News Releases

Owens Community College Announces Summer Academic Honors

Posted on August 18th, 2006

More than 650 students were named to the Academic Honors List at Owens Community College for the Summer Semester 2006. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for academic honors. Owens Community College uses a 4.0 scale in grading.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Announces 2006-07 Leadership Academy Program Participants

Posted on August 16th, 2006

Owens Community College is broadening leadership among its employees by announcing the participants of the third annual Leadership Academy Program. Seventeen of the College’s employees have been chosen by their peers to participate in the program, which is dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth.

The Owens Leadership Academy Program participants for the 2006-07 academic year are:
Jennifer Artressia of Findlay, supervisor of business services in Findlay
Marge Bartelt of Toledo, chair of developmental education
Max Baumgartner of Perrysburg, chair of the physical therapist assistant program
Judy Bihn of Woodville, specialist of class schedules
Linda Brown of Swanton, secretary for the school of business and information technology
Carol Buser of Bowling Green, assistant professor of computer information systems
Amy Carey of Northwood, child care center teacher for infants and toddlers
Gentry Dixon of Toledo, coordinator of student and alumni placement
Joe Inman of Walbridge, computer analyst for information technology services
Jennifer Mann of Wyandotte, Mich., representative for student enrichment and athletics
Daniele Martin of Toledo, coordinator of testing center services
Brad Meyer of Bowling Green, director of public and media relations
Kim Minke of Toledo, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences
Shirley Orben of Holland, lead cashier of the bursar’s office
Tom Reed of Rossford, financial analyst of budget and systems of business services
Tim Rice of Port Clinton, assistant professor of communications/humanities in Findlay
Lynn Uher of Graytown, assistant bursar

“The Owens Leadership Academy represents an investment in Owens employees, its mission and its vision for the future,” said Verne Walker, Owens assistant dean of students in Findlay, and co-advisor of the Leadership Academy. “As Owens continues to heighten its leadership capacity, this unique program creates new opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and make a difference within the College, the surrounding communities and in their own personal lives.”

The Owens Leadership Academy Program was established with the overall mission of developing each member’s leadership ability for the improvement of self, the College and the community. Underlining this broad-based program is the belief that leadership can be developed and cultivated from within and at various levels of the College. The program is designed to provide individuals with unique perspectives on leadership theory, institutional culture, vision sharing, decision-making and how interpersonal skills shape leadership behaviors.

Employees participating in this nine-month program were chosen following a competitive selection and individual interviews with the Owens Leadership Academy Advising Council. All Owens full-time faculty, staff and administrators were eligible to submit an application for the Owens Leadership Academy Program.

Selection criteria for the Owens Leadership Academy recipients is based upon an employee’s exemplary record of performance in their respective area, strong and continuous involvement in the College and community, and proven leadership ability or strong potential capacity. In addition, individuals must demonstrate continuous efforts for self-improvement and a strong sense of personal commitment to the program.

The content of the program curriculum is both knowledge- and skills-based. In the coming months, Owens Leadership Academy members will participate in a variety of seminars, including an intensive residential program. An important component of the program is the group project that focuses on issues important to the College. The group project will represent the pinnacle of this leadership enhancing experience. Participants will have the opportunity to put into practice their new knowledge and skills and come up with solutions to real problems that can benefit the College. Members also will learn how to assess their own leadership skills and create individual plans for personal and professional growth.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be honored during a special ceremony that distinguishes each individual as a Leadership Fellow. In addition, graduating members will be awarded a pin in recognition of successful program completion.

Owens Community College Awards Free Education to Northwest Ohio Residents

Posted on August 11th, 2006

Two area residents will attend Owens Community College for free this fall after winning a unique scholarship contest. Owens Community College, 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo recently partnered to offer the “Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2” contest that resulted in the awarding of free college education. The grand-prize winner, Sharon Spangler of Weston, will be awarded one year of free Owens tuition, while the runner-up, Theresa Hamlin of Findlay, will receive one semester of free tuition at the College.

“Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo and offer such an incredible opportunity for the Northwest Ohio community,” said Andy Woodard, Owens interim director of marketing. “This contest was possible due to the College’s continued efforts of building upon its community partnerships. Thanks to the support of 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo, two students are able to experience a quality education at Owens.”

The “Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2” had nearly 1,400 individuals enter the contest. Applicants answering all three questions correctly were then entered into a drawing in which 300 semifinalists were chosen at random. To determine the grand-prize winner, five randomly selected semifinalists were chosen at the quiz bowl finals, with the individual answering the most trivia questions correctly being crowned the “Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2” scholarship champion.

Spangler was the grand-prize winner of the “Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2”, receiving a year of free tuition to Owens. A Delphos High School graduate, she is currently pursuing her associate’s degree in surgical technology at the Owens Toledo-area Campus.

“I can’t believe I’m standing on this stage and won free college tuition for a year,” said a stunned Spangler. “It is really hard to put into words what this means to my family.”

A mother of two children and a first generation college student, Spangler envisions working at a local hospital as a surgical technologist after graduating from Owens and obtaining her bachelor’s degree. “Winning the ‘Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2’ will make a huge difference in trying to pay for college.”

Hamlin received a semester of free tuition to Owens as the “Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2” second-place winner. Currently enrolled at the Owens Findlay-area Campus in pre-nursing, Hamlin is extremely thankful to receive additional financial assistance in the form of a semester’s worth of free tuition.

“Both Sharon (Spangler) and myself are winners,” said the Fostoria High School graduate and married mother of four children. “The ‘Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2’ contest is a great idea and I am extremely thankful to Owens.”

A first generation college student, Hamlin is a longtime employee of Whirlpool Corporation in Findlay. Serving as a line coordinator, the Owens honors student recently chose to pursue a different career path within the field of health science and aspires to someday work in a hospital as a registered nurse.

Owens provided more than $46.8 million in grants, scholarships, loans and federal work-study to support the educational needs of students this past year. Additionally, the Owens Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships and program support since its incorporation in 2002.

Owens Community College Fosters Student Success Through New Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society

Posted on August 10th, 2006

Owens Community College is expanding the number of educational opportunities in which students can challenge their personal and intellectual development by establishing a new Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. Fifty-five students were recently honored for their high academic achievement and leadership potential, earning membership as the Gamma Zeta Chapter’s first-ever class inductees.

An Owens student inductee (left) signs her name as a charter member while Chi Alpha Epsilon founder Dr. Elbert Saddler looks on.

The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society was founded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1990 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 academic role models to entering students.”Owens Community College’s Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon was created to recognize the academic achievements of students who enter college through non-traditional criteria,” said Marge Bartelt, Owens chair of developmental education and co-adviser of Chi Alpha Epsilon. “All of the first-year inductees are outstanding young men and women, many of whom have defied the odds and overcome obstacles in pursuit of a college education. Their academic success and achievements warrant recognition. This honor society provides such a means to encourage, motivate and reward individuals for continuing to grow and develop into role models for fellow students.”Selection criterion for acceptance into the honor society is based upon students achieving a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA 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.

According to Bartelt, “New members must pledge to continue to excel academically, to promote academic excellence in others and to help those who genuinely aspire to achieve the same goals.”

The first-ever Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society student inductees are:

Hannah Aiyewunwi of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Megan Bailey of Pemberville	(early childhood education)
Terrie Ball of Temperance, Mich.	(dietetic technician)
Dana Bellner of Toledo	(surgical)
Larry Bialecki of Perrysburg	(adolescence education)
Ashley Bilek of Maumee	(physical therapist assistant)
Emma Blank of Weston	(social work)
Jodi Bury of Sylvania	(accounting)
Stephanie Butler of Toledo	(middle childhood education)
Natalie Chambers of Fostoria	(pre-business administration)
Zachary Clemmons of Oregon	(social work)
Paula Courtney of Bloomdale	(criminal justice technology)
Lorie Cramer of Findlay	(accounting)
Marcus Daniels of Toledo	(accounting)
Kendra Deken of Toledo	(social work)
Jennifer Delaney of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Linda Domschot of Maumee	(health information technology)
Julia Drabek of Maumee	(business management)
Brenda Dressel of Swanton	(world language studies)
Lauren Facer of Sylvania	(environmental health and safety technology)
Katherine Gerrier of Oregon	(physical therapist assistant)
Kaylee Goldsmith of Toledo	(practical nursing)
Daniel Gratz of Findlay	(CAD technology)
Ashley Griffaw of Curtice	(communication arts)
Jermaine Griswold of Holland	(pre-business administration)
Scott Harsanje of Elmore	(fire science technology)
Deanna Hays of St. Mary’s	(pre-nursing)
Jennifer Hollar of Toledo	(occupational therapy assistant)
Jennifer Iler of Bowling Green	(registered nursing)
Bobby Jones of Clyde	(networking and information systems support)
Amy Katona of Oregon	(surgical)
Kevin Klink of Woodville	(pre-radiography)
Tangee Krochmalny of Findlay	(registered nursing)
Andrew LaFarree of Oregon	(criminal justice technology)
Candy Lanning of Findlay	(international business)
Nichole Macknight of Northwood	(social work)
Heather McCaig of Swanton	(history)
Rochelle McDaniel of Martin	(financial services sales)
Nancy McHugh of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Jennifer McWilliams of Rossford	(pre-business administration)
Lauren Michelsen of Toledo	(social work)
Brandon Mills of Bowling Green	(hospitality management)
Lisa O’Connell of Toledo	(business management)
Paula Okuley of Sylvania	(surgical)
Barbara Rardin of Rossford	(pre-business administration)
Nancy Rogers of Perrysburg	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Constance Setliff of Fostoria	(early childhood education)
Eddie Severhof of Walbridge	(middle childhood education)
Beatriz Steen of Findlay	(office administration)
Shelly Stein of Oregon	(pre-business administration)
Chris Stewart of Waterville	(pre-business administration)
Jacqueline Twining of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Walter Tylicki of Toledo	(criminal justice technology)
Jonathan Wibbeler of Northwood	(commercial art)
Andrea Zamarripa of Weston	(educational paraprofessional)

Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academies Graduate 28 Students During Ceremony, Aug. 15

Posted on August 7th, 2006

Twenty-eight students from the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be recognized as Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduates at Owens Community College on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

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

“Owens Community College is proud to continue its collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and provide educational training for thousands of future law enforcement officials throughout Ohio,” said Gary Brinker, Owens coordinator of public service training programs. “Our nation would not experience freedom and safety as we know it without each graduate’s decision to pursue a career in public service.”

Founded in 1970, the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy is offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses in cooperation with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council. 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’s degree at Owens in law enforcement.

Local law enforcement agencies where Owens graduates now are employed include the Deshler Police Department, 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, Tiffin Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Wayne Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

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

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Day Academy:
Ryan Borowske of Curtice
Quintellies Chapa of Northwood
Nicholas Danielski of Perrysburg
Angel Fry of Grand Rapids
Steven Gilkerson of Toledo
Aaron Hendriksen of Toledo
Harry Kellett III of Toledo
David Lickert of Oregon
Tyson Richmond of Montpelier (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)
Amanda Schmitt of Sylvania

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy:
Chad Baumhower of Toledo
Brett Bethel of Waterville (sponsored by the Clay Township Police Department)
Luis Munguia of Grand Rapids (sponsored by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office)
Christopher Pearcy of Bryan (sponsored by the North Baltimore Police Department)
Clovie Pounders of Toledo
Gregory Redmon of Toledo
Jody Swoap of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)
Jacob Teal of Lyons
Matthew Thieroff of Woodville (sponsored by the Woodville Police Department)
Rickey Thomas of Toledo (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)

Findlay-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Academy:
Steven Andrus of Findlay (sponsored by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
Troy Bateson of North Baltimore (sponsored by the North Baltimore Police Department)
Nicholas Evanoff of Findlay
Phillip Hartman of Findlay
Matthew Jacoby of Carey (sponsored by the Carey Police Department)
Dustin Kindle of Dunkirk
Travis Ricker of Fostoria
Bradley Strickland of Cygnet

Owens Community College’s Jim Welling Appointed to NJCAA Leadership Position

Posted on July 27th, 2006

Owens Community College director of student enrichment and athletics Jim Welling has been chosen by his peers at the Legislative Assembly to serve as a Great Lakes regional officer for NJCAA Region XII.

Jim Welling

NJCAA Region XII is comprised of 29 intercollegiate athletic programs from community colleges in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. A majority of the member schools participate in either the Michigan Community College Athletic Conference or the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference.

“Selection as a Great Lakes regional officer for NJCAA Region XII is a privilege and honor,” Welling said. “I look forward to working with my fellow peers as we continue to raise the both the levels of academic and athletic excellence within the member community colleges.”

Serving a two-year term, Welling will hold the position of men’s assistant regional director and is responsible for assisting the men’s regional director in all intercollegiate activities pertaining to NJCAA Region XII. Such responsibilities will entail acting as a liaison between the member organizations and the NJCAA, overseeing planning for the various regional tournaments and enforcing all rules and regulations of the NJCAA sanctioning body.

Welling joined the College as part-time admissions representative in 1986. Since 2004, he has served as director of student enrichment and athletics. In his current position, Welling is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations for the College’s seven intercollegiate athletic programs, as well as the cheerleading team.

Additionally, Welling served as head coach of the men’s basketball program for 20 years. During his tenure, the Express captured two NJCAA Division II National Championships in 1992 and 1993. He concluded his basketball-coaching career with an overall record of 550-127. This past year, Welling also served as the first head coach of the new men’s golf team. In its first year, the Express made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing 14th in the tournament. Owens captured six match and invitational titles during the season, including a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional.

Welling has received several honors during his career, including Coach of the Year five times by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference, seven times by NJCAA Region XII and twice by NJCAA Division II. In addition, Welling has made many presentations and served as a keynote speaker at several state, regional and national NJCAA conferences on leadership and the coaching profession.

A resident of Northwood, Welling earned his associate’s degree in recreation from Owens Community College and a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from the University of Toledo.

Owens Community College Professor Receives National Business Education Teaching Award

Posted on July 10th, 2006

Owens Community College professor of office administration Dr. Rose Marie Kuceyeski has been chosen by the National Business Education Association (NBEA) to receive the Postsecondary Business Teacher of the Year Award among academic institutions nationwide. The national award recognizes outstanding contributions to business education by postsecondary business educators.

Kuceyeski was the College’s first-ever recipient of the Postsecondary Business Teacher of the Year Award. The honor was announced as part of the annual NBEA conference in Tampa, Fla.

“Rose Marie is an exceptional educator whose passion and enthusiasm for teaching is unmatched,” said Myrna DeAustria, Owens dean of business and information technology. “As a result, she is constantly on the cutting edge of incorporating technology in the classroom and developing new academic curricula for business students, ensuring that they receive a college education that reflects today’s most current trends and standards. Rose Marie is a visionary who leads by example and is very deserving of this honor.”

Selection criteria for the NBEA Postsecondary Business Teacher of the Year Award is based upon contributions to business education through teaching within the classroom, curriculum development initiatives, involvement in professional organizations and activism at their respective academic institutions.

NBEA, based in Reston, Va., is the nation’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to serving individuals and groups engaged in instruction, administration, research and dissemination of information for and about business. The organization is committed to ensuring that business education competencies are recognized as essential for all individuals in today’s fast-changing society.

Kuceyeski joined the College’s faculty in 1985. She currently is responsible for teaching a variety of courses within information technology, such as administrative office management, computer concepts and applications, office procedures and keyboarding, among others.

Recognized by her colleagues as an expert in word processing and a creative pioneer in alternative learning modalities, Kuceyeski was the first Owens faculty member to develop and facilitate online courses in computer applications and integration, enabling students to pursue a college education at their own convenience.

Additionally, she has introduced courses utilizing new technologies in voice recognition, presentation management and intercultural simulations. For students who want to become home-based entrepreneurs, she was instrumental in developing the academic curriculum for the administrative virtual assistant certificate program.

Her professional and community involvement includes serving as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association and membership on the Association of Collegiate Business Schools Programs (ACBSP), the National Business Education Association and the American Society for Training and Development. Additionally, she is a former president and committee chair of the OBTA-Association for Business Technology Educators.

Kuceyeski has received several honors during her distinguished career, including the Owens President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award for exemplary dedication and service to higher education. She also was recognized with the Postsecondary Teacher of the Year Distinguished Service Award from the North Central Business Education Association, the Association for Collegiate Business Schools Program Region 4 (ACBSP) Postsecondary Teaching Excellence Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award in Business Education from Bowling Green State University.

A resident of Perrysburg, Kuceyeski earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Malone College. She also holds a master’s degree in business education from Bowling Green State University and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instructional media from the University of Toledo.

Owens Community College Express Softball Holds Open Tryouts, July 17-18

Posted on July 6th, 2006

Prospective high schools graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate women’s softball are invited to open tryouts at Owens Community College, July 17-18.

The open tryouts begin at 5 p.m. both days and will be held at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Last season, the Express women’s softball program finished with a 39-11 overall record and captured its second consecutive OCCAC regular season championship with a 16-0 mark. Led by head coach Duane Lanham, Owens’ program advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Lansing Community College. Lanham’s squad was ranked as high as No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II women’s softball poll.

Scholarships are still available. Owens Express players must be high school graduates and should bring their own equipment. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-7937 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7937.

Owens Toledo-area Campus SIFE Team Honored For Local and International Community Outreach

Posted on July 6th, 2006

Owens Community College’s Toledo-area Campus Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team was recently honored for outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial excellence following regional competition in Cincinnati. The team received first runner-up and rookie of the year accolades among participating community colleges from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri.

A panel of approximately 15 judges determined the rankings based upon each team’s extraordinary commitment and dedication to its respective academic institution and area communities throughout the academic year. Only 30 teams were pre-selected out of 500 in the region.

“Achieving recognition at the regional level is credit to the hard work of this SIFE team and their passion for wanting to make a difference through educational outreach initiatives within the surrounding communities, and internationally,” said Andrew Timothy, Owens instructor of accounting and Toledo-area Campus SIFE team advisor. “I commend the students for representing Owens so well as a first-year student organization. They really wanted to make a lasting impact and certainly did so through their many activities.”

The national SIFE organization was founded in 1975 to provide college students with educational opportunities designed to enhance their leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Such educational opportunities are initiated by practicing the principles of market economics, business ethics, entrepreneurship and personal financial success through the implementation of various projects and SIFE-sponsored events. Currently, there are more than 1,800 SIFE organizations on college and university campuses in 40 countries.

“SIFE is a wonderful student experience,” said William Ash, Owens computer programming student and SIFE CEO. “It really feels good to make a positive impact and give back to the surrounding communities.”

Throughout the academic year, Owens’ SIFE team has participated in a variety of free enterprise and educational projects and events benefiting the community. This past year, the student organization was responsible for coordinating 24 service learning projects.

Highlighted endeavors included participating in a Honduras Microbank Project that provided funds, training and healthcare for underprivileged Hondurans through various entrepreneurial ventures. The student organization also attended the 2006 Uniendo Conference, which focused on humanitarian service efforts worldwide, in San Pedro Sula. As part of their trip, the Owens SIFE team arranged for the donation of an ambulance benefiting the local community.

In addition, the student group participated in several events related Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In partnership with several local groups, the SIFE team helped rebuild K-Bar-B Youth Ranch, an abused children’s center in Slidell, La., donated a bookmobile loaded with books and library supplies to the Grand Lake Branch Library in Cameron, La., and drove a brand new van to Slidell, which was then donated to the community’s Meals on Wheels program.

Owens SIFE team members included William Ash of Perrysburg (computer programming), Suzanne Bickford of Perrysburg (accounting), Andrey Bredyuk of Toledo (business management), Lily Ingraham of Bowling Green (associate of science, general concentration), Aarik Kimberlin of Toledo (international business), Jennifer Lewis of Genoa (business management), Dan Reyes-Cairo of Toledo (music performance), Eleni Timothy of Sylvania (occupational therapy assistant) and Sarah Timothy of Sylvania (physical therapist assistant).

Owens Recent Graduates Named to All-Ohio Academic Team

Posted on July 3rd, 2006

Three Owens Community College recent graduates have been named to the 2006 All-Ohio Academic Team in recognition of their scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments. The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society have selected Terrie Ball of Toledo, Natalie Chambers of Findlay and Regina Woodson of Toledo for third team honors.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of Terrie, Natalie and Regina and their selection to the All-Ohio Academic Team,” said Chuck Bohleke, Owens chair of business technologies and Phi Theta Kappa student advisor. “All three have excelled both academically and through service to the community, which is reflected in their educational achievements and volunteerism. These inductees are very deserving recipients and should be commended for their distinguished efforts.”

This past year only 47 students attending either a community, technical or junior college throughout Ohio were chosen to receive the honor. Established in 1994 by Phi Theta Kappa, the All-State Academic Team program was created to honor students exemplifying excellence in higher education. The program has been in existence in Ohio since 1997.

Selection criteria for the All-Ohio Academic Team is based upon recipients achieving a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA, exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities and distinguishing themselves through service to their respective college and within the community. Additionally, individuals must be nominated by their respective college president.

Terrie Ball Ball graduated in May from Owens with a 3.67 GPA and an associate’s degree in dietetics. While at the College, she participated in a number of activities including the campus’ Relay for Life event and served as secretary of the Owens Students Involved in Dietetics (OSID) Club. She also has been active in her community, participating in the Bedford Public Schools Parent-Teacher Association and volunteering time for anti-drug and red ribbon week events in area schools. Additionally, she worked as a builder for her family’s business, Pinnacle Construction in Temperance, Mich. This fall she will enroll in Eastern Michigan University’s registered dietician program.

Natalie Chambers Chambers also graduated in May from Owens and earned her associate’s degree in office administration. While attending the Findlay-area Campus, she was employed as a student worker in the Enrollment Services Office as an Ozone assistant, helping students access campus Internet services and answering questions at the information desk. In addition, Chambers, who achieved a 3.49 GPA, helped coordinate Owens’ participation with the Hancock County Relay for Life event and assisted with the Findlay-area Campus SIFE hurricane relief efforts. Her community involvement included working with children at the Findlay Family YMCA. Chambers is currently seeking a second associate’s degree pre-business administration at Owens.

Regina Woodson Woodson earned her associate’s degree in registered nursing and graduated from Owens in December with a 3.82 GPA. While a student at the College, she served as president of the Student Nursing Association and also earned a grant to help promote HIV education as part of a health sciences class. She also worked for the campus’ building and grounds department. Her community involvement included volunteering at Planned Parenthood, participating in a number of charity walks for leukemia, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and assisting with the Women’s Heart Advantage conference, hosted by Owens. She will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree in clinical nursing at Bowling Green State University this fall.

Owens Findlay-area Campus SIFE Team Earns Regional Accolades

Posted on June 30th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team was recently honored for outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial excellence following regional competition in Cleveland. The team earned second runner-up honors among five participating community colleges from Ohio and Pennsylvania.

A panel of approximately 15 judges determined the rankings based upon each SIFE team’s extraordinary commitment and dedication to its respective academic institution and area communities throughout the academic year. Only 20 teams were pre-selected to compete out of 500 throughout the region.

“Achieving recognition at the regional level is a direct reflection on the Owens SIFE team and their passion for wanting to make a difference within the surrounding communities through educational outreach initiatives,” said Tom Marshall, Owens professor of marketing and sales and Findlay-area Campus SIFE team advisor.

“SIFE is a wonderful student experience,” said Pete Macke, Owens business management student and SIFE CEO. “Although the team is proud of the regional accomplishment, we are more pleased that the organization is making an impact in the community.”

Highlighted endeavors included teaching nearly 90 fifth and sixth grade students at Findlay’s Washington Elementary School about the process of creating a business plan, marketing plan and mission statement through the concept of “Building a Better Airplane.” As part of the initiative, each student was responsible for creating, testing and marketing their own designed paper airplane.

In addition, the student group hosted a community-wide Veterans Day celebration to pay tribute to service men and women, and reached out to area residents by organizing a professional clothing drive, benefiting disadvantaged women in Findlay and the surrounding communities. Collected clothing was donated to residents of Findlay’s Hope House for the Homeless.

New projects this past academic year for the Findlay-area SIFE team included participation in “Hancock Saves,” which was a county-wide program that advised area residents on budgeting and saving money, and teaching resume, writing and computer skills to the homeless at the City Mission of Findlay.

Owens Findlay-area Campus SIFE team members included Zac Boehm of Dunkirk, Mich. (marketing and sales), April Coppus of Findlay (marketing and sales technology), Amy Flores of Findlay (marketing and sales), Andrea Kisseberth of Findlay (small business management), Pete Macke of Ottawa (business management), Phoxay Michaleun of Findlay (international business), Matt Myers of Findlay (business management), Aimee Newton of Findlay (biomedical electronics) and Tom Torrez of Findlay (real estate).

Owens Community College Professor Receives Distinguished International Teaching Excellence Award

Posted on June 27th, 2006

Owens Community College professor of Business Management Gretchen Carroll, J.D., has been chosen by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to receive the distinguished International Teaching Excellence Award among associate degree institutions in North America. The award recognizes exemplary contributions and dedication to the teaching profession.

Carroll, who was one of eight regional award winners, was the College’s first-ever recipient of the International Teaching Excellence Award. The international honor was recently announced as part of the annual ACBSP conference in Chicago.

The ACBSP International Teaching Excellence Award honors business faculty in higher education who are outstanding teachers as recognized by students, peers, administrators, alumni and business representatives. Carroll, who was honored as the Great Lakes Council (Region 4) recipient, was one of only eight individuals nationwide to receive the regional award. States within the Great Lakes Council include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian Province of Ontario.

“Gretchen can be described as the essence of teaching excellence,” said Myrna Howells-DeAustria, Owens dean of the School of Business and Information Technology. “Her boundless energy for teaching and innovative methods of instruction has led to her being viewed as a highly valued leader within Owens’ learning community. Gretchen is very deserving of this honor.”

Selection criteria for the ACBSP International Teaching Excellence Award is based upon an instructor’s teaching methods within the classroom, curriculum development, professional development, institutional versatility and commitment to the community.

Founded in 1988, ACBSP is the premier accreditation of business programs at the associate degree through graduate levels. The organization’s membership consists primarily of small to medium size colleges, universities and community colleges throughout the United States. Consisting of more than 400 membership institutions, ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education, which supports, celebrates and rewards teaching excellence. ACBSP encourages faculty involvement within the contemporary business world to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and to contribute to student learning.

Carroll has been a member of Owens’ faculty since 1995. In her current position as professor, she educates students in areas of the legal environment and real estate law, among others. Carroll also was instrumental in developing and designing Owens courses and curriculum for the College’s international business option program, which was one of the first of its kind among community colleges nationwide.

In addition to her duties as a professor, Carroll serves as a director for the Owens Leadership Academy, a role in which she develops and delivers leadership and supervisory training initiatives for fellow campus employees.

Carroll is also an avid enthusiast for professionalism, ethics and human resources/arbitration within the business and legal communities, presenting for such area organizations as the Toledo Leadership Academy, Toledo Public Schools and the Toledo Area Human Resource Association.

An advocate for internationalizing academic curriculum, Carroll has served as a facilitator and presenter for the International Business Institute at Michigan State University and has addressed the ACBSP Conference and faculty at academic institutions such as State University of New York. Additionally, she was a teaching assistant for the University of Toledo College of Law and currently is the mediator for Springfield Local Schools and the Lucas County Juvenile Court. Carroll is also a consultant for HR on Demand Inc.

The Sylvania resident earned a bachelor’s degree in RHIT/business from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Toledo. Carroll recently completed her juris doctor degree at the University of Toledo College of Law.

Owens Community College Students and Faculty Inducted Into Psi Beta National Honor Society

Posted on June 20th, 2006

Twelve Owens Community College students and one faculty member were recently honored for their academic excellence, earning membership in the Psi Beta National Honor Society.

The Psi Beta Honor Society was established in 1981 as a national honor society for psychology within community and junior colleges. Today, there are over 175 chapters and more than 20,000 members of the national honor society. Affiliated with Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society for four-year colleges and universities, Psi Beta also is involved with the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science and the Association of College Honor Societies.

The overall mission of Psi Beta is to encourage, stimulate and promote interest and excellence in psychology, to advance the science of psychology and to nurture scholarship in all fields of study.

“The academic excellence and dedication that our students display in the area of psychology is commendable,” said Dr. Kerry Garretson, Owens professor of social and behavioral sciences and co-advisor of Psi Beta. “Owens’ School of Arts and Sciences is extremely proud of their selection to Psi Beta and their commitment to higher education and continuing interest within psychology.”

Selection criteria for students receiving the honor is based upon achieving a class ranking in the top 35 percent or an overall 3.0 GPA, earning a minimum “B” average in psychology and completing at least one semester of psychology coursework. Additionally, recipients must demonstrate a genuine interest in psychology and exhibit high standards of personal integrity.

The Psi Beta National Honor Society student inductees for the 2005-06 academic year are:

Brooke Affholder of Sylvania	(registered nursing)
Colleen Belt of Waterville	(pre-dietetic technician)
Chery Horvath of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Lily Ingraham of BowlingGreen	(associate of science, general concentration)
Kristin Manon of Defiance	(health information technology)
Sherri McCormick of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Lauren Michelsen of Toledo	(social work)
Linsee Ostrander of Findlay	(registered nursing)
Lynn Sharpe-Heller of Whitehouse	(undecided)
Ashley Sheeks of Tontogany	(psychology)
Terri Stevenson-Fleitz of Northwood	(associate of science, general concentration)
Angela Zeller of Toledo	(registered nursing)

In addition to student inductions, Carol Russell of Toledo, Owens professor of social and behavioral sciences, was selected as an honorary faculty inductee.

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

Posted on May 30th, 2006

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. 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, which offers over $36 million in transfer scholarships for its members.

The overall mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic excellence among two-year college students, provide opportunities for leadership training and an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals. In addition, the society continues to promote among its members the four standard hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our spring inductees for their dedication and commitment to higher education,” said Chuck Bohleke, Owens chair of Business Technologies. “Induction into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is considered one of the highest compliments an individual in higher education can receive. Their selection is a tremendous achievement.”

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is extended to the top 10 percent of Owens students. Selection criterion for students includes completion of 12 credit hours of coursework, 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 2006 Spring Semester are:

Brooke Affholder of Sylvania	(registered nursing)
Teresa Aponte of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Lesliey Augustyniak of Holland	(pre-surgical)
Natalia Bautista of Toledo	(communication arts)
Larry Bialecki of Perrysburg	(mathematics)
Amy Cook of Toledo	(accounting)
Wyeth Danielson of Pemberville	(pre-business administration)
Renee DeMelo of Bowling Green	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Judi DePeal of Walbridge	(pre-physical therapist assistant)
Jason Gallaher of Oregon	(physical therapist assistant)
Colleen Hanson of Whitehouse	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Janet Hegedus of Toledo	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Bethany Horen of Rossford	(business management)
Melissa Ketcham of Toledo	(diagnostic medical sonography)
Christine Lapointe of Oregon	(psychology)
Heather McCaig of Swanton	(history)
Natalia Mechalkina of Bowling Green	(business management)
Cliff Merritt of Toledo	(business management)
Brandon Mills of Bowling Green	(accounting)
Carrie Newby of Bowling Green	(business management)
Sara Parrish of Toledo	(adolescence education)
Randy Pierce of Curtice	(biology)
Sarah Piotrowski of Maumee	(registered nursing)
William Rieman IV of Toledo	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Frederick Rist of Pemberville	(CAD technology)
Theresa Snyder of Sylvania	(registered nursing)
Terri Stevensen-Fleitz of Northwood	(psychology)
Erica Veneziale of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Brenda Walton of Perrysburg	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Diane Wenig of Dunbridge	(pre-business administration)

Pinning Ceremony Honors Over One Hundred Spring Registered Nursing Program Graduates at Owens

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

Over 100 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the School of Health Sciences signifying their graduation from the registered nursing program. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

“Owens’ registered nursing program is proud to acknowledge our graduates’ impressive accomplishments and commend them for their academic excellence,” said Cynthia Hall, Owens chair of Nursing. “The pin, through its symbolism, reminds nursing professionals of what it truly means to care for others. It is only fitting that the College recognize the rite-of-passage for these future caregivers.”

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

Graduating nurses include Brooke Affholder of Sylvania, Robin Angers of Findlay, Monica Arana of Fostoria, Ronald Bailey Jr. of Lima, Kristine Barlekamp of Findlay, Seok Barnett of Toledo, Stefanie Beam of Perrysburg, Joyce Beamon of Toledo, Diana Benson of Maumee, Belinda Bonnot-Budd of Erie, Mich., Jennifer Bowen of Risingsun, Ashley Bryan of Oregon, Janice Burchett of Grand Rapids, Becky Burns-Reed of Ada, Kristy Byerly of Temperance, Mich., Michelle Caton of Findlay, Kelly Chovan of Oregon, Diana Coker of La Salle, Mich., Angela Cross of Curtice, Lori Crossland of Deshler, Shirita Davis of Toledo, Tracey Dippman of Oregon, Lisa Donbrosky of Toledo, Carla Drew of Toledo, Melinda Dukes of North Baltimore, Grace Duncan of Toledo, Kerri Easton of Temperance, Mich., Anjelle Ebright-Harmon of Toledo, Jo Ann El-Tatawy of Toledo, Crystal Epley of Fostoria, Stephen Flugga Jr. of Findlay, Donette Forgette of Holland, Nina Fragoso of Maumee, Ellen Gilfillen of Bluffton, Cassandra Goal of Toledo, Melissa Gomoll of Temperance, Mich., Karen Grindstaff of Toledo, Holly Haberkamp of Toledo, Kimberly Hamilton of Findlay, Lori Hansen of Morenci, Mich., Theresa Harrison of Findlay, Frank Hartsock of Maumee, Melissa Herbert of Findlay, Jennifer Hermiller of Ottawa, Dawn Hiser of Bowling Green, Jennifer Hobbs of Fostoria, Stephanie Holcomb of Alvada, Christina Hoover of Findlay, April Houck of Findlay, Carrie Hueve of Ottawa, Keesha Huggins of Toledo, Holly Igo of Rossford, Jennifer Iler of Bowling Green, Jessica Janicki of Toledo, Ryan Kasza of Waterville, Jessica Kazmierczak of Sand Creek, Mich., Jolene Kearns of Forest, Cassandra Kiser of Toledo, Deborah Klasen of Bowling Green, Scott Koch of Toledo, Elizabeth Kosinski of Toledo and Rebecca Kovacs of Walbridge.

Rgistered nursing program graduates also were Andrea Krumn of Toledo, Hollie Kujawski of Sylvania, Cara LaCourse of Toledo, Patricia Lamb of Fremont, Melissa Lewis of Toledo, Stephanie Linkes of Temperance, Mich., Rachel Lowe of Woodville, Thomas Lubinski Jr. of Liberty Center, Jason Luther of Toledo, Jennifer Martin of Fostoria, Brian McDonagh of Toledo, M. LeAnna McGuire of Findlay, Joy McGurk of Maumee, Elizabeth McKay of Waterville, Renee Mehrman of Fostoria, Maria Minkowski of Toledo, Gina Newman of Bowling Green, Stephanie Newton of Toledo, Robin Nichpor of Northwood, Amanda O’Donnell of Tiffin, Kari Opp of Tiffin, Leslie Opperman of Findlay, Gael Paterson of Toledo, Jessica Perry of Swanton, Tracey Perry of Republic, Lisa Rashleigh of Toledo, Nicole Reitz of Walbridge, Debra Repolesk of Weston, Jada Rickheim of Petersburg, Mich., Andrea Rimer of Findlay, Tiffany Risner of Carey, Bambie Rolsten of Carey, Dawn Royer of Toledo, Rosalinda Sanchez of Fremont, Colt Semer of Findlay, Emily Sizemore of Findlay, Alicia Smith of New Riegel, Stacey Smith of Fostoria, David Sparks of Toledo, Ashley St. Clair of Findlay, Samantha Stanfill of Swanton, Cynthia Stechschulte of Perrysburg, Nancy Strayer of Neapolis, Frances Szabo of Toledo, Heidi Tatum of Findlay, Joseph Teyner of Findlay, Tina Vespi of Pemberville, Lori Walling of Lambertville, Mich., Linda Welker of Kenton, Diane Wensink of Rudolph, Jennifer Wilbur of Haskins, Kelli Winters of Fremont, Kevin Yerger of Luckey and Julie Zaleski of Toledo.

Established in 1969 as the first associate degree program of its kind in Northwest Ohio, the School of Health Sciences’ registered nursing program has graduated more than 3,600 nurses. The program was implemented on the Findlay-area Campus in 1991.

Owens’ registered nursing program requires 73 credit hours of coursework, which includes nutrition, nursing concepts, pharmacology, life span psychology, nursing skills, adult health issues, anatomy and physiology. 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 Announces Spring Academic Honors

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

More than 2,500 students were named to the Academic Honors List at Owens Community College for the Spring Semester 2006. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for academic honors. Owens Community College uses a 4.0 scale in grading.

Over 700 Owens Community College Students Graduate During Spring Commencement

Posted on May 17th, 2006

James M. Murray, president of Ohio Operations for FirstEnergy Corp., served as the Spring Commencement keynote speaker.

Challenging graduates to build upon the successes already achieved, James M. Murray, president of Ohio Operations for FirstEnergy Corp., addressed the Owens Community College graduating class as the academic institution held its 40th annual Spring Commencement on Thursday, May 11.

Serving as keynote speaker, Murray shared with the more than 700 graduates, including 54 from the Findlay-area Campus, and the more than 6,000 family, friends and relatives in attendance words of advice related to his own personal experiences on relationships breeding success, hard work opening doors, balancing professional and personal life, reinventing yourself, and realizing the possibility of the impossible.

Murray began his career with Ohio Edison in 1969 at the W. H. Sammis Plant. He held various plant positions prior to becoming the coordinator of Personnel Relations in 1980. He was promoted to plant superintendent at Ohio Edison’s Gorge Plant in 1986, and in 1990, he became superintendent of the Niles Plant. Murray was promoted to regional president of Toledo Edison in 1997 and named to his current position in 2005.

Murray chairs or serves on the board of directors of numerous civic and community service organizations. He was named 2005 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his role as founding chair of the Bay Park Community Hospital Foundation, and for his other civic activities. Those include serving as board member of the Regional Growth Partnership, the Toledo Symphony, COSI Toledo, Toledo Northwest Ohio Food Bank, ProMedica Health Services Board and the Owens Community College Foundation Board.

Additionally, he chaired the 2005-06 Greater Toledo United Way Campaign and is the 2006 chairman of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Golf Classic. Murray also chairs the Greater Toledo Urban League as well as the ProMedica Physicians Board. He was chairman of the 2001-02 campaign for the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Inc. and conference chairman for the 2002 International Sister Cities Conference, which was held in Toledo. He is a member of the American Legion and the Ohio Jaycee Senate.

Prior to joining Ohio Edison, Murray served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He and his wife, Kay, and son, Martin, reside in Perrysburg.

Irina Ashton addresses the College's graduates as class representative.
Irina Ashton of Luckey, a diagnostic medical sonography major, was selected as the Owens class representative and addressed the graduates during the Spring Commencement ceremony.

Graduating with honors, Ashton is a native of Russia who describes herself as a social, hardworking and extremely determined individual. Her favorite hobbies include sewing, knitting and camping.

Ashton, a former professional Russian folk dancer, is a 1987 Russia high school graduate who received a bachelor’s degree in physical education/dance from a Russian institution before enrolling at Owens in 2001. While an Owens student, she worked as an aid at Arrowhead Physical Therapy in Maumee.

Ashton credits the educational success she has achieved to her supportive husband, Dillon, as well as to the rest of her family.

“Dillon was such a large part of my success at Owens,” Ashton said. “I knew little English before coming here, and he helped proofread all of my papers and explained to me how to build sentences. He was my at-home assistant.”

She added, “The rest of my family has been wonderful too. My parents wish me good luck over the phone before every test and my mother-in-law has really been supportive throughout this process as well.”

The focus of her Commencement speech addressed her personal success story, as well as discussed the great educational opportunities available to students of all races, genders and economic classes in the United States.

“It may sound cliché, but, in my case, this country has truly been the land of opportunity,” Ashton stated in her speech. “It was always a dream of mine to work in the medical field, but in my home country you had to have the connections to get into the good colleges, regardless of grades, drive, social standing or desire. Even though in the papers it would say that everyone had ‘equal opportunities,’ this was not true. Now, at age 36, I have finally been able to accomplish my lifelong professional goal.”

A mother of two, Ashton looks forward to applying her skills in a “real-world” situation and giving “something back to the country and community who welcomed her with open arms.”

Both Sarah Garlough of Toledo and Dustin Hoorman of Ottawa cleverly decorated their caps with rakes, trees, flowers, shrubs and a pond to reflect their future careers and degrees in landscape and turfgrass management.

Future John Deere agricultural technician workers and Owens graduates take time to pose for a photo following Spring Commencement. (L to R) Chris Hall of Farmdale, Anthony Freed of Jenera, Michael Rodefer of West Manchester and Lee Schank of Republic all earned associate degrees of applied science.

An Owens dental hygiene student thanks their mother and father in a unique way.

Owens Community College Board of Trustees Awards 2006 Academic Excellence Scholarships

Posted on May 10th, 2006

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 pleased to reward these incoming students for their superior academic efforts and exemplary contributions within their high schools and communities,” said Dr. Ronald McMaster, Owens chair of the Board of Trustees. “Each recipient’s outstanding leadership qualities and intellectual skills will be a strong asset to Owens, and we look forward to welcoming them during the new academic year.”

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 degree at the College, as well as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average each semester.

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

Lisa Hohlbein of Monclova, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (registered nursing)
Courtney Holman of Arcadia, an Arcadia High School graduate (registered nursing)
Erica Wolford of Arlington, an Arlington High School graduate (registered nursing)
Jessica Cook of Bellevue, a Bellevue High School graduate (nuclear medicine)
Bethany Fowler of Bluffton, a Bluffton High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Derrik Peterson of Custar, a Bowling Green High School graduate (computer science)
Morgan Troiano of Carey, a Carey High School graduate (small business management)
Alexis Wingate of Toledo, a Central Catholic High School graduate (registered nursing)
Monica Molnar of Oregon, a Clay High School graduate (associate of science, general concentration)
Jacob Cousino of Deerfield, Mich., a Deerfield High School graduate (landscape and turfgrass management)
Kayla Weber of Delphos, a Delphos St. John’s High School graduate (radiography)
Lisa Hainen of Bowling Green, an Eastwood High School graduate (nuclear medicine)
Lindsay Manecke of Fostoria, an Elmwood High School graduate (accounting)
Meggan Swisher of Temperance, Mich., an Emmanuel Baptist Christian High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Whitney Foreman of Findlay, a Findlay High School graduate (world language studies)
Kayleigh Brock of Millbury, a Lake High School graduate (psychology)
Daniel Niese of Leipsic, a Leipsic High School graduate (mechanical engineering technology)
Bradley Heinze of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (computer programming)
Tonya Roof of Hoytville, a McComb High School graduate (registered nursing)
Sarah Phillips of North Baltimore, a North Baltimore High School graduate (registered nursing)
Nicole Haddad of Northwood, a Northwood High School graduate (radiography)
Eric Baker of Bowling Green, an Otsego High School graduate (middle childhood education)
Jaclyn Sheldrick of Whitehouse, a Penta Career Center graduate (automotive service management)
Sarah Spoerl of Perrysburg, a Perrysburg High School graduate (adolescence education)
Whitney Kimmel of Tiro, a Pioneer Career and Technical Center graduate (dental hygiene)
Ashley Beaudry of Toledo, a Rogers High School graduate (registered nursing)
Brent Reiter of Rossford, a Rossford High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
Rea Fe Greenage of Toledo, a Scott High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Matthew Szparka of Holland, a Springfield High School graduate (commercial art technology)
Andrew Leech of Toledo, a St. Francis de Sales High School graduate (associate of science, general concentration)
Joan Anderson of Sylvania, a St. Ursula Academy graduate (undecided)
Kelly Koelsch of Sylvania, a Sylvania Northview High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Lindzy Spitnale of Toledo, a Toledo School for the Arts graduate (surgical)
Tiffany Spangler of Findlay, a Van Buren High School graduate (registered nursing)
James Rhiel of Alvada, a Vanlue High School graduate (registered nursing)
Tiffany Betts of Toledo, a Waite High School graduate (early childhood education)
Sarah Christensen of Ottawa Lake, Mich., a Whiteford High School graduate (dental hygiene)
Katie Kintner of Toledo, a Whitmer High School graduate (undecided)
Nathan Shrewsbury of Woodville, a Woodmore High School graduate (architectural engineering technology)

Owens Recognizes Students For Creative Excellence in Artistic Expression

Posted on May 2nd, 2006

Owens student Janice Dingess was awarded first place for her acrylic painting.
Six Owens Community College students were recently honored for their creative excellence in art as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery held its annual Juried Student Art Exhibition.

“Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to have featured some of the finest works of art produced by our students,” said Wynn Perry, Owens adjunct faculty member who curates the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The creative works submitted by Owens students were truly outstanding and epitomized the meaning of artistic expression. Events such as the Juried Student Art Exhibition provide great opportunities for students to apply the knowledge obtained within the classroom into a real world setting.”

A jury composed of area artists and professionals selected the winning entries based on creative excellence. The Juried Student Art Exhibition was open to all students enrolled within fine and performing arts courses.

The show featured 100 pieces of artwork created by more than 60 students within the areas of painting, drawing, graphic and interior design, photography, ceramics, and sculpture. Students were allowed to enter a total of five pieces.

More than 100 pieces of artwork created by more than 60 Owens students were on display as part of the College's Juried Student Art Exhibition.
Janice Lynn Dingess of Toledo (fine art) was awarded first place for her acrylic painting titled “A.D.I.D.A.S.” Elise Lark of Maumee (communication arts) took second place for her charcoal drawing “Strong Still Life” and Michelle Sizemore of Toledo (photography) took third place for her black and white photograph “Glamour.”

Jeanette Kuhn of Perrysburg (commercial art certificate) received an honorable mention for her ceramic bowl titled “Blue Bowl.” In addition, the people’s choice award went to Hope Rene Eber of Perrysburg (photography) for her color photograph “Trolley Graffiti,” while Paul Joseph of Maumee (undecided) received the purchase award for his acrylic painting and mixed media piece titled “What’s Your Definition of Progress?”

Admission to all Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery events is free and open to the public during the summer months, Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For additional information about the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2721).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

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

Posted on May 1st, 2006

(L to R) Owens director of Alumni Affairs Laura Moore, Marvin Hug, Mick Frisbie, Hollie Engle, J. Eric Larson and Owens Alumni Association president Janet Meacham. Seated is K-9 Oz. (absent is Leonard Chapman)
Five area police, fire and emergency medical professionals have been chosen to receive the third 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 Mick Frisbie, Marvin Hug, Holli Engle, J. Eric Larson and Leonard Chapman.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to honor our brave police, fire and emergency medical professionals for their dedication to making our lives safer,” said Janet Meacham, Owens president of the Alumni Association. “Our nation would not be experiencing freedom and safety as we know it without their selfless acts of public service.”

The awards are presented within the categories of outstanding Police Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Management Services 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 to the community over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient.

The co-recipients of the Outstanding Police Officer Award are Frisbie of Stryker (deputy, Williams County Sheriff’s Office) and Hug of Edon (corporal, Williams County Sheriff’s Office). Both Frisbie and Hug were nominated by Williams County sheriff Kevin Beck for outstanding leadership, determination and K-9 expertise in responding to a call concerning a missing child in the rural northwest part of Williams County in late October 2005.

As a result of persistent efforts, Frisbie, Hug and their K-9 partners were able to locate the 5-year-old girl who had been missing for nearly five hours in an area of open fields that contained tall grass and several ponds. After multiple passes through the field, K-9 Oz picked up a scent, which led the officers directly to the child who was found cold and wet, but unharmed.

Frisbie has five years of law enforcement service. He is a member of the North American Police Work Dog Association, holds Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy K-9 certification and attended Northwest State Community College. His accomplishments include receiving a Distinguished Service Medal for the apprehension of drug manufacturers. Additionally, Frisbie serves as a pee wee softball coach in his local community.

Hug has been involved in public service for 25 years. He holds peace officer and K-9 certification from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. His professional and community involvement includes membership with the National Police Work Dog Association and the Dogs Against Drugs/Dogs Against Crime (DAD/DAC) organization. Hug also serves as a basketball and baseball coach for the Edon Youth League.

Engle of Jerry City (fire chief, Jerry City Volunteer Fire Department) is named the Outstanding Firefighter Award recipient. She was nominated by Jerry City mayor Melinda Bolbach for demonstrating exceptional service above and beyond within the local community by helping to make Jerry City a safer place to live. Last year, Engle, at age 25, stepped up to the challenge of filling Jerry City’s vacant position as fire chief and completely transformed the volunteer fire department into the community’s pride and joy.

One of the first female fire chiefs in Wood County, Engle was responsible for increasing the number of volunteer firefighters to an all-time high, holding weekly training sessions, initiating community outreach events and writing new protocols and procedures that have positively impacted the local community. As a result of her leadership and safety efforts, insurance rates have dropped for Jerry City homeowners.

Engle has eight years of experience in public service. Her professional and community involvement includes membership on the Black Swamp Humanitarian Award committee and the Wood County Hospital HAZMAT team. Engle was recently honored for exemplary service by being named the recipient of the Black Swamp Humanitarian and the Frank Coss awards for lifesaving efforts of an individual. She also attended Owens Community College.

The Outstanding Emergency Management Services Award is presented to J. Eric Larson of Bowling Green (Wood County Emergency Management director and EMS coordinator). He was nominated by Tammy Feehan and Suzette Hall from Wood County Emergency Management for going above and beyond to save people’s lives on a daily basis. Larson has been involved in the public service field for 29 years. His many accomplishments in the emergency management field include the implementation a monthly Emergency Medical Service Continuing Education program in cooperation with Wood County Hospital that is open to all emergency medical professionals and first responders at no cost.

In addition, he was twice deployed to Louisiana with the Federal Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team as a logistics officer in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His community involvement includes membership with the Black Swamp Humanitarian Committee, Wood County Fire/EMS Chief’s Association and the Wood County Fire Fighter’s Association. Larson attended Owens Community College.

Chapman of Bloomdale (fire chief, Bloomdale Fire and Rescue) is named the Outstanding Service to Community Award recipient. He was nominated by Robert Wiechman from Bloomdale Fire and Rescue for his exemplary service to the Bloomdale community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT during the past 45 years.

Chapman joined the then Bloomdale Fire Department in 1961 and five years later became the organization’s fire chief. In 1972, he became an EMT, which resulted in the department being able to purchase their first ambulance and officially change their name to Bloomdale Fire and Rescue. Chapman also annually organizes fire department community functions such as the Mother’s Day chicken barbeque, the Bloomdale Summerfest and the extremely popular open house, which is highlighted by fire truck rides.

Additionally, Chapman played a significant role in organizing and planning the Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen Association’s annual convention in 2002. His accomplishments also include receiving several firefighter and EMT awards for outstanding service within the community.

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.

The College’s Alumni Association is open to all graduates or students who have successfully completed any credit or non-credit course at Owens. New members have the opportunity to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors or committees, utilize the Student Health and Activities Center, Common Computer labs, and Library services and attend a variety of social and networking events.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Over 60 Students to Graduate From Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academies, May 4

Posted on April 26th, 2006

Over 40 students from the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be recognized as Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduates at Owens Community College on Thursday, May 4.

The special ceremonies will occur at 7 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. The College’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduation is open to the public.

“Owens Community College is proud to continue its collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and provide educational training for thousands of future law enforcement officials throughout Ohio,” said Gary Brinker, Owens coordinator of Public Service Training Programs. “Our nation would not experience freedom and safety as we know it without each graduate’s decision to pursue a career in public service.”

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

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Day Academy:
Zachary T. Andrzejewski of Oregon
Noah N. Briggs of Toledo
Jeff E. Bronowski of Curtice
Nathan R. Cousino of Oregon
Mark J. Crowe of Holland
Angelo L. Garcia of Genoa
Matthew R. Hallowell of Maumee
John S. Kelpacz II of Rossford (sponsored by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
Michael P. McAlear of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
Patrick J. Mormile Jr. of Bowling Green (sponsored by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
Dennis R. McCree Jr. of Toledo
Brett L. Rahe of Pemberville (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)
Brandon R. Riefers of Napoleon
Jeffery M. Schwarzkopf of Toledo
Michael D. Senyo of Holland
Michael T. Skidmore of Willoughby Hills
Ryan A. Stager of Oregon
Brent D. VanDyke of Oregon
Kattie N. Wenner of Elmore
James K. West II of Toledo

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy:
Jim G. Baldwin of Grand Rapids
Larry A. Barnett of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)
Matthew C. Collins of Bryan
Crystal N. Confer of Toledo
Justin P. Gross of Toledo
Leslie J. Hall of Toledo
Nicholas R. Hannan of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Lake Township Police Department)
Crystal D. Hays of Perrysburg
Dominic J. LoFiego of Sylvania
Richard K. Miller of Toledo
Charles R. Moffitt of Toledo
Kimberly A. Opfermann of Toledo
Stephen G. Rogers of Toledo
Melinda E. Spalding of Maumee
Heather M. Swinehart of Maumee
Julie A. Szymanski of Walbridge

Findlay-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Academy:
Eric D. Aller of Findlay
Ian D. Brown of Bluffton
Jeremy S. Crow of Fostoria
Lucas M. Elchert of Carey
Jared A. Elliott of Findlay
Scott A. Harshman of Vanlue (sponsored by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
Tyler S. Hochstetler of Bluffton
Jeffery D. Janes of Findlay (sponsored by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
Johnathon G. Jenkins of Pandora
Douglas M. Stewart of Findlay
Christopher R. Verhoff of Findlay
Robert B. Wagner of Findlay
Andrew M. Welch of Rawson

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society

Posted on April 17th, 2006

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

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

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

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

Selection criterion for students into Kappa Beta Delta is based upon being ranked in the top 20 percent of students pursuing business degrees, completing a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit, six hours of which must be in business, and achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average.

The Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society student inductees for the 2005-06 academic year are Korrie Benedict of Toledo (supervision), Suzanne Bickford of Perrysburg (accounting), Leslie Black of Delta (business management), William Bowersox of Graytown (computer programming), Renee DeMelo of Bowling Green (associate of arts, general concentration), Consuelo Duran of Temperance, Mich. (marketing and sales), Kurt Eger of Findlay (business management), Matthew Galbraith of Grand Rapids (computer programming), Monica Gonzalez of Toledo (undecided), Cynthia Jaynes of Findlay (business management), Bobby Jones of Clyde (networking and information systems support), Shaulonda Jones of Toledo (accounting), Gregory Landes of Findlay (mechanical engineering), Mark Mihalik of Toledo (e-business), Anna Miller of Toledo (accounting), Terri Randall of Wapakoneta (small business management), Joanne Reinhart of Fostoria (entrepreneurial studies), Brian Ruemmele of Perrysburg (accounting), Abigail Sadowy of Toledo (business management), Nahdia Shaheen of Oregon (small business management), Laura Smith of Erie, Mich. (microcomputer business systems), Chris Stewart of Waterville (pre-business administration), Ashley Strasbourg of Toledo (business management), Sharon Thomas of Findlay (office coordinator), Kelly Vinet of Oregon (undecided), Ashley Wall of Rossford (accounting), Henry Wilkins of Holland (undecided) and Nichole Zales of Maumee (office administration).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Assistant Chair Selected to Participate In Overseas Study Forum About Child Care Education

Posted on April 12th, 2006

Owens Community College assistant chair of Teacher Education, Sharon Libby has been selected by the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) to experience first-hand an educational philosophy that has changed the way educators around the world teach young children.

Libby will travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy, on May 5 to take part in a weeklong study forum focusing on the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education, which centers on every child being afforded the right to grow and learn in a favorable environment. The philosophy also stresses reflection, practice and further reflection, and coincides with the College’s ideals in believing that children’s unique ability allows them to express their learning in hundreds of different ways.

While in Reggio Emilia, Libby and approximately 250 other professionals from North America will visit several Reggio schools, including two-three preschools and at least one infant/toddler center.

“I am honored to be selected to take part in this experience,” Libby said. “It is a stunning gift and opportunity. I hope that I’ll be able to bring a great deal of information back to Owens to help with programs at our child care laboratory schools.”

She added, “I am really looking forward to seeing the schools for myself and the opportunity to actually talk with and learn from the teachers who are doing the original work. It’s one thing to read, study and reflect about an idea, but it’s something else entirely to see it in person.”

Libby has been an employee of the College for more than 13 years. In her current position, she is responsible for serving as a mentor for the staff at the campus child care centers, leading a Reggio study group and improving and expanding employee understanding of the Reggio approach at Owens.

Her professional involvement includes membership with the NAREA, the Ohio Voices for Learning (OVAL) and the Toledo Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC). She is also a United Way volunteer, serving as the chair of Getting Young Children off to a Good Start.

Libby earned a dual undergraduate degree in home economics education and art from the University of Georgia before beginning advanced studies in early childhood education at Penn State University. She then earned her master’s degree in child development from Bowling Green State University. She resides in Bowling Green.

The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance is a network of educators, parents and advocates seeking to elevate both the quality of life and quality of schools and centers for young children. The history of the organization is rooted in the work and ideals of many dedicated individuals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These individuals visited the schools in Reggio Emilia and carried back images and narratives about this powerful community of education based on a philosophy that values the potential of all children to think, learn and construct knowledge. These first visitors returned to Reggio over and over again, leading delegations of colleagues.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Literacy Group’s ‘Chubby’ Cupcakes Raise Funds to Aid New Orleans Area Community College’s Library

Posted on April 5th, 2006

Haunted by the images of destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, Owens Community College’s Literacy Committee recently took the initiative of reaching out to a Louisiana community college’s educational needs by raising funds through the sale of “Chubby” Cupcakes on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Sales and additional monetary donations from the event netted $1,050 (doubled by the matching funds of FEMA), which will be given to the College’s adopted New Orleans school, Delgado Community College.

“Delgado Community College suffered tremendous loses as a result of Hurricane Katrina,” said Dr. Elizabeth Schroeder, Owens assistant professor of Developmental Education and the Literacy Committee cupcake project coordinator. “The Owens Literacy Committee felt, as a fellow community college, it was important to the help Delgado Community College’s employees and students in any way possible.”

In the spirit of the Mardi Gras celebration, the College’s Literacy Committee decorated the “chubby” cupcakes in traditional Mardi Gras colors and made the edible delights available for purchase on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

Additionally, the Literacy Committee asked interested individuals to write brief notes of encouragement in care of the Delgado Community College community when purchasing their cupcakes. The notes, along with funds raised from the “Chubby” Cupcake Sale, were recently sent to the Louisiana community college.

According to Deb Pinkston, Owens professor of Developmental Education and Literacy Committee member, the proceeds will be earmarked for the community college’s restoration of its Moss Memorial Library. “From what we’ve been told, the Delgado Community College’s Moss Memorial Library is currently inoperable and the entire collection of 150,000 books, periodicals, audio/visual materials, microforms and computers were lost to water damage,” she said.

Pinkston added, “Undaunted by the task of rebuilding an entire community college, Delgado’s students, faculty and staff remain united in their vision of a fully restored college. The Literacy Committee, along with all who so generously contributed to our fundraiser, became a small part of that vision as we, albeit in an unexpected and unprecedented manner, fulfilled our mission of building a community of readers.”

Delgado Community College was founded in 1921 and is Louisiana’s oldest and largest community college. The school enrolls more than 17,400 students during any given semester.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad Dance with Rolling Stones During Super Bowl Halftime

Posted on March 28th, 2006

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad
Not too many individuals can say they performed before a worldwide television audience of one billion in more than 225 countries and territories. However, Owens Community College’s Cheerleading team can now boast such a feat. The Express squad recently took their energy and enthusiasm on the road, performing on what is considered the largest sporting and entertainment stage in the world – the Super Bowl.

Sixteen student-athletes and their two coaches experienced an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of dancing to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime extravaganza. The team was among 2,000 groups and individuals chosen to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit. Owens’ cheerleaders and coaches dressed in rock n’ roll apparel and danced to rock classics such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Start Me Up.”

“The experience was amazing,” explained a somewhat awestruck Stephanie Welling, who is a second-year Express cheerleader. “I don’t think any cheerleading performance will ever top the Super Bowl. What a thrill.”

Knowing that the performance was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Amanda Hill, also a second-year cheerleader on the Express team, tried to soak up the moment. “I will never forget the feeling I had when I was on the field,” she stated. “The Rolling Stones are legends and to share the Super Bowl stage with them was awesome.”

The Express cheerleaders were mere feet away from the legendary band, performing around the 50-yard line during the halftime concert.

In addition to performing before more than 130 million television viewers in the United States, the College’s Cheerleading team cheers on the Owens Express men’s basketball team and entertains crowds with halftime dance routines at all home games during the season.

Since their founding as a cheer/dance mounting squad in 2001, the Owens Cheerleading squad has participated in a variety of regional and state competitions, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter Nationals.

The squad is led by fifth-year head coach Tracy Rollins of Perrysburg. Rollins’ assistant coach is Kelly Melnyk of Northwood.

“I am very proud of our team,” said Rollins. “Their selection for such an amazing opportunity is a credit to the group’s hard work and dedication.”

The Owens Cheerleading squad returning members include Heather Placko of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Stephanie Welling of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Amanda Hill of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.) and Joshua Johnson of Toledo (Waite H.S.).

First-year members are Tiffany Miller of Ottoville (Ottoville H.S.), Stephanie Emch of Toledo (Start H.S.), Tiffany Schramm of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Melissa VanNess of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.), Krista Rakich of Medina (Archbishop Hoban H.S.), Delana Simms of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Jasmie Pauley of Toledo (Rogers H.S.), Brian Lomeli of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Matt Carrier of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Scott Miles of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Michael Stella of Toledo (Waite H.S.) and Michael Ertle of Ottawa Hills (St. Francis de Sales H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Employee Named to National Leadership Program

Posted on March 9th, 2006

Owens Community College special assistant to the president for Government Relations, Jennifer Fehnrich has been chosen among college and university officials nationwide to participate in the National Institute for Leadership Development (LEADERS) program involving administrators and faculty in higher education.

Established in 1981, the LEADERS program is recognized internationally by colleges, universities and businesses for its visionary approach toward higher education. The program’s overall mission is to produce leaders who effectively challenge assumptions, eliminate barriers and create new pathways to successful solutions.

“Selection to the LEADERS program is a privilege and honor,” Fehnrich said. “I look forward to working with my fellow peers from other colleges and universities as we continue to raise the level of excellence within higher education.”

Individuals participating in the yearlong program will learn about a variety of institutional practices involving supervisory and human relations skills, planning and budgeting and organizational transformation, which relate to decision-making roles at their academic institutions. In addition, members will discuss with national experts issues confronting higher education during the next decade.

Selection criterion for the honor is based upon professional abilities, interests in advancement within higher education and the quality of a proposed project.

Fehnrich’s project involves the creation of a management program/system that will be used to maintain the vast interactions with the surrounding Northwest Ohio communities. Such a system will enable the College to further its overall mission by building upon and strengthening community relationships.

Owens Community College president, Christa Adams, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as Fehnrich’s mentor during the program, assisting her with initiatives to aid the College and foster individual professional growth.

Fehnrich joined Owens in July 2002. Her primary responsibility entails strengthening relationships between Owens and the federal and state legislature. Additional responsibilities include researching legislative issues for the College’s economic and political initiatives at the federal, state and local levels. Fehnrich also fosters relationships between Owens and government leaders and acts as a liaison in advocating legislative and economic issues relating to the College.

She previously served as the College’s director of Public Relations and Marketing. While in the Office of College Advancement, she orchestrated innovative advertising and public relations campaigns, managed the public relations and marketing budget, administered the Owens Web site, supervised a staff of Owens employees, and oversaw a wide variety of College events and publications.

Fehnrich is a 2005 class graduate of Leadership Toledo, a non-profit organization that fosters leadership and involvement in the Greater Toledo area by developing awareness of community issues, needs and opportunities.

The Port Clinton native holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bowling Green State University. Her professional involvement includes memberships with the American Marketing Association, the Business Marketing Association and the Association of Women in Communications. She resides in Perrysburg.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Recognizes Findlay-area Campus Employee For Exemplary Service With Presidential Citation

Posted on January 11th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus enrollment services representative Angie McGinnis has been chosen to receive the third annual Presidential Citation Award for outstanding dedication and service to higher education.

The Presidential Citation Award was established to honor an Owens employee who has worked tirelessly to create a positive campus environment for the College’s administration, faculty, staff and students. Given annually, the award recognizes individuals for their hard work, dedication and leadership, impacting Owens’ educational future and mission. Recipients are selected by Christa Adams, Ph.D., President of Owens Community College.

“Angie exemplifies the best traditions of higher education, with a passion for life-long learning,” said President Adams. “Her greatest gift to the Owens community and especially Owens students has been the blessing of knowing and working with her. The mission of Owens is: Your success is our mission. That is Angie’s mission as well.”

McGinnis began her career at Owens as a part-time admissions representative on the Toledo-area Campus in 2001. Two years later, she joined the Findlay-area Campus as a full-time enrollment services representative. Her responsibilities include assisting students achieve their professional and personal goals by providing advising and guidance through the enrollment process. Additionally, she has been instrumental for producing and directing an orientation program for Owens Findlay-area Campus students, organizing the Greater Hancock County College Night and editing an e-newsletter for all area high school guidance counselors.

McGinnis also coordinates the College’s Registration Rocks prospective high school student program and advises all Post-Secondary Option students on the Findlay-area Campus.

Her community and professional involvement includes serving on the Hancock County area Read for Life committee and as coordinator of the College’s Adopt-A-Road and the Salvation Army Angel Tree programs. This past year, McGinnis’ leadership potential was recognized with acceptance into the Owens Leadership Academy.

McGinnis earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from Hiram College. A resident of Kansas, she holds a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Community College Faculty Member Receives President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award

Posted on January 10th, 2006

Owens Community College assistant professor of Law Enforcement/Fire Science, Wayne Seely of Maumee has been chosen to receive the second annual President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award for his exemplary dedication and service to higher education.

The President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award was established to honor an Owens faculty member who has worked tirelessly to help students achieve success in their academic and professional careers. Given annually, the award recognizes faculty for their hard work, dedication and leadership, impacting Owens’ educational future and mission. Recipients are selected by Christa Adams, Ph.D., President of Owens Community College.

“Wayne epitomizes the best of Owens Community College and leads by example,” said President Adams. “He is an exemplary faculty member, dedicated to helping students achieve success, and to bringing the most relevant experiences possible into the classroom.”

President Adams added, “While most people would be satisfied with gathering information about homeland security from magazines, books and interviews, Wayne took his investigation directly to the source. Risking his life while serving his country and utilizing his many years of experience and expertise, he volunteered to go to Iraq to train Iraqi police officers in person. Why did he do it: for two reasons, to serve his country and contribute expertise, and second, to gain the experience so that he would be more valuable to his students and the College as the Center for Emergency Preparedness continues to develop.”

Seely joined Owens’ faculty in 2001. He currently is responsible for teaching academic courses in criminal justice administration, community policy, criminal law and procedure, and introduction to criminal justice.

While serving as an instructor in Iraq this past year, Seely worked alongside instructors from 16 other nations training Iraqi police cadets. He represented not only Owens but the United States with honor and distinction and was awarded the Warriors Medal of Valor by the Native American Nations of the United States for his patriotic service in Iraq.

Before teaching at Owens, Seely previously served as the chief of police for Sylvania Township Police Department and the Wauseon Police Department. His professional involvement includes membership with the Ohio Chief of Police Association and the International Chief of Police Association.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Toledo and an associate’s degree in public service technology from Owens Community College. In addition, Seely is a certified Peace Officer through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

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

Posted on January 9th, 2006

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our fall inductees for their dedication and commitment to higher education,” said Chuck Bohleke, Owens chair of Business Technologies. “Induction into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is considered one of the highest compliments an individual in higher education can receive. Their selection is a tremendous achievement.”

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. Honorary members are those who, according to the honor society or the local chapter, have exhibited distinguished service to Phi Theta Kappa.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2005 Fall Semester are:

Karen Ahrens of Toledo	(business management)
Gregory Alsbach of Toledo	(welding certificate)
Irina Ashton of Luckey	(diagnostic medical sonography)
Lesley Augustyniak of Holland	(surgical)
Gretchen Avery of Bowling Green	(pre-business administration)
Hillary Banas of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Nicole Barr of Grand Rapids	(undecided)
David Beaverson of Northwood	(associate of arts – general concentration)
Robin Bolen of Gibsonburg	(business management)
Christine Briones of Toledo	(office administration)
Julia Camp of Toledo	(undecided)
Tanya Chadwick of Toledo	(accounting)
Tiffany Charles of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Lisa Curfman-Seiple of Toledo	(environmental health and safety technology)
Jennifer Daniels of Maumee	(early childhood education)
Kristen Dennis of Sylvania	(health information technology)
James Eaton of Toledo	(criminal justice technology)
Samantha Engel of Whitehouse	(undecided)
Donald Fish of Toledo	(pre-business administration)
Lyndsey Fish of Toledo	(associate of arts – general concentration)
Carrie Fortinberry of Toledo	(pre-radiography)
Jennifer Frusher of Toledo	(pre-physical therapist assistant)
Sandra Garrett of Curtice	(environmental health and safety technology)
Brittney Garufos of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Geri Grass of Toledo	(accounting)
Tami Haaser of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Janet Hegedus of Toledo	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Darla Heibeck of Curtice	(medical office support option)
Terry Hoover of Toledo	(associate of arts – general concentration)
David Jackson of Oregon	(business management)
Deanna Keller of Perrysburg	(CAD technology)
Jan Labuda of Toledo	(middle childhood education)
Raymond Lilly of Swanton	(computer programming)
Larry Long Jr. of Bowling Green	(fire science technology)
Heather Lovitz of Toledo	(accounting)
Richard Manteuffel of Walbridge	(mathematics)
Christopher Marlowe of Perrysburg	(business management)
Amy Martinez of Northwood	(practical nursing certificate)
Elizabeth McKay of Waterville	(registered nursing)
Eric Mearse of Toledo	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Lorraine Meyers of Toledo	(emergency management and planning)
Eric Middleton of Toledo	(criminal justice technology)
Anna Miller of Toledo	(accounting)
Samantha Muir of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Marcus Nagley of Temperance, Mich.	(electrical)
Tasha Nelson of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Jeffrey O’Neal of Oak Harbor	(supervision)
Shirley Orben of Holland	(accounting)
Jaime Pace of Rossford	(pre-dental hygiene)
Brittany Pacheco of Northwood	(early childhood education)
Patricia Pitsenbarger of Oregon	(supervision)
Amy Radon of Sylvania	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Michael Ramm of Sylvania	(fire science technology)
Kelly Rash of Toledo	(fine art)
Ana Rodriguez of Maumee	(international business)
Nancy Rogers of Perrysburg	(associate of science – general concentration)
Robert Rohrs of Maumee	(pre-radiography)
Danielle Schroeder of Wauseon	(associate of science – general concentration)
Eddie Severhof of Walbridge	(middle childhood education)
Jessica Shake of Toledo	(office administration)
Ashley Sheeks of Bowling Green	(associate of arts – general concentration)
Jennifer Sheetz of Oregon	(registered nursing)
Chyenne Smith of Swanton	(registered nursing)
Jeannette Smith of Blissfield, Mich.	(pre-dental hygiene)
Christopher Stewart of Waterville	(pre-business administration)
Jonathan Thomson of Toledo	(peace officer academy)
Renee Tomaszewski of Luckey	(associate of science – general concentration)
Alicia VanCamp of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Arika Votava of Grand Rapids	(nuclear medicine)
David Wells of Perrysburg	(commercial art technology)
Whitney Wilkewitz of Perrysburg	(multi-age education)
Cindy Williams of Oregon	(criminal justice technology)
Brittany Wonnell of Toledo	(undecided)
Jeanne Zajac of Rossford	(microcomputer business systems)

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Community College Announces Fall Academic Honors

Posted on January 3rd, 2006

More than 2,800 students were named to the Academic Honors List at Owens Community College for the Fall Semester 2005. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for academic honors. Owens Community College uses a 4.0 scale in grading.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Recognizes Faculty, Staff and Administration For Excellence in Higher Education

Posted on January 3rd, 2006

Three Owens Community College employees have been chosen by their peers to receive the fourth annual Exemplary Faculty, Staff and Administrator awards for outstanding dedication and service to higher education.

Recipients for the 2005-06 academic year are:

Tom Deckelman of Sylvania, professor of Marketing and Sales (Exemplary Faculty Award)

Shane Trumbull of Bowling Green, help desk technician in Information Technology Services (Exemplary Staff Award)

Deb Ciecka of Rossford, chair of Early Childhood and Paraprofessional Education (Exemplary Administrator Award)

“Owens Community College has made a fundamental point to honor our employees for their exemplary contributions,” said Gene Lapko, Owens vice president of Human Resources. “Presenting these awards is just one of the many ways to acknowledge individuals for their hard work and dedication, which has had a positive and lasting impact on this academic institution.”

The Exemplary Faculty, Staff and Administrator Awards Program was established in 2003 to honor employees who make significant contributions to enhance the College’s mission of providing quality service and education. Recipients are nominated and selected by their fellow Owens employees.

Owens’ Exemplary Faculty Award recipient is chosen based upon criteria, which includes academic curriculum development, demonstrating outstanding ability to communicate effectively with students and innovation within the classroom setting. Award winners must display a commitment to Owens and the community through involvement in service activities.

Selection criteria for the Exemplary Staff and Administrator Awards are based upon an employee’s innovative approaches toward helping customer satisfaction and productivity. The recipients must exude a positive attitude and strong work ethic while performing daily job activities. In addition, the recipients must exhibit qualities associated with teamwork and promote collaboration, communication and cooperation among co-workers and staff.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Honors Fall Registered Nursing Program Graduates

Posted on January 2nd, 2006

“Owens’ registered nursing program is proud to acknowledge our graduates’ impressive accomplishments and commend them for their academic excellence,” said Anne Helm, Owens professor of Nursing. “The pin, through its symbolism, reminds nursing professionals of what it truly means to care for others. It is only fitting that the College recognize the rite-of-passage for these future caregivers.”

Graduating nurses include: Susan Ammon of Waterville, Kellie Angel of Bluffton, Robin Angers of Findlay, Jennifer Arnold of Toledo, Lakiesha Banks of Toledo, Mary Bash of Findlay, Tiffany Bauman of Oregon, Sue Bohls of Maumee, Sheri Bowling of Carey, Bethany Branan of Arlington, Lisa Buzene of Toledo, Abbey Campbell of Curtice, David Caro of Toledo, Christina Carroll of Sylvania, Melissa Castillo of Toledo, Eric Christensen of Bowling Green, Stephanie Clementz of Cloverdale, Kaydra Coats of Pandora, Alicia Cook of Metamora, Julie Cousino of Swanton, Amy Cramer of Napoleon, Andrea Cropcho of Perrysburg, Regina Davis of Toledo, Rhonda Dennis of Cygnet, Tammy Dew of Toledo, April Distel of Walbridge, Katrina Dix of Risingsun, Christie Edmonds of Risingsun, Lynnae Ernsthausen of Delta, Karen Espen of North Baltimore, Erica Eversole of Port Clinton, Kellie Farricker of Toledo, Sarah Felgar of McComb, Autumn Ferguson of Oregon, Susan Ferguson of Toledo, Michelle Fox of Walbridge, Kathleen Frishman of Alvada, Erin Gallagher of Petersburg, Mich., Pamela Giest of Whitehouse, Kimberly Gillespie of Toledo, Christina Gochenauer of Deshler, Sandra Gorsuch of Toledo, Sarah Grant of Woodville, Karen Grindstaff of Toledo, Kimberly Haley of Swanton, Candace Harman of Metamora, Kimberly Haskins of Oregon, James Hickok of Toledo, Melissa Hinkle of Oregon, Tamara Hudson of Toledo, Michelle Huff of Rocky Ridge, Amanda Jacob of Perrysburg, Sarah Johnson of Sylvania, Aimee Jones of Genoa, Laura Kimple of Perrysburg, Nanette Kinn of Fostoria, Korrin Knerr of Toledo, Dawn Kracht of Leipsic, Jeannette Kunisch of Toledo, Shannon LaCourse of Luckey and Cynthia Lavender of Perrysburg.

Registered nursing program graduates also are: Andrea Mahoney of Perrysburg, Anita Maier of Whitehouse, Amanda Mandell of Rossford, Marilyn Martin of Toledo, Diane McLaughlin of Toledo, Dean Meek of Perrysburg, Tiffany Menkhoff of Fremont, Amanda Mermer of Oregon, Delaney Miller of Columbus Grove, Leah Miller of Findlay, Suzanne Miller of Toledo, Kory Munch of Bowling Green, April Neville of Toledo, Mary O’Brien of Toledo, Sadonna Odom of Toledo, Angela Olvera of Toledo, Elizabeth Pawlowicz of Whitehouse, Amy Pillarelli of Toledo, Catherine Punches of Toledo, Mary Reeves of Findlay, Angela Richards of Findlay, Pamela Richards of Bowling Green, Susan Riley of Perrysburg, Larry Rosenberger of Rossford, Denise Rutledge of Holland, Rosalinda Sanchez of Fremont, Veronica Savage of Monroe, Mich., Elizabeth Schroeder of McComb, Jeanette Schumacker of Findlay, Diane Scribner of Toledo, Diana Shanly of Toledo, Sarah Sharp of Swanton, Rhonda Shryock of Sylvania, Bess Slachta of Swanton, Chyenne Smith of Swanton, Kathryn Smura of Deshler, Debra Stahl of Curtice, John Stephens of Toledo, Stefanie Torres of Bowling Green, Carrie Triggs of Northwood, Heather Ulch of Maumee, Emily Ulrey of Bluffton, Alicia Van Camp of Toledo, Debra Vance of Leipsic, Jolene Welker of Lambertville, Mich., Andrea Wetherill of Monroeville, Ashley White of Toledo, Marilyn Williams of Carey, Regina Woodson of Toledo and Laura Youngblood of Defiance.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.