Tony Bishop III ’15, MSAH ’18 Goes to Washington, D.C.

When Tony Bishop III ’15, MSAH ’18 earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and master’s degree in allied health at Otterbein, he never intended to work in politics. But he used his liberal arts background to adapt and apply his critical thinking skills to places outside of his major — including the White House.

“Otterbein teaches you how to think — not what to think. What I learned as a Cardinal meant I could jump into any career and be prepared from the beginning to make an impact,” Bishop said.

Being prepared for any career is one thing; finding the right career is another. For Bishop, public policy turned out to be the perfect fit.

“What’s truly unique and special about Otterbein is how you come to campus with one passion in mind and then through the guidance of professors, mentors and the entire community, you begin to discover another passion and then another. Ultimately through these extraordinary relationships that push you forward, you discover what it is you really want to pursue as a career, he said.

Photo, taken by Bishop, includes President Joe Biden, President Macron, the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and the French President’s wife, Brigitte Macron.

His passion for public policy turned into jobs as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and as a fellow with then-Chairman Hakeem Jeffries in the Congressional Black Caucus for the U.S. House of Representatives.

With the Emerging Leaders delegation for the Congressional Black Caucus, Bishop traveled to Japan to establish bridges of diplomacy. Later, he was stationed in Brussels, Belgium, with the U.S. Liaison Office for the European Parliament for seven months. He then served as the executive director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.

His latest position lands Bishop in the White House as an advisor to the White House Office of the National Cyber Director.

He credits Otterbein with helping to prepare him for his new position. “To change things for the better in our country, I had to learn how to influence people, and communications seemed to be the perfect skill set to get that job done. I do this every day at work as I try to have positive impact on one of our highest institutions in the U.S.,” Bishop said.

At the heart of everything he does is Bishop’s compassion for others. “It’s all about helping someone else. If you have wisdom that you can share with someone to make their time easier, you should do it. That’s how we advance as a country.”

These photos were supplied by Tony Bishop and show an event that was part of the first state visit by a foreign allied leader during the Biden administration — French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. Bishop attended and helped execute the event.

Above: Bishop at the White House before the event’s start.

Spring Semester Sees Outstanding Lineup of Speakers

Otterbein planned a lineup of signature events this spring featuring speakers on social justice, servant leadership, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Donja Thomas

Donja Thomas, Ph.D.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation

The Otterbein community celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual MLK Convocation on Jan. 18 with a keynote address by Donja Thomas, Ph.D., an educator, writer, scholar, and Black studies activist. She shared how King’s dream is not just about the attainment of an ideal aspiration, it is also about the determined ambition behind our collective intentions towards economic and social justice. She encouraged each person to use their “superpower” to work together.

You can watch a recording of the convocation at otterbein.edu/mlk

The Kathy A. Krendl Distinguished Lecture Series

The Kathy A. Krendl Distinguished Lecture Series welcomed U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty to campus on Feb. 15. She discussed the types of leaders we need to create unity and overcome the unique challenges our society faces. Beatty represents Ohio’s Third Congressional District. In the 118th Congress, she serves on the exclusive House Committee on Financial Services as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions.

U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty

Heather McGhee

Vernon L. Pack Lectures

Finally, the community is invited to attend the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture Series featuring author and activist Heather McGhee at 7 p.m. on April 4.

Go to otterbein.edu/pack for additional information, including the location and livestream

Over her career in public policy, McGhee has crafted legislation, testified before Congress and helped shape presidential campaign platforms. Her book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together spent 10 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award and Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. The New York Times called it, “the book that should change how progressives talk about race.”

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visited Otterbein on Oct. 18 to have a discussion with students, faculty, staff, and the community about America’s mental health crisis as part of Nationwide Children’s On Our Sleeves campaign. The nation’s top doctor, Surgeon General Murthy, is a national advocate in the youth mental health movement.

Watch his discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fJyf1_l7ng

Otterbein Homecoming and Family Weekend September 15-16, 2023

HOMECOMING

& Family WeekendSeptember 15-16, 2023

Save the date to come home to Otterbein for this special weekend and all the experiences you’ve come to love!

  • CLASS OF 1973: It’s time for your 50th Golden Reunion! Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/1973
  • Join us as we dedicate and re-name the 25 West Home Street residence hall in honor of late Otterbein president, Dr. Thomas J. Kerr IV H’71, and his wife, Donna Kerr H’71.
Home Coming Parade

Don’t miss the parade, the big game, and time with friends on our beautiful campus.

Home Coming Gathering

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
SEPT. 15-16

Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/homecoming

Home Coming Gathering

Introducing New VPSA William Fox

Vice President for Student Affairs William (Bill) Fox, Ed.D, took a seat in his new office for the first time in January ready to advance Otterbein’s mission by focusing on student well-being and equity. He will oversee student health and wellness, residence life, student engagement, athletics, and student conduct programs — but that’s nothing new for this seasoned professional. Fox has worked in higher education for over 20 years, including a decade as dean of students at Denison University in Granville, OH. He most recently led the student affairs division at Antioch College* in Yellow Springs, OH.

We talked to Bill as he begins his new role:

We talked to Bill as he begins his new role:

What interested you in this role?

Otterbein is a special place. I have lived and worked in central Ohio for most of my career and have always been fond of the sense of community that Otterbein fosters. I am now fortunate to be able to enjoy that feeling of belonging and pride. I have big shoes to fill and cannot wait to continue a legacy of success in building strong relationships, role modeling a strong ethic of care for students, and designing innovative programs to help students have a superb experience that prepares them for life after Otterbein.

What are some of the biggest opportunities you see at Otterbein?

I am inspired by the energy and ideas coming from the students. Part of being a student-centered educator means spending time listening to how students describe their experience here and what they want to see continue, change, or stop. Then it’s important that we work alongside and empower students to be responsible and accountable for co-creating that next step. I am paying attention to spaces students enjoy as they live and learn on our campus and ways to further enhance those over time. I am looking forward to leading and further developing our student affairs team — we have great people who are driven to do good work on behalf of students.

Your research focuses on student wellness. How will you apply that research at Otterbein?

I bring a focus on how mission, well-being, and equity are connected, and I wake up every day thinking about the role of student affairs in advancing our mission through advancing a strategic focus on well-being and equity in our work. This is shared work and I look forward to identifying ways that the Division of Student Affairs can work across the various areas of the University community to create the conditions upon which we can more fully live out our commitments to well-being and equity.

What is your approach for connecting with students?

Over the past 20 years, my approach has evolved with practice and student preferences. I hope our students will come to find that I am visible and accessible; genuinely curious about their experience; honest; direct when we agree/disagree; open in terms of letting them know when I don’t know and asking for help and student input; supportive of their expressions about change that is needed; and that I am in their corner and hoping for the best possible outcome for their experience here and lives after Otterbein.

*Antioch College is not affiliated with Antioch University. Otterbein is currently partnering with Antioch University to create a new system of mission-driven, not-for-profit independent institutions of higher education.

Bill FoxNEW CARDINAL ON CAMPUS
William Fox, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

New Vice President for Student Affairs William (Bill) Fox, Ed.D., says he is “inspired by the energy and ideas” coming from Otterbein students.

Student Well-Being and Equity are top of mind for new Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Fox.

Otterbein Receives Fourth Choose Ohio First Grant

Otterbein has received a Choose Ohio First (COF) grant of $462,621.60 over five years from the State of Ohio and the Department of Higher Education (ODHE) for scholarship support for students from Ohio majoring in allied health, equine pre-veterinary, and veterinary technology. Otterbein currently has three additional Choose Ohio First scholarship awards, including support for scholarships for Ohio students in nursing and mathematics, computer science, and STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) and STEMM education.

Choose Ohio First

Upcoming Alumni and Family Events

The Otterbein Alumni and Friends Travel Program has covered a lot of territory, so we’d like to hear where you think we should go next. As we plan our future travel endeavors, please contact Becky May ’78 at rmay@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1305 to share your ideas for the destinations that have always been on your bucket list.

Visit www.otterbein.edu/alumni/alumni-travel for more details.

Save these Dates!
Upcoming Alumni and Family Events

The Office of Alumni and Family Engagement is planning a variety of events — both in-person and virtual — for you to reconnect with your Otterbein family. Here’s what is coming up in the months ahead:

  • April 25: Senior Theatre Showcase in New York City.
  • April 29: Toast to the Class of 2023 (for graduates and their families).
  • May (TBD): New Graduate Happy Hour in Columbus.
  • June 6: Washington, D.C., Area Happy Hour with President Comerford.
  • Aug. 20: Columbus Crew Soccer vs. FC Cincinnati in Columbus.
  • Sept. 15-16: Homecoming and Family Weekend.

We’re always adding new events, so be sure to check our events page for details and updates at www.otterbein.edu/alumni/events-travel

Philanthropy in Action – Spring 2023

Campus Center Exterior

Support for the Campus Center renovation continues to make a major impact as Phase 1 of the project nears completion, which includes the addition of a new elevator to access all three floors, additional restrooms, and refreshed lounge spaces. Boosted by an additional $1 million gift from alumna and emerita Board of Trustees member Annie Ames ’86 this past fall, the University is now shifting to secure funding for Phase 2 of the renovation.

New Lower Level

The new lower level features an enhanced lobby and ticket booth for the Campus Center Pit Theatre, additional restrooms, and study spaces.

To support this project, visit www.otterbein.edu/give and select “Campus Center Renovation” under the designation drop down field.

Second Floor Lobby

The second floor lobby gives students a new gathering space and new restrooms.

Main Entrance

The main entrance greets guests with a lobby that features access to a new elevator, new front entrance to the bookstore, and an Otterbein wallscape.

Otterbein Earns National Recognition for Student Voter Participation

Otterbein has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a 2022 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. This national designation recognizes colleges and universities for making intentional efforts to increase student voter participation. According to a report from the Institute of Democracy and Higher Education, 74% of Otterbein students voted in 2020 — 12.3% over the voting rate in 2016.

“Students on our campus are beginning to realize that voting is a way that they can voice their opinions and needs to the government. Students are realizing how much their voice matters,” said Lindsey Payton, co-coordinator of Raise Your Voice, a student-led, non-partisan group focused on voter education, engagement, and registration.

Cardinals Baseball Breaks MIT Record for Academic All-Americans

Barber AAA Graduation

Otterbein Baseball is currently riding one of the most impressive streaks in all of college athletics, having achieved at least one Academic All-America selection for nine straight years. The Cardinals surpassed the previous record of seven, held by MIT, in the spring of 2021 and continue striving for new heights.

This run began roughly a decade ago when head coach George Powell and (now former) assistant John LaCorte made a conscious decision to focus recruiting efforts on higher academic prospects, who also happened to be talented on the baseball diamond.

The strategy has clearly paid off with the program earning four OAC titles and three NCAA appearances since 2016, in addition to multiple other players receiving countless academic awards at conference and district levels.

College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), rebranding itself to College Sports Communicators this past year, began the distinguished AAA program in 1952 to honor student-athletes across all divisions for combined success on the playing surface, in the classroom and throughout the community. To be eligible, you must hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA and reach sophomore academic/athletic standing.

Year-By-Year Look:

  • 2022 - Luke Barber (1B)
  • 2021 - Luke Barber (1B)
  • 2020 - Luke Barber (1B)
  • 2019 – Tim Snyder (CF)
  • 2018 - Justin Feltner (C)
  • 2017 – Caleb Norton (P) and Bryan Stopar (DH)
  • 2016 - Tyler Kent (CF)
  • 2015 - Ty Compton (DH)
  • 2014 – Billy Harkenrider (LF)

Learn more at: otterbeincardinals.com

Classes of 1971 and 1972 Make an Impact During 50th Golden Reunions

Class Of 1971 Community Garden Pavilion

Congratulations to last year’s Golden 50th Reunion Classes of 1971 and 1972 for their support of two worthy initiatives that are making a major impact on our students and Otterbein community. The Class of 1971 spearheaded the fundraising and efforts to establish the Community Garden Learning Pavilion (shown here during the ribbon-cutting ceremony this past fall), and in an effort to address the rising cost of college textbooks, the Class of 1972 created the Class of 1972 Textbook Affordability Endowment, which enables Courtright Memorial Library to purchase curriculum materials for students to use to reduce the costs of their curricular expenses.

To learn more about the upcoming Class of 1973 Golden Reunion fundraising efforts, please contact Kathleen Bonte at kbonte@otterbein.edu.