The academy is an outreach of work done by the OACC’s Success Center for Community Colleges. Created in 2012, the center focuses on helping Ohio’s two-year colleges marshal resources to better direct students’ education by aligning their academic choices with the careers they hope to undertake. The academy was funded by several national organizations, ensuring that colleges had minimal expenses to participate.

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.

Kiefer is an adjunct instructor of nursing in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. She previously served as the assistant chair of Nursing, Clinical Operations and the interim chair of the Nursing Department.

“The OACC Leadership Academy was an amazing networking and learning experience. I made several connections with the other community college leaders within my cohort, and I am so thankful for each person who impacted my journey,” Kiefer said.

“Each conference brought mid-level leaders together to get know one another and grow from each other. I am excited to share the knowledge about guided pathways that I have gained through this experience to be a catalyst for change at Owens moving forward. The OACC Leadership Academy was an opportunity that anyone would be lucky to have. I am proud to be an alumnus of cohort five.”

Kiefer is an Owens graduate, earning an associate degree in Registered Nursing before completing her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo and Bachelor of Registered Nursing from Bowling Green State University and master’s degrees.

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

“It was a privilege to be part of the OACC Leadership Academy’s fifth cohort,” Gomez said. “It was an energizing and transformative experience. I most appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with passionate peers across Ohio and to learn from mentors who embody the philosophy, principles and practices I strive toward as I lead here at Owens. The program deepened my understanding of student-centered leadership and systems change, and I feel more equipped to strengthen cross-functional partnerships at Owens and advance initiatives that remove barriers and support student success.”

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

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

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Owens Dean Cathy Ford Retiring After 43 Years at College

Posted on July 22nd, 2025

Cathy Ford’s impact on Owens Community College and its School of Nursing and Health Professions has been considerable – and the same goes for the college’s significance in her life.

After 43 years as an employee at Owens, first as an adjunct clinical instructor then full-time faculty, department chair and finally dean, Ford will retire at the end of July.

“Throughout my career, I have been guided by a commitment to service — serving students, faculty, staff and the greater community. My decisions have always been rooted in creating opportunities, building effective teams and finding solutions that enhance student success, especially in difficult moments. I believe deeply that when we focus on helping others and working together with purpose, the impact can be lasting,” Ford said.

Ford’s time at Owens began before her employment; she started as a student at Owens in 1977 and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiography two years later. She also earned Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Education degrees from the University of Toledo.

Owens didn’t only provide an education for Ford. On the first day of her first semester at Owens, she met her future husband, Jim, who is retiring as an adjunct instructor as well. Together, they raised three children and are now grandparents of six – soon to be seven – grandchildren.

During her first year at Owens, Ford also met the woman who would become her mentor, Linda Myers, the chair of the Radiography department. She said Myers “pushed me to accomplish things that I otherwise would not have attempted.” They still routinely meet for lunch.

Ford admitted her time as a student was not straightforward and cut-and-dry, crediting an advisor “who set me on my path at Owens.” She thinks that experience of struggling and working to overcome challenges helps her understand a wide range of students from various backgrounds and situations.

“Many have heard me say that Owens changed my life, and this is not an exaggeration,” Ford added.

In 1982, she returned to Owens as an adjunct clinical instructor. In August 2000, Ford became the chair of Medical Imaging. Fifteen years later, she was named the dean for the School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP).

Neither of those final two moves in her career were planned. Ford said it was the confidence in her abilities of those around her that gave her the desire to take on the new challenges.

While saying she’ll miss “dozens of people across the college who I have worked with closely,” she mentioned Owens vice president of academic affairs and provost Dr. Denise Smith, vice president of business affairs and chief financial officer Jeffery Ganues and college president Dr. Dione D. Somerville for their support and shared vision for the school.

Dr. Somerville emphasized Ford’s leadership and guidance as instrumental in the advances of the school and the opening of the Healthcare Education Center earlier this year.

“I am incredibly grateful for Cathy Ford’s leadership in our School of Nursing and Health Professions for more than 40 years. Under her guidance, Owens has remained at the front of educating the healthcare workforce in northwest Ohio, culminating in the opening of the new Healthcare Education Center. As a proud alumna of our Radiography program, her passion for Owens is unmatched. Her impact will be felt long after she leaves, and we wish her nothing but happiness in her retirement,” Dr. Somerville said.

Smith echoed those statements, saying, “Cathy has worked tirelessly to advance the School of Nursing and Health Professions to address the changing needs of the regional workforce. As an Owens grad, her understanding of the healthcare students has allowed her advocate for them and elevate the entire College. She has been instrumental in the move to interprofessional health education on our campus, both in the curriculum but also in the development and design of the new Healthcare Education Center.”

Along with many others, Suellen Barnum, chair of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program, said Ford’s legacy at Owens will include the completion of the $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center, a renovation and expansion project that provided more than 86,500 square feet that provides students with expansive lab space and modern equipment to pursue healthcare careers.

Ford’s leadership provided a start for interprofessional education (IPE), which instills the importance of individuals from different disciplines working together as members of an effective healthcare team. The construction of the Healthcare Education Center united all Owens SNHP schools under one roof, making IPE an integral part of the education.

“Cathy was a leader who was always looking to the future,” said Christine Smith, Owens chair for Radiologic Technology. “She worked at continuous improvement to make everything better for students. This is very evident in the new facilities that she was the driving force behind. She was also the driving force behind Interprofessional Education. The SNHP students have benefitted from learning about each other’s profession from each other.”

An unequivocal advocate for the students, people across the college recognized her special attention to improving the student experience, including Owens dean of the School of Liberal Arts Michael Sander.

“As a fellow dean, I appreciated Cathy’s positive outlook and steady leadership. She brought an encouraging spirit to every conversation and worked hard to foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture within her school. Her student-centered mindset and dedication to academic excellence were qualities I admired as a colleague. Owens is a stronger place because of Cathy’s leadership,” Sander said.

Being an educator was always the goal for Ford. While she started in elementary education, an extensive test revealed a proclivity for radiography. Regardless of what she was teaching, Ford was doing what she was meant to do – educating and influencing class after class of leaders and professionals.

“To future educators and leaders, I offer this: Treat others with respect and kindness, and you will foster the best environments for learning and care,” Ford said. “Pause. Listen. Be flexible. Let the rules serve as a tool, not a barrier. Prioritize the needs of your students and never lose sight of the responsibility you carry in shaping their path.

“Say yes when you can. Meet people where they are. And build a future where compassion, collaboration and opportunity remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Ford’s plans for retirement include spending time with her loved ones while going places and doing things she’s never done before. Not surprisingly for anyone who has worked with Ford over the past 43 years, she said, “I will not sit still or watch time pass but seek joy and fulfillment in new ways. I hope to be exhausted.”

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Owens Graduate Selected for Emerging Leaders Program, Receives Grant to Offset Costs

Posted on July 9th, 2025

While she might already be a college graduate, Candace Summerskill knows her learning won’t stop just because she isn’t in a classroom. She’ll get to add to her knowledge base as an ultrasound technologist after she was selected for the Emerging Leaders Program at the Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) conference in September in Denver.

Summerskill graduated from Owens Community College in May with an associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). She received the Exceptional Student Leadership recognition from the Owens Board of Trustees Student Life Committee.

Not only was she picked for the sixth cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program, she was a grant recipient as well. The grant recipients receive expenses paid for attendance and participation at the annual conference and other SDMS meetings; recognition in printed materials and social media by SDMS; and one year of SDMS membership.

Summerskill, who works at the Center for Reproductive Medicine at the University of Michigan, admitted she was shocked to be selected for the cohort and receive the grant.

“When you’re in the thick of life, schooling, clinicals, taking your boards and gearing up for graduation, it feels as though you’ll never make it out. Now being on the other side of it all, I feel like all of the hard work definitely paid off,” she said.

Julie Posey, chair of the Owens Sonography Department, said opportunities like this are incredibly valuable for recent graduates by going beyond what is taught in the classroom. Students receive real-world leadership experience while collaborating with industry leaders and mentors.

“This kind of experience accelerates their career development and gives them a strong sense of ownership in the profession,” Posey said. “By engaging directly with innovation and leadership in the field, they not only strengthen their clinical expertise but also build the confidence and vision needed to drive improvements in patient care for years to come.”

Summerskill is the third Owens student to be accepted into the Emerging Leaders Program and the second chosen as a grant recipient.

As a 38-year-old returning to school, Summerskill wasn’t sure how she would balance the demands of work, school and life, but going to Owens — a community college close to her home in Rossford — was “the best decision I could have made.”

“Having endless support and encouragement from my program director and DMS faculty helped tremendously,” Summerskill said. “They saw something in me from early on and continually pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, and I’m so thankful that they did. I appreciate every single one of them for their continued support throughout my time at Owens, and after, along with their generous nomination on my behalf for this incredible program.”

To learn more about Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Owens, please visit owens.edu/sonography.

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Twelve Owens Faculty Receive Promotions for 2025-26 School Year

Posted on June 26th, 2025

Two Owens Community College faculty members were promoted to the rank of professor earlier this month, while another 10 faculty also received promotions.

Amy Foster and Darlene Wise both received promotions to Professors of Nursing in the Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Dr. Andrew Erickson (Philosophy), Amy Morford (Culinary Arts) and Stephen Williams (Hospitality) were promoted to Associate Professors.

Receiving promotions to Assistant Professors are Nichole Buchanan (Dental Hygiene), Jacqueline Heilmann (Nursing), Christopher Kinkade (Automotive/GM ASEP), Erika Scheufler (Science), Dr. Farida Sidiq (Biology), Lesa Swimmer (Biology) and Elizabeth Zacharias (Nursing).

All of the promotions will be effective in the coming school year.

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Owens Honors Nearly 90 Students During Certificate Celebration

Posted on June 13th, 2025

Owens Community College’s School of Nursing and Health Professions held its third annual Certificate Celebration, recognizing the students who completed one of seven certificates that can lead to immediate job opportunities.

This year, 88 students were honored in Certified Personal Trainer, Medical Coding, Dental Assistant, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant and Sterile Processing.

“Earning a healthcare certificate requires time, commitment and emotional resilience — especially in demanding clinical and academic environments. Recognition validates the sacrifices they’ve made, including balancing work, school and often family obligations,” said Barbara Seguine, chair of Therapeutic Services. “This annual event creates a moment of shared celebration that fosters connection, builds community, and leaves students with a lasting positive memory of their educational journey.”

Each program also recognized a STAR student, which stands for Student Total Achievement Recognition. It’s a prestigious honor presented to a student who exemplifies excellence in all areas of their academic and professional development. This year’s STAR winners were:

• Rachelle Lerch (Exercise Science Personal Trainer)
• Briana Logsdon (Medical Assisting)
• Michael Blevins (Medical Coding)
• Braden Hug (Sterile Processing)
• Yolibel Dominguez (Dental Assisting)
• Ashley Shinn (Dental Assisting)
• Felicia Bettis (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant)

For more information on the Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions, along with a list of programs and certificates offered, please visit owens.edu/snhp.

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More Than 800 Owens Students Named to Dean’s List in Spring 2025

Posted on June 9th, 2025

Owens Community College is proud to announce that 802 students from its Toledo-area and Findlay-area Campuses were named to the Dean’s List for their work in the Spring 2025 semester. An additional 2,490 students earned Dean’s Recognition honors.

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

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

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

The breakdown by academic school is as follows:

• School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety: 138 Dean’s List, 180 Dean’s Recognition
• School of Liberal Arts: 146 Dean’s List, 1,055 Dean’s Recognition
• School of Nursing and Health Professions: 91 Dean’s List, 470 Dean’s Recognition
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: 427 Dean’s List, 785 Dean’s Recognition

Owens Findlay-area Campus had 43 students earn Dean’s List honors and an additional 341 students earn Dean’s Recognition honors.

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

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Owens Early Learning Center Celebrates Pre-K Graduation

Posted on May 22nd, 2025

The Owens Community College Early Learning Center (ELC) at the Findlay-area Campus celebrated the graduation of its 19th Pre-kindergarten class with nearly 80 friends and family members of the graduates.

This year’s graduating class was made up of 13 students who will be heading off to kindergarten in five different school districts in the fall – Findlay City Schools, Van Buren School District, Liberty-Benton Local Schools, Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools and St. Michael School in Findlay.

“Owens ELC prepares children for kindergarten by laying the foundation of which the rest of their education will be built upon, exploring not only academically but also socially and emotionally,” said Liz Kutschbach, director of the ELC.

The ELC is a 5-star Step Up to Quality childcare center. Many of the Pre-K graduates started with the ELC as toddlers and have grown and developed with the help of Owens staff.

Owens will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ELC next academic year.

To learn more about the Early Learning Center, please visit owens.edu/childcare.

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Owens Alumna Crystal Smith Wins AAF Mosaic Award

Posted on May 21st, 2025

Crystal Smith, an Owens Community College alumna, recently received a Toledo American Advertising Federation 2025 Mosaic Award for the Most Promising Multicultural Student for her work on a podcast and student broadcast at the University of Toledo.

Smith said winning the award was a validation of her sacrifices and hard work.

“When I was talking to the director, she said, ‘Crystal, any time that you want to give up or you just don’t want to do this anymore, you need to look down at that award and keep going,’” Smith said. “It was like breaking stereotypes, breaking barriers.”

Smith is a single mom from Toledo who never thought she would go back to school. Thanks to insistence and support from her mom, Smith went back to school at Owens. She graduated with an associate degree in Political Science.

“I went to Owens and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is great, like I could do this,’” Smith said. “Owens was the stepping stone for all of this. It was just so easy to get in my classes. I can still be a stay-a-home mom because I did online a lot. Owens was just that factor, like, ‘Crystal, you can do this.’”

Smith was working in retail when she had her daughter. She realized she wanted to do more for herself and her child.

“I want her to be impressed and say, ‘Hey, that’s my mom,’” Smith said. “The only way to do that is to go to school.”

From filling out financial paperwork and the FAFSA to registering for classes, she said Owens made the process of going to school easy.

After graduating from Owens, Smith seamlessly transferred to UT, where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in media communications. She’s now working toward a master’s degree in strategic communication and social media from Bowling Green State University.

Through her now award-winning journey, Smith said she, “100 percent wouldn’t be where I’m at without Owens.”

“Everything I did in Owens transferred, so that gave me the headspace to just focus on my craft,” Smith said. “I did all the hard work, the online stuff at Owens and now I was just able to focus on what I wanted to do. I thank Owens a lot for that.”

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Owens Caterpillar Graduate James Henige Named All-Ohio Academic

Posted on May 13th, 2025

Owens graduate James Henige strived to do his best while studying in the college’s Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program.

Even so, he admits he was caught off guard when he was recognized as a member of the All-Ohio Academic Team by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges.

“I did not expect to receive such an honor,” Henige said. “Recognition at the state level validates the hard work that I put into my program, and I’m very humbled.”

Henige was a student in the Caterpillar Program, a two-year associate degree program designed to upgrade the technical competence and professionalism of entry-level Caterpillar dealership technician. The curriculum has been designed by Caterpillar and Owens.

As a senior in high school, Henige was one of 10 students in Michigan chosen for Caterpillar’s Think Big Program at Owens. He was sponsored by the dealership in Saginaw, where he had a full-time job as a Diesel Technician waiting for him after graduation.

The All-Ohio award comes with a $250 scholarship. Henige knows exactly where that money is heading.

“Diesel technicians are required to buy the majority of their own tools that are used on the job. As a student, we are given the opportunity to buy some of these tools at a significant discount so I have been prioritizing the most important tools and purchasing them through my student account. This $250 award will help me to pay them off,” he said.

Henige said he enjoyed his time at Owens, where an 8-week work experience was built into each semester of his two-year program. He said it was the “perfect fit for me.”

“I think (the work experience) was one of the best things about my program because it allowed me to earn spending money for the next semester,” he said. “Between this, the Think Big sponsorship, the various scholarships I was awarded and my parents’ contributions to my education, I was able to graduate 100 percent debt free. Starting my career without having something like that hanging over my head will allow me to focus on my career goals with a different perspective.”

For more information on the Caterpillar Think Big Program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/cat.

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Four Students Recognized for Achievements by Owens Board of Trustees

Posted on May 7th, 2025

The Owens Community College Board of Trustees Student Life Committee recognized four students on Tuesday afternoon for outstanding achievements and involvement inside and outside of the classroom.

Jeramy Hermiller, a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) student, received the Exemplary Academic Achievement recognition. Candace Summerskill, a Diagnostic Medical Sonography student, received the Exceptional Student Leadership recognition. Allison Hepp, a Dental Hygiene student, received the Exceptional Student Life Involvement recognition. Abby Vogt, a Physical Therapist Assistant student, received the Exemplary Academics and Extraordinary Community Engagement recognition.

Hermiller, of Ottawa, was nominated by PTA instructor Chloe Arredondo. As a student and classmate, Hermiller found innovative ways to learn subject matter and shared those with his classmates, including making quizlets and purchasing additional resources. He also asked a professor if he could tour the cadaver lab at Ohio Northern University to aid in his studies.

Hermiller also volunteered his time to work with local children in grades 3-6, teaching them stretching and injury prevention.

“Jeramy’s exceptional dedication, proactive learning and commitment to community service make him an outstanding representative of the Physical Therapist Assistant program,” Arredondo wrote in her recommendation letter. “His actions not only exemplify the qualities of an ideal PTA but also demonstrate the positive impact that our students can have on the wider community.”

Summerskill, of Rossford, was nominated by Sonography chair Julie Posey for her leadership and student life involvement. Summerskill is the 2025 class representative for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography cohort and a student member of the College’s Sonography Advisory Committee. She was one of 10 students across to the country to be selected for the national Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation Emerging Leaders program.

“Candace’s selection is a proud moment for Owens Community College,” Posey wrote in her recommendation letter. “Her involvement not only reflects her exceptional leadership potential, but also brings recognition to our institution. I am confident that Candace will make valuable contributions to our sonography program and positively impact the broader sonography community.”

Summerskill also organized volunteer opportunities for students to get involved with local organizations such as Food for Thought, Stroke Life Gala and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Hepp, of Tiffin, was nominated by Brittany Moore, adjunct instructor in Dental Hygiene. Hepp served as both the vice president and president of the Owens chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Under her leadership, the organization raised more than $4,500. She also organized a Smile Drive in October that raised more than 350 toothbrushes, 161 tubes of toothpaste and 150 flossers, donated to Lucas County Children’s Services for children in foster care.

Hepp also hosted 32 different oral hygiene presentations in the community. She volunteered at Tent City in Toledo, providing oral cancer screenings to homeless individuals. Hepp will also travel to the Ohio State House in Columbus with Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association members for Advocacy Day, where they will meet with legislators and state lawmakers.

“Allison is beyond deserving of this recognition for her exemplary didactic and clinical achievements along with her outstanding leadership and community outreach,” Moore said in her recommendation letter. “She has unwavering integrity and her contributions speak volumes.”

Vogt, of Shelby, was nominated by Sara Burke, director and chair of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Vogt is a member of the Ohio Air National Guard, and Burke wrote that her “approach to learning reflects the structured problem solving and collaborative spirit honed in her military training. Abby brings a unique maturity and perspective to group projects and clinical reasoning exercises, effectively applying principles of teamwork and mission focus learned in the Guard to the complexities of patient care planning.”

Burke’s recommendation letter continued to say, “Abby’s service in the Ohio Air National Guard represents an outstanding example of extraordinary community engagement that extends far beyond typical volunteerism. While balancing coursework, labs, and clinical preparations, she dedicates significant time to drills, training and readiness, prepared to serve the citizens of Ohio and the United States whenever called upon.”

All four students recognized by the Board will graduate in spring 2025 with honors.

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Bisher Mashal, Omare Moore Named Student Employees of the Year

Posted on April 22nd, 2025

Student employees at Owens Community College hold a variety of positions, from connection mentors and reading tutors to front desk staff and office assistants. They’re a vital part of the college community.

The 103 students who were employed across 19 departments on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area Campuses during the 2024-25 academic year were honored earlier in April during an appreciation week that featured in-person and virtual events.

Two students were also named the Student Employees of the Year – Bisher Mashal in the Outstanding Innovation and Technology category and Omare Moore in the Outstanding Leadership category..

“Student employees are a critical component to Owens Community College being able to operate smoothly,” said Alan Lepard, coordinator for Student Employment in Career and Transfer Services. “With more than 370 individuals who applied for employment this year, those who are selected tend to be very intentional about their education and therefore motivated to support themselves financially as they learn.”

There are currently 56 student employees at Owens, with 45 hired during the current academic calendar. Two were hired in 2022, including the most tenured student employee, Julia Harmon at the Findlay-area Campus.

Mashal is majoring in Finance in the Business Transfer Pathway program and will graduate in Fall 2025. He works as the assistant digital publisher at the Student Media Center and as an office assistant at Career and Transfer Services (CTS).

Nominated by Robert Thomas, assistant professor of Broadcast Technology, Mashal said being a student worker “has significantly shaped my academic and personal development.”

“These roles have strengthened my time management and engagement with campus life,” he said. “Coordinating schedules at the Media Center has taught me to structure my study time effectively, supporting my academic success in my Finance coursework. At CTS, assisting with events and managing email communications has enhanced my organizational skills, while proximity to campus resources allows me to easily seek guidance from advisors. On a personal level, these experiences have fostered growth in my problem-solving and interpersonal abilities.”

Moore is majoring in Marketing and Sales and will graduate in Fall 2025. He’s an office assistant in the TRIO office and was nominated by TRIO director Brandon Gaddy and TRIO specialist LaShawn Staples.

“Because I spend most of my time on campus, working as a student has given me even more access to tools that can aid me with my coursework, which has improved my academic performance,” Moore said. “Additionally, it has improved me as a person and someone whom students turn to when they need assistance.”

Job openings are posted at owens.edu/employment. Job search strategies and resume templates are available at owens.edu/career/resume.

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Owens Professor Jami Williamson Honored to Win Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Member Award

Posted on April 10th, 2025

As one of only five community colleges in Ohio to offer an associate degree in Exercise Science, Owens Community College is serving a unique student population.

So unique, in fact, that Jami Williamson, professor of Therapeutic Services, said most people don’t realize that the program is offered at Owens or the high quality of facilities at the Student Health and Activities Center.

That relative anonymity is one of the reasons Williamson was excited to learn that she will be honored as a recipient of the 2025 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Member award by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

“I think it is really important,” Williamson said. “In the last few years, we’ve had more and more students come in. The program has significantly grown in the last several years.”

Williamson said the enrollment in the program has nearly doubled in size over the last five years, with 20 students registered in the Spring 2025 semester. As she said, “It’s one thing to stick around. It’s another thing to grow and succeed.”

Despite the success the program has seen recently, Williamson said she was still surprised to win the award. The biggest benefit for her is that it highlights the Exercise Science program.

“It’s a pretty big honor,” Williamson said. “It’s kind of surprising. I mean, nobody ever expects to win awards. That’s what kind of makes them neat.

“It definitely is an honor and I think it’s nice for a small program to have that recognition.”

Williamson is the fifth Parnell award recipient at Owens. The award will be presented during the AACC national conference next week in Nashville. Williamson will not attend the conference and will receive her award after its conclusion.

In addition to the associate degree, a Personal Trainer Certificate can be earned in two semesters. It was approved recently by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program through September 30, 2027, meaning the program “has demonstrated that it meets the requirements to prepare students for certifications,” according to the award letter.

Williamson said one of the main benefits the associate degree and certificate programs offer students is the ability to learn from hands-on experiences. Students get to work with and train Owens volunteer faculty and staff, which presents the students with a variety of clients and fitness levels and goals. According to Williamson, it gets students “out of their own box.”

“It definitely benefits them because it gives them hands on experience from the beginning,” Williamson said. “Most of the students that come in here want to train in some way, shape or form. Many of them want to be personal trainers, others want to go into strength and conditioning. This gives them hands-on practice right away.

“We have labs with all of our classes and they get to practice not just how to do exercises, but how to communicate with (clients), how to speak in public, how to program workouts from the very beginning that are not for you, but for someone else who is nothing like you.”

It’s those students who Williamson directly credits for her receiving the Dale P. Parnell award. She routinely has faculty and staff who comment on the quality attitudes her students always have.

“My students are a big part of me getting that award because without the students being excited to learn, it makes this harder,” Williamson said. “I love teaching them. They’re the reason I come every day. … I feel like if you go into exercise science, they’re doing it because they love it. And if you love what you’re doing, it’s easier to do what you’re doing.”

For more information on the Department of Exercise Science, please visit owens.edu/snhp/exercisescience.

To learn more about the Certified Personal Trainer Certificate, please visit owens.edu/snhp/pt-cert.

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Dotson Named Sergeant for Owens Department of Public Safety

Posted on April 3rd, 2025

Dwayne Dotson came to Owens Community College in March 2018 as a Police Officer in the Department of Public Safety. Nearly seven years to the day after his start, Dotson was honored with a promotion to Sergeant in the department.

The department held a ceremony and celebration to honor Dotson this week, with Owens Chief of Police Steven Harrison presenting Dotson with a certificate and his badge.

Dotson spent 30 years as an Ohio State Patrol Trooper before coming to Owens. He said the family-oriented atmosphere is what separates Owens from other places.

“We have a small, tight-knit community that’s all about helping the students,” Dotson said. “The baton has now been passed to me. I’ll do my best to keep up the good work at Owens and keep the campus, students and faculty safe.”

Harrison, who celebrated his sixth anniversary at Owens on April 1, said promoting Dotson was easy based upon his personality and ability to connect with many people on campus.

“His personality, he’s a natural leader. Our people already went to him for questions and advice,” Harrison said. “He’s been like that since I started here. It’s all about his demeanor.

“Whenever I’m out on campus, people are always asking about Dwayne. Working at a college, we’re so community oriented that it’s great the campus community likes and respects my people.”

During the brief ceremony in the Department of Public Safety offices in Alumni Hall, Harrison said he “can’t think of a better person for this position.”

DPS employs 14 officers who patrol both Owens campus locations 24/7/365 along with eight civilians in various roles.

For more information on the Owens Department of Public Safety, please visit owens.edu/dps.

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Owens Volleyball Coach Sonny Lewis Receives NJCAA National Award

Posted on April 1st, 2025

Owens Community College volleyball coach Sonny Lewis has collected his fair share of awards during his 24 seasons with the Express.

Lewis recently added another honor as one of the first coaches to receive the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award, which recognizes the all-time winningest coaches in the association’s history.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award and for Owens to be recognized nationally,” Lewis said. “It says a lot about the work ethic of the players and teams that have played at Owens. This is something that I really like doing, and I think that has led to much of the success of the Owens volleyball program.”

Lewis added that he shares the award with all of the players and coaches who have been a part of the Express program, including Denny Caldwell, Shelli Smith, Steve Boston, Alison Mugler and Jodi Jesion.

He was one of 13 volleyball coaches to be recognized with the award, and one of only nine to spend his entire career with one school. There were approximately 200 coaches across 28 sports on the list. For a complete list of honorees, please visit this link.

Lewis’ Express finished 22-14 last season and earned a spot in the NJCAA Division III national tournament, finishing eighth. Lewis won the 800th game of his career this season as well, now sitting with a career record of 807-240. He is second in wins among active coaches.

Under Lewis, the Express have won three NJCAA Division III national titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021, finishing second twice (2017 and 2022). They’ve made 12 national championship appearances while winning 19 OCCAC titles.

He was named the NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year in 2018. He’s won 12 OCCAC Coach of the Year honors. Lewis was inducted into the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022.

“The NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award recognition of coach Lewis is a tremendous honor that signifies his success and dedication to the game,” Owens athletic director Shelley Whitaker said. “Over his career, coach Lewis has developed the Express volleyball program into a perennial national contender and put Owens Community College in the spotlight at the conference, regional and national levels. Outside of court wins, the volleyball program has been synonymous with success in the classroom as well, matriculating student-athletes through programs to degree attainment and into the local workforce.”

All honorees will be recognized at a special luncheon on Tuesday, June 17, in Charlotte, North Carolina, preceding the 2025 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards event.

For more information on the Owens Express teams, please visit owensexpress.com.

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President Somerville Receives Trailblazer, Difference Maker Awards

Posted on March 26th, 2025

President Dr. Dione D. Somerville has received two awards in the past two months in recognition of her leadership at Owens Community College.

The Lucas County Commissioners honored Somerville as part of their Women’s History Month celebration at a regular meeting Tuesday morning, March 25. The Ohio House of Representatives presented Somerville with a Difference Maker in Our Community award as part of a Black History Month event on Sunday, February 16.

Both awards included official proclamations.

Lucas County Commissioners Lisa Sobecki, Pete Gerken and Anita Lopez presented their proclamation, which read, in part, that Somerville “has proven to be a trailblazer and visionary leader in higher education, demonstrating a profound commitment to advancing the lives of students, while fostering environments where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.”

Ohio House Rep. Elgin Rogers Jr. signed the Difference Maker proclamation along with House Speaker Matt Huffman and Rep. Haraz Ghanbari. An excerpt of the statehouse proclamation noted Somerville is “a remarkable individual, combining civic concern and dedication with selfless initiative to become a dynamic leader.”

Somerville is actively engaged in the Owens legal district, an area which includes Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties and portions of Ottawa and Sandusky counties. She said meeting with government officials and community members is vital to providing high-quality training and education.

“On behalf of Owens Community College, I am proud to accept these awards from the Lucas County Commissioners and the Ohio House of Representatives,” Somerville said. “The work we do daily at Owens with our faculty and staff is focused on making a positive difference for our region.  We want students to have a meaningful academic experience, to achieve their goals and then become trailblazers and difference makers in their own right as productive citizens living and working in our communities.”

Somerville has served as Owens president since June 2021.

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Owens Receives Voter Friendly Campus Designation

Posted on March 25th, 2025

Owens Community College is proud to announce its designation as a Voter Friendly Campus for 2025-26 by the Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

The mission of the 2025 Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster colleges and universities’ efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process – every year, not just during years featuring federal elections. Owens was evaluated based on a written plan for how we planned to register, educate and turnout student voters in 2024, how we facilitated voter engagement efforts on our campus and a final analysis of our efforts.

This is the first time Owens has received this designation, which started in 2016.

“Owens has always been committed to developing engaged citizens, who upon graduating from Owens have an understanding of community and civic engagement. Most of our students will graduate and continue to work and live in this area, so it’s important to us to build a culture that encourages active citizenship and involvement in local, state and federal elections. We will always do everything we can to encourage and support that effort,” said Krista Kiessling, director of the Owens Campus and Community Connections.

Late in 2024, Owens was also recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting.

Owens becomes only the third college or university in northwest Ohio ever to receive the Voter Friendly Campus designation, and the fifth community college in the state.

In 2023, Owens created a Voter Engagement Team that consists of faculty and staff from Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Marketing. That team meets quarterly to discuss strategies for increasing student voter engagement on campus and increasing voter education.

The Voter Engagement Team has helped increase student voter engagement at Owens, tracked by a National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement survey. From 2014 to 2020, the voting rate for registered voters at Owens increased from 24.1 percent to 70.5. During that same time, the registration rate increased from 67.5 percent to 79.

Among the voter engagement activities on the Owens campus in 2024 were five visits from the Wood County League of Women’s Voters to assist with voter registration and voter education; those visits have continued into 2025. A Cakes with Blake event also engaged voters as Owens vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. Blake Renner made pancakes with other breakfast items in the College Hall atrium in early November.

The Voter Friendly Campus designation program was started in 2016 as a tool to support higher education institutions fulfilling the Higher Education Act of 1965, which necessitates those institutions distribute voter registration forms to their students.

For more information on voter engagement at Owens, please visit owens.edu/vote.

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Owens Grad Living Her Dream as Emergency Medical Technician in Swanton

Posted on January 31st, 2025

The instructors and staff in the Owens Community College Department of Emergency Services Technologies field all sorts of questions and requests from their students. However, recent graduate Nataley Smith provided a completely new one.

She needed time off from class to attend her high school prom.

Following the weekend off for prom and eight months after graduating from high school, Smith graduated from the EMT program at Owens. Now at 19-years-old, Smith is living her dream as a full-time Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for the Swanton Fire and Rescue Division.

Starting her high school journey at Swanton High School, Smith attended Penta Career Center as a sophomore and for half of her junior year. After that, she was a full-time college student.

She knew early on the path she wanted to take, and this quick journey was preplanned. Both of her parents were previously first responders, and close friend Patty Brown was as well; their influence helped Smith set her goals.

Growing up, Smith also said her family had a lot of help from the Swanton community during some struggles, making it important for her to give back to the community.

“I didn’t feel like I necessarily owed anyone anything, but just being able to do something for them in return was a big thing,” Smith said. “I just want to help people.”

The EMT program at Owens helped prepare her “100 percent,” according to Smith. From the difference in equipment, administration and price to other programs, she added, “You can’t compete with Owens.”

“In comparison to some of the other classes I’ve seen, the equipment and instructors (at Owens) are a lot more integrated, a lot more progressive,” Smith said. “They want to make sure you understand the material rather than moving on.

“It’s real life. They prepare you for real world application.”

One way the program does that is by sending out the students on simulated calls around the Toledo-area Campus during class; the calls are based upon real situations instructors have faced in their professional lives. The students must get up from class, put on their equipment, go out to a call and run it like real life.

“Being able to work through the motions of being in the squad, knowing what the scenario is and mentally preparing yourself, it’s just like how it would be in the real world,” Smith said.

Smith’s age helped provide her with motivation during school. Despite her relative youth, she said the administration and instructors at Owens didn’t treat her any differently.

“They were pretty equal,” Smith said. “They wouldn’t sugarcoat anything, give me any extra leeway because of my age. That’s what I appreciated, that was really nice because it made me feel like I was an equal to my classmates.

“Being a female, the last thing I want is to be secluded because of those things. I’m just the same as everyone else. Teach me the same way. That’s not how I got here, by having things handed to me.”

According to Matt Phillips, chair of the Owens Department of Emergency Services Technologies, Smith “exemplifies the qualities we strive to instill in all our students.”

“Completing both the EMT and paramedic programs by the age of 19 is a testament to Nataley’s exceptional dedication and focus,” Phillips said. “Her unwavering commitment and goal-oriented approach have not only propelled her to success at an early age, but has also inspired her peers, regardless of age, to aim higher.”

Now living her dream as a full-time member of Swanton Fire and part-time member of Monclova Fire Department, Smith said it’s everything she hoped for and more.

“I couldn’t ask for a better place,” Smith said.

For more information on the EMT program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/business.

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

Posted on January 17th, 2025

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

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

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

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

The breakdown by academic school is as follows:

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

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

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

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Owens Receives Prestigious Award for John Deere Tech Program

Posted on December 18th, 2024

Thanks to a continued focus on high standards, the John Deere Tech Program at Owens Community College was honored with a Platinum Award from the College of Tomorrow, the highest honor given out.

The “College of Tomorrow” was created in 2011 to improve the alignment and processes across all John Deere College Partnership Programs in the United States. Awards are granted with Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels.

“The criteria in this program are robust. We are honored to meet John Deere Tech’s high standards and receive the top Platinum honors in the College of Tomorrow awards program,” said Heath Weilnau, Owens John Deere Tech program coordinator and instructor.

The College of Tomorrow criteria are:

• Continuing education training
• Student enrollment and retention
• Program promotion and recruiting events attended
• Dealer advisory board meetings and utilization of feedback
• On-job dealership visits
• Communication with dealers and John Deere on program updates.

The John Deere Tech Program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree at Owens, designed to train technicians to fit the needs of John Deere dealerships. Owens is one of only 21 college worldwide to offer the John Deere Tech Program.

Each student in the program must be sponsored by a John Deere dealership, which will partner with Owens to help train the student during an eight-week paid internship at the dealership, in addition to the student’s eight weeks in the classroom at Owens Toledo-area Campus.

For more information about the John Deere Tech program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/johndeere.

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Owens Wins Student Voter Engagement Recognition

Posted on November 26th, 2024

After developing a plan to engage voters across the Toledo-area Campus, Owens Community College was recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student voting.

The award recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. Owens was one of 471 colleges and universities recognized this year.

“This award is part of a consistent commitment to ensure that we are building active student citizens as well as academic graduates,” said Krista Kiessling, Owens director of Campus and Community Connections. “We’ve seen voter engagement rates increase among our students every year since 2014, which is amazing to see. This year, we developed a civic action plan for campus, using collaboration with multiple departments to support voter education as much as possible. It’s so vitally important that our students leave Owens not just with their education but also an understanding of their civic responsibilities.”

From 2014 to 2020, the voting rate for registered voters at Owens increased from 24.1 percent to 70.5. During that same time, the registration rate increased from 67.5 percent to 79.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates. This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country.”

Owens is one of more than 1,200 institutions across the country to supply data to the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement. Of those institutions, 362 are two-year public institutions, with Owens being one of only two in Ohio.

Among the voter engagement activities on the Owens campus were five visits from the Wood County League of Women’s Voters to assist with voter registration and voter education. A Cakes with Blake event also engaged voters as Owens vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. Blake Renner made pancakes with other breakfast items in the College Hall atrium in early November.

Find more information on voter engagement at Owens, including NSLVE data, by visiting owens.edu/vote.

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Owens Instructor Duaa MustafaAli Wins State Adult Educator of the Year Award

Posted on November 18th, 2024

Owens Community College Aspire Program instructor Duaa MustafaAli didn’t think much of it when she was handed a plaque while being honored as one of the state’s six regional Adult Educators of the Year at a conference in Columbus.

It wasn’t until long after she left the stage did she actually read the plaque and the distinction that came with it – the sole recipient of the Ohio Adult Educator of the Year from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

MustafaAli, who has taught English for Speakers of Other Languages for more than five years at Owens, admitted the honor came as a surprise.

“I’m definitely excited,” she said. “When (Aspire Program director) Heath (Huber) said I was nominated for the regional award, I thought that was great. That’s all I expected. I never expected any awards or honors.”

In his nomination for MustafaAli for the award, Huber said she’s a “favorite aunt” for the students and called her the “most approachable and engaged instructor our program has, welcoming each student into an instant community of learners who support each other and learn from each other no matter their educational functioning level.”

Huber also pointed out MustafaAli’s willingness to adapt to learning new platforms and utilizing technology. According to Huber, her classes are consistently among the best attended with many of her students moving on to college or further employment.

Huber added, “Duaa creates community, pure and simple. In a world where there is so much chaos internationally, Duaa provides safety, education and room for growth so that non-native speakers know they have their community right here Owens.”

A native of Sudan who spent much of her youth living in New York City, MustafaAli said her culture puts a high value on occupations such as doctors and lawyers. She feels that this award is a large validation that her passion for working as an educator is worth it.

She also said the award serves as more motivation to continue putting her passion and energy into providing a safe environment and a sense of belonging and community in her classroom.

“It’s nice to feel seen and noticed for the effort, to be seen outside of the classroom for all of the work we put in there,” she said.

MustafaAli gave credit to Huber and the rest of the Aspire faculty and staff for always being eager to help and improve the lives of their students.

“When you know they’re eager to provide help, it makes it a lot easier to help the students,” she said.

For more information on the Owens Aspire College and Career Readiness Center, please visit owens.edu/ccr.

 

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Veterans Upward Bound Assistant Director Jason Graven Named to Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame

Posted on November 11th, 2024

Jason Graven has spent more than a dozen years working with veterans across northwest Ohio, impacting the lives of countless individuals. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Graven is currently the assistant director of TRIO/Veterans Upward Bound, housed at Owens Community College.

Graven’s work is being recognized by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services as a member of the latest class of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. It’s an honor he ranks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“It’s very humbling to have been picked for this recognition,” Graven said. “I would consider it validation for a lot of hard work, but I’ve also been blessed to work with several really great teams.

“Every single one of these experiences aided in me receiving this recognition, and I hope they all feel part of this recognition. The one thing every single one of those teams had is, they all cared. Sometimes caring for other individuals will do a heck of a lot more to save their life than people realize.”

Graven and the other inductees were honored during a dinner in Columbus on Wednesday, November 6, before being officially inducted during a ceremony at the Fawcett Center on the campus of The Ohio State University on Thursday, November 7.

After graduating from Anthony Wayne High School in 1998, Graven was admittedly aimless in his life. Two weeks after the events on Sept. 11, 2001, he enlisted in the Army. His enlistment was not necessarily as a reaction to the terrorist attacks, but he said it served as a wake-up call.

Graven was part of the initial invasion in Iraq in March 2003. His unit had received orders to redeploy when Graven was medically discharged in 2004. During their redeployment, the individual who took Graven’s position was injured by an IED and will have issues with walking for the rest of their life.

“I did not get to go back with them, and several individuals I know lost their lives,” Graven said. “One of the things we say at Task Force 20 is, we honor those who didn’t come home by taking care of those who did.

“Having a connection to that deployment and everything that happened to individuals I knew when I was back home at college, it creates a certain level of survivor’s guilt. … Working with veterans is how I give back.”

Graven graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s in History and his master’s of Business Administration. He was a co-founder of the UT Campus Military Veterans Organization, which later became one of 1,600 national chapters of the Student Veterans of America.

He’s also worked at Bowling Green State University and the American Legion Department of Ohio, where he said his passion for working with veterans of all generations really started. He also runs his own non-profit, Task Force 20, which supports veterans dealing with symptoms of PTSD and depression.

There are fewer than 1,000 members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, and Graven is one of the youngest. While some may question going into any hall of fame in their 40s, Graven is using it as motivation.

“Older individuals most likely would see this as a culmination of a life of hard work where for me, it’s an added responsibility to live up to the reasons that got me inducted,” Graven said. “I have to hold myself to a certain standard that I live up to what these individuals expect out of me.”

As a self-described “poor kid from the trailer park,” Graven’s life has taken him in unexpected directions. He’s committed to making sure no one has to repeat some of his experiences while helping “that one veteran in front of (me).”

“There’s still more to do,” he said.

TRIO Veterans Upward Bound is a program that can help any qualified veteran in their pursuit of post-secondary education and/or career or technical training. Veterans Upward Bound is hosted at Owens but can help participants enroll or attend any college or university. All TRIO programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and assist individuals who are first generation or low-income students. For more information, visit this link.

For more information on TRIO Veterans Upward Bound, visit this link.

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Owens Programs Receive Prestigious General Motors ASE Reaccreditation

Posted on October 17th, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WorkAdvance Graduation Celebrates Success in Hancock County

Posted on October 15th, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on WorkAdvance, visit workadvancefindlay.org.

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Express Volleyball Coach, Players Reach Career Milestones

Posted on October 14th, 2024

Sonny Lewis has spent nearly 50 years coaching volleyball in northwest Ohio, first at Springfield High School and then at Owens Community College. During that time, Lewis has sat through exactly one job interview.

When Lewis left the high school ranks, the Owens volleyball coach had just retired. He applied for the job and had the first job interview of his life. Needless to say, he must have done pretty well during the interview.

“They hired me the next day,” Lewis said.

Now in his 24th season leading the Express program, Lewis recently won the 800th game of his college coaching career. Add those wins to the 373 wins coaching high school, and Lewis has been on the winning side more than 1,100 times.

“I’ve been here a long time, so that gets a lot of that in,” Lewis said. “My associate head coach, Denny Caldwell, has done a great job of recruiting people in the area. They want to come here and play, and since they see we do well, that gets us some good attraction.”

This season, the Express are 18-9 overall after splitting two matches with Southwestern Michigan (3-0 win) and Lake Michigan College (3-2 loss). They host Lakeland Community College at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Pack The SHAC Night at the Student Health and Activities Center.

Lewis isn’t the only one to reach a career milestone for the Express this year. Sophomore libero Lilly White (Monroeville H.S.) went over 1,000 digs this season, and sophomore setter Michaela Hahn (Fremont St. Joseph H.S.) got the 1,000th assist of her career.

“It was definitely something I was aiming for, it’s good to have goals,” White said. “When I saw that I had 600 last year, I thought it was possible (to get 1,000) this season. … I just go out and play, hope for the best.”

White ended last week with 541 digs, an average of nearly six per set. Lewis called White the “back bone” of the team.

Hahn leads the team with 416 assists, to along with 148 digs. The Owens program is obviously a well-oiled machine, and Hahn gave credit for her success to the abilities of her teammates.

“It shows how good our program works together,” Hahn said. “It wouldn’t be possible without Lilly digging the ball or my hitters putting it away. It shows how good of a school we are at volleyball.”

The Express are going for their third straight Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title. They’re currently tied with Lorain County Community College atop the standings at 7-1. They split their two meetings this year, with both schools winning their home matches.

Owens’ next home match, on Tuesday against Lakeland, is the annual Pack The SHAC event. Students and the community are encouraged the attend the event. Pizza will be available for students beginning at 6:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Owens volleyball team, visit owensexpress.com/sports/wvball.

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Owens Plays Vital Role in Training Workforce for Skilled Manufacturing

Posted on October 4th, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on October 2nd, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Owens Adjunct Instructor and Sister Talk About Working on Self-Published Mystery Series

Posted on September 30th, 2024

Keri and Lea Kovacsiss have written multiple articles and books in their academic spheres, but the sisters have also recognized the importance creating and writing for the pure joy of it. That’s at least part of where and why their three-book Seven Hills Mystery Series was created.

“You have to have something joyful and not have your entire life revolve around work,” Keri said.

The sisters held a presentation and talk about the second book in the series, “The Magician,” at Owens Toledo-area Campus.

Keri is an adjunct instructor in the Owens Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Lea is a forensic psychologist who works with the Ohio State Highway Patrol as the executive coordinator with the Member’s Assistance Team.

Lea, who works with law enforcement officers who are in need of mental health services due to circumstances with their profession, said it’s important for individuals to remember to flex their creative muscle.

“You can become hyper focused on work and the job and everything else, and that’s not healthy,” she said. “I tell people every day at work they need to have hobbies, and I need to practice what I preach. Just for the joy of it and the art of it is important in itself.”

They started the process of writing the books in 2017 and released the first book in the series, “Just Beneath the Surface,” in 2022. “The Magician” was released in July 2024. Both books are available on Amazon.

The stories center around the three Culpepper sisters in the small town of Seven Hills, Massachusetts. A murder in the town pulls the three sisters into the mystery, while also casting doubts about their involvement in the disappearance of their father.

Both of the Kovacsiss sisters used parts of their real-life expertise to inform and craft the book. Lea was adamant about a proper and realistic portrayal of law enforcement in the books.

“It’s so bizarre, but I have a lot of working knowledge of homicides and police procedure,” Lea said. “Now obviously, we take some liberties with things, but it’s important to me to not have a cop that cuts corners. I don’t like that portrayal. It’s not super fantastical, there’s some reality in there.”

Keri relied upon her academic background in sociology to help accurately portray the sisters and the issues they face in society.

“We depict what we might conceptualize as a marginalized community in the book,” Keri said. “There are a group of women throughout the ages practicing witchcraft, and our book goes back to earlier America and talks about the stigma with that.

“That’s where more of my expertise comes in, talking about these differing power dynamics between the police and this marginalized group.”

While both have worked independently and with other academics, the Seven Hills Mystery project was certainly special because of their bond as sisters.

“This was a special project, it just feels different,” Lea said. “The academic projects I work on has felt like work. This didn’t feel like work.”

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Owens Early Childhood Education Technology Program Earns Reaccreditation

Posted on September 26th, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, she said the process involved the entire team.

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

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

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

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

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Owens Foundation Golf Classic Raises Record Amount to Support Healthcare Education Center

Posted on September 24th, 2024

The 22nd Annual Owens Foundation Golf Classic presented by Toledo Building Services raised a record total of $85,950.22 at the event in September. The proceeds will be used to support the new Healthcare Education Center at Owens Community College.

The 2024 total is an increase of more than $12,000 from the previous year.

“We are so thankful for the companies and individuals who sponsored and golfed in our outing this year.  It was a beautiful day, and we are incredibly appreciative of the support we received through this year’s golf classic,” said Kelle Pack, vice president of the Owens Institutional Advancement Office and executive director of the Owens Community College Foundation. “The proceeds from this year’s event will be used to fund equipment purchases in our new Healthcare Education Center (HEC).

“The HEC, which will be completely open for classes in January 2025, will provide students with state-of-the-art simulation areas to practice interprofessional education and training as they pursue careers serving the public in healthcare. We are excited to support the need for healthcare workers across our region by providing world-class training in our new nursing and health professions education center.”

The Golf Classic, which was played at Belmont Country Club, has generated more than $1 million since its inception.

The 23rd Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, at Belmont Country Club.

The Owens Community College Foundation has provided more than $8 million in support for student scholarships and program and capital assistance since 2002. The Owens Foundation has $8.1 million in endowed funds and scholarships. Visit www.owens.edu/foundation to learn more about how to support Owens Community College.

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Owens Aspire student, educator win state awards

Posted on September 20th, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CDL Instructor Credits Owens with New Beginnings

Posted on September 12th, 2024

The CDL program at Owens Community College has a saying: “We don’t run away from our problems; we steer toward them.”

That’s true both when trying to master a maneuver, like straight-line backing, or as CDL instructor Linda Lear has proven, in life.

Lear came to Owens as a CDL student 2019, looking to start a new, better life. As Lear said, her back was against the wall because of personal problems, and she knew she had to do something.

“I always liked to travel and drive, so I decided to go to Owens,” Lear said. “There were always barriers trying to hold me back or stop me from obtaining my CDL. Once I had shut the door and put everything behind me and just focused on one thing, I obtained my license.”

Owens helped Lear break through those barriers. She gave special credit to Owens CDL instructor and training manager Harley Curavo.

“My teacher, Harley, spent that extra one-on-one time with me that I needed,” Lear said. “I couldn’t do anything. Him taking that extra time gave me the push to obtain my license.”

She spent the next two years on the road as a driver. At first, she thought she would be the only female in the trucking industry. However, it didn’t take long for her to see that she was wrong – there are many women who work in the trucking industry. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of female truck drivers has doubled in the past 20 years. Females now comprise 8 percent of the truck driving population.

A chance encounter with Curavo and his encouragement for Lear to become an instructor led to the next chapter in her life.

Lear has now spent two years as an instructor at Owens. Helping students overcome their challenges and barriers motivates her as an instructor.

“I was in their shoes, I was struggling with some things,” Lear said. “I show them things I was struggling with and what helped me to overcome it. Once I show them different things, students are able to grasp the concept. That’s what makes me feel good, when the students are able to understand.”

Lear said her biggest responsibility is safety, both for the student and the other motorists on the road.

She doesn’t have to do it alone, though. The friendly, family atmosphere at Owens and supporting each other as people is what sets the CDL program apart from others in the area.

“Every one of those other programs works as a team, but we’re not just a team here at Owens, we’re more like a family,” Lear said. “We help lift one another; we help inspire. You never know what someone is going through.”

Job security and the overall atmosphere are what Lear uses to sell potential students on the idea of obtaining their CDL at Owens and entering the trucking industry.

“We’re essential. Everything in the world has to touch a truck. I don’t care if it comes on a boat or plane, everything has to touch a truck,” she said.

“You’re always going to have a job. There’s always stability.”

To learn more about the CDL program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/workforce_cs/cdl.

For more information on the Workforce and Community Services programs at Owens, please visit owens.edu/workforce_cs.

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Owens Adjunct Instructor Receives Sonography Grant

Posted on September 3rd, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Owens Staff Members Participating in Leadership Programs

Posted on August 28th, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Owens Faculty and Staff Welcome Students for Fall Semester

Posted on August 21st, 2024

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

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

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

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

HEALTHCARE EDUCATION CENTER WELCOMES STUDENTS FOR FIRST TIME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRINGING LESSONS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STUDENTS AND SOME STAFF ARE IN THE SAME BOAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WELCOME TO OWENS

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

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

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

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

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

WRAP-AROUND SERVICES SUPPORT THE STUDENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Owens Wins Lumina Foundation’s Instagram Challenge, $50,000 Award

Posted on July 17th, 2024

Owens Community College has been selected as one of seven winners in Lumina Foundation’s mini-grant opportunity and first Instagram challenge, resulting in a $50,000 award to enhance digital outreach and marketing efforts.

Lumina Foundation received more than 100 entries from public, accredited two-year institutions nationwide.

Joining Owens as winners were:

• Ohlone College, CA
• Ocean County College, NJ
• Community College of Beaver County, PA
• State University of New York (SUNY) Niagara, NY
• Chaffey College, CA
• Jefferson State Community College, AL

The Owens’ Instagram reel was created and produced by the college’s Strategic Marketing and Communications office. Watch it here.

“We are thankful to Lumina Foundation for recognizing the quality and engaging work our office does on social media interacting with our students,” said Tasha Hussain Black, Owens vice president of strategic initiatives, marketing and communications. “Our goal is to increase access to high-quality educational opportunities for the nearly 190,000 people aged 25 or older living in key parts of the City of Toledo who have attained a high school diploma or some college but who do not have a college degree. The $50,000 will help us connect with this market.”

Through the grant, Lumina wants community colleges to share stories and highlight the diverse and profound impact of a community college education.

“For the past two years, Lumina has engaged in a national conversation about understanding and strengthening community college brands,” said Mary Laphen Pope, Lumina’s strategy officer for participation. “While discussions often focus on challenges such as enrollment declines, success stories about community colleges and their students are rarely highlighted. We aim to change that.

“We were excited to offer this mini-grant opportunity and are so impressed by all the outstanding video reels we received. We hope this initiative will help shift the narrative around community colleges and all that they offer,” added Laphen Pope.

For more information about the mini-grant, visit Lumina’s Challenge Page.

About Owens Community College

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

Owens Community College Contact
Andy Woodard
Assistant Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications
andrew_woodard@owens.edu

About Lumina Foundation

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision higher learning that is easy to navigate, addresses racial injustice, and meets the nation’s talent needs through a broad range of credentials. We are working toward a system that prepares people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy.

Lumina Foundation Contact
Kate Snedeker
Communications Consultant
ksnedeker@luminafoundation.org

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Owens Findlay-area Campus Dean Among 2024 Ohio Leadership Academy Graduates

Posted on July 15th, 2024

Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Dean Brad Wood was among the 35 graduates in the most recent Ohio Leadership Academy for Student Success class.

The academy, sponsored by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, annually gathers faculty and staff for a year of training, exchanging ideas and immersion in promoting student success.

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

“The past year has provided a meaningful and positive professional development experience with colleagues from around the state,” Wood said. “We shared practical experiences that can be adapted to our daily work. We all want our students to succeed and achieve their higher education goals.”

Wood was named to his current position in January 2023 after previously serving as chair of the Owens Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, where he worked for seven years.

A community college graduate, Wood earned his associate degree in PTA from St. Petersburg College. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University with his bachelor’s in Health Science and master’s in Teaching and Learning. He serves on the State of Ohio Physical Therapy Association advisory board. He is a national commissioner for CAPTE Commission of Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education and president of the Northwest Ohio Clinical Coordinator Consortium.

Wood is the seventh Owens employee to complete the academy cohort since 2020-21.

The academy is an outreach of work done by the OACC’s Success Center for Community Colleges. Created in 2012, the center focuses on helping Ohio’s two-year colleges marshal resources to better direct students’ education by aligning their academic choices with the careers they hope to undertake. The academy was funded by several national organizations, ensuring that colleges had minimal expenses to participate.

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.

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Owens Grad, Toledo Fire and Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong Receives 2023 OACC Distinguished Alumnus Award

Posted on June 8th, 2023

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) on Thursday named Toledo Fire and Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong as its annual Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient. The 2004 Owens Community College graduate was honored during the OACC’s Annual Conference in Columbus.

Armstrong knew from the time she was a young girl she wanted to be a firefighter and was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department in July 2000. She rose through the ranks and became Battalion Chief in September 2019. She was the first woman named Chief in the city’s history in 2022.

After earning her associate degree in nursing from Owens, she earned a bachelor’s in nursing from Mercy College and master’s in health information from the University of Cincinnati.

“Chief Armstrong is a leader in public service who is dedicated to the people on the front lines,” Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville wrote in her nomination letter for Chief Armstrong. “We at Owens Community College are proud of our distinguished alumnae and feel she is an exemplary role model of an Ohio community college graduate and public servant.”

The OACC Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to a deserving alumnus from one of Ohio’s 23 community colleges who has 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 very passionate about their work and give generously of both their time and resources.

Owens Board of Trustee member Mary Beth Hammond of Findlay was a finalist for the Maureen C. Grady Award for Special Achievement presented by the OACC. She has served on the Owens board since 2013, including stints as vice chair (2017-2019) and board chair (2020-2022).

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Maumee Native Earns RN Degree, Becomes Third Generation Nurse

Posted on February 16th, 2023

The power of family can be very strong for people. They are there through all walks of life and provide direction. For Alyson Stanton, a Fall 2022 nursing graduate, her family inspired her to pursue a career in nursing and carry on the family legacy.

Stanton is now a third-generation nurse, following her grandmother, Shirley, a cardiac nurse at the old Riverside Hospital in Toledo and her mother, Cynthia, a postpartum and blood management nurse at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.

Stanton did not intent to become a nurse, but her life’s path changed in 2017 when her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. “My mom and I didn’t want her to have to go into a facility so my mom and I decided it was time to take care of her full time. That’s when the passion for becoming a nurse came to me,” she said. Growing up, Stanton always said she would never become a nurse because she was surrounded by her mom and grandma talking about it constantly. When she realized the impact that nursing had on her family and keeping her grandmother at home until she died in July of that year, her perspective of the nursing field was forever changed.

She enrolled at Owens to become a nurse. During Stanton’s clinical rotation in obstetrics, she was able to do a clinical with her mother. “My mom was the reason I enrolled at Owens. She graduated in 2008 and had nothing but amazing things to say about her time and I knew it was the place for me,” she said.

The Maumee native has one daughter who has her own inspiration to get into the medical field. “Every few days I hear ‘I want to be a doctor when I grow up’ and I’m happy she wants to be in the medical field just like mom, grandma and great-grandma,” Stanton said.

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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.

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COLLEGE CELEBRATES PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH JEN HAZEL FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Posted on April 4th, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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Owens Receives $1.16 Million Grant to Improve Adult College Readiness

Posted on December 1st, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on October 4th, 2021

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

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

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

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

Midwest Contracting, Inc. was the general contractor.

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

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

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AWARDED CHOOSE OHIO FIRST GRANT FOR STEM SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 28th, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS ANNOUNCED AS FINALIST FOR NATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Posted on March 23rd, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on February 1st, 2021

Ultimate goal is improving student success 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS SELECTED AS THE NEWEST GENE HAAS CNC MACHINING LAB

Posted on October 27th, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on October 16th, 2020

Participants Include Two from Owens Community College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS 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.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS STUDENTS A NEW FAST TRACK PROGRAM

Posted on September 15th, 2020

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

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

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

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

Eligible Students must: 

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

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

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UTOLEDO, OWENS LAUNCH NEW NURSING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

Posted on March 3rd, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION REAFFIRMS OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACCREDITATION THROUGH 2030

Posted on February 12th, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on December 9th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on October 18th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on August 28th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Dana Incorporated  

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

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OWENS CUSTOMIZED TRAINING HELPS FIRST SOLAR INVEST IN TRAINING ITS WORKFORCE

Posted on August 5th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approximately 50 people attended the graduation ceremony in College Hall.

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

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RAMADEVI KANNAN RECEIVES 2019 ACBSP TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Posted on July 18th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

About ACBSP 

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

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

Posted on June 13th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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622 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 7th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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RAMADEVI KANNAN RECEIVES 2019 ACBSP TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Posted on April 16th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS’ WELDING PROGRAM EARNS PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY ACCREDITATION

Posted on December 11th, 2018

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

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

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

The $1.1 million Welding Design Center opened in 2011.

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

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

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

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

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

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461 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 10th, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS ANNOUNCES BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Posted on November 20th, 2018

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

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

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

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

Students receiving a Board of Trustees Scholarship are:

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

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

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

 

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

Posted on August 21st, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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OWENS TO HOST EIGHTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM AND MEDALLION CEREMONY

Posted on April 19th, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on April 17th, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on December 6th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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464 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 4th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS 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.

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

Posted on July 14th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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696 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on April 28th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on April 20th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 17th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OWENS 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.

 

 

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OWENS RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM OHIO HUMANITIES

Posted on March 28th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 28, 2017 – Owens Community College recently received a $10,000 grant from Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to create a Chautauqua Performance Program under the tutelage of Jeremy Meier, associate professor, Fine and Performing Arts.

A Chautauqua performance is an historical improvisation in which a performer impersonates a historical figure. The program seeks to foster a deep understanding of prominent American historical figures from the early 20th century as well as the events and innovations that affected the lives of those people.

Community members and Owens alumni wrote proposals for developing original solo performances based on historical figures from the early 20th Century in January. Four scholars were selected for the training including Caleb Hall (Nikola Tesla), Justin McDanel (John Barrymore), Natalie Phelps (Amelia Earhart) and Drew Young (Henry Ford).

Under direction of Owens Associate Professor of Theatre, Jeremy Meier, the scholars have begun researching the historical figures and developing original one-person performances. Meier has developed and toured Chautauqua performances on John Dillinger and Oliver Hazard Perry for the Ohio Humanities.

In addition, three drama students at Rossford high school have been selected to develop short form presentations on local historical characters.

The program will culminate in a showcase of performances July 19-23, at the Veterans Park & Marina along the banks of the Maumee River. The event titled, “Seeds of Change: America in the Early 20^th Century,” will feature a keynote performance of ‘Gone With the Wind’ author Margaret Mitchell by Chautauqua veteran Debra Conner. Other characters include Henry Ford, Amelia Earhart, John Barrymore and Nikola Tesla.  Rossford High School students will portray influential figures from local NW Ohio history including Edward Ford, Florence Scott Libbey and Samuel ‘Golden Rule’ Jones.

For more information about Owens Fine and Performing Arts program, please visit www.owens.edu/fpa.

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OWENS MUSIC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Posted on March 1st, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 1, 2017 – Two Owens Community College Music Business Technology students have been nominated for a national award for their work at the College’s new Internet radio station, OCCR.

David Brehm of Findlay and Herbey Atkinson of Blissfield, Michigan are finalists in the Best Artist/Band Interview category and will attend the 77^th Annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards March 4 in New York City. The awards are part of the three-day IBS conference March 3-5 at the Hotel Pennsylvania that accompanies the ceremony.

Brehm and Atkinson were nominated for their interview of the Tony Godsey Band of Bowling Green, Ohio. Both are Music Business Technology majors. Brehm will graduate in May, while Atkinson will graduate in December.

Owens Community College Radio (OCCR) is a student-run station that operates in the Music Business Technology Program in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. The station serves the College community by broadcasting a diverse platform represented by the first letters of Owens – Opportunities, Work, Entertainment, News and Sports. Launched in March 2016, OCCR is available on SmartPhone Apps for Android and iOS or online at www.owens.edu/fpa/owensradio.

The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Trophy Awards honor excellence in programming, air personalities, public service efforts and outstanding stations in school, college radio, TV and webcasting. IBS is a not for profit educational association and foundation that was founded in 1940.

For more information on Owens or the Music Business Technology program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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GLENN RETTIG CHOSEN AS CHAIR-ELECT TO THE ATMAE BOARD OF ACCREDITATION

Posted on February 9th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2017 – Glenn Rettig, dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics was recently named as chair-elect to the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) board of accreditation.

He is the first community college dean to hold this position and will assume the chair duties and conduct the next ATMAE board of accreditation hearings and business meeting in Cincinnati in early Nov. 2017.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be picked by my peers from across the U.S. to lead the ATMAE accreditation board,” said Rettig. “I never would have imagined that I would be elected to represent a program accreditation body that has oversight of colleges and universities that include Owens Community College, Purdue, California Polytechnic State University and many more.”

Rettig, a Findlay-area resident, has been a member of the ATMAE for 14-years and has been part of the accreditation board for nine-years. He began his career at Owens as an adjunct professor on the Findlay-area campus in 1990.

The ATMAE board of accreditation meets yearly during the ATMAE conference to review the accreditation status of the universities and colleges that receive their program accreditation from ATMAE. There are more than 115 colleges and universities across the U.S. that seek their accreditation from ATMAE. The ATMAE, which was formerly known as the National Association of Industrial Technologies (NAIT), will be celebrating its 50^th year at the November 2017 conference.

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OWENS AWARDED $49,500 CAREER READY INTERNSHIP GRANT FROM GREAT LAKES

Posted on February 8th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2017 – Owens Community College has been awarded a two-year, $49,500 Career Ready Internship Grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates. An anticipated 25 new paid internships will be created during the 2017-2018 academic year.

“Paid internships benefit students, colleges and employers,” said Richard D. George, Great Lakes President and Chief Executive Officer. “Students gain meaningful workplace skills and are more likely to earn degrees and use their internship experiences to help secure good jobs upon graduation. Colleges will see increased completion and job placement rates, and employers gain a pipeline to fresh talent. It’s a win-win-win.”

Owens is one of 16 two-year institutions across Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin that received a combined $2.1 million to create over 1,000 internships. Owens will collaborate with businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide the greatest number of current and future students with an educational opportunity they might not otherwise have.

“With this two-year Career Ready Internship grant, students who otherwise would be unable to participate in unpaid off-campus internships due to financial need, work schedules and family commitments, will now have that opportunity,” said Krista Kiessling, director, Owens’ Center for Experiential and Community Engaged learning.

Owens will spend the spring and summer of 2017 on administrative planning, employer outreach, and student recruitment, and will begin placing students in paid internships in September 2017. The Great Lakes grant period continues through May 2018.

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OWENS EXCEEDS ENROLLMENT TARGET FOR SPRING

Posted on January 25th, 2017

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 25, 2017 – Owens Community College announced yesterday that the combined enrollment for the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as the Downtown Learning Center, was 9,196 students. This number reflects a 101 percent attainment of the College’s strategic enrollment target goal for spring semester.

This target was developed more than a year ago, taking into account high school completion rate data, unemployment figures, and other enrollment trends. The development process is a collaborative effort by various college stakeholder groups, including student services, academic affairs, business affairs, and institutional research.

The College’s 2016-2017 budget was built taking into account these targets.

Looking more closely at enrollment by student type, the College exceeded targets for both guest and transient categories and reached 99 percent of its goal for continuing students, the largest student type.

“We take a great deal of pride in helping our students accomplish their academic goals on their path to a career or additional education, so keeping every student who starts with the College here until they complete their degree or certificate is critical to our mission,” said Amy Giordano, vice president of Student Services.

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

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528 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 5th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 05, 2016 – 528 candidates for graduation, including 77 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 36th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 09. Of those graduates, 118 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 85 Associate of Applied Business; 222 Associate of Applied Science; 90 Associate of Arts; 114 Associate of Science and 17 Associate of Technical Studies.

Jacquelle Luckey, Applied Business major graduating with Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 46-year-old Toledo resident was born in Hawthorne, California and grew up in San Fernando Valley, graduating from Chatsworth High School about an hour northwest of Los Angeles.

Luckey enrolled at Owens during Fall Semester 2014 after her office job was outsourced to Costa Rica. She recalled her doubts when she considered earning a higher education. She said she thought it was too daunting a task, because she was too old and a college campus was intimidating.

She said she overcame her fears, got started and gave herself a two-year deadline to earn a degree. She’s meeting her self-imposed deadline this evening.

“My experience at Owens has been great,” she said. “I followed the rules and put in the work. I did what I needed to do to get done. It’s a strong academic community at Owens. You are part of something that’s going to help you move forward in your life. I want to stay connected to Owens after I graduate.”

Personable and self-motivated, Luckey will discuss empowerment in her speech.

“Jacquelle sets a high standard for herself and is an outstanding example to others,” said Sherri Johnson, the secretary in the Transportation Technologies academic department who supervises Luckey in her role as student worker. “Many students have gone to Jacquelle for support and advice, and she has been unwavering in stepping up to support and direct her classmates to be successful. Other students have sought her out to work on group projects with them.”

Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., 17^th president of The University of Toledo (UT), will serve as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Gaber is moving UT forward through several major plans, including: a strategic plan that will chart UT’s course for the next several years; a diversity plan that helps to ensure UT’s campuses are welcoming and inclusive for everyone; a master facilities plan to reduce UT’s footprint and use space more efficiently; and an enrollment plan to increase enrollment and improve student retention rates.

Dr. Gaber currently serves on the board of trustees for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the board of directors for the Regional Growth Partnership. A city and regional planning expert, she came to UT following six years as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas. Prior to that, Dr. Gaber served in multiple roles in the provost’s office at Auburn University in Alabama, and also worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles, a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and her doctoral degree in city and regional planning from Cornell University. Dr. Gaber is the mother of three children, including one who is a UT student.

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

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OWENS 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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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OWENS RECEIVES $1.18 MILLION GRANT TO IMPROVE ADULT COLLEGE READINESS

Posted on August 25th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2016 – Adults interested in continuing their education but unsure where to begin now have additional resources available at Owens thanks to a $1.18 million Educational Opportunities Center (EOC) program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Owens will receive $236,000 per year for 5-years to provide counseling and information on college admissions to low income and first-generation adults age 19 or older who desire to enter, reenter, or continue a program of postsecondary education.

“EOC will allow Owens to further improve our community by providing more information and support to adult students who wish to pursue postsecondary education;” said Denise Smith, associate vice president, Academic Affairs. “We are excited to offer more one-on-one support to help those we serve obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, apply to college, and increase their financial literacy and understanding of student aid options.”

Educational Opportunities Centers are one of eight federal grant programs known as the Federal TRIO Programs that identify and provide services to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as: low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and those with disabilities. These programs assist in advancing these individuals from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu or call the Admissions office for information on the EOC program at 1-800-GO-OWENS.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS 2016 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 4th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 05, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored area high school seniors for their outstanding achievements, offering thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to commend the Trustees’ Academic Excellence scholarship recipients on their accomplishments said Ed Nagle, chair, Owens Board of Trustees. It is the responsibility of Owens to deliver a direct path to higher paying and rewarding jobs by providing motivated students with the best education at an affordable cost in the least amount of time. These are the type of motivated students that we wish to invest in.”

The Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was created in 1998 by Owens’ Board of Trustees to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

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

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship at Owens include:

• Marissa Harrington (Anthony Wayne High School)
• Jala Phillips (Apollo Career Center)
• Sarah Hofacker (Arcadia High School)
• Nolyn Burkholder (Archbold High School)
• Alexandra Sheldon (Arlington High School)
• Shelby Bechstein (Bowling Green High School)
• Colleen Stamper (Calvin M. Woodward High School)
• Carissa Wallace-Cullum (Central Catholic High School)
• Gino Giovanoli (Clay High School)
• Samuel Bowers (Continental High School)
• Shaylin Barnd (Cory-Rawson High School)
• Brooke Purney (Eastwood High School)
• Meg Elizabeth Clark (E.L. Bowsher High School)
• Kelsey Bloom (Elmwood High School)
• Kyle Dobransky (Emmanuel Christian)
• Sydney Northrup (Evergreen High School)
• Alexis Sullivan (Findlay Digital Academy)
• Alexandria Hill (Findlay High School)
• Hannah Simmons (Genoa Area High School)
• Alda Ibarra (Horizon Science Academy of Toledo)
• Marlena Cortland-Wilson (Jesup W. Scott High School)
• Makenzie Mazey (Lake High School)
• Cole Smith (Liberty-Benton High School)
• Kirstin Daniels (Liberty Center High School)
• Tanya Lark (Maumee High School)
• Dakota LaRue (McComb High School)
• Jamie Watson (Millstream Career Center)
• Bailee Daughenbough (Mohawk High School)
• Carleigh Black (Monclova Christian Academy)
• Brandon Wagner (Morrison R. Waite High School)
• Olivia Frost (North Baltimore High School)
• Brianna Mansberger (Northwood High School)
• Victoria Allore (Notre Dame Academy)
• Allison Schroeder (Oak Harbor High School)
• Lexie Rieger (Otsego High School)
• Davis Andrews (Penta Career Center)
• Jennifer Modene (Perrysburg High School)
• Tiffany Zacharias (Polly Fox Academy)
• Tamera Payteon (Robert S. Rogers High School)
• Daniel Fox (Rossford High School)
• Seth Augustyniak (Saint Francis De Sales High School)
• Benjamin Bruss (Saint John’s Jesuit High School)
• Erika Angstmann (Saint Mary’s Memorial High School)
• Adam Vandergrift (Springfield High School)
• Kesean Bannister (Summit Academy Toledo Secondary)
• Stephen Nelson (Swanton High School)
• Isaac Tatkowski (Sylvania Southview High School)
• Julia Lakin Kingston (Toledo Christian School)
• Jake Mish (Toledo School for the Arts)
• Chelsea Garza (Toledo Technology Academy)
• Justin Chu (Van Buren High School)
• Shyloe Hartman (Vanlue High School)
• Alicia Danylchuk (Van Wert High School)
• Olivia Banister (Wauseon High School)
• Brynn Smith (Whitmer High School)
• Emily Barringer (Woodmore High School)

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OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 29th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 29, 2016 – Owens’ Alumni Association has chosen Timothy Griffin of Upper Sandusky to receive the 9^th Annual Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship and Matthew Huth to receive the 2^rd Annual Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship.

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

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

Timothy Griffin, this year’s recipient of the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time student and has earned 28 credit hours toward a criminal justice technology degree.  After graduating with honors from Upper Sandusky High School in 2015, Griffin immediately enrolled at Owens in the fall.  While in high school, he also earned post-secondary option college credit from three different institutions, including Owens Community College.

Griffin has always had the desire to work in public safety. He says, “Ever since I was a little boy, I remember wanting and desiring to go into law enforcement.”  Both his father and grandfather worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Maintaining a 3.4 grade point average, Griffin has organized 5K’s, rang the bell for the Salvation Army and routinely donated blood. He has also volunteered for the REACH (Recognizing & Enriching All Children) program in Upper Sandusky, which provides religious outreach and teaches life skills and recreational activities to area youth. Additionally, he works part-time as an office assistant for Saull Law Offices, LLC.  His educational goal is to complete his associate’s degree in both criminal justice and business management technologies.  After graduation, Griffin hopes to join the ranks as an Ohio State Trooper.

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

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

Matthew Huth, this year’s recipient of the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time Owens student, completing 23 credit hours toward his emergency services technology degree. The 2015 Hopewell-Loudon graduate began studies at Owens in the fall of 2014 as a post-secondary option student.

Huth says, “I want to become a firefighter because I think that it is one of the best and most rewarding careers in the world.” He recognizes that a firefighter can change a person’s day for the better and maybe even save a life. He loves the brotherhood and sisterhood bond of firefighters and looks forward to being part of that group.

Huth has maintained a 3.2 grade point average while volunteering in the community. He is a volunteer firefighter for the city of Bascom.  He assists with annual community festivals, Bascom Lion’s Club dinners and is a regular blood donor.  He volunteers at his local school helping to repair the baseball field fences and building new dugouts. After graduation, he hopes to work at a local fire department as a full-time firefighter and paramedic.

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OWENS 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.

 

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OWENS’ NURSING PROGRAMS RECEIVE FIVE-YEAR APPROVAL FROM OHIO BOARD OF NURSING

Posted on February 18th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 18, 2016 – Owens Community College recently received official notice from the State of Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) that the nursing programs have been granted full approval for a period of five years.

“We are very proud of this accomplishment and it means a lot to our faculty and students,” said Cathy Ford, M.Ed., R.T., interim dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Receiving approval for five years shows we are meeting the states high standards and we offer a top program in northwest Ohio.

Owens nursing students who have taken the National Council Licensing Exam for registered and practical nursing (NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN) have traditionally had high passage rates. For example, during 2015, 139 students who took the NCLEX-RN and passed on the first attempt, resulted in a pass rate of 95.86 percent and 22 students who took the NCLEX-PN passed on the first attempt, resulting in a pass rate of 100 percent. Both pass rates exceed the national and state passage rates.

This is the fourth year in a row the students taking the NCLEX-PN have earned a 100 percent pass rate.

“We are extremely proud of the students from our nursing program,” said Irene Jones, MSN, RN, chair, Nursing Department. “Their passage rates speak volumes to the high quality of nurses that are being sent out into our community.”

Owens’ nursing programs are accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League Nursing Accreditation Commission (NCLNAC), through spring 2018.

For additional information about the College’s nursing programs, please call 4567-661-7338 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7338 or visit www.owens.edu/sonhp.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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OWENS RECEIVES $220,000 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GRANT TO ENHANCE STUDENT SERVICES

Posted on July 22nd, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 22, 2015 – Owens Community College’s mission of providing an exceptional education and student success will be bolstered by a $220,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will help serve 140 students in the first year.

“Owens is honored and excited to receive the means to enhance our student services,” said Denise Smith, associate vice president of academic affairs. “This grant will help provide students with the necessary and crucial educational resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.”

The five-year TriO Student Support Services grant will be used to increase persistence, good academic standing, and graduation and transfer rates of students through an integrated and comprehensive set of services. These services include first-year programs, proactive individualized academic advising, career guidance and goal setting, transfer planning, professional tutoring, financial planning, and assistance with financial aid and scholarships.

The Federal TriO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TriO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through their academic careers from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. TriO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TriO projects.

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXCELLENCE AWARD – FINDLAY

Posted on May 22nd, 2015

FINDLAY, Ohio, May 22, 2015 – Owens Community College Findlay- area Campus students Tara Osborne and Benjamin Book have been chosen by the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee to receive student excellence awards for their commitment to academics, community engagement, student leadership and involvement in student life.

Osborne and Book received Certificates of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership. Award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Timothy Rice, professor of English, nominated Osborne for her leadership efforts in creating the registered student organization, Student-Faculty Relations (StuFaR) and presiding as its inaugural president. The purpose of the organization is facilitating communication and interaction between students and faculty, which enhanced student and faculty relations through regular organized activities such as volleyball tournaments, board game days and popcorn days on the Findlay-area Campus.

Osborne, a adolescent education concentration major, had a 4.0 grade point average and was recognized as Summa Cum Laude at the May 8 Commencement Ceremony.

Heather Crozier, librarian, nominated Book for his leadership as president of the registered student organization, the Rotoract Club, which under Book’s leadership and organization, was active with monthly campus or community activities, including members volunteering for the Medical and Supplies Abroad warehouse, the City Mission and the Salvation Army.

Book has been a driving force in organizing the Conversation Club, a joint project with Read for LIFE, providing Rotoract members with the opportunity to assist students for whom English is a second language in developing their conversational English skills. He also showed effective leadership skills as an Owens student ambassador in the Findlay community.

The Board of Trustees Student Life Committee was chartered in 2011 to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate the College’s core values of service, learning, innovation, collaboration and excellence through their achievements in academics, community engagement or involvement in student leadership and student life.

Any individual may nominate an Owens student or a group of students who demonstrate achievements specific to the award categories of Exemplary Academic Achievement, Extraordinary Community Engagement or Volunteerism and Exceptional Student Leadership or Student Life Involvement. The awards are presented regularly to student recipients during Board of Trustees meetings.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXCELLENCE AWARD – TOLEDO

Posted on May 22nd, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 22, 2015 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees Student Life Committee has chosen students April Rose Brown, Brooke Wise, Grace Rader and members of the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team: Jeffry Davison, Kathryn McCain, Louisa Kerrigan, Margaret Kerrigan and Rachael Duda to receive student excellence awards for their commitment to academics, community engagement, student leadership and involvement in student life.

April Rose Brown and the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team received the Certificate of Recognition for exemplary academic achievement, while Brooke Wise and Grace Rader were honored with the Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Student Leadership. Award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Russell Bodi, Owens professor of English, nominated Brown, an applied science major, for her dedication to academic study and her positive attitude. Brown had a 4.0 grade point average and was recognized Summa Cum Laude during the May 8 Commencement Ceremony. As an Honors Scholar she has gone above and beyond performing the honors option requirement. She currently holds the record for completing five additional independent study projects beyond the required three. This makes her eligible to be a Distinguished Honors Program Graduate.

Edward Gozdowsi, chef and adjunct instructor, Culinary Arts, nominated members of the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team for their high knowledge and dedication to learning the craft of culinary arts. Jeffry Davison, Kathryn McCain, Louisa Kerrigan, Margaret Kerrigan and Rachael Duda were selected for the inaugural Owens Culinary Knowledge Bowl team from a pool of 25 students. The team dedicated many hours for study and practice, taking first seed among the six teams of the northeast region and finishing with a silver medal in the Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl Competition of the Northeast Region for the American Culinary Federation.

Susan Wannemacher, professor of dental hygiene, nominated students Brooke Wise and Grace Rader for their leadership and dedication to the profession of dental hygiene and their fellow students seeking certification. Wise is the president and Rader is an active member of the College’s student chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and in their respective leadership roles, they have coordinated a successful food drive for the Owens Harvest Pantry and a major fundraiser garnering $6,000, which will help to defer the individual student cost (up to $1,350 per student) of the national and regional dental hygiene board exams. They also competed amongst university and college peers and won first place in the research-based table clinic competition at the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association 91^st Annual Session in November 2014.

The Board of Trustees Student Life Committee was chartered in 2011 to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate the College’s core values of service, learning, innovation, collaboration and excellence through their achievements in academics, community engagement or involvement in student leadership and student life.

Any individual may nominate an Owens student or a group of students who demonstrate achievements specific to the award categories of Exemplary Academic Achievement, Extraordinary Community Engagement or Volunteerism and Exceptional Student Leadership or Student Life Involvement. The awards are presented regularly to student recipients during Board of Trustees meetings.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD 2015 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 13th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 13, 2015 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees honored area high school seniors recently for their outstanding achievements, offering thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

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

The Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was created in 1998 by Owens’ Board of Trustees to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

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

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

• Samantha Gill, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (Culinary Arts)
• Ashton Johns, an Archbold High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Courtney Stoltz, an Arlington High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Arely Cardenas, a Bowling Green High School graduate (Early Childhood)
• Maya Olive, a Calvin M. Woodward High School graduate (Social Work)
• Tyler Kish, a Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School graduate (Marketing and Sales)
• Alexis Zacharias, a Central Catholic High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Madeline Duwve, a Clay High School graduate (Entrepreneurship)
• Mallory Bowen, a Crestview High School graduate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
• Marissah Blunk, an E. L. Bowsher High School graduate (Undeclared)
• Morgan Donaldson, an Eastwood High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Dylan Benschoter, an Elmwood High School graduate (Business Mgt.)
• Cassidy Daniels, an Emmanuel Christian graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Stephen Markley, a Findlay Digital Academy graduate (Accounting)
• Ashley Overacker, a Findlay High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Paige Wheeler, a Four County Career Center graduate (Photography)
• Meghan Cook, a Fremont Ross High School graduate (Hospitality Mgt.)
• Monique Nelson, a Horizon Science Academy of Toledo graduate (Pre-nursing)
• Chris Serra, a Lake High School graduate (Business)
• Nicholas Kurtz, a Maumee High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Nakayla Shoemaker, a McComb High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Thomas Stennett, a Millstream Career Center graduate (Undeclared)
• Lynzee Richardson, a Napoleon High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Ashley Fisher, a North Baltimore High School graduate (Pre-Vet Science)
• Stephen Sutton, a Northwood High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Molly Baker, a Notre Dame Academy graduate (Undeclared)
• Ryan Pavlica, an Oak Harbor High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Micah Swanson, an Otsego High School graduate (Education)
• Danielle Flory, a Penta Career Center graduate (Physical Therapy Asst.)
• Cassandra Schorsch, a Perrysburg High School graduate (Early Childhood)
• Victoria Williams, a Rogers High School graduate (Pre-Health Info.)
• Hannah Gauthier, a Rossford High School graduate (Medical Imaging)
• William Newland, a Roy C. Start High School graduate (Construction Trades)
• Brianne Grup, a Springfield High School graduate (Medical Assisting)
• Braxton Bowers, a St. John’s Jesuit High School graduate (Electrical)
• Madison Collins, a St. Joseph Central Catholic High School graduate (Business)
• Rachel Kashian, a St. Paul High School graduate (Medical Imaging)
• Jayda Wertz, a St. Ursula Academy graduate (Undeclared)
• Khalil Pettaway, a Summit Academy Secondary graduate (Mechanical Engineering)
• Jillian Keil, a Swanton High School graduate (Radiology)
• Shania Veteto, a Sylvania Southview High School graduate (Technical Study)
• Aubrey Thompson, a Toledo School for the Arts graduate (Undeclared)
• Nicholas Taylor, a Toledo Technology Academy graduate (Machining Certificate)
• Timothy Griffin, an Upper Sandusky High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Mackenzie Howard, a Van Buren High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Dalton Mason, a Vanlue High School graduate (Undeclared)
• Mickenna Schweinhagen, a Wauseon High School graduate (Pre-Dental Hygiene)
• Alissa Saddoris, a Whitmer High School graduate (Pre-Nursing)
• Kiel Fritz, a Willard High School graduate (John Deere)
• Kaila Grant, a Woodmore High School graduate (General Arts)

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OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 24th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 24, 2014 – Owens’ Alumni Association has chosen Aalea Robertson of Toledo to receive the 8^th Annual Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship and Kyler Omey to receive the inaugural Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship.

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

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

Robertson is currently a part-time student, with a projected May 2015 graduation with a criminal justice technology degree. She enrolled at Owens in Fall 2012 after graduating from the Toledo School for the Arts.

Robertson has always had the desire to work in law enforcement. She says, “The idea of placing society’s well-being before the well-being of oneself for a greater cause is what really intrigues me.”

She is a student worker for the Owens Department of Public Safety, conducting fingerprinting and background checks; an unarmed security guard for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and part of the security team for the Stranahan Theater. Robertson has participated in several internships with the Lucas County Heroin Overdose Task Force and the Lucas County Domestic Violence Task Force. She has also volunteered with the Toledo Police Explorers 12 Kids of Christmas, shopping with youths, and Lucas County Sheriff’s Explorers at the Lucas County Fair. Robertson feels all of these experiences have provided valuable hands-on experiences in preparing her for a future in law enforcement.

Maintaining a 3.57 grade point average, Robertson is a member of Owens’ honor societies, Phi Theta Kappa and Chi Alpha Epsilon. She plans to attend the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy at Owens in Fall 2015. Upon graduating from the Academy, she hopes to join the Toledo Police Department. Long term, her educational goal is to attend Tiffin University and earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

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

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

Kyler Omey, the recipient of the inaugural Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship, has that passion and determination. He is currently a part-time Owens student, completing 55 credit hours toward his fire science technology degree. The 2012 Sylvania Northview grad began studies at Owens in Fall 2012. Omey says, “Becoming a firefighter has not just been a goal, but a dream of mine.” He recognizes the impact firefighters make on the community, the uniqueness of the bond they develop with fellow firefighters and how they are positive role models.

His educational goal is to complete his degree with certifications in firefighting, emergency medical tech and paramedic. After graduation, he hopes to work at a local fire department as a full-time firefighter.

Omey has maintained a 3.38 grade point average while volunteering in the community. He has built houses for Habitat for Humanity and fed the homeless at the Cherry Street Mission. Additionally, he plays hockey for the Toledo Cherokee Hockey Club. All of these activities showed Omey the importance of teamwork and how you can impact other’s lives by doing the smallest things.

“Firefighting is not only my passion, aspiration or career choice, but a manner to impact those I encounter on a daily basis and be a productive member of the community,” said Omey.

 

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OWENS 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.

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OWENS STUDENT WINS PEARSON WRITING CONTEST

Posted on April 21st, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 21, 2015 – According to a recent AACU survey, more than 75 percent of employers say they want to see competency in graduates in key areas that include written and oral communication skills, amongst other key 21^st century skill-areas. The Pearson Writing Rewards Contest was created to help increase awareness of the importance of writing; to encourage students to foster these skills, as they are a precursor for success in today’s knowledge-based economy; and to show students the rich rewards associated with developing their writing skills.

The 2013-2014 contest was open only to college students currently enrolled in a pre-composition, developmental, or non-credit courses. Five Pearson authors of various English, reading, and writing course materials, who hold 50+ years of experience in the classroom, judged essay submissions, identifying three final winners. The essays were graded on a 1-10 scale based on clarity of writing, organization of the essay, and writing correctness.

The students who communicated in written form most effectively and efficiently were rewarded with a cash prize. The winners and their sponsoring professors are:

• 1^st place: Awarded to Laura Wilson, Owens Community College, Professor: Dr. Kay Blue

• 2^nd place: Awarded to Morgan Faulkner, North Carolina Central University, Professor: Anne McCarthy

• 3^rd place: Awarded to Rachel Shrock-Russell, Chemeketa Community College, Professor: Samuel Snoek-Brown

“I always liked to write but I never thought that I would be a writing contest winner. As a result of this experience, I have more confidence in myself. I’m excited to see where my writing will take me,” said Laura Wilson, student at Owens Community College.

Winners, their teachers, and their writing program administrators will be featured on respective Pearson websites. Winning submissions are eligible for publication in Pearson educational content and throughout Pearson’s online writing courses or MyLabs.

According to Jilani Warsi, Pearson author and judge of the contest, “Judging student essays is not simply about rewarding the strongest writers. It’s about seeing talent and potential and recognizing it, so that you can inspire students to become their most successful selves.”

Due to the success of the pre-composition contest, the 2014-2015 contest will be opened to composition students, or students who are taking for-credit classes. Applications for this year’s award are due by May 31, 2015. To apply, visit this link.

About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. For more information about Pearson, visit http://www.pearson.com.

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OWENS 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.

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OWENS’ MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING PROGRAM FIRST IN NATION TO RECEIVE ACCREDITATION

Posted on April 7th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 7, 2015 – The Owens Community College Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program has become the first community college in the nation to earn the distinction of receiving initial program accreditation by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

“Owens is very proud to be the first community college to receive accreditation for its Magnetic Resonance program,” said Catherine Ford, M.Ed., R.T. (R), program director. “This achievement recognizes Owens’ commitment to providing an excellent academic program that gives students a foundation for future success.”

Owens’ program earned the maximum accreditation award for a new program of three years from the JRCERT after a recent peer review and site visit that recognized the programs substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.

“Earning this accreditation is a credit to the hard work of the Magnetic Resonance program faculty,” said Doug Mead, DMA, associate dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Each of them is dedicated to serving our students and community through excellence and innovation.”

The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivered educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. Specialized accreditation awarded by the JRCERT offers institutions significant value by providing peer evaluation and by assuring the public of quality professional education in the radiologic sciences.

Magnetic resonance technologists are medical professionals who perform magnetic resonance imaging procedures. They are educated in patient care, human anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiopharmacology, imaging procedures, MR physics, ethics and medical terminology. Magnetic resonance technologists must possess, utilize and maintain knowledge about magnetic protection and safety. They must recognize conditions essential for successful completion of the procedure and exercise independent professional and ethical judgment.

Offered on the Toledo-area Campus, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program offers students a combination of didactic instruction with practical application in clinical education affiliates.

Graduates must take and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

For more information on the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program or other programs, please visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS TO HOST FIFTH ANNUAL HONORS PROGRAM SYMPOSIUM AND MEDALLION CEREMONY

Posted on March 31st, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 31, 2015 – Owens Community College honors students will have the opportunity to showcase their research and creative works in multiple disciplines during the fifth annual Honors Symposium and medallion Ceremony on Friday, April 10.

The Honors Program Symposium and Medallion Ceremony will occur from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Audio Visual Class Rooms 121-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The event is free and open to the public.

The Owens’ Honors Program Symposium and Medallion Ceremony will feature oral presentations and panel discussions by students on several topic areas, including history, politics, culture, ethics, morality, critical thinking, anthropology, religion, literature, international affairs and Shakespeare, among others. Each presentation and panel discussion is a collaborative effort between Honors Program students and Owens faculty members.

In addition, the Owens Honors Program will recognize students for their educational success and leadership with the bestowing of an Owens Honors Program medallion.

The Honors Program at Owens provides a challenging educational opportunity, above and beyond the standard curriculum, for exceptional students who strive for academic excellence. More than 100 students are members of the current Owens Honors Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

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

Honors Program students must complete a total of 15 credit hours of honors courses, which includes nine credit hours of elective honors courses and two core courses titled Introduction to Critical Thinking and Honors Great Readings: Ancient World through the Middle Ages. To graduate as an Honors Scholar and receive the Honors Program medallion, a student must earn a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and complete an honors portfolio where they engage in directed research or service learning around essential questions or themes appropriate to their program of study as part of a capstone project, among other criteria.

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

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES STUDENTS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Posted on February 26th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 25, 2015 – Owens Community College Foundation has awarded more than $153,400 in scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year to students for their outstanding achievements.

“Owens Community College’s Foundation is honored to recognize these outstanding scholarship recipients for their exemplary efforts while pursuing their dream of a college education,” said Laura Moore, Owens Interim Executive Director of College Development and the Foundation. “It is the generous support of our donors that allows us to recognize and honor these students’ achievements. Every donor who supports Foundation scholarships helps in providing enhanced opportunities for students to achieve success.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $3.5 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 25 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

Allan & Suzanne Libbe Scholarship: Katlyn Moriarty of Toledo received a $500 scholarship and Bayley Hill of Findlay and Samantha Hill of Findlay each received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to incoming freshmen that are graduates of Findlay High School or Maumee High School.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship: Dane Fountain of Holland and Aricka Lavoy of Pemberville each received a $3,500 scholarship and Paul Cieply of Rossford and Cassidy Hopkins of Perrysburg each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and have a parent or legal guardian who is a current, paid voting member of the Owens Alumni Association.

American Society for Industrial Security International, Toledo Chapter, Fred C. Heck and Charles W. North Scholarships: Amber Harris of Walbridge and Mary Johnson of Waterville each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a second-year student. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

Art and Connie Smith Honors Scholarship: Ann Leahy of Toledo, Lucy Hutchins of Findlay and Kathleen Shaw of Tiffin each received a $512 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Bill Buck Memorial Scholarship: Katilin Glover of Maumee received a $385 scholarship and Gili Oren of Toledo received a $154 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, be working toward an associate’s degree, have a disability and be registered with the College’s Disability Services Office.

Bud Weaver Memorial Scholarship: Elizabeth Reynolds of Wauseon received a $493 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student who is a criminal justice technology major.

Central West Area Council Scholarship: Steven Ambrose of Toledo received a $1,146 scholarship. Recipients must reside in the Central West area of Toledo, be pursuing an associate’s degree and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to part-time students.

Chuck Holsclaw Memorial Scholarship: Kira Robertson of Oregon and Cynthia Trutt of Findlay each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students who are 22 years of age or older.

Cloyd Payne Memorial Math Scholarship: Christopher Anukwu of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have successfully completed MTH 232.

Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #772 Scholarship: Breana McPherson of North Baltimore and Katlyn Moriarty of Toledo each received a $452 scholarship. Recipients must be a graduate of a Northwest Ohio high school, be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to a student of Italian descent.

Delta Dental Foundation Dental Hygiene Scholarship: Rebecca Acosta of Pemberville and Lainey Foster of Columbus each received a $1,250 scholarship and Haley Hermiller of Ottawa and Cynthia Trutt of Findlay each received a $625 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program.

Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship: Scott Histed of Maumee received a $2,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

Donald Leonhardt Welding Scholarship: Paul Cieply of Rossford received a $1,034 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in welding.

Dr. Bettie Gehring Scholarship: Sherell Osbin of Fremont received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to single parents enrolled in Early Childhood Education Technology.

Edward and Linda Reiter Scholarship: Kole Peterson of Pioneer received a $647 scholarship and Lizzie Heyman of Monroeville received a $323.50 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a technology-specific associate degree program.

Edwin H. Simmons Memorial Scholarship: Alexander Bohland of Oregon, Alexander Korecki of Toledo, Tim Martin of Toledo and Luke Sines of Bryan each received a $2,500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a degree or certificate program offered through the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

Findlay Accounting Scholarship: Lucy Hutchins of Findlay received a $400 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a Findlay-area Campus student who is an Accounting major.

Findlay Leadership Scholarship: Clinton Berry of Findlay received a $400 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester. Preference is given to Findlay-area Campus students.

Ford Scholarship: Cristin Franks of Findlay, Harold Kuhbander of Columbus Grove and Shelby Rowe of Alger each received a $764 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester. This award is designated for women and minorities and preference is given to Ford employees and their spouses and children.

George D. Allesee Memorial Scholarship: Christina Brown of Fostoria and Barbara Fritz of Arlington each received a $500 scholarship and Helen Dilworth of Maumee received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business majors and students who are 22 years of age or older.

Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Barbara Fritz of Arlington, Toni Walk of Risingsun and Sally Young of Findlay each received a $200 scholarship. Recipients must be a member of the Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative or live on the Hancock-Wood Cooperative lines. In addition, individuals must have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Helen Steinke IAAP Scholarship: Lynne Gramling of Toledo received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a Toledo-area campus student enrolled in the Office Administration major.

James A. Adams Memorial Scholarship: Sarah Sandoval of Montpelier, Catherine Studer of Bellevue and Phillip Wells of Fostoria each received a $586 scholarship. Recipients of this award must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

James H. Baehren Scholarship: Heather Haynes of Pemberville and Nathan Lueders of Vanlue each received a $614 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Janet and Ralph Patchin LegUP Scholarship: Jonathan Thomas of Walbridge received a $2,500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, have emancipated from the foster care system and be deemed financially independent. Preference will be given to Wood County residents with second preference to Hancock, Lucas, Ottawa and Sandusky county residents.

John and Margaret Kurfess Scholarship: Kelsey Kalisik of Liberty Center and Geneva Scott of Walbridge each received a $335.50 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least 16 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a health sciences major.

John Deere Scholarship: Daniel Bittner of Decatur, IN, Nathan Buehrer of Montpelier, Kody Degler of Portland, IN, Robert Fisher of New Vienna, Joel Foister of Home, PA, David Geiger of Harbor Beach, MI, Braden Kehres of Crestline, Joshua Kellar of Rayland, Jonathon Lewellen of Mount Vernon, Nathan McClain of Payne, Jarred Melcher of Bowling Green, Nathan Patton of Walbridge, Luke Sines of Bryan and Benjamin Thomas of Grand Rapids each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be a John Deere major.

Jones-Hamilton Company Scholarship: Alexander Shelhart of Oregon and Anthony Smoktonowicz of Perrysburg each received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester and have and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to residents of Lake Township, Perrysburg Township, Rossford or Northwood

Margaret (Margy) Matthews Scholarship: Bailey Ridge received a $728 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student who is an Early Childhood Education major.

Mary’s Scholarship: Cathryn Alexander of Toledo, Kaitlin Fall of Toledo, Julie Feltman of Perrysburg, Jennifer Marlowe of Perrysburg, Toni Walk of Risingsun and Sally Young of Findlay each received a $932 scholarship; Kristine Combs of Findlay, Tammi Diemer of Ottawa, Elizabeth Fajkos of Oregon, Amber Miller of Risingsun, Kristy Polan of Weston and Megan Tanner of Toledo each received a $466 scholarship; Janet Torres of Oregon received a $560.25 scholarship and Robert Mullens of Oregon received a $126.10 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to employees of Little Sisters of the Poor or the College’s nursing majors.

Maumee Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Kathlyn LaChapelle of Maumee received a $1,500 scholarship. Recipients must be graduating seniors of Penta Career Center who are participating in the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) program.

Michael W. Rickard Memorial Scholarship: Cynthia Trutt of Findlay received a $708 scholarship. Recipients should display sustained Owens school spirit, devotion to the College or other forms of enhancing the student experience and demonstrate high levels of participation and engagement in campus life within student clubs, organizations or athletics. Preference is given to a student who is enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and has achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Mike and Carol Bower Honors Scholarship: April Brown of Lambertville, MI and Kimberly Ferguson of Northwood each received a $1,250 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Mosser Construction Scholarship: Thomas Russell of Toledo received a $1,836 scholarship. Recipients must be a second-year student enrolled in a construction-related program and must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Megan Dunn of Graytown was awarded a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be a graduate of Oak Harbor High School.

Officer William A. Miscannon Memorial Scholarship: Taylor Beck of Genoa received a $1,800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in criminal justice who plan to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Owens Community College Foundation Scholarship: Edward Coker of Toledo, Rachel Isenhart of Toledo and Kimberly Stevens of Wauseon each received a $1,000 scholarship; Lainey Foster of Columbus, Viktoriya Gudnyy of Toledo, Haley Hermiller of Ottawa, Addison Lane of Whitehouse, William Lemle of Monclova, Cassandra Passalacqua of Maumee, Bailey Ridge of McComb, Pam Talmadge of Findlay, Makenzie Watkins of Fostoria, Tammy Williams of Genoa and Lydia Yeager of Toledo each received a $500 scholarship and Kyle Olszewski of Maumee received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship: Tabitha Mixon of Toledo received a $1,500 scholarship and Laura Aranda of Toledo and Robert Santillan of Toledo each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Owens Corning Diamante Latino Scholarship: Laura Aranda of Toledo and Robert Santillan of Toledo each received a $289.50 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Owens Faculty Association Scholarship: Allison Glanz of Grand Rapids received a $300 scholarship and Haley Hermiller of Ottawa and Isaiah Rupp of Palmyra, MI each received a $150 scholarship. Recipients must be the child of a current Owens Faculty Association member and be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. Current students must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, while new students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Owens Honors Scholarship: Ayanda Mkhize of Findlay and Terry Spitnale of Toledo each received a $460 scholarship and Karen Medina of Toledo and Catherine Studer of Bellevue each received a $230 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Pauline Schmidt Memorial Scholarship: Rebecca Acosta of Pemberville received a $326 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the dental hygiene program.

Perrysburg Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Maegen Anders of Maumee and Alison Kopp of Perrysburg each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be graduating seniors of Penta Career Center who are participating in the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) program.

PNC Diamante Latino Scholarship: Laura Aranda of Toledo received a $640 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Post-Secondary Option Book Scholarship: Hannah Ball of Findlay, Cassidy Hopkins of Perrysburg, Rachel Law of Jenera, Jacob Mattoni of Waterville, Emily Mysinger of Curtice, Macy Smith of Findlay, Taylor Smith of Fostoria, Amalya Stevenson of Northwood and Rachel Wiseley of Findlay each received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Individuals must be former Post-Secondary Option students who are continuing their education at Owens following their high school graduation.

President Daniel H. Brown Scholarship: Taylor Broadwater of Holland, Stephanie Endicott of Fostoria and Nichole Miller of Toledo each received an $811 scholarship and Megan Albright of Clyde, Juanita Ellis of Toledo, Brandon Geiser of Pioneer and Brittany Grady of Whitehouse each received a $405.50 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to health science students.

Private Industry Collaborative Scholarship: Stephanie East-Ginting of Perrysburg and Melinda Tulak of Toledo each received a $607 scholarship and Teresa Boice of Milton Center and Julie Feltman of Perrysburg each received a $303.50 scholarship. Recipients must be a non-traditional student who is a dislocated or soon-to-be dislocated worker.

Ray Windecker Memorial Scholarship: Debra Secord of Carey and Bryan Post of Toledo each received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in an Automotive Technology or Auto Body Repair program. This scholarship is funded by the Western Lake Erie Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club.

Regina and Harry Silletti Scholarship: Ayanda Mkhize of Findlay received a $4,284 scholarship and Katelyn Motsinger and Anthony Smoktonowicz each received a $2,142 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to a non-traditional student who has been accepted in the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship: Christina McCullough of Liberty Center received a $581 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and exhibit a strong desire to pursue a quality assurance career in manufacturing.

Rudy Aschenbrener Memorial Scholarship: Jerome Johnson of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least six credit hours at Owens, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be majoring in the automotive body repair program.

Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship: Conner Edgar of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to Early Childhood Education, Information Systems, Computer Programming or Computer Systems majors.

Scott Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Emilee Ball of Toledo, Michael Kirkham of Toledo, Ryan Mathena of Toledo and Elizabeth Reynolds of Wauseon each received a $207.50 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in criminal justice or who are members of the Owens Community College basketball team.

Shirley S. Dick Scholarship: Tiffany Eschedor of Bradner and Melissa Richardson of Haskins each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a female student. This scholarship is awarded in honor of Shirley S. Dick and presented through the Toledo Woman’s Club.

Slade Wielinski Memorial Scholarship: Tim Martin of Toledo received a $ 500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a non-traditional student majoring in Biomedical Electronics, Chemistry or other engineering major.

Spanish American Organization Scholarship: Robert Santillan of Toledo received a $717 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, be of Latino heritage and reside in Lucas or Wood counties.

Steven G. Guerrero Memorial Scholarship: Kelsey Kalisik of Liberty Center received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to students entering their second year at Owens who are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester.

Tall Timbers Foundation Scholarship: Bayley Hill of Findlay received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a Findlay-area Campus student who is an employee or child of an employee at the Tall Timbers Industrial Center of Findlay.

The Andersons Scholarship: Jordin Baker of Oregon, Weiwei Jones of Holland and Randall Reynolds of Grand Rapids each received a $588 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in the School of Business, Information & Public Services, the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics and the natural sciences area.

Toledo Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship: Alexx Myers of Rossford and Tori Schramm of Maumee each received a $1,842.50 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be an employee or relative of an employee of member dealerships of the Toledo Automobile Dealers Association.

Toledo Community Foundation – Marsh Family Fund Scholarship: Danielle DiNardo of Toledo, Brandon Geiser of Pioneer, Allison Glanz of Grand Rapids, Brittany Grady of Whitehouse and Erin Weaver of Findlay each received a $400 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Toledo Community Foundation – George and Luella Shoemaker Fund: Orr Buchris of Toledo, Joshua Callaghan of Toledo, Lori DeShetler of Perrysburg, Indigo East of Perrysburg, Matthew Grogan of Toledo, Meirav Pierce of Northwood, Reginald Reese of Toledo, Megan Tanner of Toledo and Dareisha Taylor of Toledo each received a $500 scholarship and Lucille Carter of Toledo, William Frye of Toledo, Nakeia Hamilton-Barber of Toledo, Amy Smith of Toledo and Jerardo Soto of Toledo each received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must reside in the greater Toledo area of Lucas County and contiguous communities, have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a technology-specific program.

Toledo Mobile Radio Association Scholarship: Tim Martin of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, and be an Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology or Skilled Trades Technologies Electrical major

Will Webb Scholarship: Erin Danielson of Tiffin received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a Findlay-area Campus student in the School of Nursing.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Posted on January 9th, 2015

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2014 – The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has selected Owens Community College for its 2015 Community Engagement Classification.

“Community engagement is a major component to the success of students, as well as Owens as an institution, and we are extremely pleased those efforts have been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “This national designation highlights the hard work and level of commitment to community engagement shared by our faculty, students and staff.”

Owens joins 240 colleges and universities across the nation being recognized for their campus-wide commitment to civic engagement. In order to receive the classification, the college had to demonstrate a commitment to curricular engagement, outreach and partnerships.

“Through service learning, community engagement and other partnership opportunities, students get a true sense of the impact they can make on our communities,” said Krista Kiessling, director of service learning, civic engagement and leadership. “The type of leadership skills students need to succeed after college can only be learned through hands-on involvement with the community. This recognition shows Owens’ commitment to giving students the tools to thrive.”

This year, 133 institutions submitted applications for recognition for the first-time and 83 were successfully classified as community engaged institutions. Similarly, 188 institutions were eligible for re-classification and 157 were successfully re-classified.

In the notification letter regarding the classification designation, Carnegie President Anthony Bryk wrote:

Your application documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement, and it responded to the classification framework with both descriptions and examples of exemplary institutionalized practices of community engagement. The application also documented evidence of community engagement in a coherent and compelling response to the framework’s inquiry.

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

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FALL PINNING CEREMONY HONORS REGISTERED AND PRACTICAL NURSING STUDENTS AT OWENS

Posted on December 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2014 – More than 70 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the Nursing Department for their academic achievements specific to registered nursing and practical nursing. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

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

Practical nursing pinning recipients are Shelby Elledge of Jenera, Katie Gayhart of Sylvania, Kelsie Gonyer of Findlay, Kati Graham of Cygnet, Dawn Hassan of Mount Cory, Stephanie Hook of Fostoria, Amber Huffman Findlay, Shannon McCann of Bowling Green, and Shannon Vanhoose of Fostoria.

Registered nurse pinning recipients are Amanda Alge of Forest, Paul Ang or Toledo, Jennifer Baxa of Tiffin, Jordan Best of Toledo, Robin Biery of Lima, Jennifer Biggs of Swanton, Brandi Bishop of Findlay, Bernadette Briones of Napoleon, Amber Brown of Fostoria, Heather Caligiuri of Findlay, Angela Castillo of Archbold, Barbara Charlton of Attica, Kristen Colter of Swanton, Kristine Combs of Findlay, Ashley Cooper of Findlay, Amanda Davis of Northwood, Tammi Diemer of Ottawa, Lonia Dodson of Holland, Christine Eckel of Haskins, Juanita Ellis of Toledo, Branden Engle of Toledo, Nikki Errett of Bowling Green, Brenda Ferreira of Toledo, Brittany Fisher of Helena, Brittany Fuhrmann of Bowling Green, Jaclyn Fuller of Findlay, Jessica Goerlich of Temperance, Michi., Mindy Hansen of Swanton, Adrian Hasenfratz of Toledo, Alaina Haubert of Genoa, Molly Hovest of Ottawa, Lindsey Iler of Weston, Candace Jewell of Toledo, Kamesha Jones of Toledo, April Kay of Findlay, Kelly Kibalchich of Toledo, Melanie Kocher of Findlay, Richard Legg of Toledo, Jennifer Lentz of Fostoria, Brian Lundy of Toledo, Jacquel McCadney of Toledo, Alexa McNamee of Walbridge, Kristy Polan of Weston, Heather Ramser of Rossford, Bobbi Ritter of Findlay, Meaghan Roberts of Ottawa Hills, Stacie Robinson of Toledo, Alyssa Rybka of Toledo, Cine Sanders of Toledo, Nicole Schmidt of Toledo, Julia Sherwood of Bloomville, Stephanie Simon of Maumee, Matthew Slee of Holland, Devon Smith of Toledo, Anthony Sopko of Genoa, Heather Stewart of Northwood, Angela Todd of Bowling Green, Tyler Trease of Toledo, Aubrey Ufford of Toledo, Mandy Valadez of Toledo, Stephanie Veselka of Bowling Green, Sarah Walkowiak of Sylvania, Erica Wallen of Findlay, Jewel Webster of Maumee, Jennifer WIlgus of Maumee, Jay Wilson of Findlay, and Stacie Wood of Lambertville, Mich.

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

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

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646 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 8th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 8, 2014 – Six hundred forty-six candidates for graduation, including 122 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 34th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 12. Of those graduates, 130 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 130 Associate of Applied Business; 273 Associate of Applied Science; 138 Associate of Arts; 99 Associate of Science and 6 Associate of Technical Studies.

Christina McCullough, Quality Assurance major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 35-year-old Toledo native first enrolled at Owens after graduating from Toledo Whitmer in 1998, but left a year later when she encountered financial barriers. Not long after leaving Owens, she met her future husband, Mark. They now have been married for nine years and have two daughters, Maia, 7, and Alana, 5.

McCullough resumed Owens classes in August 2010, first wanting to go into the Physical Therapist Assistant program and then the Sonography program. She looked at other possibilities, discovered the Quality Assurance program, and “fell in love”.

While attending Owens, she cared for her mother, whose two-year battle with COPD ended in May 2013.

“I felt like if she could fight this hard, then so could I,” said McCullough. “It seemed like a balance; I motivated her by doing well in school and in life in general and she did the same for me.”

McCullough is the recipient of The Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship and the 2014 George H. Barrows Master Scholarship by the Toledo Section of the American Society for Quality.

After graduation, she will pursue a job with her Quality Assurance degree, and will eventually seek a bachelor’s degree. In the coming years as her daughters grow older, she plans to share the importance of a higher education.

“I want to make it so my kids go to college and strive for these achievements,” she said.

Mrs. Chrys Peterson, former WTOL news anchor, will serve as the keynote speaker. After 20 years anchoring the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts, Peterson retired from television news and opened her own consulting firm.

Peterson has received many honors and awards for community service and is a two-time recipient of the distinguished Jefferson Award because of her extensive involvement in the Toledo community. She has also received two Emmy Awards for community service, an Emmy Award for reporting, three “Best Newscast” Emmy Awards, four coveted Edward R. Murrow awards for journalism and several Associated Press awards.

A native of Alexandria, Virginia, she attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. In 2012, she earned her Master of Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University.

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

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OWENS DESIGNATED AS A 2015 STEM JOBS APPROVED COLLEGE

Posted on December 5th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2014 – Owens Community College has been designated a 2015 STEM Jobs^SM Approved College by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting individuals in transition with education and career opportunities, and creator of STEM Jobs^SM media, education and career resources for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. The 2015 STEM Jobs^SM Approved Colleges inaugural list is the first of its kind to rate universities, colleges, community colleges and trade schools on their responsiveness and relevance to high-demand, high-growth STEM occupations.

 Owens was among over 1,600 schools participating in the STEM Jobs^SM survey process. Schools submitting surveys were scored on publicly available data and responses to proprietary questions around three key indicators of success: STEM job alignment, STEM job placement, and diversity in a school’s STEM programs. The assessment and rights to the STEM Jobs Approved^SM Colleges designation were available to qualifying schools at no cost. Owens will be featured in the Winter 2015 issue of STEM Jobs^SM magazine, along with the entire 2015 list of STEM Jobs^SM Approved Colleges.

“We are excited and proud to prepare our students for a number of in-demand STEM careers,” said Glenn Rettig, interim dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “The workplace demand for skilled, creative, problem-solving technicians is greater than it has been in forty years, and the School of STEM can prepare students for a successful career in the field that interests them most. This recognition is a great acknowledgment of our efforts in providing valuable STEM programming.”

For more information about Owens’ commitment to students interested in STEM fields of study and careers, visit www.owens.edu.

For additional information about STEM Jobs^SM or to request a free survey assessment, please contact us at VictoryMedia.com/contact.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES PROCLAIMS MEDICAL ASSISTANTS RECOGNITION WEEK

Posted on October 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Oct. 17, 2014 – Owens president and the Board of Trustees have proclaimed Oct. 20-24, 2014 and the third full week of every October as Medical Assistants Recognition Week at Owens Community College in appreciation of the Medical Assisting program students, faculty, staff and alumni.

In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, Owens Medical Assisting students will be offering free blood pressure checks, pulse ox checks and glucose testing, Wednesday, October 22, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 1 – 2:15 p.m. in the Health Technologies building, room 307 on the Toledo-area campus.

Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting continues to be projected as one of the fastest growing occupations.

For more information regarding Owens’ Medical Assisting Program, please visit www.owens.edu.

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OWENS 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.

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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.

“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 $3,000 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.

“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.

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OWENS STUDENT AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on August 13th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2014 – The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation has awarded Owens student and Toledo resident, Jennifer Chaput, the Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year.

The $2,500 scholarship will help Jennifer complete an Associates of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology educational program. This scholarship was created in honor of Edward Jerman and John Cahoon and is made possible by support from ASRT Foundation Patrons and a generous grant from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

“We are happy to provide Jennifer with financial support to get the tools she needs to further her education and career,” said Phelosha Collaros, ASRT Foundation’s director. “The scholarship is a testament to the commitment and collaborative spirit of the radiologic technology community.”

To be eligible, applicants must be entry-level students enrolled in an accredited radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance or nuclear medicine program.

Scholarship recipients submitted applications and were selected based on evidence of commitment, leadership, achievement and financial need. The Foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee evaluated scholarship applications and provided recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees then approved recipients.

To learn more about scholarship programs, including eligibility requirements and application information, and for more information about the ASRT Foundation, visit www.asrtfoundation.org.

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OWENS STUDENT LEADERS INDUCTED INTO SPRING PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Posted on July 23rd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 23, 2014 – Owens Community College students recently were honored for their excellence in higher education, earning membership into the Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for the Spring Semester. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest in Ohio.

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 by the presidents of eight Missouri junior colleges for women. In 1924, the international organization was expanded to include all two-year colleges. To date, more than one million individuals have been inducted into the international honor society.

The overall mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic excellence among two-year college students, provide opportunities for leadership training and an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals. In addition, the society continues to promote among its members the four standard hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

Selection criterion for students receiving the honor is based upon enrollment in a two-year college, completing a minimum number of course hours set forth by the individual chapter, achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average and exemplifying academic excellence, as determined by faculty.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2014 Spring Semester are:

Rawan A. Abdelrahman of Toledo

Walaa E. Ahmed of Toledo

Ganda B. Alabbas of Perrysburg

Baqer J Aljabr of Saudi Arabia

Daniel J. Angel Of Woodville

Krista K. Balduf of Wharton

Emilee A. Ball of Toledo

Jacob B. Barnard of Perrysburg

Skyler L. Bell of Mingo Junction

Brandi J. Bishop of Findlay

Jodi L. Bixler of Bowling Green

Amber L. Blackburn of Whitehouse

Lilian A. Briggs of Toledo

Kyle T. Brown of Walbridge

Nicholas A. Calmes of Curtice

Shelley R. Carr of Toledo

Jessica L. Ciacelli of Lambertville

Alex J. Claussen of Northwood

Laura K. Condon of Milton Center

Jeffry W. Davidson of Tiffin

Helen L. Dilworth of Maumee

Lauren J. Downard of Bowling Green

Bailey A. Elgin of Cygnet

Christian T. Erdmann of Toledo

Nicholas Esterline of Defiance

Joan L. Ferola of Perrysburg

Jenna N. Filas of Toledo

Matthew A. Fitch of Woodville

Barbara J. Fritz of Arlington

Libby A. Fritz of Findlay

Marah Ghannam of Toledo

Allison K. Glanz of Grand Rapids

Melissa M. Goetz of Haskins

Kamisha S. Gutelius of Toledo

Dakota S. Harrell of Sylvania

Kimberly M. Harris of Dundee

Bobbie S. Harris of Toledo

Kimberly Henninger of Logansport

Hilda V. Heuring of Toledo

Annette M. Homan of Whitehouse

Joanne Y. Hosny of Toledo

Austin P. Ibarra of Oregon

Adam J. Inniger of Williamstown

James Jacobs of Toledo

Laura A. Jensen of Graytown

Jaclyn N. Jezak of Maumee

Mary L. Johnson of Waterville

Ayisha M. Jones of Toledo

Michelle L. Keip of Toledo

Aaron R. Konoff of Whitehouse

Zachary B. Kornowski of Oregon

Kenny T. Kruse of Woodville

Brianna L. Lazur of Oregon

Ashley N. Lowry of Toledo

Jamie L. Mallery of Toledo

Donald J. Managhan, Jr. of Toledo

Natasha M. Marchese of Maumee

Daniel K. Mathena of Napoleon

Desirae A. McDonald of Defiance

James W. Metcalf of Bryan

Lindsey M. Minnig of Van Wert

Ayanda C. Mkhize of Findlay

Emily E. Mysinger of Curtice

Dean C. Niederkohr of Ottawa Lake

Leandra L. Oman of Arlington

Derek C. Opdycke of Stryker

Gili Oren of Toledo

Steven E. Osborn of Sylvania

Samantha L. Pacynski of Toledo

Nick L. Papenfuse of Toledo

John M. Rathke of Pioneer

Lawrence M. Richardson III of Perrysburg

Jason L. Ridley, Sr. of Toledo

Jacquelyne R. Robinson of Toledo

Isaiah G. Rupp of Palmyra

Leila N. Rush of Toledo

Andrew M. Schultz of Maumee

Tyler D. Selz of Perrysburg

Kathleen E. Shaw of Tiffin

Charity L. Sizemore of Toledo

Christy S. Smith of Bowling Green

Christinia J. Snider of Genoa

Terry L. Spitnale of Toledo

Jenise M. Stanley of Toledo

Elsa P. St. John of Toledo

Michael A. Stroud of Toledo

Leigha J. Sugg of Toledo

Brittany R. Suwinski of Toledo

Byron S. Swartz of Milbury

Megan R. Szymanowski of Maumee

Joshua D. Thilmony of Findlay

Stephanie M. Tucker of Fremont

Zachary L. Vickers of Northwood

Kathy M. Wagner of Toledo

Kristen E. Walton of Maumee

Joel R. Washing of Toledo

Lisa Waterfield of Grand Rapids

Jennefer P. Williamson of Toledo

Stephanie L. Wonnell of Oregon

Michael G. Yaklin of Maumee

Daniel B. York of Toledo

Rana A. Zeyadah of Toledo

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OWENS AND WALTERS FAMILY AWARDS RYAN, MARY AND HAYDEN WALTERS SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on June 17th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, June 17, 2014 – Owens Community College student Conner Edgar of Toledo has been chosen by the Walters Family to receive a $500 Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship for the upcoming 2014-15 academic year.

Established in 2011, the endowed scholarship honors the legacy of Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters and their commitment to lifelong learning. The scholarship is given annually to an Owens student with aspirations of careers in early childhood education, information systems, computer programming and computer systems.

“On behalf of the Walters’ family, extended family, friends, and local community it is truly an honor to present the Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters Scholarship to Conner Edgar,” said Robin Arquette, who is the sister of Ryan Walters. “It gives us great joy and pride to be able to assist in helping students in the community achieve their educational goals.”

Selection criteria for the scholarship is based upon recipients being enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at Owens per semester and achieving a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Additionally, preference is given to a student who is majoring in early childhood education, information systems, computer programming and computer systems. Scholarship applicants also must state how they will utilize their college degree to give back to the community in which they live in the form of an essay.

Edgar is pursuing his associate’s degree in early childhood education and plans to continue on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. He graduated in 2012 from Whitmer High School with a 4.0 GPA and will be the first person in his family to attend college. He ultimately envisions a career working with children with learning disabilities.

“Teaching and working with children is what I have always dreamed of doing,” explained Edgar. “Receiving this scholarship will help me to continue my service to the community and pay it forward. The experience of helping others has taught me that it is not the material things in life that make you happy but building relationships and sharing with other.”

In June 2010, Ryan, Mary and Hayden Walters lost their lives as a result of a tornado and damaging storms that devastated the Northwest Ohio region.

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OWENS STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO SPRING CHI ALPHA EPSILON NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Posted on May 22nd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 22, 2014 – Owens Community College students were recently recognized for their academic excellence and leadership within the community, earning membership into the Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society.

The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society was founded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1989 in response to the increasing need to acknowledge the continuing successes of students within the academic institution’s academic development program. Recognizing that students who share similar experiences could serve as models for others, founder Dr. Elbert Saddler proposed a Greek letter honor society. In 2001, Chi Alpha Epsilon received official endorsement from the National Association for Developmental Education. Today, there are over 200 chapters of the national honor society.

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

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

The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society student inductees for the 2014 Spring Semester are Ashley Altaffer of Montepelier (business administration), Lisa Arend of Toledo (medical office assistant), Julie Bitter of Oregon (education), Kristen Borcherding-Jacobs of Luckey (occupational therapy assistant), Jennifer Cavey of Oregon (criminal justice), Michael Chizmar II of Perrysburg (commercial art tech.), Barbara Fritz of Arlington (business administration), Margaret Fuller of Toledo (Landscape and Turfgrass Management), Kajara Furr-Ruffin of Toledo (accounting), Erica Gears of North Balitmore (pre-nursing), Heather Harris of Toledo (business), Richard Harrison, Jr. of Perrysburg (business management), Scott Histed of Maumee (criminal justice), Chelsea Hooks of Oregon (dental hygiene), Joan Hosny of Toledo (business administration), Jolene Jackson of Toledo (business administration), Courtney Knadler of Lambertville, Mich. (AS General Concentration/Dental Assisting), Heather Koziel of Findlay (social work), Haley Kreger of Temperance, Mich. (occupational therapy assistant), Michelle Link of Lima (diagnostic med. tech.) Lindsy Machado of Maumee (dental hygiene), Gregory McClusky of Toledo (computer programmer), Dustin Moosman of Waterville (John Deere tech.), Kristy Oates of Bowling Green (RN), Kyle Olszewski of Toledo (business management), Leticia Parish of Toledo (social work), Brianna Planz of Ottawa (business), Megan Rahm of Toledo (commercial art tech.), Aalea Robertson of Toledo (criminal justice), Scott Romaker of Fostoria (business tech.), Ricky Staler of Enoa (psychology), Taylor Smith of Wauseon (nursing), Sarah Soncrant of Northwood (accounting tech.), Jayme Wietrzykowski of Toledo (health information tech.), and Tonya Young of Elmore (accounting tech.).

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DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY – VASCULAR PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

Posted on May 22nd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 22, 2014 – The Owens Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Vascular program has earned the distinction of receiving initial programmatic accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as a result of its commitment to excellence, accountability and the highest accreditation standards.

“Owens is honored to receive initial accreditation for our Medical Sonography – Vascular program,” said Stacie Gessler, program director, Medical Sonography. “This accreditation recognizes our commitment to providing an excellent academic program that benefits both our students and the health care community.”

Owens’ program earned five-year initial accreditation by the CAAHEP after a recent peer review conducted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors that recognized the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.

The accreditation standards are established by CAAHEP, JRC-DMS, American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), American College of Radiology (ACR), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), and the society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU).

CAAHEP is recognized as the largest programmatic accrediting organization in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, reviews and accredits over 2,000 educational programs in 20 health science occupations.

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OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO HOST GED GRADUATION CEREMONY

Posted on May 13th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 13, 2014 – More than 50 area residents will be honored for achieving their Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma, also known as the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma as Owens serves as host to its fifth annual GED Graduation Ceremony. The special ceremony will occur Sunday, May 18, 1-4 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus.

The GED examination was created with the goal of providing individuals who do not finish high school with an opportunity to earn an Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma and advance their academic and career aspirations. In order to earn an Ohio GED Diploma, students must pass all sections of their official examination. The College’s Office of Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program is offered at no cost to students and provides individualized study plans for each student.

Owens ABLE, which is funded by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Board of Regents and the U.S. Department of Education, is committed to meeting the needs of the surrounding communities by providing an array of enriched learning opportunities and academic resources that include reading, writing, mathematics and computer skills. Specific programs available include preparing for post-secondary training and education, obtaining a GED Diploma, improving employability skills and learning English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

The College offers ABLE classes at multiple locations in Northwest Ohio, including the Owens Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township, the Owens Findlay-area Campus in Findlay, the Owens Learning Center in Maumee, the Owens Learning Center Downtown Toledo, Goodwill Industries in Toledo, The Providence Center in Toledo, Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo in Toledo, Pilgrim Church in Toledo, and at several Toledo-Lucas County Public Library locations.

Individuals who are interested in Owens’ ABLE classes can call (567) 661-ABLE or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ABLE.

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OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS 2014 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 7th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 7, 2014 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees honored area high school seniors recently for their outstanding achievements, receiving thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

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

The Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was created in 1998 by Owens’ Board of Trustees to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

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

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

• William Lemle of Monclova, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (General Studies)
• Hannah Ball of Findlay, an Arcadia High School graduate (Undecided)
• Chelsea Marquart of Arlington, an Arlington High School graduate (Nursing)
• Taylor Purcell of Temperance, a Bedford High School graduate (Nursing)
• Alicia Kikomoor of Bowling Green, a Bowling Green High School graduate (Fine Arts)
• Miranda Sauerwein of Toledo, a Bowsher High School graduate (Accounting Tech.)
• Rachel Green of Carey, a Carey High School graduate (Undecided)
• Timothy Marciniak of Toledo, a Central Catholic High School graduate (Welding)
• Anyssia Flores of Toledo, a Clay High School graduate (Nursing)
• Megan Albright of Clyde, a Clyde High School graduate (Occupational Therapy Assistant)
• Ryan Mang of Perrysburg, an Eastwood High School graduate (Nursing)
• Jordan Matthews of Montpelier, an Edon Northwest High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Kyra Bloom of Bloomdale, an Elmwood High School graduate ( Physical Therapy Assistant and Massage Therapy)
• Rachael Smith of Ottawa Lake, an Emmanuel Christian School graduate (Undecided)
• Cristin Franks of Findlay, a Findlay Digital Academy graduate (Physical Therapy Assistant)
• Bayley Hill of Findlay, a Findlay High School graduate (Occupational Therapy)
• Troy Laird of Fremont, a Fremont Ross High School graduate (Culinary Arts)
• Keri Leskow of Perrysburg, a Lake High School graduate (Nursing)
• Kennedy Wood of Napoleon, a Liberty Center graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Matthew Lawson of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (Information Technology Systems)
• Gretchen Bersinger of Holland, a Monclova Christian Academy graduate (Undecided)
• Adam Altaffer of Montpelier, a Montpelier High School graduate (John Deere Tech.)
• Ethan Nominee of North Baltimore, a North Baltimore High School graduate (Education)
• Shelby Tittle of Northwood, a Northwood High School graduate (Undecided)
• Alyssa Tori of Temperance, a Notre Dame Academy graduate (Undecided)
• Cassandra Brenneman of Oak Harbor, an Oak Harbor High School graduate (Undecided)
• Kyle Wright of Grand Rapids, an Otsego High School graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Logan Meyer of Ottawa, an Ottawa Glandorf High School graduate (Physical Therapy Assistant)
• Abigail Abke of Pemberville, a Penta Career Center graduate (Electrical)
• Nicole Hersch of Perrysburg, a Perrysburg High School graduate (General Studies)
• Nadia Coleman of Holland, a Phoenix Academy graduate (Undecided)
• Rocio Gonzalez of Toledo, a Polly Fox Academy graduate (Criminal Justice)
• Kristen Evans of Forest, a Riverdale High School graduate (Elementary Education)
• Qingquan Lin of Toledo, a Rogers High School graduate (Electrical Certificate)
• Wyatt Kinkade of Perrysburg, a Rossford High School graduate (Networking and Information Systems Support)
• Jordyn James of Holland, a Springfield High School graduate (Nursing)
• Katie Collins of Toledo, a St. Ursula Academy graduate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
• Lydia Yeager of Toledo, a Start High School graduate (Undecided)
• Allister Stange of Toledo, a Summit Academy graduate (Engineering)
• Emily Maier of Swanton, a Swanton High School graduate (Dental)
• Haley McKinch of Sylvania, a Sylvania Southview High School graduate (Dental Hygiene)
• Kyle Ciha of Toledo, a Toledo Technology Academy graduate (Electrical Engineering)
• Ivan Quezada of Findlay, a Van Buren High School graduate (Undecided)
• Rachel Wiseley of Findlay, a Vanlue High School graduate (Undecided)
• Amber Webb of Toledo, a Waite High School graduate (Business)
• Kaytlyn Wagner of Toledo, a Whitmer High School graduate (Undecided)
• Matthew Hartford of Elmore, a Woodmore High School graduate (Commercial Art)
• Giovanni Cuadra of Toledo, a Woodward High School graduate (Computer Science)

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768 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 5th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 5, 2014 –Seven hundred sixty-eight candidates for graduation, including 122 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 48^th annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 9. The commencement will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For family and friends unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed online and can be accessed at www.owens.edu/commencement. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French will serve as the keynote speaker. For the past two decades, Justice French has dedicated her career to public service. In that time, she has served the State of Ohio as a lawyer for a state agency, an assistant attorney general, counsel to the Governor, and, finally, as a judge. In December 2012, Governor John Kasich appointed Justice French to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court of Ohio. She became the 155th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court on January 1, 2013.

A native of Sebring, Ohio, a small town in Mahoning County, she received three degrees from The Ohio State University: a B.A. in political science, an M.A. in history (with a concentration in military history and strategic studies), and a J.D., with honors. Justice French currently resides in Grandview Heights, near Columbus, with her husband and two children.

Lisa Long, an Early Childhood Education Technology major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 30-year-old Fostoria resident is the first person from her family to both attend college and earn a college degree, Long’s journey to the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus started in southern California, where she grew up in sunny San Diego. There, she met her future husband, Richard. They returned to Ohio in 2009 to be near Richard’s family and married in 2010. They now have two boys, ages 10 and 3.

In 2009, Long made the decision to pursue higher education at Owens and enrolled in Spring Semester 2010.

“I was working 3 minimum wage jobs and was a full-time mom. I was spending savings just to pay my own bills. I wasn’t making enough to live. I didn’t own a car,” she said of the life-changing moment when she decided to go to college. “I was riding on the bus with my son, singing the ABCs. I knew I couldn’t go on working these jobs and not being able to pay to live. I had to go to college. I figured out I wanted to be a teacher. The joy I had of being around my son, I wanted that all the time.”

“If you have to be away from your children, you want to do something that you love,” she said.

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

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OWENS 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.

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS DETECTIVE KEITH DRESSEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Posted on April 29th, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 29, 2014 – Owens Community College student Scott Histed of Maumee has been chosen by the Alumni Association to receive a $2,000 Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship for the upcoming 2014-15 academic year.

Established in 2007, the endowed scholarship honors the legacy of Detective Keith Dressel of the Toledo Police Department’s Vice/Narcotics Section Special Enforcement Division and his service to the community. The scholarship is given annually to an Owens student at the Outstanding Service Awards who has the courage to become a police officer and embodies the passion, conviction and perseverance demonstrated by Detective Dressel during his career.

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

“Every year, the Alumni Association has the privilege of awarding the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship to a very deserving recipient,” stated Moore. “This year we are pleased to honor Scott Histed with the award. He will certainly honor the legacy of Detective Dressel.”

Additional selection criteria for the scholarship is based upon recipients being enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at Owens per semester, holding second-year student status and achieving at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Preference is given to students with aspirations of a law enforcement career.

Histed is a full-time Owens student, having enrolled as a criminal justice major in the fall of 2011 after graduating early from Maumee High School. Histed has maintained a 3.0 grade point average in addition to working. He is also an active member of his church.

Following graduation from Owens, Histed plans to enroll in the Owens Police Academy. After completing the Academy, he hopes to work at a local police department as a road patrol officer before getting a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“I’ve wanted to become a police officer ever since I was a little kid,” stated Histed. “I want to become the best police officer I can be and have strong community relations within the community in which I work and live.”

During his senior year in high school, he participated in a ride-along program with the Maumee Police Department, recording and documenting more than 70 hours spent with dispatchers, detectives and road patrol officers.

In February 2007, Detective Dressel was fatally wounded in the line of duty. He provided public service to the Toledo Police Department and the citizens of Toledo for 14 years. Detective Dressel left behind his wife, Danielle, and two children, along with a very large extended family.

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OWENS 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 in 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 serviceware.

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 Education 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.

 

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OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 23rd, 2014

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 23, 2014 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen seven area residents to receive the 11th annual Outstanding Service Awards for their tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities.

Award recipients are Sutton A. Flick, James Dickman, Stephen Machcinski, Mark Klempner, George Simko, Michael Fuelling, and Paul Heineman.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to once again recognize the selfless acts of Northwest Ohio’s safety forces that so often go unnoticed,” said Matt A. Feasel, president, Owens Alumni Association. “The Outstanding Service Awards were created to honor their efforts and thank them for their continued service to our region, state and country.We are extremely honored to be recognizing such an outstanding group of individuals this year.”

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

The recipient of the Outstanding Police Award is Sutton Flick of Findlay (Officer, Carey Police Department). Flick was nominated by Daniel Walter, chief of police, Carey Police Department for his professional bravery during his response to an “active shooter” situation.

On the evening of November 1, 2013, Officer Sutton Flick was on routine patrol in the Village of Carey when the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a shooting at the Carey Conservation Club where several victims had been shot in the Club House. The radio call went out for all available officers to respond to the Conservation Club for an “Active Shooter.”

Officer Flick was the first officer to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, several witnesses informed Officer Flick that at least two victims were dead and that the male suspect was barricaded inside the Club House. Officer Flick instinctively headed toward the threat, only to hear witnesses from inside the Club House yelling, “He is coming out!” There was no time to wait for his backup officers.

Officer Flick positioned himself to cover two exit doors with his weapon drawn. The suspect cautiously exited the Club House, still brandishing a pistol. Officer Flick confronted the suspect by ordering him to drop the weapon. The suspect hesitated then obeyed the commands by tossing his pistol to the ground. Officer Flick ordered the suspect to the ground and secured him with handcuffs. Thankfully, there were no other shooters and this entire apprehension occurred prior to the next officer arriving on scene.

James Dickman of Perrysburg (Posthumous Award) (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department), Stephen Machcinski of Toledo (Posthumous Award) (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department), Mark Klempner of Toledo (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) and George Simko of Toledo (Lieutenant, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) are named the Outstanding Firefighter Award recipients. Captain Michael Benadum, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department nominated them for their outstanding efforts and bravery during a two-story building fire.

On January 26, 2014, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Engine 3, including Dickman, Klempner, Machcinski, Simko and other crews, were dispatched to an apartment fire with occupants reportedly still inside.

On arrival, crews found a two-story building with a working fire. After attempting to make entry through a door on the first floor that was found not to lead anywhere, the crew of Engine 3 used a ladder to enter through a second floor window. Firefighter Dickman climbed the ladder, broke out the window and entered with the hose line. Firefighter Machcinski and Lieutenant Simko quickly followed him. Firefighter Klempner was pump operator for the engine supplying water to the hose line.

The crew encountered heavy smoke conditions as they advanced, looking both for trapped occupants and the fire. Shortly after entry, conditions suddenly and rapidly changed. Extreme heat drove the crew to lay flat on the floor as fire rolled over their heads. Lieutenant Simko ordered Firefighter Dickman to put water on the fire, which he did. Moments later, conditions got even hotter. Lieutenant Simko ordered the crew to get out as conditions continued to deteriorate. Lieutenant Simko was forced to dive out a second floor door onto an outside deck-like area in order to survive. Lieutenant Simko immediately noticed Firefighters Dickman and Machcinski had not exited behind him and transmitted a mayday. After being rescued by the Rapid Intervention Team, Firefighters Dickman and Machcinski died as a result of their injuries.

Michael Fuelling of Toledo (Firefighter/EMT, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department) is the recipient of the Outstanding Emergency Medical Technician Award. Jamie Young, Lieutenant, Toledo Fire &Rescue Department nominated Fuelling for his life-saving efforts during a cardiac arrest on a busy Interstate.

On July 14, 2013, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Engine 17 responded to a report of a person in cardiac arrest on the I-75 South overpass near Exit 204. Off-duty Fuelling witnessed the accident and stopped to help. He found the patient breathless and pulseless. After performing CPR for approximately two minutes, the patient raised his arm and started to breathe on his own. By the time additional assistance arrived on scene, the patient was talking and had good vital signs.

With only his truck as protection on the expressway, Fuelling put himself at great risk while performing CPR until the police and emergency personnel arrived to block traffic. Without his decisive and successful actions, the patient would have had little chance of survival. Fuelling’s courageousness and professionalism was exemplary and heroic.

Paul Heineman of Woodville, (retired Fire Chief, Woodville Township Fire Department) is named the Outstanding Service to Community Award recipient. Chief William Andrews, Woodville Township Fire Department nominated Heineman for his leadership and dedication.

For the past 22 years, Heineman has been fire chief of the Woodville Township Fire Department, dedicating himself to not only making the Woodville Township Fire Department a better fire department, but also to improving communications between the Sheriff’s Office and the individual fire departments within the county.

At 82 years young, Heineman only stepped down because he was elected township trustee.

Over the years, Heineman has fought for levies that allowed the Woodville Township Fire Department to afford the equipment and trucks that have made the department one of the best around, according to those who work there.

Heineman’s leadership has been outstanding over the past 22 years, according to his coworkers, who say he deserves to be recognized for his leadership and dedication, not only to the Woodville Township Fire Department, but to fire service as a whole.

 

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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.”

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. 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 (GPA) with 12 credits completed at Owens. A new student must have achieved a high school GPA of 3.2 or be enrolled as a post secondary enrollment option student.

Honors Program students must complete a total of 15 credit hours of honors courses, which includes nine credit hours of elective honors courses and two core courses titled Introduction to Critical Thinking and Honors Great Readings: Ancient World through the Middle Ages. To graduate as an Honors Scholar and receive the Honors Program medallion, a student must earn a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and complete an honors portfolio where they engage in directed research or service learning around essential questions or themes appropriate to their program of study as part of a capstone project, among other criteria.

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

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OWENS 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.”

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 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.

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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.

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 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.

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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 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 Students Receive Board of Trustees Excellence Award

Posted on June 17th, 2013

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 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.

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.

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

Posted on June 13th, 2013

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 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 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.”

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.

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

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

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 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).

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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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.

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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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.

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

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, 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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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 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 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.

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

The Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was created in 1998 by Owens’ Board of Trustees to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 two-year scholarship.

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

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 Student Receives Board of Trustees Excellence Award

Posted on May 2nd, 2013

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 Board of Trustees Honors Express Basketball Teams

Posted on May 1st, 2013

 

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.

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.

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 Alumni Association Honors Local Safety Forces With Outstanding Service Awards

Posted on April 26th, 2013

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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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