earned this distinction, which certainly reaffirms Owens’ dedication to meeting the educational needs of veterans throughout the region.”

“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows Owens Community College’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, Director for “G.I. Jobs” and Vice President at Victory Media.

Victory Media honored 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools as Military Friendly Schools for their commitment to providing an array of services to military veterans, including scholarships, veterans’ clubs and staff support, among other resources. The 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled through extensive research and a data driven survey of more than 12,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board consisting of educators from schools across the country.

Owens’ Office of Veterans Services is dedicated to assisting veterans, active service persons, reservists and eligible dependents in their pursuit of a college education. Over 340 individuals representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard are involved in Owens’ veterans services programs.

Victory Media is a service-based, veteran-owned small business founded in 2001. The organization publishes “G.I. Jobs”, “The Guide to Military Friendly Schools”, “Military Spouse” and “Vetrepreneur” magazines and has set the standard for ranking America’s most “military-friendly” employers.

Owens Community College Honors Retiring Board of Trustees Members

Posted on September 13th, 2012

Retiring Owens Board of Trustees (L to R) R J Molter and Allan Libbe pose for a photo with Board Chair Dee Talmage following the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Board of Trustees members Allan J. Libbe of Perrysburg and R J Molter of Woodville were recently honored for their combined 60 years of service and commitment to the academic institution and the Board of Trustees. Both Libbe and Molter are retiring at the end of their terms and were recognized at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

“Words cannot begin to express the Owens Community College Board of Trustees’ appreciation to Allan Libbe and R J Molter,” said Dee Talmage, Chair of the Owens Community College Board of Trustees. “Allan and R J have been instrumental in impacting the lives of thousands of students through their leadership and support of higher education. On behalf of Owens Community College and the Board of Trustees, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both of them.”

Initially appointed to the Board of Trustees in September 1992, Libbe is one of three founders of Rudolph/Libbe in 1955 and now serves as Secretary/Treasurer of Rudolph/Libbe Companies. He earned a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science degree from Bowling Green State University.

During his Board of Trustees tenure, Libbe served as Board Chair (1996-97) and Vice Chair (1993-95) and was a member of the Finance Committee (2001-12). He also has held membership on the Owens Community College Foundation Board, prior to and since its incorporation in 2002.

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

Molter’s involvement on the College’s Board of Trustees includes serving as Board Chair (1974-77) (1998-99) and Vice Chair (1986-89) (1996-97) (2011). Additionally, he assisted in the establishment of the Ohio Technical and Community College Association Directory of Trustees. The state organization is now known as the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, which represents Ohio’s 23 community colleges.

Molter has served with five of the College’s six presidents and provided leadership in the growth and development of Owens Community College from a technical college to a comprehensive state community college and from 25 acres to more than 400 acres, including expansion to Hancock County and Lucas County. He also has witnessed approximately 30,133 diplomas conferred upon Owens graduates.

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

Owens Board of Trustees members include Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Allan J. Libbe of Perrysburg, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, R J Molter of Woodville, Edwin J. Nagle of Toledo, William E. Takacs of Toledo and Thomas R. Uhler of Rossford.

Owens Community College Named International Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program Recipient

Posted on August 29th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College has earned the distinction of being chosen by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, a division of the Institute of International Education, to participate in the internationally-recognized Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program for the 2012-13 academic year. This marks the first time that the academic institution has received the prestigious honor.

As part of the international program, Farzona Rahimova, a native of Sughd, Tajikistan, will serve as the College’s Fulbright Scholar and share her knowledge and expertise with employees and students in the School of Business during the Fall and Spring semesters on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Additionally, she will assist in developing new business courses with an international focus and serve as a guest lecturer in several other academic disciplines such as geography, political science, history, economics, sociology and international studies. Rahimova, who will reside in Perrysburg, also will assist Owens faculty in assessing their courses from a global perspective.

“Owens Community College is honored to be selected as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program participant,” said Deborah Gavlik, Owens Director of International Programs and Services. “We are proud to welcome Farzona Rahimova to the United States and Owens Community College as the school’s first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence and look forward to engaging both the campus community and the surrounding communities as we share learning and experiences globally.”

Rahimova most recently served as Branch Manager at Habitat for Humanity Tijikistan where she has provided leadership in the construction of 17 new home build projects, repaired more than 70 semi-built houses and provided technical assistance for more than 1,200 families in Sughd. One of her direct responsibilities at Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan is to manage the training unit, which includes the development and coordination of vocational construction training. In addition to her role with Habitat, Rahimova has provided training on HIV prevention and financial education for migrant families.

Her passion and advocacy for education includes involvement in the development of business education and entrepreneurship for families headed by women. As a result, Rahimova joined Junior Achievement Tajikistan and developed school curricula on applied economics for schools with the Junior Achievement program. She also worked on the translation and adaptation of a “Global Business Ethics” textbook and teacher guide. Additionally, Rahimova served as a part-time business trainer at the National Association of Business Women of Tajikistan, providing start-up business planning for women.

Rahimova has taught at the Institute of Trade and Economy in Khujand. Among the academic courses in which she has provided her expertise are economic geography, small business management, business planning and international economic relations. Her course in international economic relations was taught in the English language. Rahimova’s educational background also includes participating in an internship program at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, where she obtained knowledge about innovative, interactive and student-centered methods of teaching.

For more than 60 years, the Council for International Exchange of Scholars has helped administer the Fulbright Scholar Program, the U.S. government’s flagship academic exchange effort, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence participants teach primarily at the undergraduate level in world area studies courses/programs, interdisciplinary courses/programs that focus on global issues or courses where participation of a visiting scholarship can provide a cross-cultural or international perspective. Program participants also participate in a variety of campus and community activities aimed at strengthening the international programs and perspectives of institutions of higher education and the community. Approximately 50 grants are awarded annually as part of the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program.

Owens’ Office of International Programs and Services is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities to international students from around the globe. This past Spring Semester, 107 students from 32 countries pursued higher education at Owens. Countries represented in Owens’ international student enrollment were Kenya, Egypt, China, India, Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and South Korea, among others.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Recognizes Honors Program Student During Honors Medallion Ceremony, Aug. 8

Posted on August 7th, 2012

FINDLAY, Ohio – An Owens Community College student pursuing academic studies at the highest level will be honored for her educational success and leadership as the Honors Program serves as host to an Honors Medallion Ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 8.

The special ceremonies will culminate with the bestowing of an Owens Honors Program medallion to Christy Hamman of Bloomdale at 5 p.m. in the College’s Education Center Room 172 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. The Honors Medallion Ceremony is open to the public.

Hamman is completing her academic studies at Owens during this current summer term and is graduating with an Associate of Arts degree. The 2012 Elmwood High School graduate plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Spanish at Heidelberg University and eventually a career as a medical interpreter. During this past Spring Semester, Hamman, who holds a 3.86 grade point average, earned the opportunity to present at the College’s Honors Symposium. Her paper titled “Coming Into Heritage: The Joy Luck Club” focused on multicultural literature.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud to recognize Christy Hamman for her academic achievement,” said Dr. Russell Bodi, Owens Professor of English and Honors Program Director. “The Honors Program is designed to foster an educational environment in which students can excel to their fullest potential. Christy is an outstanding leader with a bright future ahead of her. The Honors Program commends her on her accomplishment.”

The Honors Program at Owens was founded with the overall mission of providing a challenging educational opportunity, above and beyond the standard curriculum, for exceptional students who strive for academic excellence. Over 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 with 12 credits completed at Owens. A new student must have achieved a high school 3.2 grade point average or be enrolled as a post secondary enrollment option student.

Owens Honors Program graduates are able to continue their educational pursuits at Bowling Green State University, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Toledo as the academic institutions have in place seamless transfer agreements between the respective Honors Programs.

30 Owens Community College Students to Graduate During Basic Peace Officer Academy Completion Ceremony, Aug. 7

Posted on August 3rd, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Thirty Owens Community College students will be honored for their exemplary academic achievements as new Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduates during a Basic Peace Officer Completion Ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

The special ceremonies will occur at 7 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The College’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduation is open to the public.

“Owens Community College is proud to continue its collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and recognize these 30 individuals for their educational accomplishment,” said Robert Albright, Owens Academic Program Chair of Criminal Justice and Emergency Management. “Our nation would not experience freedom and safety as we know it without each graduate’s decision to pursue a career in public service.”

Owens police academy graduates have completed the required number of law enforcement contact hours set forth by the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

The College’s Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Day Academy graduates are Jordan Cramer of Liberty Center, Ryan Curry of Youngstown (sponsored by Youngstown Police Department), Brent Curtis of Bowling Green (sponsored by Wayne Police Department), Tyler Farkas of Williston, Cassius Hudson of Toledo, Donald Kreager Jr. of Woodville, Jonathan Penny of Toledo, Marcalis Quinones of Sylvania, Kyle Robison of Perrysburg, Andrew Rudnik of Avon Lake and Robin Valentine of Delta.

Owens students graduating from the Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy include Kevin Benbow of Maumee, Mark Bratt of Toledo, Derrick Cox of Sylvania, Jay Dettmer of Bowling Green, Olivia Donbrosky of Delta, Anthony Grindstaff of Toledo (sponsored by Mercy Health Partners Public Safety Department), Jason Jaworski of Maumee, Thomas Killen Jr. of Maumee, Benjimin Kiser of Perrysburg, Nicholas Migliori of Woodville (sponsored by Mercy Health Partners Public Safety Department), Cynthia Moll of Toledo (sponsored by Haskins Police Department), Adam Petiniot of Maumee, Carl Ray Jr. of Toledo, Ryan Rowe of Toledo, Chad Siebeneck of Carey, Cory Sosbe of Northwood, Gary Stewart of Toledo, Joshua Tropf of Toledo and Matthew Zakrzewski of Lambertville, Mich.

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Spring Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Posted on August 2nd, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – 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.

“Owens Community College is proud to recognize these new inductees for their outstanding dedication and commitment to higher education,” said Rick Clever, Owens Technical Director of Fine and Performing Arts and Co-Advisor. “Selection to Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is certainly an honor that can only be achieved as a result of hard work and determination. Each and every student is very deserving and should be commended for their tremendous achievement.”

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2012 Spring Semester are:

William Adams of Temperance, Mich. (technical studies)

Mariel Andrews of Bellevue (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Brian Barry of Toledo (pre-medical imaging)

Samantha Berryhill of Toledo (psychology)

Amanda Bigler of Toledo (communication studies)

William Boyer of Custar (architectural engineering technology)

Joseph Brower of Temperance, Mich. (automotive service management)

Justin Brownell of Bowling Green (wide-area networking technology)

Nicole Buchanan of Genoa (dental hygiene)

Christopher Bursten of Toledo (automation electronics)

Tristan Burt of Toledo (pre-medical imaging)

Jason Carlton of Perrysburg (networking and information systems support)

Holly Carr of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Jamie Carroll of Northwood (pre-health information)

Ryan Carter of Maumee (black belt technology)

Angela Castillo of Archbold (pre-nursing)

Megan Cichy of Toledo (pre-medical imaging)

Kimberly Clark of Toledo (gender studies)

Emily Cohen of Perrysburg (early childhood education)

Kristen Colter of Swanton (pre-nursing)

Adrianna Covarrubias of Toledo (world languages)

Matthew Crawford of Sylvania (history)

Brookelynn Diaz of Findlay (world languages)

Nicole Drake of Pemberville (associate of arts general concentration)

Laura Driscoll of Fremont (pre-nursing)

Brandon Eldridge of Monclova (early childhood education)

Nathan Erich of Bellville (John Deere technician)

Rebecca Everson of Grand Rapids (pre-occupational therapy)

Kurt Fairchild of Bowling Green (pre-business administration)

Rajesh Felix of Perrysburg (mathematics)

Sarah Felix of Perrysburg (mathematics)

Tobias Flemming of Maumee (journalism)

Audriana Fouts of Arcadia (journalism)

Calla Fraley of Toledo (accounting technology)

Kurt Franck III of Perrysburg (associate of arts general concentration)

Brad Gahler of Toledo (business management technology)

Keva Gray of Toledo (business management technology)

Sheila Gray of Millbury (accounting technology)

Livia Greener of Oak Harbor (associate of science general concentration)

Chandler Gressman of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)

Taylor Hahn of Oregon (communication studies)

Casey Haley of Holland (business management technology)

Kayleigh Harrington of Waterville (communication studies)

Mary Hartwig of Curtice (pre-cancer information)

Chris Hatfield of Toledo (associate of arts general concentration)

Steve Hayes of Toledo (associate of arts general concentration)

Emily Heldt of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Lawrence Heninger of Bowling Green (biomedical electronics)

Julia HennemanDallape of Oregon (pre-nursing)

Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse (pre-nursing)

Andrew Holliger of Perrysburg (adolescence education)

Bradley Hooser of West Unity (commercial art technology)

Michelle Houck of Toledo (diagnostic medical sonography)

Melissa Humphress of Findlay (pre-medical imaging)

Hannah Jacobs of Luckey (social work)

David Jaime of Holland (business management technology)

Terrina Jaynes of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Sunzarae Johnson of Toledo (manufacturing)

Shadia Jomaa of Toledo (nuclear medicine)

Sean Kaighin of Oregon (adolescence education)

Adam Kominek of Toledo (psychology)

Lisa Krider of Lambertville, Mich. (marketing and sales technology)

Margaret Krieger of Perrysburg (multi-age education)

Nikki Laws of Toledo (pre-dietetic)

Angela Lemble of Toledo (business management technology)

Shaowen Lo of Perrysburg (pre-business administration)

Bethany Lollar of Toledo (associate of arts general concentration)

Lynne Long of Walbridge (office support)

Walter Longoria Jr. of Toledo (information systems technology)

Maria Luna of Holland (associate of arts general concentration)

Ana Patricia Marquez of Toledo (pre-professional engineering)

Korissa Maxcy of Toledo (early childhood education)

Darryl Mays of Oregon (networking and information systems support)

Melissa Mcgaharan of Toledo (criminal justice technology)

Victoria McGinnis of Perrysburg (pre-licensed practical nursing to registered nursing)

Michelle McHaffie of Maumee (information systems technology)

Ana McKee of Perrysburg (business management technology)

Brian McKenzie of Bowling Green (computer programming technology)

Joann Meiring of Wauseon (pre-nursing)

Ryon Michalak of Perrysburg (chemistry)

Ashlyn Michalak of Walbridge (pre-business administration)

Roberta Montrie of Maumee (office coordination)

Nicholas Morgan of Holland (multi-age education)

Levi Murphy of Grand Rapids (pre-business administration)

Dianna Nevius of Gibsonburg (culinary arts)

Penny Niederkohr of Carey (pre-nursing)

Sarah Nofziger of Swanton (criminal justice technology)

Zeina Nuhfer of Toledo (accounting)

Stephanie Nusbaum of Temperance, Mich. (biomedical electronics)

Amanda Ollila of Toledo (medical coding)

Cynthia Ortega of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)

Tom Otieno of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Sierra Parker of Perrysburg (world languages)

Sunina Patel of Toledo (dental hygiene)

Joshua Pettit of Walbridge (criminal justice technology)

Katherine Philo of Perrysburg (diagnostic medical sonography)

Shelbie Pinkelman of Metamora (auto body technician)

Julie Pitts of Columbus Grove (business management technology)

Kristy Polan of Weston (pre-licensed practical nursing to registered nursing)

Karen Porter of Findlay (networking and information systems support)

Maria Ratushinskaya of Bowling Green (CAD technology)

Nathaniel Rusch of Bowling Green (associate of arts general concentration)

Chelsea Sanders of Walbridge (public relations and advertising)

Jeremy Santus of Maumee (information systems technology)

Danielle Schumann of Toledo (pre-pharmacy)

Richard Scott Jr. of Toledo (pre-business administration)

Jason Shasteen of Toledo (business management technology)

Kendra Shellhammer of Rossford (pre-business administration)

Jamille Simon of Perrysburg (accounting technology)

Nathan Skowronek of Holland (computer science)

David Slaughter II of Lambertville, Mich. (international business technical)

Barbara Smith of Toledo (associate of science general concentration)

Margie Sparks of Maumee (John Deere technician)

Ciara Stewart of Toledo (accounting technology)

Robert St. John of Swanton (computer science)

Deanna Swafford of Toledo (medical office support)

Angela Todd of Bowling Green (pre-nursing)

Melinda Tulak of Toledo (medical office support)

Shannon Turner of Toledo (social work)

Maja Valusek of Toledo (office administration technology)

Joshua Vasko of Oregon (business management technology)

Justin Velliquette of Oak Harbor (pre-business administration)

Stephanie Wagner of Fostoria (pre-nursing)

Dawn Walker of Toledo (early childhood education)

Melissa Walker of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)

Ashleigh Walsh of Toledo (business management technology)

Mark Wasserman of Millbury (John Deere technician)

Angela Webb of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Jayme Weber of Sylvania (pre-biotechnology)

Brian Wickensimer of Washington Court House (computer science)

Ronald Williams II of Toledo (multi-age education)

Adam Witteman of Mount Cory (accounting technology)

Christopher Wolfe of Toledo (associate of science general concentration)

Ebrahim Yasin of Toledo (marketing and sales technology)

Tonya Young of Elmore (accounting technology)

Tiffany Young of Toledo (associate of science general concentration)

Travis Zunk of Martin (pre-business administration)

Owens Community College Faculty Member Chris Foley Receives National Educator of the Year Award

Posted on June 26th, 2012

Owens Associate Professor of Science Chris Foley (left) provides instruction to one of his classes.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Associate Professor of Science Chris Foley of Swanton has been chosen by the Professional Landcare Network Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) to receive the prestigious 2012 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for exemplary contributions and dedication to students and green industry education.

The Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, developed by the PLANET AEF in cooperation with the PLANET Accreditation Committee, recognizes professors who have made significant contributions to green industry education. Educators nominated for this award are recognized for devoting time, energy and enthusiasm to their programs and to the education of future leaders of the industry.

“I am honored to be mentioned with the previous Educator of the Year recipients and grateful for the amount of effort that my current students, alumni and faculty members put into the application process,” said Foley. “It is always nice to be recognized for your efforts. It is important to me that students find their passion like I have. Thank you PLANET for acknowledging educators in the green industry.”

Foley began his career in the green industry as an employee at Frank’s Nursery in Clawson, Mich. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture science from Michigan State University in 1982. After graduating from Michigan State, he worked at The Andersons in Toledo. From there, Foley began his 22-year educational teaching career at Owens Community College, whose programs include urban agriculture and sustainability, golf course and athletic field management, and landscape and turfgrass management.

Students and peers describe him as being extremely passionate about the subjects he teaches and having the ability to pass that enthusiasm on to his students. Additionally, he works tirelessly in advocating for experiential learning opportunities for his students highlighted by coordinating landscape installation projects involving area residents. Foley also leads student plant sale activities, which helps support the Owens Student Landscape Turfgrass Crew Club’s participation in the annual PLANET Student Career Days. The event is a national horticultural and landscape competition involving over 50 colleges and universities across the country.

His passion and enthusiasm extends beyond the classroom as he oversees a nursery in Swanton, which focuses on the production of rare and unusual trees and shrubs.

PLANET is an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals and interior plantscapers. The organization provides its members with a good business foundation to help them evaluate, plan and better manage their companies. Over 3,800 green industry professionals are members of the PLANET.

For more information about the College’s natural sciences programs, call 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623 or (567) 661-7623.

Owens Community College Announces New Gateway to College Program Application Process

Posted on June 26th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Representatives of Owens Community College, Toledo Public Schools and Gateway to College National Network recently joined community leaders to officially unveil details about the Gateway to College program and to announce the application process for prospective students. Owens is the only academic institution in Ohio to offer the program, which serves students who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out.

“Owens Community College is proud to extend this innovative educational program to young people in the Toledo Public Schools district and assist them in achieving their educational and career goals,” said Dr. Mary Rizza, Owens Director of Learning Communities/Gateway to College. “I encourage prospective students to consider this opportunity at a second chance to realize their fullest academic potential.”

Beginning Tuesday, June 26, area residents between the ages of 16 and 20 who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out are invited to apply for a fall 2012 start in 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 by Aug. 3. Fall classes begin Aug. 20.

In 2011, Owens was awarded a $325,000 start-up grant from Gateway to College National Network to implement Gateway to College, a nationally recognized dropout recovery program.

Gateway to College is designed for young adults ages 16 to 20 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.

Owens is one of 35 community and technical colleges across the country currently offering the Gateway to College program.

For more information about the Gateway to College program, call (567) 661-7241 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7241, or e-mail at gateway@owens.edu.

Spring Pinning Ceremony Honors Registered Nursing Students at Owens

Posted on June 13th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 70 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to registered nursing during a ceremony on the Toledo-area Campus. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

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

Registered nurse pinning recipients are Renna Ahir of Holland, Sarah Aschemeier of Defiance, Jennifer Beachler of Woodville, Anne Beckham of Sylvania, Antanai Brown of Toledo, Kenneth Brown of Toledo, Stacy Brown of Haskins, Alyssa Burk of Defiance, Jamie Burns of Toledo, Roberta Camara of Toledo, Christie Casati of Findlay, Jennifer Clark of Toledo, Heather Cole of Oregon, Lisa Cooley of Tiffin, Jennifer Cooper of Toledo, Isaiah Cruz of Defiance, Lisa Darrington of Sylvania, Debra DeBrosse of Toledo, Lori Durbin-Warner of Toledo, Felicia Ebai of Toledo, Andrea Eier of Findlay, Dennis Eisel of Berkey, Crystal Estrada of Upper Sandusky, Joanne Fankhauser of Sylvania, Carrie Ganues of Toledo, Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa, Lori Gettings of Sylvania, Amanda Goodwin of Leipsic, Danielle Hedean of Hamler, Beverly Helms of Kansas, Alayna Hill of Toledo, Tamara Hosley of North Baltimore, Lay Mandy of Genoa, Nicole Linhart of Findlay, Mati Charlemagne of Perrysburg, Richard Mesley of Toledo, Jessica Meyers of Liberty Center, Christine Miller of Walbridge and Andrea Mitchell of Temperance, Mich.

Registered nursing students also receiving pinning honors include Brent Monday of Arlington, Cresta Montgomery of Findlay, Sara Moore of Fostoria, Katie Orten of Toledo, Shannon O’Shea of Rudolph, Rufina Paniagua-Escamilla of Leipsic, Elizabeth Pasztor of Pemberville, Veronica Pecina of Maumee, Stephanie Pennington of Delta, Lindsey Pettengill of Maumee, Amanda Ponn of Findlay, Colleen Rader of Deshler, Jeannie Ricker of Fostoria, Arletta Rodgers of Toledo, Darcy Rose of Toledo, Grace Royce of Toledo, Alicia Scherger of Tiffin, Robert Schlachter of Sylvania, Amanda Sheldon of Maumee, Shelley Simon of Metamora, Stephanie Stauffer of Rawson, Marisa Stevens of Toledo, Jeremy Stiles of Waterville, Elizabeth Strong of Arlington, Brittany Sutherland of Perrysburg, Shelly Taylor of Toledo, Tiffany Thomas of Tiffin, Lanita Vance of Toledo, Nicole VanNess of Woodville, Elizabeth Vary of Toledo, Christy Walen of Toledo, Tamika Walker of Toledo, Zachary Wasserman of Swanton, Clara Welsh of Toledo, Corine Williams of Toledo and Tiffany Williams of Toledo.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Students and Organization Receive Board of Trustees Excellence Awards

Posted on June 13th, 2012

FINDLAY, Ohio – Owens Community College students Molly Sampson of Mount Blanchard and Jodie Cutlip of Vanlue, as well as Owens Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association, 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.

Both Sampson and Cutlip received the Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership, while the Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association was honored with the Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Community Engagement. The recipients were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Sampson was nominated by Irene Lindquist, Lacey Mitchell and Daribel Brown for her outstanding leadership and student involvement while volunteering as a peer educator for New Student Orientation and as a welcome greeter and Explore Owens tour guide in addition to her role as a student worker team leader in Enrollment Services on the Findlay-area Campus. Her major is communication studies.

Cutlip, an accounting major, was nominated by Matthew Gosses for her exemplary leadership and service to her fellow students and the community, specifically while serving as president of the College’s Beta Xi Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. During her tenure as president, Cutlip has provided extraordinary leadership to student members and assisted in engaging the chapter in service throughout the Findlay community.

Additionally, the Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association was nominated by Melanie Scherdt and Heather Franks for the student group’s service to the community through their annual toy drive initiative for hospitalized children, as well as advocacy in promoting health and wellness in the surrounding communities.

The Board of Trustees Student Life Committee was chartered 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.

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of seven community leaders from Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Sandusky counties who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio for six-year terms. Owens Board of Trustees members include David Habegger of Oregon, Allan J. Libbe of Perrysburg, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, R J Molter of Woodville, Richard Rowe of Findlay, Diana H. Talmage of Ottawa Hills and William E. Takacs of Toledo.

Owens Community College and Walters Family Awards First-Ever Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship

Posted on June 11th, 2012

Owens student Amber Gonzales poses for a photo with the Walters Family following the awarding of the first Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship at the Walters Family 5K Run in Millbury.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student Amber Gonzales of Findlay has been chosen by the Walters Family to receive a $500 Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship for the upcoming 2012-13 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 at the Walters Family 5K Run with aspirations of careers in early childhood education, information systems, computer programming and computer systems.

“On behalf of the Walters’ family, extended family, friends, local community and the Walters’ Family 5K Committee, it is truly an honor to present the Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship to Amber Gonzales,” 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.”

Gonzales is pursuing her associate’s degree in early childhood education and aspires to work with children as a teacher at a child care center. The 2010 Buckeye Online School for Success graduate ultimately envisions a career as an elementary school guidance counselor. In addition to her educational studies, Gonzales works part-time at Brinkman’s County Corner in Findlay. She also is gaining hands-on experience in learning about the development of young children while serving as a student worker at the College’s Child Care Center on the Findlay-area Campus.

“I want a career I am fully in love with,” explained Gonzales. “My goal is to make a child’s day brighter and feel secure. When I help a child to accomplish something that is meaningful to them, I feel honored. Receiving this scholarship will surely help me to achieve my careers goals.”

Ohio Association of Community Colleges Honors Owens Alumnus Walter Celley With State Award

Posted on May 31st, 2012

Owens Board of Trustees member Dr. Ronald McMaster (L to R), Owens Interim President John Satkowski, Walter Celley and Owens Board of Trustees Chair Dee Talmage pose for photo following OACC's annual Excellence Awards Gala.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College alumnus Walter Celley of Perrysburg has been chosen by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his outstanding commitment to the local community and higher education.

Celley was recently honored for his exemplary efforts to Ohio’s community colleges during the OACC’s annual Excellence Awards Gala in Columbus. The Excellence Awards were established by the OACC with the overall goal of providing an opportunity for the state’s 23 community colleges to honor individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions.

“As an alumnus of Owens Community College, Walter Celley personifies the level of excellence associated with the OACC’s Distinguished Alumnus Award,” said Dr. Ronald Abrams, President of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, which presents the annual award as part of the organization’s Excellence Awards. “Walter followed up stellar academic careers at Owens and Bowling Green State University to go on and graduate from the University of Toledo’s law school magna cum laude before pursuing a distinguished career in the law and exemplary service to the community.”

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to a deserving alumnus of one of Ohio’s 23 community colleges who has, throughout the course of their life, demonstrated a passionate level of commitment to the local community and higher education. Since first being presented in 1995, numerous individuals who embody the core principles of this award have been recognized for their ongoing efforts to advance the mission of community colleges. These recipients are passionate about their work, and give generously of both their time and resources.

Celley earned his associate’s degree in agri-business management from Owens in 1976. Prior to obtaining his associate’s degree, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. In 1987, Celley received his juris doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law.

His professional achievements include a longstanding career of over 25 years as a practicing attorney representing several communities in Northwest Ohio. Following graduation from law school, Celley served as a Judicial Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge John W. Potter before entering private practice in 1989. He is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, the Toledo Bar Association and the Wood County Bar Association. Celley also holds appointments as Law Director for Waterville and Monclova townships in Lucas County and Perrysburg Township in Wood County.

Active in community and civic affairs, Celley has been a member with the Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Perrysburg Rotary Club for nearly 20 years. He has held numerous leadership positions in the Perrysburg Rotary Club to include chairing the organization’s STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) scholarship program. In 2009, Celley was instrumental in establishing the Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Owens Community College Foundation. He is also a serves as an Owens Alumni Association Board Director.

His past community service involvement includes serving as a Trustee of the Perrysburg Schools Foundation, a Perrysburg Schools volunteer, a former Director of the Wood County Regional Airport Authority and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 101 in Waterville.

In 2010, Celley was named of the recipient of the Friend of Education Award from the Ohio Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, an honor for which he was nominated by Penta Career Center.

Local Residents Achieve Goals and Dreams During GED Graduation Ceremony at Owens

Posted on May 23rd, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 40 area residents recently were honored for achieving academic excellence as Owens Community College served as host to its third annual GED Graduation Ceremony.

Graduates received their Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma, also known as the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma, as part of the celebration. Shelly Taylor and Liyaquat Qurbanali were selected as the student class representatives and addressed the graduates as keynote speakers during the event. All graduates received special diploma covers and honor students were recognized with medallions.

For the 31-year-old Taylor, obtaining a GED Diploma represents the opening of doors to a new life and career possibilities.

“Returning to school and pursuing my GED Diploma was long over do,” explained Taylor, who previously worked for several years in the restaurant industry while raising her 11-year-old son Lawrence. “My GED Diploma means the world to me. I wanted to change my life and my education is going to make that possible. All of the hard work has paid off.”

The educational journey is just beginning for Taylor as she is pursuing her associate’s degree in registered nursing at Owens. After completing her education at Owens, she intends on transferring to the University of Toledo to continue her studies in nursing. Her eventual goal is to work in forensic nursing.

For those individuals contemplating a return to school Taylor offered some words of advice. “It’s never too late to go back to school,” she stated.

Students receiving their GED Diploma as part of the graduation celebration were Mark Baker of Toledo, Brandy Baranowski of Toledo, Hazel Briggs of Toledo, Jessica Carpenter of Toledo, Marcy Coyne of Toledo, Gregory Cross of Toledo, Brian Dominique of Toledo, Gordon Duby of Toledo, Jessica Graves of Fostoria, Marina Hernandez of Toledo, Jamie Hoverman of McComb, Keith Huffman of Toledo, Shawn Johnson of Toledo, Jordan Jones of Toledo, Lisa Jones of Findlay, Tifanee Lampkin of Toledo, Renauta Lohmeyer of Toledo, Megan McCarter of Toledo, Darryl Moon of Findlay, Arden Moyer III of Toledo, Brent Myers of Findlay, Lauren Myers of Findlay, Ashley Nusbaum of Toledo, Pamela Pasco of Toledo, Ronald Perry Jr. of Toledo, Marvin Pettaway of Toledo, Liyaquat Qurbanali of Toledo, Marylou Robertson of Findlay, Janisha Sisson of Toledo, Kevin St. John of Toledo, Lori Stein of Arcadia, Angel Stempowski of Toledo, Dustin Tabor of Toledo, Shelly Taylor of Toledo, Brenda Thomas of Arcadia, Josephine Tredway of Toledo, Kristina Watson of Oregon, Gabrielle Wilson of Toledo, Shealene Wright of Findlay, Brett Albright of Toledo, Sharmaine Haynes of Toledo and Martina Young of Toledo.

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 five subject areas that include language arts-writing, language arts-reading, science, social studies and mathematics on their official examination. The ABLE program is offered at no cost to students and provides individualized study plans so that each student can progress at a pace comfortable for them.

Owens Community College Graduates Over 800 Students During Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Posted on May 16th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 800 Owens Community College students recently realized their educational goals and dreams as they were awarded degrees in various academic disciplines during the academic institution’s 46th annual Spring Commencement ceremony.

For 57-year-old Geraldine Davis of Toledo, an English major, Spring Commencement represents a new beginning and an aspiring career as an author.

“My college education has been a huge lift to my confidence and has made me a better writer,” stated Davis, whose first novel titled “Suspended” is set to debut in July.

Davis, an Honors Scholar and the primary caretaker as a grandmother of six children, added, “Graduating from Owens means achievement and accomplishment. I never thought that graduating from college was a possibility several years ago. Now at the age of 57, I can say that anything is possible.”

According to mathematics major Andrew Hartke of Oregon, obtaining his associate’s degree is the first step toward the career goal of becoming an educator in higher education.

“I am very excited about the first step in my educational journey,” stated the 30-year-old Hartke, who has also helped his fellow students in their educational pursuits as a peer mentor, tutor and supplemental instruction leader. “Walking across the stage and receiving my college degree is very special and something that was far from my mind when I was a retail manager. Now, I have my associate’s degree and look forward to continuing my education at Bowling Green State University.”

Owens diagnostic medical sonography graduate Cortney Missler, age 21, is ready to embark on a new career as a sonographer, a field and career she first envisioned entering at a very young age.

“My aunt is a sonographer and graduated from the same Owens program,” explained the Toledo resident, who also achieved the program’s Outstanding Sonography Student Award. “I always wanted to be a sonographer and now I have reached my goal. Graduation is a huge accomplishment.”

Andrea Price, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy, Northern Region, served as the keynote speaker for the College’s Spring Commencement and shared some words of advice and encouragement for the graduating class with the overall theme of becoming societal contributors.

“Success is not only measured by the difference that you make, but also by the determination that it takes,” said Price. “You have the same number of hours in every day as Edison, Lincoln, Galileo, Mother Theresa, Thoreau, King, da Vinci, Mandela and Einstein. The world needed them. The world needs you. Make every minute count.”

Additionally, Loral Browning, known as Mike to his friends and family, was selected as the Owens class representative and addressed the graduates during the Spring Commencement ceremony.

The 59-year-old Toledo resident earned his associate’s degree in marketing and sales technology with a financial services sales option. Prior to enrolling at Owens, Browning was employed in the food industry as a distributor for 38 years. He never missed a paycheck until 2010, when he lost his job.

Browning shared with his fellow graduates how Owens has given him many opportunities, new friends and a new start in life.

“Your choices have been superior up to this point. That is why you are here,” explained Browning. “Lean on the friends you have made, your family, your advisors and faculty. They will help you make the right choices for the future. Many of you will be getting new jobs. Many of you will go on in school. I wish you well with whatever path you take.”

In addition to the honor of being chosen to address the graduating class, Browning, a 1971 Start High School graduate, achieved a 3.8 grade point average and is a member of the Kappa Beta Delta and Chi Alpha Epsilon national honor societies. He also served as a student representative of Owens on an international study tour to China in May 2011.

He credits his success to the support and encouragement of the faculty and staff at Owens, including Holly Burnside, Jeffrey Hardesty and Ramadevi Kannan. The support of his family was also a critical part of his educational success, including his wife, Donna, who pushed him to make sure his homework was finished, and his sons, Michael, Brian, Chad and Chris.

When Browning, who also is a grandfather, began his studies at Owens, he never thought his educational path would end with an associate’s degree. He soon found that Owens and a college education was much more than he ever envisioned and that he was excited about the possibility of learning something new every day.

As a result, Browning intends on continuing his studies after graduation and transferring to a four-year institution to continue working toward his bachelor’s degree in business. Ultimately, his goal is to work within the areas of sales or management.

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Owens Community College Board of Trustees Awards 2012 Academic Excellence Scholarships

Posted on May 15th, 2012

“Owens Community College is honored to recognize the Trustees’ Academic Excellence scholarship recipients for their dedication to academic excellence and outstanding service to their respective schools and communities,” said Dee Talmage, Owens Chair of the Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to commend them on their accomplishments and welcome them to Owens Community College.”

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship and their intended course of study at Owens include:

Kaetie Reese of Whitehouse, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
Katelyn Motsinger of Bowling Green, a Bowling Green High School graduate (international business)
Rachel Todak of Perrysburg, a Central Catholic High School graduate (occupational therapy assistant)
Kelly Schaefer of Oregon, a Clay High School graduate (registered nursing)
Erin Sehlhorst of Tiffin, a Columbian High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Megan Lare of Convoy, a Crestview High School graduate (chemistry)
Jacob Welch of Luckey, an Eastwood High School graduate (adolescence education)
Michelle Sander of Bloomdale, an Elmwood High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
Stacey Meador of Toledo, an Emmanuel Christian High School graduate (radiologic technology)
Kristine Combs of Findlay, a Findlay High School graduate (registered nursing)
Brennan Baeder of Fostoria, a Fostoria High School graduate (business management)
Joseph Dietrich of Ney, a Four County Career Center graduate (General Motors ASEP)
Makenzie Watkins of Fostoria, a Hopewell-Loudon High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Logan Feeney of Findlay, a Liberty-Benton High School graduate (fire science)
Terance Gaston of Toledo, a Life Skills Center of Toledo graduate (computer science)
Nathan Seeman of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (biomedical electronics)
Christopher Gysan of Castalia, a Margaretta High School graduate (landscape and turfgrass management)
Tiler Williams of Pioneer, a North Central High School graduate (applied engineering technology)
Lisa Urbanski of Toledo, a Notre Dame Academy graduate (radiologic technology)
Weston Moore of Sylvania, a Northview High School graduate (radiologic technology)
Jessica Hughes of Northwood, a Northwood High School graduate (registered nursing)
Emily Bitter of Woodville, a Penta Career Center graduate (exercise science)
Austan Westenbarger of McComb, a McComb High School graduate (marketing and sales)
Trevor Brown of Toledo, a Perrysburg High School graduate (commercial art technology)
Erik Binder of Perrysburg, a Rossford High School graduate (accounting)
Sandy Pratt of Toledo, a Southview High School High School graduate (photography)
Savannah Nowakowski of Toledo, a Springfield High School graduate (registered nursing)
Paris Wheeler of Swanton, a Swanton High School graduate (occupational therapy assistant)
Shelby Rowe of Alger, an Upper Scioto Valley High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Joseph Simon of Van Buren, a Van Buren High School graduate (registered nursing)
Abby Grubbs of Wharton, a Vanlue High School graduate (radiologic technology)
Taylor Avers of Gibsonburg, a Woodmore High School graduate (registered nursing)
Sarina Shrader of Toledo, a Woodward High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)

Owens Community College Alumni Association Honors Local Safety Forces and Citizens With Outstanding Service Awards

Posted on April 27th, 2012

Eleven area residents were awarded Outstanding Service Awards by the College's Alumni Association for their outstanding contributions to Northwest Ohio's surrounding communities.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Eleven area residents have been chosen to receive the ninth annual Outstanding Service Awards by Owens Community College’s Alumni Association for tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities. The recipients are honored as part of a community celebration.

Award winners are Zachary Zender, Mike Posadny, Mike Benadum, Kamal Parker, James Sherman, Larry Potts, Rick Backus, Melanie Harris, Brian Henry, Richard Mathias and Dr. Sue Gavron.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to once again recognize the humanitarian efforts of Northwest Ohio’s police, fire and emergency medical professionals, as well as private citizens,” said Andrea Gurcsik, Owens President of the Alumni Association. “Many of their selfless acts of public service go unnoticed as they do not seek out attention. The Outstanding Service Awards were created to honor their efforts and thank them for their continued service to our region, state and country.”

The awards are presented within the categories of outstanding Police Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Service to Community and Community Spirit. 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 Officer Award is Zachary Zender of Fremont (Deputy Sheriff, Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office). Zender was nominated by Sheriff Kyle Overmyer and Chief Deputy Bruce Hirt for putting his life at risk to save four individuals from a burning house.

On Sept. 28, 2011, Zender was on patrol in Ballville Township and spotted a house on fire in a rural area. He had the dispatcher contact the fire department, while he attempted to alert the residents by pounding on the front and back doors of the residence. Unable to wake the residents, Zender kicked the door open and found that the house was filling with smoke from the fire, which had started in the garage. He searched the home and found two children sleeping in a bedroom. Zender identified himself to the adult homeowner who was not aware of the fire. He then carried the two still-sleeping children to safety, while the homeowner woke an adult in another bedroom.

After the two children and two adults were safely outside the house, Ballville Township Volunteer Fire Department arrived, extinguished the fire and saved the home. Thanks to Zender’s quick action, none of the four residents suffered any injuries.

Mike Posadny of Perrysburg (Captain, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Mike Benadum of Genoa (Lieutenant, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Kamal Parker of Toledo (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), James Sherman of Holland (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Larry Potts of Toledo (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department), Rick Backus of Toledo (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department) and Melanie Harris of Toledo (Firefighter, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department) are named the Outstanding Firefighter Award recipients. They were nominated by Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Medal Ceremony Committee for risking their own lives to ensure the safety and survival of their fellow firefighters.

On Feb., 14, 2011, Engine 4 Company responded to a fire on Hilton Street in Toledo. While on the second floor searching for fire extension from the first floor, several firefighters were low on air and exited the building. However, Posadny and Parker, as well as the rest of the crew, remained on the second floor to check for hotspots. Suddenly, conditions went from good visibility to zero with high heat. Posadny led his firefighters toward a window on another side of the building. After Posadny successfully navigated his way to the window, he called for his crew to follow. Posadny and Parker quickly made it out, but the rest of the crew had become separated in the dense smoke and did not follow. Despite the fact that his low air alarm was ringing, Posadny re-entered the burning structure to search for the missing crew. Knowing that Posadny was low on air, Parker also re-entered the structure.

At this point, a crew from Engine 11 Company, including Sherman, Potts, Backus, Harris and Benadum began providing assistance by entering the structure via the front door. Upon entering the structure, a large fireball blew through the living room and up the interior stairwell over the group’s heads, cutting off access to the second floor. Under Benadum’s direction, the crew worked to force the fire back and off the stairwell long enough for the members of Engine 4 to exit. Despite an evacuation order, Benadum and other Engine 11 members remained in place protecting the only means of escape for Engine 4’s crew.

Additionally, Parker located the missing crew member at the furthest point from the exit and all three, including Posadny, along with the crew of Engine 11, made it out of the building safely. Posadny and Parker put their own lives at risk to find their separated crew member, while Benadum, Sherman, Potts, Backus and Harris ignored the danger to themselves to ensure the safety and survival of Posadny and Parker.

The Outstanding Emergency Medical Technician Award honor is presented to Brian Henry of Toledo (Lieutenant, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department). Henry was nominated by Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Captain Bryce Blair for his efforts in saving a person’s life under adverse conditions.

On Nov. 12, 2011, Henry was enjoying a weekend vacation trip at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio with his wife and friends when they noticed that an individual had lost his footing and fell over a cliff face, landing on the rocks more than 35 feet below. Henry quickly made his way down to the accident site and discovered that the victim was unconscious with a 10-inch laceration to his head. The injury was so severe that the victim’s breathing was abnormal and his skull was visible. Henry directed one of the members of his group to find a location where cell phone reception was possible and call 911 for assistance. With the assistance of medical doctors who happened to be present, Henry stabilized the victim, but it was obvious that they needed to get the victim out of the park as soon as possible for any chance of survival.

Henry organized the group of rescuers to carry the victim out the woods over approximately one third of a mile on broken nature trails, while still maintaining spinal stability and a patient airway. The group met the arriving emergency crew and transferred care to the medics. The victim’s injuries included sheering of the brain, a fractured left wrist and multiple lacerations to his body. Henry has kept in touch with the victim, who is expected to make a full recovery over the course of the next year.

Richard Mathias of Cygnet (Retired Fire Chief, Cygnet Volunteer Fire Department) is the recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Community Award. Mathias was nominated by Cygnet Mayor Nancy Myers for his tireless efforts to the Cygnet Volunteer Fire Department and the village of Cygnet.

Mathias began his volunteer fire service in Cygnet at the age of 18, following in the footsteps of his father and older brothers. Over the next 50 years, Mathias worked his way up the ranks to become the Fire Chief. Along the way, he was instrumental in getting a new addition for the fire station added to the village hall and maintaining the high standards of department’s equipment.

Throughout his years of service, Mathias’ dedication to keeping the community a safe place to live never faltered. He laid his life on the line to protect his fellow residents from fires in the oil fields, home and business fires, EMT runs and major traffic accidents. Additionally, he has allowed stranded travelers to stay in his home during extreme conditions, spent hours sitting atop overpasses during tornado alerts and worked to keep villagers safe from flooding issues.

In recent years, Mathias stayed active in the department to ensure that enough firefighters were available during the day when other firefighters went to work on their full-time jobs. He has given his time and energies beyond the call of duty in serving the citizens of Cygnet.

Dr. Sue Gavron of Bowling Green (Community Volunteer) is named the Community Spirit Award recipient. Gavron was nominated by American Red Cross Regional Director of Programs and Services Kenneth Robinson for her dedication and positive impact her volunteerism efforts have made on others throughout the Northwest Ohio region and beyond.

For over 50 years, Gavron has served in the Central Joint Fire District, which comprises Liberty Township, Portage Township, the village of Portage and parts of Plain Township, as a Firefighter, Department Trainer and a Public Information Officer, among many other positions. She currently provides support specific to scene photography and safety and maintains EMT certification.

Additionally, Gavron serves with the Wood County Health Department as an alternate Public Information Officer and helps to convene other county colleagues for resource sharing and collaboration. She played a key role in the response to the influenza pandemic through implementing sections of the department’s crisis response plan. She continues to serve on the Wood County Pandemic Readiness and Emergency Planning Committee and teaches National Incident Management System courses throughout the state.

Her volunteer efforts also include involvement with the American Red Cross for nearly seven years, having initially volunteered in response to the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. Gavron has served as a Disaster Action Team captain, leading responses to local fires in Wood County and as a Disaster Services instructor for educational classes taking place throughout the region. In addition, she has supported local public information efforts on community preparedness and awareness raising for the American Red Cross, as well as serving as a public information officer during local fires. Most importantly, Gavron is a mentor to many volunteers and has touched the lives of hundreds of volunteers through her teaching and service.

Owens Community College Alumni Association Awards Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship

Posted on April 27th, 2012

Joshua Pettit

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student Joshua Pettit of Walbridge has been chosen by the Alumni Association to receive a $1,171 Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship for the upcoming 2012-13 academic year.

“Both Detective Dressel and his wife, Danielle, are part of the College’s alumni family as they both attended Owens. The Alumni Association is pleased to award the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship to Joshua Pettit as he is a very deserving recipient of this award and will certainly honor the legacy of Detective Dressel,” stated Moore.

Pettit is a full-time Owens student, having enrolled as a criminal justice major in the fall of 2011. He graduated from Penta Career Center (Lake High School) in 2011 with a Peace Officer Training Academy certificate.

His campus and community involvement includes membership in the College’s Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club student organization. As an Eagle Scout, Pettit enjoys teaching younger scouts camping skills and volunteers to assist other scouts with their projects. He is also a volunteer with the Wood County Sheriff’s Office Explorers group, assisting at various events and festivals on such activities as parking cars and fingerprinting children. While with the Explorers, Pettit has participated in numerous competitions involving CPR, ticket writing, crash investigation, hostage negotiation and many other scenarios.

Following graduation from Owens, Pettit plans to transfer to Tiffin University and earn his bachelor’s degree before finding employment as a law enforcement officer. Eventually, his goal is to obtain a master’s degree and continue his career with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

From a very young age, Pettit has envisioned becoming a police officer, specifically a drug enforcement agent. “I want to make a difference in the world and what better way to do that than by becoming a police officer,” explained Pettit.

Owens Community College Adjunct Instructor Kate Fineske Chosen to Participate at National Education and Learning Conference

Posted on April 20th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Fine and Performing Arts Adjunct Instructor Kate Fineske of Sylvania has been chosen to represent Ohio at the third annual Mom Congress on Education and Learning Conference in Washington, D.C., April 29 – May 1. Fineske was chosen for her outstanding contributions and dedication to improving local schools.

A total of 51 delegates, representing each state and the District of Columbia, have been selected by “Parenting” magazine to participate in the national conference where they will have the opportunity to meet with national leaders in education, “Parenting” editors and past Mom Congress delegates to exchange ideas on how to enhance education.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this opportunity,” said Fineske. “As a mother to three, a volunteer leader within the community, an adjunct instructor at Owens Community College and a staff member and local leader with the National Association of Mothers’ Centers, I have a firm passion for motherhood and education. I am thrilled to be able to represent Ohio.”

Fineske’s community involvement includes serving as Vice President of the Sylvania School’s Parent School Council where she has assisted in organizing community events to help educate parents on topics like political candidates, school policies and most recently a Cyber Bullying Forum. She was also the Parent Volunteer Coordinator for the Sylvania School’s 2011 Levy Committee and is involved in her children’s Elementary School Parent Organization as the Parent Room Representative Coordinator. Additionally, she has provided leadership to the Mothers Center of Greater Toledo and is currently a staff member with the National Association of Mothers’ Centers.

As an educator, Fineske has served as an Adjunct Instructor at Owens for over 10 years in such academic areas as commercial art and graphic design. She has also volunteered her time to mentor local high school graphic design students, coordinated and supported various extra-curriculum commercial art initiatives at Owens and advised multiple area high school graphic design programs.

The 2012 Mom Congress conference, titled “Teach Me Something New”, is dedicated to fostering the important relationship between parents and their children’s teachers. Among the education and advocacy leaders scheduled to address the delegates are U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, as well as representatives from the National Education Association and Teach for America.

Faculty members from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies will lead informative sessions at the conference this year, offering advocacy training workshops to help delegates take what they’ve learned and put it to work in their own communities.

Driven by the ever-increasing role that parents play in advocating for positive change in the education system, “Parenting” magazine launched the Mom Congress initiative in 2009 to celebrate and connect parents working to enhance our nation’s schools. Each month, “Parenting” and www.Parenting.com ( http://www.parenting.com/ )provide readers and the more than 25,000 Mom Congress members with educational news and resources to help them make a difference and bring about positive changes for students.

31 Students to Graduate From Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academies, April 18

Posted on April 11th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Thirty-one students will be recognized as Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduates at Owens Community College on Wednesday, April 18.

“Owens Community College is proud to continue its collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and recognize these 31 individuals for their educational accomplishment,” said Robert Albright, Owens Academic Program Chair of Criminal Justice and Emergency Management. “Our nation would not experience freedom and safety as we know it without each graduate’s decision to pursue a career in public service.”

The following students have completed the required number of law enforcement contact hours set forth by the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Day Academy:
Patriann Booth of Toledo
Christopher Buck of Woodville
Michael Cropcho of Perrysburg
Melissa Edwards of Toledo
Jeffrey Goetz Jr. of Toledo
Daniel Griffith of Genoa
Kevin Howard Jr. of Oregon
Bobbie-Jo Newman of Waterville
Dominic Pepitone of Toledo
Josh Reindel of Oregon
Nicholas Schumaker of Maumee
Crystal Spain of Toledo
Jacob Strayer of Toledo
John Vanhersett of Oregon
Adam Waggoner of Waterville

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy:
Andrew Blair of Temperance, Mich.
Travis Brewer of Rossford
William Cook of Toledo       (sponsored by Mercy Health Partners Public Safety Department)
David Dunn of Toledo
John Eggleston of Bowling Green
Paul Emerick of Northwood
James Higgins of Toledo       (sponsored by Mercy Health Partners Public Safety Department)
Jared Hornyak of Oregon
Michael Meyers of Sylvania
Nicholas Owens of Lambertville, Mich.
Michael Pekan of Temperance, Mich.
Charles Sims of Toledo       (sponsored by Mercy Health Partners Public Safety Department)
Anthony Szymczak of Toledo   (sponsored by Woodville Police Department)
Christopher Timm of Swanton   (sponsored by Pemberville Police Department)
Verl Warnimont of Findlay
Shaun Wittmer of Whitehouse   (sponsored by Pioneer Police Department)

Owens Community College Recognizes Employees For Excellence in Higher Education

Posted on March 12th, 2012

John Harwood

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

Recipients for the 2011-12 academic year are:

John Harwood of Metamora, Journeyman Maintenance Specialist (Exemplary Employee Award)
James Trumm of Ottawa Hills, Manager of Learning Support Services (Exemplary Administrator Award)

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

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

James Trumm

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

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society

Posted on February 20th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College students were recently honored for their academic accomplishments in business, earning membership into the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society.

Kappa Beta Delta was established in 1997 as an international honor society exclusively for Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredited two-year business programs.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our inductees for their excellence in higher education business programs,” said Barb DiNardo, Owens Professor of Business Technology and Kappa Beta Delta Advisor. “Induction to Kappa Beta Delta is considered a lifetime honor and quite an achievement within the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.”

Selection criterion for students into Kappa Beta Delta is based upon completing a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit and achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average, among other areas.

The Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society student inductees for the Fall Semester are Terry Burkhead of Toledo (business), Kimberly Craig of Two Harbors, Minn. (accounting), Melissa Diebert of Genoa (pre-business administration), Rita Dipman of Clay Center (information systems), Charity Goehring of Perrysburg (accounting), John Hermiller of Findlay (operations management), John Hubbard of Perrysburg (office administration), Michele Janz of Whitehouse (medical office support), Kristy Knaup of Carey (medical office support), Samantha Lucio of Sylvania (accounting), Dianna Nevius of Gibsonburg (entrepreneurial), Jason Saxton of Toledo (pre-business administration), David Slaughter of Lambertville, Mich. (pre-business administration), Kathy Smith of Fostoria (accounting), Amoy Wattley of Toledo (accounting), Michael Williams of Fostoria (pre-business administration) and Crystal Wonderly of Fostoria (business).

Owens Student Organization Receives Board of Trustees Excellence Award

Posted on February 9th, 2012

Owens Raising Awareness Club members (L to R) Josh Widanka, Nicole Lance and Hannah Jacobs pose for a photo after receiving the Board of Trustees Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Community Engagement award.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College’s Raising Awareness Club and its student members have been chosen by the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee to receive a student excellence award for their commitment to academics, community engagement, student leadership and involvement in student life.

Student award recipients include Erin Smith of Northwood, Sheena Barnes of Flint, Mich., Hannah Jacobs of Luckey and Josh Widanka of Toledo. Additionally, Owens Raising Awareness Club Advisor and Student Activities Assistant Nicole Lance of Bowling Green was honored for her commitment, dedication and leadership to the organization.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club members received the Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Community Engagement and were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

The group was honored for their efforts in raising awareness specific to a variety of societal issues, such as coordinating a Community Volunteer Fair for individuals to learn about ways to give back in their local communities, an Educational Resource Supply Drive to benefit Wood County District Public Library, a Sleep Out for the Homeless Tent City event that supported the Rainbow Area Youth organization and the Sweet Caroline Golf Outing to benefit Camp Quality Ohio for the organization’s year-round support program for children with cancer, among many other initiatives.

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

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 will be presented regularly to student recipients during Board of Trustees meetings.

Fall Pinning Ceremony Honors Registered and Practical Nursing Students at Owens

Posted on January 26th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 120 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to registered nursing and practical nursing during a ceremony on the Findlay-area Campus. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

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

Registered nurse pinning recipients are Kelly Abbott of Genoa, Audrey Amos of Bowling Green, Melissa Bennett of Toledo, Angela Crozier-Berger of Swanton, Jamie Booker of Toledo, Kenneth Brown of Toledo, Emily Caldwell of Genoa, Roberta Camara of Toledo, Kristian Cardell of Toledo, Marguerite Cervantes of Millbury, Jeremy Clark of Carey, Erin Connin of Fostoria, Crystal Cowell of Walbridge, Sarah Crockett of Metamora, Samantha Currier of Toledo, Mary Davies of Genoa, Lisa Dillinger of Findlay, Cynthia DiMarco of Bowling Green, Yolanda Dixon of Holland, Phuoc Jai Dunn of Perrysburg, Nicole Eschbach of Sylvania, Kayla Everhardt of Toledo, Stephanie Fairbanks of Rossford, Tara Farley of Grand Rapids, Amy Flores of Toledo, Lori Gettings of Sylvania, Debra Gilson of Sylvania, Rebecca Gluza of Toledo, Jacob Gressman of Perrysburg, Gregg Hart of Northwood, Lisa Hodges of Toledo, Sarah Homer of Waterville, Ebonee Johnson of Toledo, Kristyn Kautz of Toledo, Jennifer Keiser of Pemberville, Jennifer Koepplinger of Toledo, Nicole Krueger of Toledo, Barbara Lanzi of Toledo, Rebecca Lenke of Oak Harbor, Ashley Lewis of Findlay, Yolanda Libstorff of Temperance, Mich., Dawn Linares of Temperance, Mich., Jennifer Loera of North Baltimore, Bobbilyn Long of Toledo, Lisa Long of Elmore, Elizabeth Martin of Findlay, Jennifer Massingill of Toledo, Alyssa McCurdy of Bowling Green and Matthew McIntire of Perrysburg.

Registered nursing students also receiving pinning honors include Angela McDowell of Perrysburg, Jennifer McNutt of Oregon, Alyssa McQuiston of Toledo, Amy Melvin of Toledo, Dixie Meredith of Toledo, Anabelle Nadal of Toledo, Donna Nielsen of Toledo, Usoro Noah of Toledo, Taylor Novo of Fostoria, Chizi Olocha of Toledo, Veronica O’Neill of Toledo, Jason Parke of Findlay, Andrew Paulson of Metamora, Paul Pepper of Sylvania, Jennifer Phillips of McComb, Judy Prater of Findlay, Toby Quintana of Findlay, Tiffany Richardson of Toledo, Bambie Rolsten of New Riegel, Darcy Rose of Toledo, Carrie Sallows of Findlay, Connie Sayler of Blissfield, Mich., Jody Schlender of Holland, Ronni Schudel of Toledo, Amanda Sheldon of Maumee, Tammy Shepherd of Dola, Brittany Silveira of Perrysburg, Carol Simon of Swanton, Emily Smith of Waterville, Sara Soltis of Genoa, Laura Spetz of Oregon, Kristen Stampflmeier of Toledo, Marisa Stevens of Toledo, Stephanie Stauffer of Rawson, Stacey Stratton of Montpelier, Nicole Tackett of Forest, Erin Tatchell of Sylvania, Shelly Taylor of Toledo, Katherine Thompson of Findlay, Jessica Urbina of Toledo, Sandra VanCamp of Dundee, Mich., Emily Verhoff of Cloverdale, Jaime Voegeli of Toledo, Lorraine Walton of Sycamore, Vonetta Ware of Toledo, Zachary Wasserman of Swanton, Jennifer Welling of Bowling Green, Christina West of Portage, Catherine Wilcox of Toledo, Amy Williamson of Sylvania, Amy Wittenmyer of Maumee and Jennifer York of Toledo.

Practical nursing students receiving their honorary pins are Nancy Bonnett-Rayle of Van Buren, Melissa Bryan of Fostoria, Tiffany Carter of Toledo, Eduardo Castillo of Fostoria, Barbara Charlton of Attica, Jennifer Clemons of Findlay, Elissa Cox of Lambertville, Mich., Peggy Earl of Fostoria, Jennifer Guzman of Findlay, Latoya Kenney of Toledo, Stephanie Klinger of Defiance, Audrey Krebs of Carey, Heather Kurisco of Toledo, Joshua Mayle of Findlay, Rosalva Pena of Leipsic, Sarah Pierce of Fostoria, Amanda Petrie of Fostoria, Keon Ruplinger of Delta, Amy Snider of Findlay, Jennifer Tey of Fostoria, Sierra Thomas of Bluffton, John Tercha of Haskins, Cami Walker of Findlay and Suzanne Weyer of Findlay.

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Fall Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Posted on January 9th, 2012

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2011 Fall Semester are:

Nichole Aldrich of Gibsonburg	(dental hygiene)
Amanda Alfarah of Toledo	(international studies)
Austin Alig of Delta	(welding)
Rachael Aretz of Findlay	(pre-radiography)
Sara Atkinson of Napoleon	(dental hygiene)
Maria Azzouni of Sylvania	(associate of science, general concentration)
Daniel Blazewicz of Whitehouse	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Ashley Bloom of Toledo	(pre-physical therapist assistant)
Mark Botirius of Lima	(biology)
Laura Bretz of Sandusky	(pre-occupational therapy assistant)
Christina Brown of Fostoria	(business management)
Jacqueline Brown of Rossford	(pre-nursing)
Terry Burkhead of Toledo	(pre-business administration)
Kelley Carmean of Swanton	(early childhood education)
Emily Caton of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Charlotte Cenkus of Tiffin	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Julia Conrad of Harrod	(pre-medical imaging technology)
Michael Copeland of Grand Rapids	(emergency management and planning)
Jennifer Crawford of Sylvania	(psychology)
Jasmine Cupp of Port Clinton	(photography)
Anthony Dean of Toledo	(computer science)
Tootie Detrick of Swanton	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Jeremiah Diegel of Portage	(psychology)
Suanne Drees of Toledo	(computer-aided design)
Phuoc Dunn of Perrysburg	(registered nursing)
John Dziendziel of Erie, Mich.	(computer programming)
Michael Ellis of Toledo	(computer-aided design)
Leanne Emmons of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Alison Foster of Toledo	(pre-dental hygiene)
Kasey Graham of Oregon	(early childhood education)
Carrie Grisez of Maumee	(medical office support)
Kenneth Hall of Oregon	(pre-business administration)
Debra Helwig of Delta	(fine art)
Elena Herevia of Bowling Green	(pre-culinary arts)
Megan Higley of Bowling Green	(criminal justice)
Ashley Holzwart of Tontogany	(communication studies)
Jordan Hoppe of Green Springs	(dental hygiene)
John Hubbard of Perrysburg	(office administration)
Hollie Irving of Tiffin	(pre-physical therapist assistant)
Jerry Isom of Toledo	(commercial art technology)
Michele Janz of Whitehouse	(medical office support)
Matthew Jennings of Swanton	(early childhood education)
Neyla Jimenez of Toledo	(operations management)
Minhui Jo of Toledo	(practical nursing)
Trista Kitts of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Emily Kosta of Fremont	(physical therapist assistant)
Marisa Lajiness of Petersburg, Mich.	(pre-occupational therapy assistant)
Eric Lavoie of Sylvania	(pre-nursing)
Kaitlyn Lay of Rossford	(pre-nursing)
Cori Lephart of Toledo	(criminal justice)
Morris Lewis of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Hannah Lorentz of Bowling Green	(pre-business administration)
Samantha Lucio of Toledo	(accounting)
Roderick Martin Sr. of Toledo	(entrepreneurship)
Regina Maynard of Gibsonburg	(pre-nursing)
Tamara McInerney of Toledo	(pre-health information technology)
Alyssa McQuiston of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Shannon Meyer of Deshler	(middle childhood education)
Esther Oberhaus of Wauseon	(health information management systems)
Joshua Park of Toledo	(computer science)
Felicia Pawlowski of Bowling Green	(real estate)
Christina Perry of Perrysburg	(international studies)
Tanya Phalen of Holland	(associate of science, general concentration)
Ashley Pierre-Louis of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Linda Pina of Arcadia	(office administration)
Jennifer Pohlman of Whitehouse	(pre-nursing)
Kailly Pointer of Ida, Mich.	(marketing and sales)
Farahnaz Rajabian of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Adriana Ramirez of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Ginger Redway of Perrysburg	(pre-pharmacy)
Tina Robinette of Bowling Green	(associate of science, general concentration)
Matthew Romanko of Sycamore	(associate of science, general concentration)
Christopher Rosser of Toledo	(business management)
Andrew Ruch of Toledo	(building maintenance)
Shane Russell Sr. of Toledo	(business management)
William Sanders II of Toledo	(computer science)
Jason Saxton of Toledo	(pre-business administration)
Holly Sebring of Toledo	(dietetic technician)
Cameron Seidl of Sylvania	(automation electronics engineering)
Tamara Sheeler of Toledo	(culinary arts)
Kathy Smith of Fostoria	(accounting)
Melinda Spoores of Bowling Green	(organizational leadership)
Chelsea Turco of Findlay	(dental hygiene)
Alexander Tyson of Toledo	(biomedical electronics)
Simon Urbina Jr. of Toledo	(criminal justice)
Edward VanAtta of Benton Ridge	(building maintenance)
Amoy Wattley of Toledo	(accounting)
Tracey Weber of Findlay	(biomedical electronics)
Jenna Whetsel of Rossford	(pre-occupational therapy assistant)
Natalie Wiegers of Findlay	(associate of science, general concentration)
Emily Wilson of Toledo	(biology)
Katrina Worthy of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Caleb Wright of Oregon	(pre-physical therapist assistant)