3 Archives - Page 8 of 17 - Otterbein University Towers

Mrs. Cochran is going on an adventure!

Otterbein’s portrait of our early 20th century benefactress Sarah B. Cochran left the Courtright Memorial Library on Feb. 12, 2024, to go on display at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. It is on loan for an exhibition celebrating women’s history in western Pennsylvania.

Sarah was the wife of Philip G. Cochran, the Pennsylvania coke and coal magnet who attended Otterbein for two years, from 1869-71. After his passing in 1899, she ran his businesses and became a major philanthropist whose good works include the endowment of the Cochran Memorial Hall at Otterbein, dedicated in 1906. The exhibit, A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh, runs through Oct. 6.

Learn more about this exhibit here.

Photo of the painting in its packing crate courtesy of Stephen Grinch ’98, archivist, Otterbein University.

Cardinals Connect on the West Coast

Left to Right: Mark Hower, provost and CEO, Antioch University Los Angeles; John Comerford, president, Otterbein University, and president, Coalition for the Common Good; Tylina Burdell ’18; Erica Holmes, associate program chair and director of the Psychological Trauma Studies specialization, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program, Antioch University Los Angeles; Alphonso Graves; Marcus Fowler, director of alumni and family programs, Otterbein University; Michael Echols ’80; Sandy Lee, COO, Antioch University Los Angeles.

Alumni and friends in the Los Angeles area gathered in early March to network and hear an update from President Comerford at the Antioch University LA campus. Next stop: Seattle in June 2024.

Visit our events page to let us know you’re interested in joining us in Seattle at www.otterbein.edu/alumni!

Get Involved and Help Students!

Are you looking for a new way to get involved with Otterbein? Consider joining one of these auxiliary groups!

The Otterbein “O” Club has supported Otterbein University’s athletic program by contributing to capital campaigns and special projects since 1955.
Learn more at: www.otterbeinoclub.com

The Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club was founded in 1921 to raise funds for Otterbein and its students. It runs the Thrift Shop on campus at 177 W. Park St.
Learn more at: www.otterbein.edu/thrift-shop

Founded in 1996, the Friends of Courtright Memorial Library supports the library and its students and patrons through events and fundraising.
Learn more at: www.otterbein.libguides.com/friends

CARDINAL SURVEY:
Share Your Thoughts

To better serve our alumni, families, and community, the Otterbein Office of Engagement is conducting a 2024 Cardinal Survey.

The survey is open to all Otterbein community members and contains questions about your Otterbein experiences, your feelings about the University, and more. The survey will be open through early May.

You can share your feedback at: www.otterbein.edu/alumni/cardinalsurvey.

Alumni Memories

As part of Otterbein’s 175th anniversary in 2022, nearly 1,000 alumni shared their most cherished memories about their time on campus.

“Many of my relatives went to Otterbein because it was a family school for us. The whole school had a sense of connectedness among students. The authenticity of the people, their openness to learning, and conversation made an impression on me. Otterbein was a basis for moving forward, learning, and keeping that learning continuous.”

– Lewis E. Frees ’58

“I chose Otterbein when I was a courier for FedEx. North Westerville was my delivery route. I used to say to myself, ‘If I ever go back to college, that’s where I want to go.’ After 19 years, I had an opportunity to return to college. I chose Otterbein and never looked back. While I was a student at Otterbein, I earned a fellowship to attend Ohio State University for free, and I got my master’s there.”

– Donna J. Williams ’99

Our sincere gratitude goes out to these alumni and friends who have recently made generous gifts to Otterbein

Otterbein Trustee David W. Fisher ’75 and his wife, Beth J. Fisher P’11, made a generous gift of $10,000 to support the Otterbein Fund, which benefits the areas of greatest need at the University

Robert “Bob” Weiler Sr., community activist and chairman of the Robert Weiler Company, made a generous pledge of $25,000 to establish the Weiler Family Fund for Student Success. This new fund will support students who are actively engaged in the multicultural community at Otterbein and who have applied for assistance.

Board of Trustees Chair Cheryl L. Herbert generously gifted $13,000 to benefit the Golf Team, the Student Emergency Fund, and the Otterbein Fund.

Through a generous $25,000 gift, Larry A. Kantner ’60 and Dr. Carl W. Morris created the Kantner/Morris Art Scholarship in 2021 for talented students pursuing a degree in fine art (studio and/or art education). Inspired by his art professors Lillian Frank and Earl Hassenpflug, Kantner went on to become a lifelong art educator who taught at Indiana University and the University of Missouri before his retirement in 2003. He also received an Otterbein Special Achievement Award in 2010.

Mark Plaumann P’22 and Marilyn Wilson P’22, parents of graduate Mason Plaumann ’22, recently gave a benevolent $15,000 gift for their named fund to support the Equine program and the Otterbein Fund.

Nadine Loop Vernon ’72 recently gave a generous second $25,000 gift to the Nadine ’72, Paulette ’60, and Clarence Loop Family Scholarship endowment. Her mother, Paulette Loop, began working at Otterbein in 1958, becoming a professor and teaching her native language, French, for more than 30 years. Paulette also encouraged students to further their language skills through study abroad opportunities in Strasbourg and Dijon, France, and beyond.

Continuing her support of Otterbein for nearly 40 years, Grace Rohrer Rymer ’48 recently supported the Otterbein Fund, helping the University with its areas of greatest need.

Otterbein received a generous gift from Betty Neff and Roger H. Neff P’83, P’85 to further support the Roger H. and Betty A. Neff Endowed Scholarship, which they established in 2005 to provide support for undergraduate students with a preference for those pursuing international studies or studies that reflect a global perspective.

In support of the Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship, Frank S. Bright ’73 honored his late wife, Linda Newlun Bright ’73, with a generous gift inspired by their 50th Golden Reunion in 2023. In his gift commitment to Otterbein, Frank noted, “she would have wanted to do this as much as I do. Thank you!” Frank also volunteered his time to serve on the Class of 1973 Legacy Reunion Committee.

The Roush Family Foundation made a gift of $50,000 to be allocated to the Campus Center Gift Fund as part of a very generous $250,000 pledge toward the renovation of our Campus Center.

Marsha Scanlin ’74 has continued her meaningful support of the Rice Family Endowed Scholarship in Nursing as well as the Otterbein Fund. Scanlinʼs class will celebrate its Golden 50th Reunion this year at Homecoming and Family Weekend!

Evelyn Bender Vance ’51, P’80 gifted an impactful donation to support scholarships in the areas of science and education for future Otterbein students. Both Evelyn and her late husband, Robert Vance ’49 (son of former Otterbein President Floyd Vance, Class of 1916), are members of legacy families, with multiple generations of graduates at the University.

The Hargis Family Foundation recently made an additional $50,000 investment in the Otterbein READY program. Gretchen Freeman Hargis ’77 and Jonathan R. Hargis ’79, were pleased to support the launch of this initiative with their first ever donation from the family foundation in 2021.

Jae Ellen Benson Van Wey ’71, P’99 and Nathan Van Wey ’72, P’99 honored Otterbein initiatives with gifts that will benefit the track program, The Promise House, and the Otterbein Fund.

Clara Liesmann Warren ’50 supported the Otterbein Fund and her family’s named endowed fund with a generous gift. Clara, the first in her family to earn a college degree (followed by her sister Anne ’54), established the Clara Liesmann Warren ’50 and Anne Liesmann Clare ’54 Endowed Scholarship in 2021. Knowing that tuition can be a barrier for many bright and capable students, she was inspired to help future students.

Cardinal Couple and loyal donors Pamela Hudson Dominici ’68 and Robert Dominici ’67 continued their impactful support of the Otterbein Fund with a $10,000 gift recently.

Deborah Ewell Currin ’67 and William A. Currin ’67 have given a generous gift to support the Otterbein Fund, the unrestricted fund that benefits all areas of campus.

Nursing emerita faculty member Mary Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 and her husband, Paul Burnam, have donated an additional generous gift to support the Dr. Mary Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 and Paul Burnam Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship, established in 2022. In addition, the couple are loyal supporters of the Lifelong Learning Community and LLC Scholars Program at Otterbein.

Alan R. Goff ’75 and Coral Harris H’23, generously supported The Promise House, The Lifelong Learning Community Scholars Award, The Lifelong Learning Community at Otterbein Endowed Program Fund, Library DEIB Fund, and the Friends of the Library Fund.

Your Giving Has Impact at Otterbein

MORE THAN
2,000
alumni, families, and friends make gifts to support Otterbein each year.

THE OTTERBEIN FUND provides nearly $1 million in support each year to:

Fund students pursuing their educational dreams and goals.
Ensure that our campus is beautiful and safe.
Support our faculty.

The generosity of our donors allows us to offer more than $2.6 million in endowed scholarship support annually, making an Otterbein education accessible and affordable for current and future students.

$3.3 million of Otterbein’s annual operating budget is funded by the University’s endowment, which currently stands at just over $118 million.

532 individual funds make up Otterbein’s endowment, many were established by a generous donor or group of donors who desired to make a difference for students in perpetuity.

FEATURED FUND: Dr. Shirine Tabatabai Mafi Student Emergency Fund

The Dr. Shirine Tabatabai Mafi Student Emergency Fund is dedicated to supporting Otterbein students facing unforeseen financial crises, and can be a lifeline for students in need, helping them overcome unexpected hurdles and continue their educational journey uninterrupted. Dr. Shirine Mafi taught in the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics for 34 years, retiring in 2020.

If you would like to support Mafi’s fund, please visit www.otterbein.edu/giving and:

Select “Make a Gift.”
Under the “Designation” field, select “Other.”
Input “Shirine Mafi Fund” and complete the rest of the giving form.

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 those listed below.

Department of Justice: Office of Violence Against Women

Sexual Violence Prevention in Central Ohio: Interrupting Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus, Continuation Grant

AMOUNT: $400,000

Otterbein, in collaboration with Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) and the Westerville Division of Police will continue to provide multiple approaches to combat domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus. The grant continues funding for educational programming for students, and faculty and staff training on reporting requirements and victim-centered response protocols.

State Library of Ohio

Sensory Friendly Study Rooms

AMOUNT: : $30,228

The Courtright Memorial Library has been awarded a grant to support the creation of three additional private study spaces that will include helpful items to offer additional support to students with sensory issues.

Ohio Department of Higher Education

Mental Health Support

AMOUNT: : $122,476

This funding will allow Otterbein to expand student mental health services by renovating the campus-based health clinic into a new counseling clinic. The renovation of space will allow for expanded staffing offered through our partnership with Antioch University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty and graduate students. The facility renovation will create therapeutic spaces suitable for one-on-one and group meetings.

Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

NExT Hub Year Four

AMOUNT: : $35,900

Through connections with other community partners, NExT Hub connects teachers with other like-minded educators in the purpose of wellness and community. In this fourth year, the program continues to offer hallmark programs, such as professional development networks for educators, classroom exchanges, and Beyond the Book Clubs.

Philanthropy in Action – Spring 2024

The Otterbein Fund:
New Ways to Support Your Passion!

Academics
Support for this fund provides the academic programs at Otterbein with resources to enhance the learning experience for our students.

Student Life
Support for this fund ensures that all students have a positive campus experience with access to essential services and facilities, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities that enhance their time as a student.

Athletics
Support for this fund gives all students – regardless of whether they compete in sanctioned athletic programs or participate in club and recreational activities – access to safe, clean, and state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and programming.

Scholarships
Support for this fund makes it possible for the University to enhance student financial aid packages that can make a critical difference in a student’s ability to attend Otterbein.

Specific Academic Divisions or Key Programs
Support for academic divisions or key programs allows donors to give broadly to areas such as STEM education, arts and humanities, etc., or key programs that the University has identified for support.

No matter which fund(s) you support, all gifts make a difference for Otterbein students and community. Support your passions at www.otterbein.edu/giving and make your selections under the “Designation” field. Thank you!

New Faces in Institutional Advancement

We’re extending a warm welcome to our newest team members.

These new colleagues are here to assist with development, events and conferences, and look forward to serving the needs of the campus, and our donors.

Stephanie Bencic

Gift Administrator and Bio Records Specialist

Amy Griffith ’05

Strategy and Research Analyst

Shannah Paddock

Director of Development

Kristen Wojdyla ’16

Director of Events and Conferences

Taylor Shimp ’25

Graduate Assistant, Events and Conferences

Denise Walker

Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs

You can learn more about these new colleagues at www.otterbein.edu/giving/contact-us.

Meet the team: New Office of Engagement

L-R: Mary Beth Metz, Becky Smith ’08, Dana Madden Viglietta ’96, Melinda Garcia Metz, and Marcus Fowler.

Greetings from the New Office of Engagement at Otterbein!

Dear Family and Friends,

Over the past few months, the Division of Institutional Advancement at Otterbein has been planning some positive changes in our team structure and we’re excited to share that we are now the Office of Engagement. Our focus will be on serving the more than 28,000 alumni, families of current and former students, and our valued donors to provide meaningful opportunities to engage with our Otterbein community.

This change also included the hiring of a new team member, Melinda Garcia Metz, our coordinator for donor engagement. Melinda will be the front line of our donor relations and stewardship efforts to ensure that those who support Otterbein have a top-notch experience. Melinda comes to our office by way of SourcePoint in Delaware County, OH, where she played a vital role in raising awareness of the agency and its services. She joins Marcus, Mary Beth, Becky, and me to form our new team.

You can learn more about our Office of Engagement at www.otterbein.edu/giving/contact-us/.

In addition to these changes, I am humbled and honored to have been tapped to lead our engagement “dream team” as the executive director of engagement. This coming April I will have been back at my alma mater for a decade, and it’s flown by! The adage “time flies when you are having fun” certainly applies to my time at Otterbein. I was fortunate when I returned to campus 10 years ago to work for everyone’s favorite Cardinal, Becky Fickel Smith ’81, during her tenure as executive director of alumni relations.

Three fun facts about me: I worked for Becky in the Campus Center during my time as a federal work study student from 1992-1996; I worked as an admission counselor recruiting students for Otterbein for two years after I graduated; and I married a fellow Otterbein grad, Alberto Viglietta ’94.

Otterbein has been a special part of my life for a very long time and my hope is that I can serve our alumni, family, and donor communities to help you connect with Otterbein in meaningful ways — whether it be through learning opportunities, mentoring our students, attending special events, celebrating traditions, or maybe something as simple as coming to campus on a beautiful day and taking a stroll through our “quiet, peaceful village.”

Engagement looks different to each Cardinal in our Otterbein community, and we’re here to help provide you with opportunities to use Otterbein as a springboard for making connections, learning something new, giving back, and making a difference in the lives of others. Soon we will be asking for your feedback via an engagement survey to help us better understand how we can best serve you. We hope you’ll take some time to share your thoughts with us.

On behalf of the Office of Engagement team, we look forward to serving you!

Dana Madden Viglietta ’96
Executive Director of Engagement

Philanthropy in Action – Fall 2023

Cardinal Couple Dick ’54 and Carolyn Brown ’53 Sherrick Celebrate 70-Year Wedding Anniversary with Special $70,000 Gift to Otterbein

We’ve all heard the saying “love at first sight,” but “love at first bite” might be more fitting for Dick ’54 and Carolyn Brown ’53 Sherrick, who met at the Otterbein cafeteria more than 70 years ago. “It was over a steam table at lunch,” she says, recalling that she was working on the college’s cafeteria line as Dick picked up an entrée. He soon joined her on the food service staff, and the two worked side-by-side for the rest of their undergraduate years at Otterbein and throughout their lives.

They credit the success of their relationship to their faith, their friends and family, and the importance of laughing together through life’s journey. Although they have been fortunate to travel all over the world, Otterbein also holds a special place in their hearts.

Along the way, the Sherricks have never forgotten the valuable lessons they learned at Otterbein. To show their appreciation, they have been steadfast supporters of the University, and in honor of their 70th wedding anniversary, they have given a $70,000 gift to support students and the University in general. In addition to this generous gift, the couple has supported Otterbein for more than 35 years through the Otterbein Fund and the creation of multiple endowments, including the Richard and Carolyn Sherrick Endowed Scholarship, the Richard and Carolyn Sherrick Five Cardinal Experiences Fund, the Sherrick Nativity Endowment, and a planned gift that will benefit Otterbein’s future.

“We like to say that Otterbein has done a lot to make us what we are and think we all need to pass it forward to the next generation. Those who have received have an obligation to give,” note the Sherricks. They are grateful to the many people that have supported them throughout their lives. They hope their gift will serve as an inspiration for others to celebrate important milestones and people in a similar way, benefiting Otterbein and its mission of preparing the next generation.

Learn more about how you can leave a legacy at Otterbein at https://plannedgiving.otterbein.edu/.

Otterbein Welcomes New Director of Annual Giving

Jordan Helphrey joined the Institutional Advancement Development team in August as the director of annual giving. He brings a wealth of experience in fundraising from his most recent role at Wittenberg University and is committed to fostering a culture of philanthropy that supports the mission and vision of Otterbein.

Jordan can be reached at helphrey1@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1400.

Excellence in Academics

Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
An impressive 100%* of the Class of 2023 passed the National Council State Licensing Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt. The 46 graduates worked especially hard, starting their education during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and being the first class to take the “Next Generation NCLEX,” enhanced to assess clinical judgment in nursing.
*Compared to 84.4% for Ohio and a 87.62% national passage rate.

Washington Monthly:
Washington Monthly has recognized Otterbein University for its contributions to the public good in its annual rankings. Among 604 Master’s Universities, Otterbein ranked second in the service category, which encompasses community and national service.

College of Distinction:
Otterbein has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction. Otterbein also received program-specific recognition in Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Career Development, and was recognized for its Equity and Inclusion.

U.S. News & World Report:
In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has once again ranked in the top 20 among 164 peers in the Regional Universities – Midwest category. It is in the top three regional universities in Ohio and 20th in the Midwest. Additionally, Otterbein was recognized on the following lists: Best Colleges for Veterans (ranked sixth, top 4%); Best Undergraduate Teaching (ranked 12th, top 7%); Best Value Schools (jumped 11 places to rank 26th); and A+ School for B Students. View the entire survey at usnews.com/best-colleges.

Teaching Award:
Chemistry Professor Joan Esson was named the 2023 Ohio STEM Educator of the Year by Ohio Project Kaleidoscope. The awards committee cited Esson’s implementation and invention of evidence-based pedagogies; generation of student interest via real-world applications of chemistry; advancement of chemistry teaching though research and publication; mentorship of early-career chemistry educators; and leadership on campus and in local chemistry education organizations.

Alumni Shine at the Tony Awards

Three alumni from Otterbein’s Department of Theatre and Dance had a big night at the Tony Awards this year. Jordan Donica ’16 was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for his role as Lancelot in Camelot. Donica kicked off a live performance by the show’s cast at the ceremony, and his solo was widely praised by critics and viewers alike. Leopoldstadt took home the Tony for Best Play, thanks to its talented cast, which includes Corey Brill ’17 as Civilian and Ernst (understudy). Finally, Annie Schroeder ’17 is the assistant company manager for & Juliet, which was nominated for Best Musical. Congratulations to these accomplished alumni!

Jordan Donica ’16

Corey Brill ’17

Annie Schroeder ’17

Learn more at: www.otterbein.edu/alumni/

Thrift Store Funding Scholarships for 55 Years

The Columbus Otterbein Women’s Club, founded in 1921, originally limited membership to alumnae and former women students. A lot has changed since then. Now called the Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club, it is open to members of any gender, and it runs a Thrift Shop on campus that has raised over $1 million for scholarships for Otterbein students.

Opened in 1952, the Thrift Shop is the oldest sustainability initiative on campus. All merchandise is donated, all staffing is volunteered, and all proceeds are returned as gifts to the University. The first scholarship — the Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club Scholarship — was established 55 years ago in 1968 and is still awarded annually to two or more first-year students who graduated from Westerville City Schools.

The Club is accepting new members, and the Thrift Shop has your next treasure in stock.

Learn more at: www.otterbein.edu/thrift-shop/