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Fall 2019 class notes
Class Notes
1940s
Alumnae reconnect after decades
After reading about classmate Catherine “Cathy” Winkler Olds ’49 in the spring issue of OWU Magazine, Barbara Breese Winbigler ’49 decided to reach out to her long lost friend. The two, who also attended Lakewood (Ohio) High School together, reconnected over the phone, with Winbigler joking that she warned her fellow alumna, now living in Brigham City, Utah, not to have a stroke when she picked up the phone. (She didn’t.) Winbigler, a professor emeritus at Baldwin Wallace University now living in Berea, Ohio, has been painting her whole life. Her work Quilt Barn was featured in the Sun News newspaper covering Cleveland suburbs.
1950s
Doyle Cook ’50 recently retired from farming for the second time, after practicing podiatry in Marion, Ohio, for 40 years from 1955 to 1995. He leaves a medical legacy since his graduation: daughter Karen Cook ’81, internal medicine physician; son Matthew Cook ’83, family medicine physician; grandson David, internal medicine resident; granddaughter Amy, RN; granddaughter Ana, medical school; and granddaughter Olivia, pharmacy school. He currently resides most independently in Marion.
Betsy Baldwin Whitney ’52 and her late husband Leon Whitney ’52 will be inducted into the 2019 Dayton Region’s Walk of Fame in September. The honor recognizes them as exemplary leaders in arts, social services, history, and business organizations in the Dayton, Ohio, area.
Virginia Groves Kinney ’56 received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who. With nearly 55 years of professional experience, Kinney was a librarian with the Miami (Ohio) County Public Library from 1978 to 2011 and the Newton Local School from 1984 to 2002.
1960s
Alumni reconnect near Naples, Fla.
On Feb. 13, a group of alumni gathered at a restaurant in Ostero, Fla. From left: (back row) Bill Mitchell ’60, Phil Roos ’60, Roger Lockwood ’60, Dick Heaston ’60, (front row) Dave Hume ’60 and Max Urick ’61.
Robert Moyers ’63, of Liberty Center, Ohio, says he is working to help spread the message of “true happiness” to 25 million people by “National Forgiveness and True Happiness Day” on Oct. 7. Through his website UnconditionalLoveLive.com he promotes an approach of “care, encourage, love, listen, forgive” one another. His Positive People Partners has as its mission: “Be like Jesus to everyone. See Jesus in everyone. Teach Jesus to everyone.”
Edith Andrews Fisher ’64 retired in July after nearly 44 years at the West Side Montessori school, which she founded in 1975 in Toledo, Ohio.
Theta sisters reunite
Kappa Alpha Theta sisters gathered for a reunion in Bonita Springs, Fla., in March. From left: Dougie Dupee Trumble ’68, Jane Neff Stanton ’66, Nancy Ferris Buchanan ’68, Martha Hodge Noreault ’66, Carol Brandau McIntyre ’66, and Linda Roos Hamilton ’66.
Nabil Ailabouni ’68, of Dublin, Ohio, retired from a career of teaching and finally found the time to relax and reminisce about events, people, and circumstances that influenced his life. He wrote and published a book, My Life’s Journey as a Palestinian Christian, encapsulating his life story, including his years and experiences at OWU. His story highlights his Christian family’s deep roots in Palestine. It also highlights the tragic events of how he and his family became refugees and unwelcomed in their ancestral home country. In 1964, OWU became his threshold to higher education and his gateway to personal freedom and American citizenship. Incorrect information appeared in our Spring issue; we regret the error.
1970s
Peter Brown ’70 was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Brown was a politics and government major at OWU, and he also holds an M.A. in theatre from the University of Michigan. He began his career with a wonderful course in journalism taught by the late, great Verne Edwards, which led to reporting and editing at The Transcript. He started reporting professionally at the Kent- Ravenna (Ohio) Record-Courier, where he covered the legal aftermath of the Kent State shootings. He worked for several newspapers in Michigan, including the Detroit Free Press. In 1984, he was hired as the founding editor of Crain’s Detroit Business. In 1989, he became editor of Automotive News, ending up as editorial director and publisher until his retirement in 2013. He lives with his wife, Maria Leonhauser, in Ann Arbor, Mich. His three sons are all professional communicators.
Charlotte Catherina Kersbergen ’70 met the love of her life, Richard Cannata (Boston College), 10 years ago and married him in 2013. She reports they have a wonderful life together in a house they just finished building at 501 Lane Road, Chester, NH 03036. She invites alumni visiting New Hampshire to stop by. She remains active in the New Hampshire alumni group and is a Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Robert Sells ’70, of Geneseo, N.Y., published Revelations, a science fiction book, in April.
Dennis Buchholz ’71 continues to serve as a senior consulting neuropsychologist for the NFL Baseline Assessment Program in Louisville, Ky.
James Prosnit ’71 announced his retirement after nearly three decades as the rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel, the oldest and largest synagogue in the greater Bridgeport, Conn., area.
Felicia “Flea” Parkinson ’74 earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. She worked five years as a medical laboratory specialist at the University of Virginia Medical Center. She spent 25 years as a biology and other science teacher/administrator with Fairfax County Public Schools, Va. Following retirement in 2007, she moved fulltime to the Outer Banks, N.C. After volunteer and community activities, she now happily lives in Ashburn, Va., close to her two daughters and three grandchildren.
OWU Legends lacrosse team enjoys annual tournament
The OWU Legends, an alumni lacrosse team founded in the early 2000s by the late Charlie Hartigan ’75, once again took to the field in this year’s Annual Florida Lacrosse Classic in February. Under the leadership of Steve Corrigan ’74, the Legends teams today include players from around the country, with only a handful still competing across four age divisions, 45 and up. Playing in the Past Masters (ages 60+) division were Scott Wilson ’74, John Narwicz ’75, Chuck Narwicz ’77, and Pete Lee ’65. Pete Tracy ’75 competed in the Past Masters Division playing for the Paladins Lacrosse Club, and John Gower ’83 was a player and organizer for the Atlantic Sportswear Lacrosse Club in the Half Century (ages 50+) Division. In this year’s tournament, the OWU Legends Grand Masters team finished in 10th place, losing two of its games in pool play by one goal; the Half Century team, with a 3-2 record, finished in third place; the Ultra Grand Masters finished with a 1-4 record and a fifth-place finish; and the Past Masters team finished with a 2-3 record and a sixth-place finish, having lost the final game in the sudden-victory period by a single goal. Here’s to the OWU Legends who continue to represent the University and their love of the game: “Be Somebody – Be a Legend!”
Anne Kleindienst ’76, of Phoenix, an attorney with Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli, has been selected for inclusion in 2019 Southwest Super Lawyers in the category of Business & Corporate Law. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Phi Gamma Delta brothers attend annual Pig Dinner
Danny DiBiasio ’71, Tony DiBiasio ’74, and Bob DiBiasio ’77 were the speakers at Phi Gamma Delta’s March 23 Pig Dinner event on campus. In attendance were several of the brothers from the Class of 1977 (from left): Doug Kennedy, Bob DiBiasio, Ken Sternad, Steve Walton, Greg McComas, and Paul Eddy. As they say: “Not for college days alone.”
Collecting memories of Amy Wise ’78
In remembrance of Amy Wise ’78, who died in 2014, her classmates Emily Thayer Guziak ’78 (center), Steve Mitchell ’78, and Erica Robinson Mitchell ’78 gathered at the Mitchells’ home in Maryland. They are compiling a scrapbook of Amy’s OWU years and would love any remembrances or photos of her sent to guziakemily335@gmail.com.
1980s
Elizabeth Phelps ’84 was named a 2019 Champion of Psychological Science by the Association for Psychological Science. Phelps, who received her Ph.D. in psychology from Princeton, is the Pershing Square Professor of Human Neuroscience at Harvard University and is best known for her work on how emotions alter memory. Phelps served as the president of the APS in 2013-14 and continues to play an active role in the organization. This year she was awarded the William James Fellow Award, which recognizes a lifetime of significant contributions to the field of psychological science.
Dwight Hiscano ’85 of Summit, N.J., was featured in the April issue of Black-and- White magazine, having won its Spotlight Image Award with a studio portrait of a bulldog (one of his favorites). He was also nominated for the 12th annual International Color Awards for an abstract image of LEDs reflected on the Delaware River at night. Visit his website, dwighthiscano.com, to view his photography.
Barry runs Boston Marathon
Susan Barry ’86 ran her first Boston Marathon this year. Her entire family, including daughter, Tatiana Barry ’14, joined her in Boston. Susan also had support from her sorority sister, Jill Davisson Krunnfusz ’86, who lives outside of Boston and knew all the best cheering locations!
Zandra Wolfgram ’88 was named editor of Emerald Coast magazine, a consumer lifestyle magazine serving northwest Florida, by Rowland Publishing, Inc. Most recently she led the marketing efforts for Wyndham Vacation Rentals Gulf Region.
1990s
Families show Bishop pride
From left: Steve Sherman ’91, Eddy Sherman ’23, Amy Harris Sherman ’91, Susan Harris Raphael ’80, Kait Raphael McMahon ’09, and Kevin McMahon ’10.
Kristen Adamo ’91 was named president and chief executive officer of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in Rhode Island.
Thomas Winston ’92 was named president and chief executive officer of the Toledo- Lucas County (Ohio) Port Authority.
Scott Welch ’95 joined the Findlay, Ohio, law firm of Drake, Phillips, Kuenzli and Clark.
Jason Diehl ’96, of Dublin, Ohio, received the 2018 Jeff Jewell Spirit Award from USA Triathlon as part of its Multisport Awards, which recognize USA Triathlon members who fueled the multisport lifestyle during the 2018 season. Diehl has upheld a competitive race schedule while supporting other areas of the sport through his work as head physician at the USA Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships since 2012, and as head physician for Team USA at numerous International Triathlon Union (ITU) world championships. In 2018, he served as head physician for Team USA at the ITU Multisport World Championships in Fyn, Denmark, during the second week after participating as a Team USA athlete during the first week of competition. He was also the head physician for Team USA at the 2019 ITU Multisport World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. In previous years Diehl held a role on USA Triathlon’s Medical Multisport Conference committee, supporting medical research and safety initiatives within the sport.
Tim Hohl ’96 has been in the logistics business for almost 20 years and is currently working for the HUB Group, based in Chicago. His journey from OWU has taken him to and from some great places, introduced him to some wonderful people, and kept him in touch with many friends and brothers from Sigma Chi, as well as basketball teammates (including Steve Goodhart ’95, Mike Bird ’96, Randy Runser ’95, Jamie Robinson ’95, Si Kille ’96, and Brent Weaver ’98). He lived in Southern California with some wonderful OWU friends. He had a great business opportunity in St. Louis that reunited him with friends and family for years. He loved moving back to New England for a while as well. Currently he visits Christopher Grace ’94 on Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Alex Cacciarelli ’97 in Los Angeles yearly. In Hoc Signo Vinces.
2000s
Devon Hague ’00, clinical associate professor for the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, was honored at the college’s annual awards program in May with the Zoetis Teaching Award.
Daniel Bowens ’02 was promoted to weekend anchor at the Fox-owned TV station WNYW New York. Most recently, Bowens served as a reporter, covering some of the city’s biggest stories since joining the station in 2010.
Erin Higgenbotham ’04 spoke at the Association of Talent Development (ATD) Driving Compliance across Industries Conference at the Yale Business School of Management in October 2018 on improving eLearning and training opportunities for floor-focused employees in manufacturing. Higgenbotham also wrote the article “Breaking Misconceptions in Manufacturing L&D,” which was published in ATD’s flagship magazine’s March 2019 edition. She works at Domino’s Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., within the Operations Technical Training Department within PeopleFirst.
Amy Collins-Warfield ’05 was named Greek Advisor of the Year at OWU for 2019. She advises OWU’s Rho Deuteron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She is an assistant director of first-year experience at Ohio State University, where she works with orientation and other initiatives to promote new student success. She also periodically teaches at Ohio State. Inspired by Dr. Jed Burtt’s ornithology class, she is an avid birdwatcher, with more than 420 species on her life list. Amy and her husband, Doug Warfield, live in Galloway, Ohio.
Cindy Quintanilla Greene ’05 was promoted to assistant vice president at Mechanics Bank in Richland County, Ohio.
Ryan Martin ’05 was named head coach of Loudoun United FC, an American professional soccer team based in Leesburg, Va.
Seth McNally ’05 joined Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor with Elm Street Group in Manchester, N.H.
Dan Sharpe ’06 was acknowledged by Columbus Business First in the 2019 class of “40 Under 40.” He is vice president for community research and grants management at the Columbus Foundation.
Susan Vitaz White ’07 was selected as an associate fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation-only international honorary association composed of preeminent lawyers specializing in construction law and related fields. She is an associate in Benesch’s Construction Group and she received her juris doctor degree from Cleveland- Marshall College of Law in 2010.
Davis earns Ph.D.
Elizabeth Davis ’08 graduated from Kent State University in May with a Ph.D. in higher education administration.
Foster Thalmeimer ’09 joined Sequence Real Estate LLC (Charleston, S.C.) as a commercial broker. Previously, he was director of sales and marketing at ANDalyze Inc.
2010s
Amy Braun ’12 joined the northern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC and will practice in the Labor and Employment Group in Lebanon, N.H.
Anne Flowers ’12 played the lead role of Jane Hawkins in Synetic Theater’s (Washington, D.C.) new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island this summer.
Frank Kushnar-Sanderson ’13 received a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 11. He plans to complete his residency in anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic.
Wilson lands major art exhibitions
A multimedia artist, Andrew Wilson ’13 was featured in an exhibition at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco. He also joined famous photographer Carrie Mae Weems at the Havana Biennial and was part of the BAY AREA NOW exhibition at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Wilson’s art addresses the consumption of the black body, ritual and funerary rites honoring the deceased, and new interpretations of mythology and queerness.
Andy Winters ’13 was named head men’s basketball coach at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.
Mason Espinosa ’14 joined the Albany (N.Y.) Empire Arena League Football team in March as quarterback.
Antoinette Jolliff ’14 was named state wildlife officer in Hancock County, Ohio.
Cara A.D. Slotkin ’14 was awarded the highly competitive 2019 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant. In September she will travel to Rwanda to live for 10 months teaching adults, adapting curriculum to teach English, and serving as a professor.
Nicholaus Felhaber ’15 was named assistant coach of Capital University’s men’s basketball team in Bexley, Ohio.
Katie Berger ’16 won a national award for moot court at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Katie participated in moot court all four years at OWU. In 2016 she and her partner, Rhiannon Herbert, finished fifth in the nation in moot, the highest finish in OWU history.
Alex Widman ’17, who was featured in the Winter 2019 issue of OWU Magazine for his work on the Fijian island of Yanuca with the Peace Corps, received word in April that the U.S. Embassy in Fiji has agreed to fund construction of the library he has been working to build, in part with books donated by OWU alumni and shipping costs supported by his father and Phi Gamma Delta brothers. He thanks everyone who also donated through his Peace Corps fundraiser to support the project.
Births
2000s
Kristen Shockley Mercuri ’00 and Joe Mercuri welcomed their second child, Kathryn Grace, on Oct. 8, 2018. Kate joins big brother James.
Janice Blair ’02 and husband Matthew Schwab welcomed their first child, Wesley Bruce Blair-Schwab, on Jan. 24.
Meghan Lindsey Sweeney Cook ’03 and John Cook welcomed son James Tiberius Cook on Jan. 12.
Marie Rymut Schaefer ’07 and John Schaefer ’05 welcomed daughter Vida Lynn on Feb. 24. Also celebrating are her big brother Nicholas and her aunt, Sharon Rymut ’10.
Samantha Wallace Sharpe ’09 and Dan Sharpe ’06 welcomed their second son, James Leo, on March 19. Jake and big brother Henry look forward to visiting campus soon.
In Memoriam
1930s
Margaret Jackson Beaumont ’35, of Arden, N.C., Feb. 22, at the age of 105. She was predeceased by three brothers, including Edgar Jackson ’32 and James Jackson ’37, a sister, and her husband. She had recently returned to Vermont after 38 years in the mountains of North Carolina.
Elsbeth Ann Murphy Laurien ’37, of Buffalo, N.Y, May 13, at the age of 103. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, a daughter, and sisters Jane Murphy Hum ’42 and Constance Murphy Devitt ’37. She is survived by a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
1940s
Jane Murphy Hum ’42, of Newport, N.H., formerly of Bomoseen, N.H., April 11, at the age of 98. She was predeceased by husband Richard Hum ’44 and sister Constance Devitt ’37. Jane’s sister, Elsbeth Murphy Laurien ’37, died just a month after her. She is survived by three children and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Robert Hunter ’43, of Davis, Ariz., March 4, at the age of 97. Hunter was professor emeritus at the University of California Davis School of Medicine. In 2003 he received OWU’s Distinguished Alumni Citation award in recognition of his exceptional career as a leader in the field of histochemistry and as a professor in higher education. His father, R. Clarence Hunter, was a faculty member in the Speech Department at OWU years ago. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, and siblings Harold Hunter ’45 and Doris Hunter Mauck ’47. He is survived by four children and multiple grandchildren.
Sachie Fukiage Tanaka ’44, of Chicago, Nov. 7, at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her husband and six siblings, including sister Fuki Fukiage Motoyama ’47. She is survived by four sons and multiple grandchildren.
Harriett Boyer Adams ’45, of Indianapolis, April 23, at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, a son, and a brother. She is survived by two sons and two granddaughters.
Marjorie Haas Buchanan ’45, of Fountain Inn, S.C., May 12, at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by two sons and multiple grandchildren.
Alberta Barta Lesko ’45, of San Francisco, Feb. 28, at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence Lesko ’43. She is survived by four children, a brother, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
Ruth West Sivon ’45, of Ballwin, Mo., Jan 23, at the age of 95. She is survived by two stepsons and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Phyllis White O’Reilly ’46, of Austin, Texas, May 12, at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, sisters Nancy White Harner ’44 and Virginia White ’51, and one grandson. She is survived by four children and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
Nancy Cecil Albrecht ’47, of Dayton, Ohio, May 19, at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Albert Albrecht ’48, four daughters, sister Martha Cecil Stauffer ’53, brothers David Cecil ’55 and Thomas Cecil ’50, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She and Albert met at her sorority house in 1946 and he called it love at first sight. During her college years, she was a model for Rike’s department store in Dayton, Ohio; she later worked there as a buyer. Nancy also worked at the Ohio State University Financial Aid Office while her husband was completing his engineering degree. Later, she was a dedicated homemaker and proud of it. She worked as a volunteer at Reid Hospital in the gift shop for many years and volunteered at the Cheshire Convalescent Center in Connecticut. She loved books and read extensively on a wide variety of subjects. She was a member of the Shakespeare Club in Sidney, Ohio, was on the Library Board in Cheshire, Conn., and was president of the Cheshire Friends of the Library. Nancy enjoyed traveling to Europe, Sweden, and Switzerland with her husband on business and pleasure. The family suggests those that wish to may make a gift in her memory to the Albrecht STEM Scholarship at OWU.
Lois Minnotte Berwanger ’47, of Mt. Lebanon, Penn., April 5, at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 54 years, George, and four siblings. She is survived by three sons, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Ida Jo Grigg McKenney ’47, of Zanesville, Ohio, April 5, at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her parents, first husband John McKenney ’48, and her second husband, Gervys Roberts “GR” Beckett. She is survived by two brothers, two daughters, including L. Alice McKenney ’73, two stepdaughters, and multiple grandchildren.
Herman Weinert ’47, of Fort Wayne, Ind., April 12, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by two siblings. He is survived by his wife, two children, and multiple grandchildren.
Edward Rosino Jr. ’48, of Sandusky, Ohio, Jan. 2, at the age of 95. He was predeceased by his wife, a daughter, son John Rosino ’74, and a sister. He is survived by a son, a daughter, and multiple grandchildren, including Michael Rosino ’08. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Incorrect information appeared in our Spring issue; we regret the error.
Jean Monroe Stocker ’48, of Baltimore, Md., May 21, at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her husband, Lee Stocker ’47. She is survived by three sons and multiple grandchildren, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Mildred Edwards Woody ’48, of Abingdon, Va., April 19, at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by two daughters and two grandsons. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Donald “Jack” Watkins Jr. ’49, of Columbus, Jan. 18, at age 94. He was predeceased by his parents, including Donald Watkins 1918, brother William Watkins ’43, and wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Gerlach Watkins ’49, who died on June 29, 2017, at the age of 89. Dottie was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Jack was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
William Vandivort ’49, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., April 24, at the age of 93. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, a brother, and a son. He is survived by a son, a daughter, a stepson, a stepdaughter, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
1950s
Carl Coleman ’50, of Columbus, March 21, at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his first wife, Judith Lappin Coleman ’49, and sister Marilyn Coleman-Westfall ’52. He is survived by son Carl Coleman ’77, a daughter, his wife, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Jean Rockwell Beach ’51, of Old Mission, Mich., Saginaw, Mich., and former resident of Frankenmuth, Mich., Feb. 2, at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, two siblings, and three grandchildren. She is survived by four children and multiple grandchildren. She as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
William Dunham ’51, of Lodi, Ohio, Feb. 27, at the age of 91. William was a member of the U.S. Army and had a full career in education, serving as a prominent educator in Lodi and Westfield schools in Ohio. He was predeceased by two brothers, Richard Dunham ’44 and Robert Dunham ’50. He is survived by wife Elva Pickwick Dunham ’52, niece Hilary Dunham ’00, nephew John Dunham ’75, two daughters, and multiple grandchildren. William and Elva were featured in OWU Magazine’s “Bishop Couples” story in 2017. After meeting on campus in May of 1949, they dated for two weeks, were pinned for three years, and were married right after graduation, on June 21, 1952. William was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Edwin Hatch ’51, of West Palm Beach, Fla., March 1. He is survived by his wife, three children, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Martha Downard McEldowney ’51, of Leawood, Kan., March 2, at the age of 89. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by two children and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Carol “Kay” Erikson Spangler ’51, of Brighton, Mich., Feb. 25, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents and a son, Capt. Todd Spangler, USAF. She is survived by husband Paul Spangler ’52, brother Richard Erickson ’55, two daughters, son Brad Spangler ’78, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was a member and past president of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
N. Joan Weidel Voskamp ’51, of Natrona Heights, Pa., May 15, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her husband. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Robert Freitag ’52, of Akron, Ohio, April 25, at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his wife, parents, and two siblings. He is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren, and three sisters, including Marian Freitag Hartenstein ’43 and Ellen Freitag Hay ’51. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Dolores Borland Nudds ’52, of Arlington, Texas, May 14, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and a brother. She is survived by three daughters and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Sylvia Schweiker Strasbury ’52, of Worcester, Pa., March 13, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her husband, William Strasburg ’50, her parents, and two brothers. She is survived by four children, 16 grandchildren, including Matthew Strasburg ’05, and five great-grandchildren. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Frank Timmons ’52, of Delaware, Ohio, March 20, at the age of 88. He was predeceased by wife Barbara Wiltshire Timmons ’54 and parents Donald Timmons 1922 and Mary Poe Timmons 1922. He is survived by daughters Jill Timmons Kennedy ’84 and Poe Timmons ’82, brothers James Timmons ’61, John Timmons ’47, Robert Timmons ’50, and Richard Timmons ’50, and three granddaughters. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Marilyn Kirk Wright ’52, of Blue Bell, Pa., May 13, at the age of 89. She was predeceased by her husband, sister Jane Kirk Hinch ’37, and brother John Kirk ’39. She is survived by three children, including Andrew Wright ’81, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Nancy Jacobi Littleson ’53, of Rock Hill, S.C., May 6, at the age of 88. She is survived by her husband, three sons, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Marjorie Ward York ’53, of North Fort Myers, Fla., April 21, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and two brothers. She is survived by four daughters, 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Noah Gresham ’54, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., April 18, at the age of 87. He was predeceased by his wife, parents, and two sisters, including Shirley Gresham Smith ’55. He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Morris Ransone Jr. ’54, of Annapolis, Md., April 1, at the age of 87. He was predeceased by his father and mother Alice Slabaugh Ransone ’31. He is survived by wife Frances Warner Ransone ’55, three sons, sister Judith Ransone Michaelsen ’60, and seven grandchildren. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Judith Kolls Yenney ’54, of Conyers, Ga., Feb. 25, at the age of 86. She was predeceased by her husband and is survived by two sons and two grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Dallas High ’56, of Mount Dora, Fla., March 10, at the age of 87. He was predeceased by three brothers. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and two grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Douglas Kiser ’56, of Dayton, Ohio, May 16, at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his father, mother Catherine Shroyer Kiser ’31, and first wife. He is survived by four children, his wife, a sister, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Arthur “Biff” Robins ’56, of Bonita Springs, Fla., formerly of Grand Blanc, Mich., March 8, at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife Anne Fain Robins ’55, and a sister. He is survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Janet Caley Hawes ’57, of Beach City, Ohio, Feb. 4, at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her husband, daughter, and sister. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
Mary Sue Lang ’57, of East Liverpool, Ohio, May 28, at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her parents, Francis Lang ’29 and Rachel Boyce Lang ’32. She is survived by two brothers, including Charles Lang ’61, and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Francis Wershing ’57, of Plymouth, Mass., March 16, at the age of 82. He was predeceased by his parents and first wife. He is survived by his wife, four children, two sisters, and nine grandchildren. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.
John Antes ’58, of Wayland, Mass., April 13, at the age of 83. He was predeceased by his mother, Maurine Foster Antes ’29. He is survived by his wife, two children, a grandson, and two siblings. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Margaret Rushong Earley ’58, of Camp Hill, Pa., April 4, at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Wentz Rushong ’30. She is survived by her husband, sister Judith Rushong Saurer ’60, a brother, two daughters, and three grandchildren. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Robert Lafferty III ’58, of Milledgeville, Ga., Feb. 17, at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Lafferty ’28, and is survived by his wife. He was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
David Schuldt ’58, of Iowa City, Iowa, May 6, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, five children, four siblings, 11 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
David Campbell ’59, of Dartmouth, Mass., March 31, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, two children, sister Barbara Campbell MacPhee ’62, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
John Porter ’59, of Indianapolis, May 8, at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister. He is survived by a sister. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
1960s
Philip Brockelman ’60, of Magnolia Greens, Leland, N.C., March 14, at the age of 81. He was predeceased by a grandson. He is survived by his wife, Judith Dempsey Brockelman ’60, two sons, including Philip Brockelman Jr. ’85, two daughters, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.
Robert Hardgrove ’60, of Washington, D.C., April 23, at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother. He is survived by a brother and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.
James Murphy ’60, of Johnstown, Ohio, April 10, at the age of 80. He was predeceased by his father and mother Mildred Crawford Cuber ’27. He is survived by his wife, a son, two stepsons, brother Michael Murphy ’64, sister Maeve Murphy Shapiro ’64, and four grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Roderick Suthers ’60, of Bloomington, Ind., Feb. 24, at the age of 82. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Albert Suthers 1917. He is survived by his wife, two children, two grandchildren, and a brother. Suthers was a professor emeritus of cellular and integrative physiology in the medical sciences program at Indiana University’s School of Medicine, where he worked for 51 years, retiring in 2016. A well-known ornithologist, he was most famous for his research on birdsong, making distinguished contributions to the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying sound production in birds. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Judith Davis Tippett ’60, of Ellenton, Fla., Aug 31, 2018, at the age of 80. She was predeceased by her father-in-law, W. Brooks Tippett ’35, and is survived by her husband of 59 years, Michael B. Tippett ’59, as well as daughters Margaret “Meg” Tippett ’83, Kathryn “Kit” Tippett ’85, and Brooke Tippett Thompson ’88. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Thomas Eibel ’61, of New London, Ohio, April 25, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife Loretta Soderberg Eibel ’61, three children, a brother, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was a member of the OWU Athletic Hall of Fame and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Mary Boyd Kelly ’62, of Kingsport, Tenn., April 28, at the age of 78. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, a sister, a brother, and four grandsons. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Karen Carlson Traxler ’62, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, March 5, at the age of 77. She is survived by her husband, James Traxler ’62, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She had three careers: full-time mother of two, English teacher in the Strongsville, Ohio, schools, and licensed professional counselor. She earned two master’s degrees: master of arts in education from Baldwin Wallace University in 1987 and master of arts in clinical pastoral counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2002. Active in churches, she served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church and went on several mission trips to Thailand, Russia, and Romania. With husband Jim, she sang in many choirs and was even able to continue singing after dementia robbed her of speech.
Don Jewell ’63, of Chillicothe, Ohio, May 7, at the age of 77. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by a son.
Maurice Scheetz ’63, of Indianapolis, May 1, at the age of 78. He was predeceased by his parents and stepfather. He is survived by his partner of 21 years, a son, and a grandson. He was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity.
Marsha Strong Carow ’64, of Lutherville, Md., May 10, at the age of 76. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Katherine Fisher Strong ’39. She is survived by her husband, a sister, two brothers, a stepdaughter, three stepsons, and five step-grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Elihu Joyner Jr. ’64, of Moorestown, N.J., May 8, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, two children, two grandchildren, and sister Jean Joyner Ensley ’60. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Georgia Priest Hook ’64, of Orange, Calif., March 23, at the age of 76. She is survived by her husband, brother, sister, and two children.
Charles Linck Jr. ’64, of Vincentown, N.J., April 23, at the age of 77. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, three children, and a brother. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Leonard Paulini ’64, of West Chester, Ohio, March 22, at the age of 76. He was predeceased by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, a son, two stepdaughters, multiple grandchildren, and his former spouse. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
William “Bill” Shaffer ’64, of Detroit, March 27, at the age of 77. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by a brother. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He is well-remembered as one of the OWU team members who participated in the GE College Bowl quiz show on national television. OWU was undefeated and named one of the few champions of that program during its duration on TV. When OWU was assured of the win, he answered the last toss-up question, giving his SAE roommate Yale Gutnick ’64 as the “leader of the Lollards!”
David Cromwell ’66, of Middletown, N.J., April 26, 2018, at the age of 73. He is survived by his first wife, Sue Germer ’66, and three children, including Kimberley Cromwell ’89. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. David led a distinguished banking career with JPMorgan Chase for 30 years as president & CEO of JPMorgan Capital Corp., the bank’s private equity investment group. He later taught venture capital at the Yale School of Management, where he earned “teacher of the year” recognition four times. In 1986, David purchased the Stone House Farm in Stow, Maine, which sits on 880-acres nestled in the White Mountains. He lovingly restored the property and trails, which will continue to provide a retreat for generations to come. Pictured from left at OWU graduation on May 14, 1989, are Sue Germer ’66, Kimberley Cromwell ’89, and David.
Richard Weiser ’68, of Portland, Mich., March 17, at the age of 72. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
William Pearce ’69, of Clyde, Ohio, May 12, at the age of 71. He was predeceased by parents William Pearce ’31 and Margaret Walter Pearce ’33, sister Patricia Pearce Bixler ’57, and brother James Pearce ’62. He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
1970s
Donald Buck, Jr. ’72, of Gaithersburg, Md., May 31, 2018, at the age of 69. He retired from the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., as a petroleum geologist. He is survived by three siblings, his wife, and stepchildren Nancy and Will. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the lacrosse team.
Faith Weston Geer ’74, of Pittsburgh, Feb. 26. She is survived by three children, including Natalie Geer ’16, and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
James Michals ’74, of Cleveland, Feb. 7, at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife, three children, and a brother. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
William Bouton III ’75, of Cromwell, Conn., April 22, at the age of 66. He is survived by three siblings, two children, and four grandsons. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Joellen Brown ’75, of Philadelphia, formerly of Columbus, March 24, at the age of 65. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Stephen Brown ’72, and sister Janet Brown ’79. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society and established the Joellen Brown ’75 Endowed Fund in Support of Student Scholarship and the Janet L. Brown Endowment in Support of the Libraries.
Robert Peck ’75, of Tallahassee, Fla., April 10, at the age of 65. He is survived by a daughter, a sister, two brothers, three grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Victoria Carter ’76, of Bronxville, N.Y., April 22, at the age of 64. She was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her sister, her brother, and multiple nieces and nephews. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
1980s
Charles Cottrell ’81, of Little Compton, R.I., April 29, at the age of 60. He was predeceased by his parents and younger brother. He is survived by his wife, two stepchildren, brother, stepmother, and two stepsisters. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Adam Wolf ’83, of Fairfield, Conn., April 2, at the age of 57. He is survived by two daughters, his wife, his parents, and a brother.
Ralph Hirsch III ’87, of Fort Wayne, Ind., March 8, at the age of 53. He was predeceased by his father, R. Stewart Hirsch II ’62. He is survived by his mother, former OWU employee Gretchen Hirsch; four children; and a sister. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
2000s
Adam Newkirk ’01, of Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 5, at the age of 39. He is survived by wife Julie Smith Newkirk ’00, three children, his parents, and a sister. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.
Martin Glockner ’09, of Brentwood, Tenn., Feb. 8, at the age of 33. He is survived by his father, mother Molly Apel Glockner ’80, a sister, his wife, and grandfather William Apel ’56. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Faculty and staff
Lawrence Decker, of Delaware, Ohio, Feb. 16, at the age of 78. He worked at OWU for 52 years maintaining telescopes, building demo equipment, and assisting in instructing classes in the astronomy department.
Lulu Gale, of Delaware, Ohio, March 13, at the age of 72. She worked in food service at OWU.
Willis Olson, of Wooster, Ohio, April 18, at the age of 97. Willis held the John R. Wright Professor of Music Endowed Chair and was the recipient of the 1982 University Herbert W. Welch Meritorious Teaching Award. He received the Ohio Wesleyan Adam Poe Award upon his retirement in 1984.
C. Clinton Rila, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Oct. 2, 2018 at the age of 90. He taught chemistry at OWU. He is survived by his wife Shirley as well as a son and daughter and their families, and other extended family. Incorrect information appeared in our Spring issue; we regret the error.
Hilda Wick, of Delaware, Ohio, April 29, at the age of 95.
Friend
Robert Hibbard, of Aiken, S.C., former OWU trustee, March 18, at the age of 92.
Sympathy to
M. Jane Conklin Setterlin ’59 for the loss of her husband, Ralph Setterlin, on April 1.
Robert Richards ’77 for the loss of his wife, Lynn Dietzman Richards, on Jan. 20.
Erika Stork Flood ’78 for the loss of her mother, Hilda Stork, on March 23.
Elizabeth Dey Gerlach ’79 for the loss of her husband, Alan Gerlach, on Feb. 20.
Robert Seiwert ’99, Nancy Seiwert Williams ’72, Thomas Williams ’72, Carrie Williams Schlegel ’05 and John Schlegel ’05 for the death of father, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle Robert Seiwert II on March 27.
Britton Lombardi ’07 for the loss of her father, Richard Lombardi, on April 3.
Catherine Peranzi ’13, John Peranzi ’15, Nick Peranzi ’12 and Nick’s wife Rachel King Perazni ’12 for the loss of Nick’s father, Louis Peranzi, on Feb. 27.
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