News & Media

Alumni Weekend 2015

Ohio Wesleyan University alumni gather for the annual Blues & Barbecue dinner in the Stuyvesant Hall courtyard as part of the 2015 Alumni Weekend celebration. (Photo by Sara Blake)

Bishops Come Home to Celebrate Their OWU Experiences

Nearly 1,000 Ohio Wesleyan University alumni and families visited campus May 15-17 for Alumni Weekend 2015.

Though the annual Parade of Classes was rained out, the weekend was bright with sunny smiles, warm hugs, and blue-sky memories.

Highlights of Alumni Weekend 2015 included the 50th anniversary reunion of the Class of 1965, with the celebration featuring a public performance by the internationally known Siudy Garrido Flamenco Dance Company.

Another highlight was the Alumni Recognition Program, with citations and awards presented this year to the following people:

Honorary Alumni Citations

Anne Fry, Ph.D., for her academic contributions and her long dedication to Ohio Wesleyan. Fry joined the University in 1969. In 1999, she became Ohio Wesleyan’s Helen Whitelaw Jackson University Professor of Zoology, a position she held until her retirement in 2004. Jeanette Kraus, for her loyalty to Ohio Wesleyan and long-term commitment to the advancement of the University. Kraus worked at Ohio Wesleyan for more than 40 years, retiring in May 2013.

Alumni Awards

Andres Duarte ’65, for his outstanding service to Ohio Wesleyan. Duarte currently serves OWU as a Life Trustee and a member of the Advisory Board of the Woltemade Center for Economics, Business and Entrepreneurship. Mary Steele Holm ’60, for her achievements as a United Methodist minister and for her long-tenured service to the Ohio Wesleyan and Delaware communities. Holm currently is a member of the Columbus Monnett Club and the Tower Society. Craig A. Luke ’85, for his achievements in the field of banking regulation and supervision and for his dedicated leadership within the Ohio Wesleyan community. In July, Luke will become an Alumni Trustee. He also is a mentor for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and is involved in the Volunteer Career Assistance Network (VCAN). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Student Union on Black Awareness (SUBA) in 2012.

Young Alumni Award

Kathryn “Katie” Schlaudt ’10, as a “dynamic and diligent humanitarian.” In her current position with Brown University, Schlaudt serves as the Kenya-based project manager of a five-year mental health research program for HIV-positive outpatients.

Distinguished Achievement Citations

June Weir Baron ’50 (posthumously), as an “engaging educator, revolutionary reporter, and exceptional editor of fashion publications.” During her career, Baron worked for Women’s Wear Daily, W, Vogue, The New York Times Sunday Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar. Andres Duarte ’65, as an “adventurous, skillful, and adaptable business developer.” According to Duarte’s citation: “With the knowledge and ability to discover valuable resources, Andy is able to utilize, maximize, and share these resources with others. Andy has started and grown businesses in trade, shipping, port management, and logistics in South America and the Caribbean for 35 years.” Edith Hope Fine ’65, as a “progressive, engaging, and dedicated educator for students of all ages.” During her career, Fine “tirelessly contributed her time to create a multitude of learning opportunities for children and adults in the San Diego area. … After serving more than 20 years as a teacher, Edith became a writer. She has composed 18 published children’s books, three student workbooks, and is credited with hundreds of magazine and newspaper contributions.” Zack Rosenburg ’95 (in absentia), as an “innovative and compassionate social entrepreneur.” Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Rosenburg took action by volunteering to help rebuild New Orleans. He later co-founded the St. Bernard Project, which has rebuilt homes for 800 families with the help of 10,000 unskilled volunteers in New Orleans and in Joplin, Missouri; Staten Island, New York; Rockaway, New York; and Sea Bright, New Jersey. Abram Wilson ’95 (posthumously), as an “inspiring educator, creative composer, and mesmerizing musician.” According to his citation: “Through the warm, golden tones of his trumpet, the riveting rhythms contained in his compositions, and his personable and persuasive words, Abram effortlessly engaged, while simultaneously educating, audiences. He possessed a remarkable ability to convince audiences worldwide that jazz music matters.” His citation was accepted by his widow, Jennie Cashman Wilson.

In addition, this year’s All-Alumni Convocation also remembered the lives and legacies of two family members who made an indelible imprint on the University.

Libuse L. “Libby” Reed, a professor of English from 1952 to 1984, died in March. Her husband, John H. Reed, OWU’s archival librarian during those same years, preceded her in death in January. Together, the couple mentored countless students and remained a vital part of both the Ohio Wesleyan and Delaware communities throughout their lives.

Their impact was so profound that Libby Reed was made an Honorary Alumna in 1990, and John Reed an Honorary Alumnus in 2004.

Read more about all of the award recipients in the 2015 Celebrating Ohio Wesleyan Recognition Program. Learn more about alumni events and engagement opportunities at https://www.owu.edu/alumni-and-friends/.

Photos From This Event

View the photo gallery for Alumni Weekend 2015.