Impact Report
Enjoy the Ohio Wesleyan impact stories made possible by you. Thank you!
Alena Arnold ’23
Hometown: Ashland, Ohio
Majors: Biology and Environmental Science
Minors: Sociology & Anthropology
Alena Arnold ’23 chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because she wanted smaller class sizes and opportunities to travel the world for her studies. OWU enabled Alena to travel the world, but she also has embraced a full life on campus.
As Alena says, “I am a very busy Bishop.”
Alena originally intended to study zoology when becoming a Bishop. However, after Nancy Murray’s botany class, she changed her major to biology, which allowed Alena to encapsulate all she loves about science and research.
Alena’s OWU Connections took her to Chile and Costa Rica with Theory-to-Practice Grants, and she spent a semester abroad in the Peruvian Amazon. Through OWU, she has been able to do extensive research on guppies, survey bats and frogs in the Amazon, spend a week on a tributary of the Amazon River studying wildlife, plants, and seeing pink and gray river dolphins in the wild, and visiting Machu Picchu. She has also explored National Parks in different countries, participated in community research with the Maijuna people of Peru, climbed an active volcano, and hiked the Valle Luna.
The OWU Connection Theory-to-Practice Grant supported Alena’s trip to Chile to collectively explore Chile’s ‘Route of Parks’: A Model for Public-Private Conservation and conduct individual research. “My project focused more on my interests in biology and environmental science and was geared toward understanding conservation in Chilean Patagonia, especially plant and animal biodiversity conservation.
While researching, Alena also marveled at other countries’ and cultures’ sights and sounds. One of those sights that Alena loves to share is hiking the Valle Lunar. “It was a long and difficult hike. Throughout our day exploring, we didn’t see another human being, not a single soul. In the U.S., a hike like this would be packed with people and tourists. But we saw no one. And it was incredible!
When Alena is on campus, she is busy with Karate, Jujitsu, baking, and cooking with her roommates. She also is the director of the a capella group OWtsiders and a former equestrian team member.
When reflecting on all she has experienced at OWU, her advice to future Bishops would be, “OWU gives what you put in. Put in the work, write TPGs, talk to professors, get involved in clubs, and make connections. The more involved you get, the more opportunities fall into your lap. I haven’t sought out everything I have done. But through forming connections, even in the most casual sense, opportunities have fallen into my lap by way of invitations from others.”
Timothy Page, Jr. ’25
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Pre-Law and Politics & Government
In 2021, Ohio Wesleyan University welcomed 20 first-year students into the Thomas W. Palmer ’69 and Susan Palmer Global Scholars Program. This program comprises students recognized for their potential for high academic achievement and passion for international issues. The selective four-year program is part of Ohio Wesleyan’s Global Studies Institute. In this hub, faculty and students from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts come together to explore issues from all academic disciplines and work toward real-world solutions. Timothy Page Jr. ’25 is one of these scholars.
Timothy is a first-generation student. He has high ambitions, his hopes for the future are great, and he has a passion for learning how to help others. Timothy also shares that he has been learning more about himself since he arrived at OWU. He describes himself as a lactose-intolerant ice cream lover who enjoys eating the heels of a loaf of bread, queer, black, a rugby player, a solo travel enthusiast, an OWU Bishop, and someone fascinated with public opinion. In moments of reflection, he is discovering what it means to marry each component of his identity.
Timothy always saw himself attending college and graduating as a final goal. As long as he went to college and accomplished that goal, “he did something right.” As a native Chicagoan, he discovered Ohio Wesleyan through an email from the university. It piqued his interest enough that he applied to OWU to familiarize himself with the college application process. However, once he was accepted and the scholarships became available, he knew he could not pass up the opportunity to attend Ohio Wesleyan. As he shared, “I trusted my gut. OWU felt right. And Delaware seemed like a nice change of scenery from Chicago.”
Initially, Timothy came to OWU hoping to become a surgeon to address racial health inequities. However, once on campus, he realized he wanted to be a pre-law and politics & government major and invest in healthcare from another perspective. Attaining his Ph.D. is also a goal he is confident he will accomplish as a stepping stone to bring real change to our world.
Timothy is a go-getter. He has had multiple jobs on campus and says, “It’s interesting that I have only had bosses that are people of color, and I think it is the coolest thing ever. In all my jobs, they have humanized the job for me. I am not just seen as a number or a worker. I feel that the work I am doing is meaningful, and I love what I am doing.” He currently works with Chief Diversity Officer Dawn Chisebe as the special projects associate. Behind the scenes, Timothy works in website development and attends speaking engagements. He also hosted a panel for the VanPeebles Symposium. Timothy’s passion work is that he creates and organizes DEI Projects and Initiatives on campus, such as spearheading the 1619 Project Viewing Series.
Alex Nordlund ’24
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Sport: Esports
Major: History Education, Secondary Education
Alex Nordlund ’24 chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan and study education because his teachers influenced him and the impact he hopes to have on his future students. “I want to pave a bright future for the next generation and do it through education. I can’t fix everything in our society, but I hope to make a difference somewhere. Education is the root of our society. It’s how we grow as humans. It’s how we grow as citizens.”
Alex is growing and taking advantage of his educational experience at Ohio Wesleyan. “I have my toes in a little bit of everything on campus,” he says. “My involvement has grown over time through the invitation of others on campus.” Alex is an RA, a member of Phi Delta Theta, a former Phi Chi Educator (recruitment), captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team, and a member of the OWU eSports team.
As a former athlete, Alex loves the competition and strategy aspect that eSports provides, “It’s the real deal. eSports may not be as physical as a typical sport, but I played football in high school and can tell you eSports is incredibly mentally taxing. This isn’t just about playing a game. There is a purpose and strategy in everything we do.”
He also celebrates the diversity among the players. OWU’s team consists of players with different skill levels, strengths, and weaknesses and is open to all genders. Alex credits their coach, Kyle Jenkins, with the program’s success. Last year, Kyle worked to raise awareness of the team and lay a solid foundation. This year, the team began to compete against other schools, and OWU is successful because of the time their coach invests in the team.
During the summer, Alex used his time to write a Theory-to-Practice-Grant (TPG) for his OWU Connection experience. He hopes to study behavior plans for students in California and compare them to Ohio’s behavior plans for students. He is interested in California because “California is a champion in behavior management plans.” He also plans to write a TPG to conduct research in New Zealand. Alex shares, “New Zealand has a fantastic education system, and I want to study how they implement assessments of students. What makes their education system so strong? I will then share my research with OWU because, as students, we don’t just get money to do these cool things; everything is about giving back to others. The OWU Connection provides an avenue for giving back.”
Alex’s enthusiasm for Ohio Wesleyan is palpable. When asked what he would share with those considering OWU “home” for the next four years, he says, “Being at Ohio Wesleyan is not just about getting a degree. It’s an entire experience."
Bonnie Faulkner
Losing a spouse is always challenging, especially when the loss occurs on your birthday. Bonnie Faulkner knows this sentiment to be true since losing her husband, Harry, in 2021. Yet even in her grieving, Bonnie knew, as a longtime professional in philanthropy, she could continue to celebrate Harry Faulkner ’63, her beloved husband, and honor their life's work through their OWU giving.
Bonnie built her career in philanthropy. She became the first executive director of development for Wilson Health in Sidney, Ohio, decades ago and made the Wilson Health Foundation a successful and integral part of the community. During those early days at Wilson, Bonnie credits much of her knowledge and learning about giving to Harry. He set an excellent example for many. "Harry would never say no to an ask," laughs Bonnie. During their marriage, Harry and Bonnie were leaders in their community of Shelby County, giving to many causes with their time, talent, and treasure. And while they supported many important causes, Bonnie said she knew that Ohio Wesleyan University was always #1 in Harry's heart and mind.
Harry was an OWU legacy with his brothers Dick ’68 and William ’72, his dad Walter ’35, and uncle Thomas ’28. Harry embraced his OWU education and lived a full life at OWU as a student-athlete, a FIJI fraternity brother, and a student dedicated to preparing for law school. He embodied the spirit of a liberal arts student.
Harry introduced Bonnie to his beloved alma mater at the start of their courtship. Her first of many trips to OWU was Harry’s 25th Class Reunion. “Everyone was so welcoming when I joined Harry on campus for the first time.” Bonnie shares that Harry’s loyalty to OWU is because many of his friends and staff became like family. This affection can be felt through Harry’s words years ago, “My FIJI brothers are some of the finest men I have ever known.”
Harry and Bonnie made many trips to OWU for football and basketball games, Homecoming, and Reunion Weekend. Harry and Bonnie were on campus so frequently during the beginning of their relationship that “George Conrades '63 told me I was an honorary alumni, and I loved that,” says Bonnie.
Today, Bonnie celebrates Harry, his life, legacy, love for all things red and black, by honoring their passion for OWU with an unrestricted planned gift. They both felt that allowing the university to decide how to spend their contribution was vital for students and the life of the university, and creates the most significant impact for the future of OWU.
Dillon Shelton ’24
Hometown: Solon, Ohio
Sport: Football
Major: Health & Human Kinetics
Dillon Shelton ’24, of Solon, Ohio, is an Ohio Wesleyan student determined to grow deep roots where he is planted for this season of his life. His ambition when coming to OWU has been to make a difference for his class and future generations of Bishops. He profoundly impacts campus by investing his time and talents in people, clubs, and organizations.
According to Gallup, an American analytics and advisory company, 34 CliftonStrengths themes explain one’s “talent DNA.” Two of Dillon’s top strengths are “connectedness” and “includer.” Dillon’s strengths are significant because he strives to bring students together and to find unity amid diversity on campus through his involvement on the varsity football team, an RA in the House of Black Culture, a Fit OWU trainer, an active member of Black Men of the Future, and future co-president of the Black Student Union.
As a black student at OWU, Dillon’s specific area of focus is to continue to foster a brotherhood with other black men on campus by gathering weekly to talk about images they see of themselves, how they are reflected in our world, and how they are seen on campus. These weekly meetings allow for deep connection and reflection among black men on campus. “It is a place we feel seen, known, and validated,” he says. “It is a brotherhood and a space to share with others what you are going through with people that may understand.”
Through Black Men of the Future and the Black Student Union, Dillon and the other men on campus are also trying to make connections with all students on campus by hosting different events throughout the year for the entire student body. They hope others on campus see them as an inclusive group of men wanting to do good things on and for Ohio Wesleyan.
Black Men of the Future’s most recent campus event was “Black Men Under the Sun.” Many of the men in the organization presented on where they were from, Nigeria, Haiti, Cleveland, and Philadelphia. The purpose was for people to learn where others are from, learn about their family of origin, and to know and understand one another more. “We want people to see beyond the surface and get that deeper connection to one another and each of us,” says Dillon. We learned a lot about others when we heard their backstory. Learning their story of origin was invaluable. We typically see the Americanized version of someone, but this event allowed us to see who we are through our deeper roots in family, culture, and past.”
Dillon has a multitude of goals. Whether he dreams of going to physical therapy or chiropractic school when he graduates or discovering new ways to connect with diverse people, one thing is clear—Dillon believes in the power of community and that we are all better together. “I try to be a person that tries to do more than I can handle. What I am going through right now, the leadership responsibilities in the clubs I’m involved in, the stress of schoolwork, it is to make life easier down the line. If I can handle all these stressors right now, I can take these transferable skills to the real world.”
Dillon doesn’t want the connection of the OWU community or development of leadership skills to end when he graduates. “Our younger guys are the future. We need a new generation of people to keep it going. We are preparing to pass the torch to them.”
Veronica Hardman ’24
Hometown: Blenheim, New Zealand
Sports: Field Hockey and Track & Field
Major: Exercise Science and Psychology
In December 2018, Veronica Hardman ’23, and her mom took a wonderful “girl’s trip” from Australia to the United States to tour schools that had shown interest in her playing field hockey for their university. While in the U.S., Veronica visited several schools but immediately felt that Ohio Wesleyan was where she wanted to experience all that an American college experience offers.
In her words, “I wanted the whole American college experience. At OWU, I play two varsity sports. I’m in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. My roommates and I host Super Bowl parties and movie nights in our Bradford-Milligan apartment. And I attend Horizon events, culture fests, and speakers that come to campus. Whatever you want your college experience to be, OWU will give that to you.”
Several things made Ohio Wesleyan feel like home and set it apart from the other universities she considered. When she arrived on campus, it was the start of finals week. And although everyone was preparing for finals and winter break, Veronica was invited to stay overnight. People still made time for her, and the university scheduled multiple students to be with her throughout her visit, so she was never alone. “When I toured the other schools, every coach spent time telling me about each of their programs. OWU’s coach sat with me, shared about their program AND where they believed I would fit on the team and places where they believed I could add value.”
Veronica believes time spent with the field hockey team was paramount in helping her choose OWU. But she also admits, “The night I came was Midnight Breakfast. I could eat breakfast at midnight with all the students, and it was such a cool experience that I loved.”
Veronica experienced the strong reputation of Ohio Wesleyan Alumni while preparing for her OWU Connection. Veronica applied for a summer internship at T3 Performance in Cleveland, Ohio. T3 is a company that focuses on building skills and confidence for athletes and adults. The company called her, and she said she didn’t have an official interview. Instead, T3 told her they had several OWU alumni working with them. Based on what OWU alumni said and the classes she was taking, T3 believed Veronica would be a perfect fit for the position.
The International and Off-Campus Programs (IOCP) Office helped her write grants, fund her internship, and find housing accommodations. Her position was a coach, where she was able to help young girls learn to lift weights and strength train. She was one of the only female coaches and found she could be a model for the youth, and her students valued her being there.
Veronica has received an incredible education at Ohio Wesleyan, support from faculty and staff, guidance for her career and future, and made remarkable friendships. When asked what she would share with a prospective student, she says, “OWU gives you the opportunities to explore anything you are interested in. You can find professors with their niche of interest to study under, and even if they don’t, they will take what you tell them you are interested in and point you in the right direction. Again, whatever you want your college experience to be, OWU will give that to you.”
Christopher L. Fink, Ph.D.
Director of Public Health Program and Major
Associate Professor of Health & Human Kinetics
Dr. Fink is a faculty member who pays close attention to the needs of his students and offers compassionate advice that allows them to succeed in challenging situations. He actively engages students in The OWU Connection through his participation in the Food Course Connection, Travel-Learning Courses, and Theory-to-Practice grants that challenge students to better understand the source, economics, and impact of food on individuals and their culture.
Recently, he has prioritized a Community Health Focus.
Delaware County is the healthiest county in Ohio. Metrics used measure access to healthcare, food access, and education levels. However, there are geographic pockets that aren’t doing well in Delaware county. Chris is part of the community coalition, “partnership for a healthy Delaware county.” More than 100 agencies collaborate to improve areas such as: behavioral and mental health, addiction, chronic disease, healthcare access, etc. He has co-chaired the board that brings organizations together to solve problems, which enhances community and campus connections. Chris invites students to partner with him to enhance community connections.
Students spend time in the community and teach a Cooking Matters class to help people who use food pantry services learn to cook healthy meals. OWU students facilitate groups of people in the community talking about what challenges they face and how they solve them when dealing with food insecurity. As students “Get Real” and “Do Good,” they are putting their OWU Connection into action.
“Students can take their community engaged study and experience and present their learning to the community,” says Chris. “But the way it is now being organized and brought together and supported, having an OWU Connection conference for it, it really brings legitimacy to students who were on the fence about doing something, and seeing their peers doing it encourages others to step out of their comfort zone. Real things. With real support. Real Place. Real Conference. Real money to support it. It’s been wonderful.”
Chris also is excited about OWU’s new public health program. “This new program fits what OWU feels like it is to me: caring people, students, faculty trying to do good in the world, and get real experiences while doing it,” Chris says. “Public health efforts around the world require that people are trained in public health, but also in law, data analytics, history, biology, and more, so public health is a great fit for OWU, where we work hard to help students understand issues from multiple academic perspectives. Our new program also will include on-campus speakers and events as well as off-campus experiences and internships to ensure our graduates are prepared to make a difference on a local, national, and global basis.”