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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Meet the Advancement Team

We are excited to share that the Advancement team has added some wonderful colleagues in recent months to assist with alumni and family engagement, events and conferences, and serving the needs of our donors.

We’re proud to introduce you to the new Advancement team members you might see on campus or hear from in the future.

Justin Akers

Event & Technology Coordinator
Justin works closely with clients to arrange customized event venues and provides excellent audio and visual resources for both big and small events.

To book your next event, contact Justin at akers4@otterbein.edu.

Stephanie Clark

Senior Director of Development
Stephanie creates opportunities for alumni, parents, and friends of the University to make major transformational gifts through endowments, planned gifts, and scholarships.

Contact Stephanie at clark35@otterbein.edu.

Marcus Fowler

Director of Alumni & Family Programs
Marcus directs, improves, and expands alumni and family engagement programs, both in-person and virtual, and works with the Young Alumni Board, Student Alumni Board, and long-established 50th Golden Reunion programs.

Contact Marcus at fowler6@otterbein.edu.

Carley King, ’22

Annual Giving Program Coordinator
Carley manages the Student Engagement Officers and strengthens campus philanthropy through the Student Alumni Board, Senior Class Gift, and faculty and staff giving programs.

Contact Carley at at king3@otterbein.edu.

Alexis McNeal ’23

Event and Conference Coordinator
Alexis works collaboratively with all campus partners and community members to provide convenient and comfortable spaces for events and conferences at Otterbein.

To book your next event, contact Alexis at mcneal1@otterbein.edu.

Mary Beth Metz

Coordinator of Alumni and Family Programs
Mary Beth grows engagement with alumni, families, and friends of Otterbein through virtual and in person programming and social media outreach.

Contact Mary Beth at metz1@otterbein.edu.

Thank you to the donors who are making a difference at Otterbein

The Rice Family Endowed Scholarship in Nursing has been established by Marsha Rice Scanlin ’74 to honor her grandfather, Earl Rice, and her father, Robert Rice. Scanlin saw both grandparents and her parents experience cancer, and she later became a two-time cancer survivor. The Rice Family Endowed Scholarship in Nursing has been endowed to support a nurse at the James Cancer Hospital who is a graduate student at Otterbein University.

Dr. Mary Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 and her husband, Paul, have established the Dr. Mary Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 and Paul Burnam Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship. Both Mary Ann and Paul made their careers in higher education, Mary Ann at Otterbein and Paul at academic libraries. They firmly believe that a strong undergraduate education helps prepare students for productive and successful lives and believe that Otterbein is the perfect place for undergraduate nursing students to learn, grow, and prepare for their next steps after graduation.

Childhood Memory Drives a Donor’s Passion

O.H. (Oz) Koeplin
O.H. (Oz) Koeplin recently established the O.H. (Oz) and Dr. Priscilla Koeplin Nursing Scholarship.

“When I was a poor boy delivering newspapers over 75 years ago, the newspaper printed this message every day on the editorial page:

‘ I shall pass this way but once, anything I can do or any kindness I can show let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again
– Anon.’

During my time as city manager of Westerville, Tom Kerr, president of Otterbein University, and I established a tremendous ‘town and gown’ relationship, which is so essential when the University had a big presence in the city. A few years ago, I was in a position to fulfill the above message that I had seen every day in the newspaper as a boy. Otterbein University, in my opinion, is a top-drawer college, one of the best in its class. One that all prospects considering higher education should put on the top of their list.”

– O.H. (Oz) Koeplin, Otterbein supporter and former City of Westerville Manager

$1 Million Gift Honors the Memory of Paul Dallas Taylor ’61

In February, JoAnn Taylor made a $1 million gift in memory of her late husband, Paul Dallas Taylor ’61. Paul was a lifelong learner and educator whose time at Otterbein — as a student and throughout his life as an alumnus — was deeply important to him. Paul dedicated his professional career to teaching at the college level in Minnesota and Texas. He and JoAnn always believed in investing in people to help them achieve their goals and dreams through higher education. The gift will support the Campus Center Renovation with a named space as well as an endowed fund for student success with the Otterbein READY program.

To learn if your company or organization matches charitable donations, please visit www.otterbein.edu/giving/how-to-give/matching-gift.

Ellen Andrews ’71 has generously supported Otterbein through funding for education majors. Andrews taught 41 years with the Elyria City Schools where she made a tremendous difference in the lives of her students. She is one of several in her family to attend Otterbein.

Former parents Dr. Roger and Betty Neff P’83, P’85 made an additional generous gift to support the Roger H. and Betty A. Neff Endowed Scholarship, established in 2005 to support undergraduate students pursuing international studies or studies that reflect a global perspective. Roger taught for 32 years at Otterbein, from 1961 to 1993, and served as the chair of the foreign language department for the last 20 years of his time on the faculty.

Board of Trustees member Deborah Ewell Currin ’67 and her husband, William A. Currin ’67, continue to generously support the Otterbein Fund through a recent unrestricted gift. In addition, their support was supplemented by a matching gift through William’s former employer.

John Bullis ’56, P’81, P’83, P’90 recently made a generous gift in honor and memory of his wife, Carole Kreider Bullis ’56, to support both the Otterbein Fund and the Bullis- Kreider Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which was established in 1996 to honor John’s parents, Cleo and John Bullis, and his late wife Carole’s parents, Margaret and Russell Kreider.

John E. Ellis ’87 was born into the world with a handicapped body but an indomitable spirit. At Otterbein, Ellis majored in radio and spent many happy hours honing his skills and teaching others at the Otterbein radio station. In his memory, his family has created the John Edward Ellis ’87 Family Endowed Scholarship to support an annual scholarship for students in communication who demonstrate a desire to develop their skills to overcome inequities and injustices and to make our world a better place for future generations. Additionally, a designated portion of the gift will be used to establish the John Edward Ellis ’87 Family Endowed Fund for Radio Communications, an endowment to support Otterbein radio communications.

Alumnus Daniel Gifford ’88, P’21 and his wife, Deanna, have fulfilled a $50,000 gift in support of the Campus Center Renovation. Daniel is part of the Gifford legacy family at Otterbein and currently serves on the Board of Trustees.

Alumnus Daniel Gifford ’88, P’21 and his wife, Deanna, have fulfilled a $50,000 gift in support of the Campus Center Renovation. Daniel is part of the Gifford legacy family at Otterbein and currently serves on the Board of Trustees.

To honor and celebrate the legacy of late professor David Jones, a group of alumni, led by a generous gift from Kyle Daniel ’04, have established the Dr. David C. Jones Memorial Scholarship. Jones taught marketing and related courses in the department of Business, Accounting, and Economics at Otterbein for 25 years. It is their hope that this scholarship continues his work of supporting and educating future generations of Otterbein students.

The Linda A. Karl Chandler ’70 Memorial Award has been created by its namesake, Linda Karl Chandler ’70, to provide internships for theatre arts students to pursue backstage or behind-the-camera work in theatre, cinema, or television. Chandler was heavily involved in theatre behind-the- scenes as an Otterbein student, and wished to honor all those who work tirelessly backstage through her gift.

Alumni couple Pamela Hudson Dominici ’68 and Robert J. Dominici ’67 made a generous $10,000 gift in support of the 1847 Minutes for Otterbein campaign during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2022, to encourage others to support the Otterbein Fund.

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students at Otterbein. Our faculty and staff have recently been awarded grants from several organizations, including:

Henry Luce Foundation

Henry Luce Foundation

AMOUNT: $98,000

Otterbein’s Frank Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Columbus Museum of Art hold the largest known collections of art and artifacts by modern Chinese painter Wu Zhongxiong (1899- 1989), known as C.Y. Woo, who emigrated from Shanghai to central Ohio in 1964. In collaboration since 2018, these institutions have been establishing an open-source digital humanities database of the more than 1,770 objects held in Ohio C.Y. Woo collections. This grant supports painting conservation for the exhibition, photography for the exhibition catalogue and database, and undergraduate and graduate research staff for the next stages of database development.

Choose Ohio First

Choose Ohio First Scholarship Support for Equine and Allied Health

AMOUNT: $462,621

Supports scholarships for Ohio students entering pre-veterinary studies, veterinary technician, or allied health majors at Otterbein University. These students will engage in cohort-based learning opportunities as well as work-based learning opportunities like internships with companies and businesses throughout central Ohio.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

AMOUNT: $377,800

Otterbein’s focus for its second grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute is on building the community needed to bring lasting cultural and structural change by increasing University enrollment and retention of students who have been historically excluded from the sciences.

Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award Honorees

The Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award was established by President Emerita Kathy Krendl and the University Board of Trustees to recognize extraordinary philanthropic leadership, service, and advancement of Otterbein’s mission. It is the highest honor Otterbein bestows upon its community members for transformational leadership and commitment. Two awards were conferred at this year’s Celebration of Otterbein event at Homecoming and Family Weekend on Oct. 1.

Mary B. Thomas Award Honorees 2022

The 2022 Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award honorees: Mark ’78 and Deb Scott ’77 Thresher, P’05 (front row) and members of the Otterbein “O” Club including (left to right) past president Ron Jones ’61, current president Mark Granger ’79, and past president Jack Pietila ’62.

Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award honorees: Mark ’78 and Deb Scott ’77 Thresher P’05

Former Board of Trustees Chair Mark Thresher ’78 P’05 and his wife, Deb Scott ’77 Thresher P’05, met at an Otterbein football game in the fall of 1975 when Mark was a sophomore and Deb was a junior. The two began dating shortly thereafter and Deb, a music education major, selected Mark, an accounting major, as her escort when she was elected Homecoming Queen in 1976. Deb was a member of Epsilon Kappa Tau sorority and participated in choir and band while at Otterbein. Mark played basketball and was a member of Torch and Key and Tau Pi Phi honoraries. They married four months after Mark’s graduation in 1978.

The Threshers have never forgotten how their experiences at Otterbein helped prepare them for life, which has become the catalyst for their incredible support of the University over the years. The impact of their generosity can be seen in gifts to establish a scholarship fund for music education majors (Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship), a fellowship that will support experiential learning at Otterbein (Mark and Deborah Thresher Fellowship), and annual support of the Otterbein Fund. In total, the Threshers have donated a significant amount in support of Otterbein over the past 31 years.

Otterbein “O” Club Foundation

Established in 1955, the Otterbein “O” Club aids and assists Otterbein University by contributing to our athletic programs and students. That year, Robert “Moe” Agler ’48 was appointed head football coach and along with his friends, former football teammates, Edwin “Dubbs” Roush ’47 and Francis “Red” Bailey ’43, the trio received permission to establish a Varsity “O” Alumni Club. In addition to Roush, who served as the organization’s first president, and Bailey, who served as its first vice president, the original board of directors also included John Zezech ’44, Harold Augspurger ’41, and Dwight “Smokey” Ballenger ’39.

Over the last 60 years, the “O” Club has partnered with Otterbein to enhance its athletic program in countless ways. Supported by the donations of individuals, businesses, trusts, and foundations, the “O” Club has been a transformational force in improving Otterbein’s athletic facilities, benefiting not only its student-athletes but the entire campus and extended Westerville community as well. In 1981, the club created its own foundation and to date has donated significantly to support athletics programs and facilities. Major projects benefiting from their support include the Rike Center weight room in 2008, Memorial Stadium renovations in 2005, the new track and turf in 2014, and repairs to the pole vault area of the track.

Otterbein remains deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the Threshers and the “O” Club Foundation and extends congratulations to these outstanding recipients of the 2022 Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award.

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students at Otterbein. Our faculty and staff have recently been awarded grants from several organizations, including:

Martha Holden Foundation Logo

Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

AMOUNT: $31,926

Supports the conversion of art integrated chemistry lessons and activities developed for our Integrative Studies Chemistry in Art course.

Ohio Department Of Higher Education

Ohio Department of Higher Education

AMOUNT: $1,259,937

Funds scholarships for Ohio students who enter majors including nursing, math, math education, and actuarial science.

State Library Logo

State Library of Ohio

AMOUNT: $46,399

Supported the installation of touchless lockers in the Courtright Memorial Library as well as the installation of a contactless book drop.

Ohio Board Of Nursing Color

Ohio Board of Nursing

AMOUNT: $200,000

Supports efforts to address the nursing shortage within the State of Ohio. This two-year program will allow Otterbein to increase the number of clinical precepting placement positions and the number of clinical preceptors at IHA Sunbury Urgent Care Center.

Swaco Logo

SWACO

AMOUNT: $16,900

Supports the creation of a zero-waste plan for Otterbein University in conjunction with RRS Consulting Services. SWACO, RRS Consulting, and Otterbein will work together to identify opportunities across campus to implement zero waste strategies for external events held on campus.