The Campus Center Has A New Nest!

The Campus Center Has A New Nest!

Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project is complete, and the upgrades are receiving rave reviews from students.

The Nest is the highlight of the renovation, with its modern lounge design, seating that is more attractive to students, and a wider variety of food options based on student surveys and feedback.

Food selections include more vegan/vegetarian menu items, an expanded salad bar, and made to-order options at every meal. One of the stations is free of the nine most common food allergens keeping food separate from storage to cooking and serving.

Phase Two Construction Stats:

Start date > May 20, 2024
Substantial completion date > Jan. 27, 2025
Hours worked > Over 27,000.
Workers > 251 construction workers and 29 trade partners.
Waste disposal > 29.31 tons of waste hauled; 24 tons of waste recycled.
Renovation area > 15,346 square feet.
Addition area > 1,200 square feet.

We would like to extend our special thanks to our valued donors who made this project possible.

Forever Friendships: A Road Trip 50 Years in the Making

In the summer of 1973, two recent Otterbein graduates — Darcy Elliott McDonald ’72 and Debra Andrews Hoeg ’72 — packed up a car and set their sights west.

They had met when they joined the same sorority five years prior and quickly became close friends and, later, roommates. Now, they were just two months away from starting graduate school 500 miles apart. The weeks before then, they decided, should be filled with fun and adventure. They wanted to see California together. And they wanted to take their time getting there.

Those were the ambitions that echoed in Darcy and Debbie’s minds as they finally crossed from Arizona into California last fall — 51 years after their road trip first began.

“We smelled the flowers along the way,” Darcy said. There were more flowers than they expected. Setting out the first time, the two friends had little to rely upon outside of a map, a AAA Triptik, and a bright orange 1972 Buick Skylark with a white vinyl top.

“If you know Darcy and me,” Debbie said, “you know there wasn’t a lot of planning.”

They embraced every unexpected stop, detour, and adventure they could. They visited colleges they’d once applied to before choosing Otterbein, and esoteric historic sites like the childhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, America’s 34th president.

They fell in love with places like New Mexico and the Grand Canyon. Debbie recalls getting a flat tire while driving on a desolate country road in Kansas and being stumped by how they were supposed to replace it with the spare they had in the trunk until a farmer puttering by on a large tractor stopped to lend a hand.

Darcy Elliott McDonald ’72 and Debra Andrews Hoeg ’72 at the California state line.

“We just had a lot of fun and funny experiences along the way that gave us the feeling of, OK, we’re off on our own. We can do this.”

“We just had a lot of fun and funny experiences along the way,” Darcy said, “that gave us the feeling of, OK, we’re off on our own. We can do this.”

As the trip progressed, however, the two began to realize they were coming perilously close to not returning home in time to begin graduate school. They got as far as Phoenix before turning back for home, abandoning the true destination of California.

Graduate school came and went, and the two remained close. Darcy began a relationship in Virginia with a man named Gordon McDonald, and the two of them set Debbie up with Everett Hoeg, a friend of Gordon’s. Debbie moved to Virginia, both couples got married, and the two pairs settled down about 30 minutes from each other. Weekend visits were frequent throughout the ensuing decades until Darcy and Gordon moved to Georgia in the mid-2010s; since then, the friendship has been sustained by Monday night video calls.

All along, Debbie and Darcy’s pre-grad school road trip was a topic the two would occasionally return to — with some good-natured teasing from their husbands, who wouldn’t let them forget they hadn’t finished it. They still intended to reach California, the women assured them. Sometime.to — with some good-natured teasing from their husbands, who wouldn’t let them forget they hadn’t finished it. They still intended to reach California, the women assured them. Sometime.

Then, last fall — 51 years after they first embarked from Ohio — the lifelong friends decided they’d waited long enough. Opting to pick up from the same place they left off, Debbie and Darcy flew to Phoenix, rented a car, and began their drive to San Francisco. In many ways, the end of the five-decade journey was a lot different from the beginning. Both women’s husbands tagged along, for starters. To accommodate the larger carload, a modern Toyota SUV took the place of the ’72 Skylark.

But the spirit of the old trip remained. The group set aside two weeks to make the 12-hour drive, expecting lots of twists and turns along the way.

“We went from Phoenix to San Diego, and then just followed the coast up, taking our time and enjoying the coastal California drive and being tourists,” Darcy said.

As rare as it is to find a friendship that endures the way Darcy and Debbie’s has, lifelong bonds like this are one of many unique things Otterbein alumni take pride in. In fact, recently Lynn Ridinger established a $25,000 scholarship endowment in honor of a Round Robin letter-writing circle that her parents — Miriam Wetzel Ridinger ’51, P’82 and Gerald “Jug” Ridinger ’49, P’82 — maintained with eight Epsilon Kappa Tau alumnae (read more at right) and their spouses for more than 70 years after graduating.

Fifty-one years after they first embarked from Ohio, the lifelong friends decided they’d waited long enough.

Darcy Elliott ‘72 McDonald and Debra Andrews ‘72

The scholarship will benefit students involved in fraternity and sorority life, a community on campus which sparked the formation of the Round Robin friend group, as well as the friendship between Darcy and Debbie. “(Attending Otterbein) was such a special time, and a big part of that wasn’t just what you gleaned from your education, but also the friendships that you made,” Darcy said. “I feel blessed to have such a wonderful friend. I still send Christmas cards to some high school friends, but I don’t really have any relationship like I do with Debbie.”

Round Robins: The Original Group Chats

In the past, groups of Otterbein friends kept in touch through Round Robins, letters that travel through circle of friends sharing news about everything from new jobs and houses to marriages and births. These letters contained photographs and newspaper clippings to chronicle the lives of the Round Robin members. The following was submitted by Miriam Wetzel Ridinger ’51, P’82 and published in the Winter 2000 issue of Towers:

Five of the original members at graduation from Otterbein in 1951.

Round Robin Reunion in 1956 with children and spouses at the Ridinger home in Dayton, OH.

“Our Round Robin . . . began in 1947 in King Hall when eight young women became close friends as freshmen. This bond was strengthened when all eight pledged Epsilon Kappa Tau and continued growing through our four years at Otterbein. Following graduation, we began to correspond individually until Phyl Weygandt ’51 suggested a Round Robin letter which we all heartily endorsed. Through all these years, it has been healthy and vigorous and makes the circuit two or three times a year.

The fact that six of us married Otterbein men who knew each other helped us become a couples group and formed an even stronger bond. Not only have we kept the letter going, but we also get together yearly, and sometimes twice a year since retirement . . . Every fifth year we gather in Westerville for Alumni Weekend. Over the years we have filled three large photo albums and in 1991, we made a video of our first two albums.

The Round Robin offspring have referred to us as an incredible group of true friends and an inspiration to them regarding the value of friends and family. Our Round Robin has been a deeply important part of our lives and certainly has strengthened our bond to Otterbein.”

Original Round Robin members: Phyllis Weygandt Auerbach ’51, Bobbie Schutz Barr ’51, P’77, Priscilla Warner Berry ’51, Shirley Adams Detamore ’51, Phyllis Shannon Marcotte ’51, Ruth Anne Smith Moore ’51, Barb Bartlebaugh Pyles ’53, Miriam Wetzel Ridinger ’51, P’82, Martha Weller Shand ’51.

The 2003 Round Robin Reunion held at Punderson Manor in Newbury, OH.

Women’s Wrestling has National Champion

Women’s wrestling senior Olivia Shore Women’s Wrestling National Champion

Women’s wrestling senior Olivia Shore won the103-lb. title at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship, making her a two-time national champion. Her first title was at Tiffin University.

The team started competition in fall 2024, ahead of the NCAA’s Jan. 17, 2025, announcement that it is adding women’s wrestling as its 91st college championship sport beginning in 2026, with Divisions I, II, and III approving the addition.

Shore made history in high school as the first female to place at the boys’ Ohio High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament, finishing sixth in 2021. Sanctioned girls wrestling did not exist at that time.

Read more about the women’s wrestling season and other outstanding players at otterbeincardinals.com.

New Exemplary Teaching Award Premieres at Faculty Awards Ceremony

L to R: John Comerford, Yvette Alexander Slate, Jennifer Jackson ’03, Joan Esson, Alyssa Wachenschwanz, Wendy Sherman Heckler (not pictured: Susan Millsap).

Each year, Otterbein honors outstanding teachers for their impact on their students, colleagues, and the University. This year’s awards ceremony was held Nov. 21, 2024.

The ceremony included the granting of the inaugural Reynolds Exemplary Teaching Award, named in memory of longtime Otterbein faculty member, mentor, advocate, colleague, and friend Christine Reynolds, who passed away on Feb. 3, 2024. Reynolds joined the Department of Communication faculty as a professor on Sept. 1, 1990, and went on to serve as a department chair, division chair, Senior Year Experience coordinator, and associate provost for faculty affairs. She was granted emerita status in January 2024.

The award was given to Reynolds’ friend and colleague Professor Susan Millsap, Department of Communication, who has impacted the lives of countless students as a teacher, mentor, and friend, in the spirit of the award’s namesake.

The dedicated full- and part-time faculty who were honored for their dedication included:

New Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Jackson ’03
Associate Professor, Department of Communication

Teacher of the Year
Joan Esson
Professor, Department of Chemistry

Part-time Teaching Award (general education)
Yvette Alexander Slate

Part-time Teaching Award (discipline-specific)
Alyssa Wachenschwanz
Department of Nursing

Reynolds Exemplary Teaching Award
Susan Millsap
Professor, Department of Communication

Forever Cardinals

Vernon Pack ’50

A History of Friendship and Philanthropy

Vernon Pack ’50 with Doris Kearns Goodwin on the cover of 2002 Summer Towers.

Vernon Pack ’50 once said in an interview for Towers magazine that his years at Otterbein were the happiest of his life. That’s why he nurtured his Otterbein friendships, supported scholarships and initiatives for students, and remained a common face on campus throughout his life. Otterbein lost a cherished friend in Pack when he passed away on Jan. 18 at the age of 99.

“Vernon Pack was a friend to so many of us on campus, and his generosity impacted every area of student life, from academics to athletics, community service to library services,” said President John Comerford. “Vernon, a historian himself, is truly part of Otterbein’s history and his legacy will live on.”

Pack was well known on campus for his jovial greetings, his distinctive voice, his rich sense of humor, his generosity, and his computer-like memory for historical facts.

He was an avid historian who loved to share his knowledge with others. He taught social studies for over 28 years with a special emphasis on his favorite subject, Ohio history.

He also wrote about Ohio history, with dozens of articles and several mini-books published, and was known for including history clippings in thank-you notes and holiday cards. He gave history presentations at his senior community and was fond of showing people the treasures and hidden secrets of Ohio; until recently, he led day trips to those locations.

Donna Kerr H’71, the wife of late President Emeritus Thomas J. Kerr, said Pack seemed to know every person and had a story about every place. “How he knew everything that was going on — it was by osmosis, I think,” she said jokingly. “He was really brilliant.”

A lt hough P ack supported many scholarships and initiatives over the years, one of his favorites was the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence Program.

He established an endowment in 2002 to provide funding for distinguished scholars and lecturers to visit campus to address important current topics that reflect on ethical, spiritual, and social issues. The series has hosted prestigious guests like Doris Kearns Goodwin, Fareed Zakaria, Steven Pinker, Salman Rushdie, and Heather McGhee.

“Vernon showed genuine interest in engaging with the diverse speakers who visited the campus as part of his series, but perhaps his greatest joy was talking over lunch with the students who had been selected to meet the speakers,” reflected Patricia Frick, professor of English. “Vernon appreciated their ideas, listened to them with respect and curiosity, and enthusiastically encouraged them to pursue their personal and educational dreams. He was a true mentor and role model to generations of learners.”

Kerr attended some of the first lectures as a guest of Pack. “Part of the lecture series was for him to spend a few minutes alone with the speakers,” she recalled. “I don’t know what he asked them, but I would have liked to have been a mouse and sat in on those conversations.”

Pack also established the Vernon L. Pack Fellowship through the Center for Community Engagement and regularly supported the Otterbein Fund, Promise House, Courtright Memorial Library, scholarships, awards, and numerous academic and Student Affairs programs and initiatives. He was honored with the Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award in 2011. A humble man, in his letter accepting the award he instead praised Thomas, writing, “I personally knew Mary over a period of many years; her values and humbleness were stellar qualities which I can never emulate.” For Pack’s lifetime devotion to Otterbein, his Cardinal family is immensely grateful.

Vernon Pack ’50 with President Emerita Kathy A. Krendl H’18 accepting the 2011 Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award.

Mark Thresher ’78, P’05

A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Friendship

Mark ’78, P’05 and Deb Scott ’77, P’05 Thresher at Homecoming 1977.

Otterbein was the beginning of many things for Trustee Emeritus Mark Thresher ’78, P’05 and Deborah Scott Thresher ’77, P’05 — their love story, their family, lifelong friendships, a successful career, and a commitment to giving back. Although the Otterbein community said goodbye to Mark, who sadly passed on Oct. 28, 2024, the Thresher legacy continues, and the memories remain.

According to Deb, it all started because of a dare. While accounting major Mark had seen music education major Deb around campus and thought she was pretty, he was shy. So while she was studying on the third floor of the library one day, Mark’s friend dared him to finally ask Deb out — or the friend would. That was the motivation Mark needed, and Deb said yes.

Deb said their time at Otterbein was always an adventure. Being from a small town, there were a lot of things she had never done before and Mark wanted to change that. “He took me to my very first concert down at the Palace Theater. He bought tickets in the second row, so Barry Manilow was right there in front of us,” she recalled.

Deb said Mark’s family decided she was the one for him only six weeks into their relationship, but it wasn’t until three years later, when Deb was named Homecoming Queen, that Mark proposed to her before escorting her to the Homecoming parade. The couple married four months after Mark’s graduation in 1978. They went on to have two daughters, Chelsea and Kaylea, and six grandchildren.

While Deb came to Otterbein from the “foothills of Pennsylvania” and Mark from Cleveland, they both chose Otterbein because of their church backgrounds.

“Our church and faith are very important to us. That’s why we both ended up here, and why we have always given back … and Otterbein has been one of our loves for sure,” Deb said.

While Deb had to study harder than Mark, she said they both learned the value of hard work, respect for others, and commitment at Otterbein. “Mark always said you grew as a whole person here.”

Deb said it was by chance that Mark landed on Otterbein’s Board of Trustees. After graduation, he launched a career that would include 25 years at Nationwide, culminating in his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), which he held from 2009-2021. It was Mark’s boss at Nationwide, Joseph Gasper, who asked Mark to take over his seat on Otterbein’s board. Mark served on the board for 21 years, with eight of those as chair.

The Threshers have supported many initiatives at Otterbein over the years, establishing the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship for music education majors and the Mark and Deborah Thresher Fellowship to support experiential learning opportunities; supporting numerous building and renovation projects; and making annual gifts to the Otterbein Fund.

However, Deb said their commitment of time to their alma mater has been the most meaningful to them. “The two of us have always had the mentality that if we’re going to commit to something, we’re going to try to leave it a little better than when we got there.”

Chelsea Thresher Ross ’05 followed in her parents’ footsteps, graduating from their alma mater. Reflecting on her father’s impact, Chelsea shared, “Dad became so successful with only a bachelor’s degree and he attributed that success to the lessons he learned at Otterbein that went beyond accounting. Later in life he wanted to give back to the institution that grounded him and gave him the skills to be successful — he wanted that to be the same story for the students that came after him.”

Mark ’78, P’05 and Deb Scott ’77, P’05 Thresher.

Mark and Deb were honored with Otterbein’s highest award, the Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award, in 2022. For his dedication to the values of a liberal arts education, Mark was inducted to the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges’ Hall of Excellence in 2017.

Otterbein is truly a better place thanks to Mark’s extraordinary stewardship and the continued friendship and commitment of Deb and the Thresher family.

William “Bill” Evans ’56

Bill ’56 and Sonya Stauffer ’56 Evans represented the Class of 1956 as the class gift of an “Otterbein College” sign in front of historic Towers Hall was replaced with one reading “Otterbein University” in 2010.

Trustee Emeritus William “Bill” Evans ’56 passed away on Feb. 5, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Sonya Stauffer Evans ’56. His commitment to the Otterbein University Board of Trustees spanned 20 years, with many more years serving his university in other capacities. As a trustee, he served on the Executive, Governance, Investment, and ad hoc Board Enhancement Committees. He also served as vice chair and at-large trustee. He was granted emeritus status in 2011 and was recognized with The Earl F. Morris Trustee Award by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges in 2012.

Bill graduated from Otterbein with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with honors and worked for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, including in its Aerospace Division where he developed computer models of an early design for space suits and simulation of the Air Force’s Dyna Soar vehicle. In 1963, Bill began his impressive career with the Battelle Memorial Institute when he was recruited to work on the development of scientific computing in underdeveloped countries. He retired from Battelle in 1995.

Together, Bill and Sonya supported several Otterbein funds and initiatives for more than 40 years, including the Class of 1956 Scholarship Fund, the Otterbein Fund, the Science Center Addition and renovation campaign, the building campaigns for Roush Hall and the Clements Recreation and Fitness Center, among many others. For their 50th Class “Golden Reunion,” Bill and Sonya led the efforts to chronicle Otterbein’s history. This multi-panel display adorns the halls of the third floor of Roush Hall. The couple received the Otterbein University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.

Esports Team Wraps Successful Fall

Above: Members of the Esports team at the arena ribbon-cutting ceremony held at The Point on Sept. 30, 2024.

The Otterbein Esports team completed the fall portion of its inaugural season with many successes. Playing five titles — Rainbow 6, Overwatch 2, Valorant, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) and Call of Duty — the Cardinals posted a combined 25-14 overall record and earned three playoff berths. The Valorant team capped its postseason with a National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) divisional championship on Nov. 20.

The Cardinals’ Valorant team went a perfect 9-0 in the fall while the Overwatch 2 team finished 8-1 after falling in the divisional championship. The Rainbow 6 team also made a postseason appearance, falling in the first round to end the season at 4-3.

Guest Lecturers Discuss Social Justice

This academic year, Otterbein University hosted guest lecturers that addressed some of the most pressing social justice issues today.

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu

The Kathy A. Krendl Distinguished Lecture Series

The Kathy A. Krendl H’18 Distinguished Lecture Series welcomed renowned race and gender activist Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu on Nov. 6 — one day after a contentious Election Day. Her lecture’s title, This is Not the End of The Story, was based on words of wisdom from Tutu’s grandmother who always said, when things seemed bleak, that the end of the story had not yet been written and that they had a role in writing how the story would unfold. Her message was that it does not matter whether you are jubilant or downcast, this is not the end of the story. How the story unfolds from that point is up to each of us. Using personal anecdotes, African proverbs, and examples from different countries, Tutu asked each person to examine their role in writing the story of their country’s future.

Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/krendl

The George W. ’21 and Mildred K. White Science Lecture Series

The George W. ’21 and Mildred K. White Science Lecture Series hosted conservation psychologist Susan Clayton on Jan. 30. In her lecture, Psychology and Climate Change, she discussed how people from different backgrounds perceive the risks of climate change differently and the ways in which climate change threatens psychological wellbeing and undermines social justice.

Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/sciencelectureseries/

Susan Clayton

Dorian L. Harrison

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation

This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on Jan. 21 featured Dorian L. Harrison, an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at The Ohio State University at Newark who researches issues of equity in education. She has dedicated her career to ensuring equity in literacy education, challenging deficit-based perspectives, and empowering learners to see themselves as agents of change. Her groundbreaking research intersects race, class, and language, advancing justice in classrooms and communities alike.

Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/mlk

The Power of Partnership

Otterbein ADVANTAGE PARTNERSHIP Program

At Otterbein, accessibility and affordability are never barriers to achieving higher education; they are the driving forces behind it. The innovative Advantage Partnership program exemplifies this commitment by partnering with employers throughout Ohio to offer a unique benefit — the advantage of a private university education at a public school price.

The Advantage Partnership program is designed to enhance equal accessibility by providing reduced tuition at Otterbein to both full- and part-time employees of participating organizations. Even more unique is the program’s expanded benefits: eligibility extends to the entire household, including dependent children, spouses, and domestic partners. This ensures that every member of the household can build their own success story at Otterbein.

Many families are already taking full advantage of this opportunity.

Cameron Wages, a current sophomore majoring in Finance, said Otterbein was an unexpected yet perfect fit. He had driven past Otterbein’s campus, but didn’t know much else about the University. However, he knew he wanted a small school close to home that fostered a strong sense of community.

His mother, Stephanie Wages, has worked at OhioHealth for more than eight years and first learned about the Advantage Program through a co-worker’s success story. She encouraged Cameron to take a closer look.

While the Advantage Scholarship was a key factor in his decision to choose Otterbein, Cameron has become actively involved on campus. Among other things, he is a leader on the new Esports team, which won the National Association of Collegiate Esports division championship in Valorant. He also values his close relationship with his academic advisor, Stephen Osborne, who chairs the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics.

“Receiving the Advantage Scholarship reassured me that Otterbein was the place for me. After visiting the campus and loving it, seeing the scholarship helped support my decision to attend Otterbein.”

Maggie Pyle, sophomore, Nursing

See the ADVANTAGE

2020
The Advantage Partnership program was established.

24
Employers partnering with Otterbein.

740+
Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce members benefiting from Otterbein’s Advantage Partnership.

$80,000
$20,000 Otterbein Advantage Scholarship renewable for FOUR years = $80,000.*

15%
Discount eligible to associates and their spouses or domestic partners are eligible to receive a discount on per-credit-hour charges.

238
Total students who have received the Advantage Scholarship since 2021.

165
Students receiving the Otterbein Advantage Scholarship this year.

14
Employees and spouses/domestic partners currently taking advantage of the Advantage Partnership discount.

* Otterbein Advantage Scholarship represents a 57% discount off of Otterbein’s 2024-2025 tuition. Students’ net tuition price is $15,024 before state, federal or institutional need-based aid or loans.

Danielle Halterman, a sophomore majoring in Adolescentto-Young-Adult Education with an Intervention Specialist License, has a deep-rooted connection to Otterbein. Her mother, Kay Freshour Halterman ’00, is an Otterbein alumna and a Columbus City Schools teacher, her grandmother, Mary Kay Milligan Freshour ’96, P’98, P’00, previously worked in Otterbein’s Office of Financial Aid, and her grandfather, James Freshour ’70, P’98, P’00, also attended Otterbein. Despite these strong ties, Danielle initially doubted whether Otterbein would be financially accessible for her family.

“I’m the seventh person in my family to attend Otterbein. It feels like home here. Receiving the Advantage Scholarship confirmed my decision to attend Otterbein.”
~Danielle Halterman, sophomore Elementary Education

Halterman family at Homecoming & Family Weekend.

She knew Otterbein’s education programs offered the immersive experiences she wanted and was close to home, so Otterbein stayed on her list. When comparing financial aid offers, Danielle was surprised to see Otterbein emerge as one of her three most affordable options, thanks to the Advantage Scholarship.

Today, Danielle said Otterbein has become a second home and the Education Department has exceeded her expectations. As a resident assistant, Danielle fosters a love for the Otterbein experience by advising incoming students and supporting their transition into the University. She encourages other students whose parents work for Advantage Partnership companies to check out Otterbein.

Otterbein Advantage Partners

Otterbein Advantage Scholarship Partner Bath And Bodyworks

Want to see your company on the Advantage Partner list? Ask your HR office to contact Phanawn Bailey ’21, MBA’23 at bailey1@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1355.

Ball is Highlight of Black History Month

Otterbein’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted the Third Annual Black Excellence Ball on Feb. 22, bringing a touch of Hollywood to Roush Hall’s Fisher Gallery.

BSU President Jennatta Mensah said the event is more than just an event to the community of color on campus. “This annual gathering provides a space where Black excellence is honored and uplifted, ensuring that the contributions of students of color are acknowledged and celebrated. From the elegance of the evening to the meaningful connections fostered, the event creates an atmosphere where attendees feel valued, appreciated, and inspired,” she said.

This year, an awards ceremony was added to the program, honoring outstanding individuals who have made a significant impact on the campus community. “By recognizing students, faculty, and alumni who have demonstrated leadership, service, and academic excellence, the event strengthens its mission of empowerment and appreciation,” Mensah said.

The ball has grown each year and is on track to become a long-standing tradition. “Each year, new generations will have the opportunity to experience and contribute to this event, creating a legacy that extends beyond their time on campus,” Mensah said. “It is an event that reminds students of their worth, highlights their achievements, and brings the community together in a way that is both meaningful and unforgettable.”

2025 Senior Spotlights

These students from the CLASS OF 2025 represent a small sampling of the excellence heading out into the world. We congratulate our graduates and look forward to news of their future successes.

Noah Palmer

Business Administration & Management Major, Accounting Minor
Next: Currently in negotiations for a position, will maintain his landscaping business, and plans to open a party rental business.

“There were people here who made the time to pour into me and teach me far beyond what I learned in the classroom. A few professors challenged me in ways that forced me to learn and grow. With the help of Otterbein faculty and staff, I have developed my network of business professionals and have learned to leverage it. Otterbein developed me as a person — teaching me the skills to be a responsible and organized professional.

Otterbein taught me how to navigate the real world and be successful in my future endeavors. I gained a taste of how big the world could be, and how little I really know. I gained an appreciation for learning and lifelong personal growth.”

Started a Pickleball Club on campus that he’s grown from five to 4O members.
Built a landscaping business.
Currently serving as a commercial sales intern at Hexion Inc.
Started a personal development book club to help others grow along with him.
David R. & Marybelle S. Simmons Endowed Scholarship Recipient.

Yasmeen Khafagy

Biology and Public Health Education Double Major, Psychology Minor
Next: Currently applying to master’s programs for Public Health and considering employment options.

“For me, Otterbein has been the total package. Not only did I receive the love and care I needed to excel academically, I had numerous opportunities to be a better leader. From internships to research to career preparation, I think Otterbein has made me the perfect candidate for any position. The people and the energy of this campus have shaped me into the best person I can be.”

Student Government president.
International student mentor.
Student trustee for Otterbein Board of Trustees.
Presented research findings at three conferences and was awarded “most innovative poster.”
Van Sant fellow.
Helen and Emerson Bragg Scholarship and the Dr. Stephen C. and Mary B. Markley Scholarship Recipient.

Yasmeen Khafagy

Biology and Public Health Education Double Major, Psychology Minor
Next: Currently applying to master’s programs for Public Health and considering employment options.

Student Government president.
International student mentor.
Student trustee for Otterbein Board of Trustees.
Presented research findings at three conferences and was awarded “most innovative poster.”
Van Sant fellow.
Helen and Emerson Bragg Scholarship and the Dr. Stephen C. and Mary B. Markley Scholarship Recipient.

Ahjay Cody

Psychology and Political Science Double Major
NEXT: Currently interviewing for Clinical Psychology Doctorate programs.

“I’ve always been driven. My family told me to find things that have substance and purpose — and to make that my mission. My experience at Otterbein has been great because of people like Dr. Cornell Lewis, Michelle Armour, Dr. Frank Dobson, Dr. Denise Hatter-Fisher, and God. These people and my experiences have changed me, and they gave me the chance to find out I was meant for this realm.”

President of Black Athlete Student Union.
Mental health specialist in the Neurobehavioral Unit at Nationwide Children’s.
Multi-Skilled Technician/Patient Safety Attendant at Mount Carmel Hospital emergency room.
Studied abroad at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy.
Two-time qualifier for track and field conference finals.
Victor G. and Eileen Ritter Endowed Scholarship Recipient.

Aubrey Zanella

Business Administration & Management and Finance Double Major, Marketing Analytics Minor
Next: Joining Nationwide Insurance in auditing.

“Once you experience Otterbein, you don’t want to leave. It is a very close-knit community. I’ll miss the network here. If you need something, you can go to anybody and they’ll tell you, ‘this is the direction you need to go.’ It’s been a home away from home for me. It’s a little sad all of this is coming to an end, but it’s also really exciting that a new chapter is opening”

Four-year defender in women’s soccer.
Nationwide Insurance intern in auditing.
Athletic senator in Student Government.
Vice president of Campus Activities Board.
Involved in Sigma Alpha Tau “OWLS.”
Wallace E. Conard ’54 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient.

L to R: Aubrey Zanella and Bailey Zanella

Aubrey Zanella

Business Administration & Management and Finance Double Major, Marketing Analytics Minor
Next: Joining Nationwide Insurance in auditing.

Four-year defender in women’s soccer.
Nationwide Insurance intern in auditing.
Athletic senator in Student Government.
Vice president of Campus Activities Board.
Involved in Sigma Alpha Tau “OWLS”
Wallace E. Conard ’54 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient.

L to R: Aubrey Zanella and Bailey Zanella

Bailey Zanella

Business Administration & Management and Finance Double Major, Marketing Analytics Minor
Next: Joining Nationwide Financial in annuity sales.

“Otterbein has helped prepare me for life after school in so many ways. The Business, Accounting, and Economics (BAE) Department gave me a great deal of support that allowed me to succeed while in school and confidence going into the workforce. The community has allowed me to grow in the leadership space and challenged me to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be.”

Panhellenic Council president.
Sigma Alpha Tau vice president.
Campus Activities Board secretary.
Team captain of women’s soccer.
BAE ambassador.
Student Government class senator.
Nationwide Financial intern.
PNC Bank Endowed Scholarship and the Ellen Joy Butcher Endowed Scholarship Recipient.

Jennatta Mensah

Public Health Education and Health Communication Double Major
Next: Deciding between two acceptance offers for a graduate program in Health Administration.

“Otterbein has helped prepare me for life after college by encouraging me to step out of my shell and accept new opportunities. Through leadership roles, internships, and campus involvement, I’ve developed confidence, communication skills, and the ability to advocate for others.

Serving as president of the Black Student Union helped me create initiatives like the Black Excellence Ball, strengthening my leadership and event planning skills while making a lasting impact on campus. My internships in public health and student engagement gave me handson experience that aligns with my career goals.

Otterbein has provided a supportive environment where I could challenge myself, build meaningful connections, and grow both personally and professionally. Because of these experiences, I feel prepared to step into the next chapter of my life with confidence and purpose.”

President of Black Student Union.
Internship at Mount Carmel Grove City.
Dean’s List.
Student engagement officer.
Campus Compass mentor.
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho.
Shawen Memorial Scholarship and the Daniel C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Recipient.

Jennatta Mensah

Public Health Education and Health Communication Double Major
Next: Deciding between two acceptance offers for a graduate program in Health Administration.

President of Black Student Union.
Internship at Mount Carmel Grove City.
Dean’s List.
Student engagement officer.
Campus Compass mentor.
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho.
Shawen Memorial Scholarship and the Daniel C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Recipient.

Maxton Cox

Art Major, Double Concentration in Photography and Graphic Design
Next: Seasonal photographer, marketing and promotions, Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

“I made it my goal to be the first in my family to earn a degree, and this commitment inspired me to strive for the top. I have been given countless real-world experiences — from internships to external opportunities accessible only through Otterbein’s connections. I’m more confident in everything I do — my work, how I hold myself, and my morals and beliefs. The atmosphere at Otterbein makes it easy to express yourself in every way. I was able to find my true self.”

Two-time recipient Hassenpflug H’91 Endowed Award for exceptional commitment to the discipline of art.
Seasonal photographer and marketing intern at the Preservation Parks of Delaware, OH.
Photography recognized in juried art shows.
Student intern for the Dept. of Art and Art History and Otterbein Museum and Galleries.
Lillian Frank and Earl Hassenpflug Visual Arts Endowed Award Recipient.