​Dear Alumni and Friends,

Otterbein is in the business of changing lives.

It’s what we do. We do it with success because of the exceptional people who share in the work every day — professors, mentors, coaches, and counselors.

Take Otterbein women’s soccer coach Brandon Koons ’93, MAT’98, P’23 as an example. The winningest coach in Ohio Athletic Conference women’s soccer history isn’t writing a book about the art of winning. Instead, this coach is sharing his advice after 26 seasons of coaching at Otterbein in hopes of helping students, families, and other coaches remember what’s most important about caring for and motivating young athletes and why he thinks losing focus of that is how you lose players and kill their passion.

Otterbein changes lives with its new ideas that push boundaries and enrich the educational experience. The driving force of our innovation is focused on expanding opportunities for students. The Graduate Early Admission Pathways program is just one example of the benefit of the Coalition for the Common Good to Otterbein and our students.

You can see evidence of this transformation in some of the seniors of the Class of 2025. It’s not only what they’ve done or how much they’ve achieved or even what their plans are post-graduation — all of which are impressive. What strikes me is how much our graduates say they’ve grown and what their teachers, their courses, their experiences, and their friends have meant to them in learning about who they are and who they have the potential to be.

Make no mistake. Lives are also changed with the help of faithful friends and the Otterbein bond they share. From roommates whose post-graduation adventure led to a lifetime of memories to the multi-generation “Round Robin” tradition that created a scholarship fund. We also remember the legacy of several Cardinals whose loss is felt by those who respected, valued, and cherished them. Throughout their lives, Vernon Pack ’50, Mark Thresher ’78, P’05, and Bill Evans ’56, together with their friends and families, offered this University and our students more than we might ever expect.

These leaders were modest and understated in their generosity. They credited Otterbein for giving them something important in their youth and then spent their lives giving back far more. They enriched our community with traditions, progress, a visionary eye, and the steadfast belief that, with some investment, Otterbein’s best days would always be ahead of us. Otterbein is far better, as am I, for the legacies of these forever friends.

Thanks to all of you for your friendship to Otterbein, now and in the days ahead. Our Otterbein community of scholars, leaders, and friends remains a welcome symbol of integrity, possibility, and good.

Sincerely,

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

How did Otterbein prepare you for your career?

Otterbein provided a strong foundation of critical thinking throughout the curriculum. The Integrative Studies classes provided a broad range of topics to indulge in, and the business classes were integral in shaping my understanding of business and commerce. Socially, Otterbein helped me engage with students and faculty from various backgrounds and walks of life. This has been very important to my development as a business executive.

Why are you serving on Otterbein’s Board of Trustees?

Otterbein has given me so much that it feels natural to stay engaged as Otterbein continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity in the lives of students. Everywhere I go, I try to weave Otterbein into the conversation. It is easy to talk about something you love.

What challenges are facing higher education, and how is Otterbein addressing them?

The affordability of higher education remains a challenge across the board. The administration of Otterbein is working hard to fundraise, control expenses where possible, and model our financial aid to keep Otterbein affordable for generations of families to come. We are particularly committed to remaining an institution of opportunity for first-generation college students and students of color.

Another challenge is ensuring we are graduating students that are prepared for post-graduate institutions and industries that will be in-demand over the next couple decades. One way we are doing this is the development of the Coalition for the Common Good. I would encourage all alumni to learn more about this effort, as it allows us to focus on what we do best.

Describe your leadership style and how you will apply it to your board leadership.

I would describe my leadership style as level-headed, collaborative, and engaging. We have an incredible board with a governance model that includes students, faculty, and alumni. I will continue to rely on the board to make sound decisions to provide our students with a world-class experience.

What areas of opportunity do you see for Otterbein?

We must continue to improve our physical plant and infrastructure. To remain competitive, we need to consistently improve our facilities to ensure our students have an environment that is conducive to living and learning. The Campus Center is an example. The upgrades we are making to that facility are going to benefit students for years to come.

What are your priorities as Board Chair?

Remain student-focused on decisions we make as a board. Ensure we are making fiscal decisions that set up Otterbein for long-term viability and success. Strengthen our position in the undergraduate market as we leverage our efforts within the Coalition for the Common Good.

Why did you choose to attend Otterbein?

When I visited Otterbein as a high school senior, it felt like home. I can recall the night before making a final choice of where to attend, I received a call from (Associate Director of Admission) Jeanne Talley. It was her personal touch and care for my well-being that made the ultimate difference.

What was your major and what extracurriculars were you involved in?

Business Administration with a Minor in Sociology. I was active in the African American Student Union, Otterbein University Gospel Choir, and joined Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

What were your fondest memories of your time at Otterbein?

I had a great experience at Otterbein, so there are many to choose from. From having Thanksgiving Dinner at President Devore’s home, to playing in the championship game of the intramural football league – the great times were numerous. Ultimately, I was part of a community that was nurturing, insightful, and valuable, both personally and professionally. The fondest memory was my father and I embracing and crying together at commencement. My parents were very supportive of my educational pursuits, so it was gratifying to pay them back by completing my undergraduate education at Otterbein.

Were there faculty or staff members who had a particular impact on you?

Jeanne Talley, who worked in Admission, was part of my inspiration to attend Otterbein. Throughout my time at Otterbein, she consistently checked in to make sure I was doing what was expected of me along the way. She held me accountable, which was like having a second mom right there on campus.

What do you think is special or different about Otterbein graduates?

Otterbein graduates understand the importance of service. The education we receive at Otterbein is top notch, yet it is the commitment of service to others that sets us apart.

Otterbein’s First Female Board Chair Retires

Cheryl Herbert, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Our Newest Board Members

Jonathan Hargis ’79
Retired Chief Marketing Officer, Charter Communications.

Karin Yaffe Stump ’80
President, Yaffe and Stump Consulting.

Otterbein would like to thank the following Board of Trustees members for their service. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment they shared with the University.

Yasmeen Khafagy ’25
(2023-24).

Al Waterhouse ’82
(2007-23)

Education, and Democracy On Campus

According to the Fair Election Center’s Campus Votes Project, young adults historically have voted at lower rates than older cohorts. Why? They face many obstacles to voting, including frequent address changes, confusing voter ID laws, and lack of transportation to polling locations, among other things. That’s why there are efforts at Otterbein to educate student voters about the voting process and to remove those obstacles that might prevent them from practicing their civic rights.

Peer-to-Peer Outreach

BY GRACE SIMS ’25 Sociology, Psychology, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies triple major; CardinalCorps Co-Leader of Raise Your Voice; and Democracy Fellow*

*Note: Democracy Fellows are selected by the Campus Vote Project of the Fair Elections Center. Democracy Fellows talk to their peers about registering to vote, educate them on election laws and what’s on the ballot, and make sure students at their campus are ready to engage with democracy. Fellows implement programs on each of their campuses that will remain long after they graduate and make an impact on students for years to come.

Civic engagement is not only our right as U.S. citizens, but also an essential component of our democratic process, and education is a crucial part of every person’s voting journey.

From local issues to state elections and, this year, the presidential election, voters will be presented with a lot of information in November. So it is essential that they submit their vote, confident that they understand their ballots. After all, our vote has a variety of real-world outcomes that impact everyone from college students to families and retirees.

These outcomes matter to young people, who have been making their voices heard in increasing numbers. Young voters had record turnout in the 2020 and 2022 elections and Otterbein students have been no different. In 2020, Otterbein students registered to vote and then voted at higher rates than the national average and at a higher percentage than previous classes at Otterbein. Raise Your Voice, Otterbein’s non-partisan, student-run, voter education group, hopes to continue this legacy and improve our registration rate and voting rate in 2024.

Raise Your Voice has hosted events throughout the semester including on national civic holidays such as National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 17), National Voter Education Week (Oct. 7-10), and Vote Early Day (Oct. 29) to bring students together to learn about and celebrate the voting process.

At past events, students have enjoyed casting a mock ballot with the Franklin County Board of Elections, Q&As with local politicians, and discussions with various community partners including the League of Women Voters and Rank The Vote.

As a Democracy Fellow and college student, I recognize the apathy and dispiritedness prevalent among my fellow college students when it comes to voting. It is vital for me to educate my peers on the importance of not only voting in November, but voting down the ballot in an educated, informed, and confident manner. You can see our action plans, awards, and voting achievements at allinchallenge.org/campuses/otterbein-university.

In the Classroom

BY LEESA J. KERN, PH.D. associate professor, Department of Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies

Many students are like me when I was in college. Traveling home to vote was impossible. I didn’t know how absentee ballots worked. I didn’t know how to find useful information about candidates and issues — well before social media and the Internet. To combat this, in 2008 I approached a colleague in History and Political Science, and we developed a Senior Year Experience course, “High Stakes: The 2008 Presidential Election.”

This year’s election has already had its share of twists and turns, but in many ways the challenges facing new voters are similar to those in 2008. Today we have access to a great deal more information, but it is harder to know what is “good information.” Students can be wary of asking questions or sharing ideas in a climate where discussion can become divisive.

The goal of my class is to help students navigate:

• practical aspects of elections, like how to register to vote and where to go;
• informational aspects, including where to find information about candidates and issues, and what the “down ballot” races are;
• educational aspects, including what the electoral process is and how we get candidates; and increasingly
• the relational aspects, talking with people who disagree with you and understanding where your own viewpoints come from.

Civic engagement is not only our right as U.S. citizens, but also an essential component of our democratic process, and education is a crucial part of every person’s voting journey.

In class, we will learn together how to talk about poli tical issues with respect and compassion.

If I’ve done my job right, they won’t be able to tell which candidate I have voted for. (In years past, I’ve been really successful at that!)

My hope is that they take away a new appreciation for the importance of participatory democracy. I hope they understand how their education allowed them to cultivate the skills to collect, evaluate, and use information. And lastly, I hope they aspire to maintain respectful dialogue and participation in any political setting.