Winter 2020 class notes
Class Notes
1940s
Alumna shows Bishop pride
Dorothy Curtis Brown ’49 at a P.E.O. Sisterhood meeting on March 27.
1950s
Roommates share a reunion
Rachael Crawford Gumpf ’56, of Naples, Fla., recently visited her college roommate, Ellen Harmas Haffner ’56, in Menlo Park, Calif. They lived in Stuyvesant Hall and were Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority sisters.
Norma Hostettler Wygant ’51 was honored as a member of the Ashland (Ohio) High School Distinguished Alumnus Award Class of 2019.
1960s
William Garrison ’62 was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who for his leadership in the social work industry.
Geologist wins Distinguished Career Award
Paul “Jeff” Fox ’63, an emeritus geology faculty member from Texas A&M, received the Distinguished Career Award from the Geological Society of America. Jeff has long been at the forefront of research on the structure and tectonics of transform faults and fracture zones and served as leader of the international Ocean Drilling Program and its successor. Drawing upon investigations of ophiolites, and utilizing submersibles and high-resolution swath mapping systems, Jeff and his colleagues developed models for the processes that occur at transform plate boundaries and how they affect the formation of oceanic crust, providing the foundation for our current understanding of mid-ocean ridge segmentation. Jeff also helped guide the direction of marine scientific research as one of the chief architects of the RIDGE Program for over a decade, serving as Director of Science Operations for the Ocean Drilling Program, and then as Director of Science Services for the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, where he led scientists from more than 20 countries in the geoscience’s most successful international scientific program.
George Gebhardt ’63 graduated from the Amos Tuck Graduate School of Business at Dartmouth College in 1965, and for 51 years, he has lived in Baltimore County, Maryland. He is married to Joan Marie Schaer. George reflects on his “amazing” journey to OWU in an essay in the online version of OWU Magazine, where he describes his efforts “to go to a college at least one airplane ride away from Long Island.” Read Essay – A future OWU grad, before starting class.
George Ross ’63 was honored in May for his work with Nomi Network, a human trafficking nonprofit organization headquartered in New York, with offices in India and Cambodia. Ross has served as board chairman since its inception 10 years ago. He has led a multigenerational board, supporting the organization and the goals it has achieved.
Alton Clark Dubois ’67 has lived in the Chicago area since completing his MSW degree at the University of Illinois Chicago. He went on to obtain his doctorate at UIC and worked at Concordia University Chicago for the next 25 years as a professor and department chair for the sociology and social work department. Since retiring in 2012 he has taught as an adjunct professor at St. Augustine College in Chicago. He continues to sail on Lake Michigan and spend summers at Gilson Park, Wilmette beach. During the summers, his wife of 37 years becomes a “sailing widow.”
Henry Lukas ’67, Chi Phi, has been the education director at the Spellman Museum of Stamps at Regis College in Weston, Mass., since 2004, retiring after 35 years as a high school teacher and principal. His video production for the museum recently received two silver Telly Awards for the monthly video he produces with the local cable station about stamps and history. The 15-minute video is shown on local cable TV stations and can be viewed on the museum’s webpage at spellmanmuseum.org. In August he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
Patricia Young ’68, a judge, was appointed to the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole.
1970s
Victoria King Heinsen ’70 released her third novel, Jessica F. Woods, Attorney of Record. Two of the major characters in the novel are graduates of Ohio Wesleyan.
James Alford ’71 joined Hughes Hubbard & Reed’s Latin America Practice as counsel.
Beverly White-Seals ’72, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County, Md., was recognized as a “Bridge of Hope” at JustLiving Advocacy’s Bridges of Hope Community Leadership Luncheon for her work connecting donors with local nonprofit organizations to improve the lives of Howard County residents.
Paula Lukeman Furr ’73 was inducted into the Southern Public Relations Federation Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes “current and former southern practitioners or educators who have brought honor to the field of public relations.”
Jim Kizziar ’73 of San Antonio, Texas, an attorney and partner with Bracewell LLP, was selected as a 2019 Texas Super Lawyer in the category of Labor and Employment. Jim also was selected for the 2019 Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Labor Law and Employment Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment. Jim was recognized by Best Lawyers in America as the Best Management Labor and Employment Attorney in San Antonio, Texas, for 2018.
Three friends reunite
Ellen Hart Richardson ’77, A. Brad Richardson ’81, and Mike Newcomb ’73 enjoyed a reunion.
T. J. Antich ’78 (Sigma Phi Epsilon) and Chuck Narwicz ’77 (Beta Theta Pi) teamed up on the field in Frederica, Del., refereeing in the Adrenalin Summer Boys Lacrosse Tournament. The two were also on the field together some 43 years prior when the Battling Bishops played their way into the hearts of lacrosse enthusiasts across the globe. Antich, a sophomore student-athletic trainer under the tutelage of legendary Dr. Fred Myers was on the sidelines keeping the Red and Black going throughout their incredible NCAA tournament run, which saw them beat Kutztown State (Pa.) in the highest scoring NCAA playoff game of all time. Narwicz, a junior first team All-MLA midfielder on Coach Rich Seiler’s OAC championship unit, teamed up with John Hildebrand, Bob Sargent, Peter Zonino, and others to then go on to upset No. 1-ranked Cortland State to make it to the semifinals with Hobart. The pair, originally from Long Island, currently reside in southeastern Pennsylvania where they were both quite active as coaches in their local youth lacrosse programs prior to joining the ranks of PIAA officiating.
Annual Fiji golf outing
Twelve 1977 OWU Fijis reunited for their annual golf outing in Youngstown, Ohio. Since six are from Ohio and six from other states, they compete in a Team Ohio vs. Team USA “Ryder Cup” match each year. They are, from left: Bob DiBiasio, Ken Sternad, Greg Sponseller, Paul Eddy, Doug Kennedy, Bruce Smith, Chris Swift, Rick Goclano, Steve Walton, Dave Vadas, Byron Choka, and Greg McComas.
Dorothy Geyer update
Dorothy Geyer ’79 is the natural resource specialist at Colonial National Park in southeastern Virginia. She spends a large amount of her time working with staff to develop adaptation and resiliency plans for the impact of sea level rise on the park. The rest of her time she spends with family and dogs and travels as much as she can, especially on church mission trips to Guatemala and locally with Habitat for Humanity. She attended the OWU 40th reunions with Anne Roetzel Hess ’79 and reconnected with other classmates. It was amazing for her to see the change in the campus, and she was energized by the efforts to keep OWU relevant as a liberal arts university.
Annie Roetzel Hess update
Annie Roetzel Hess ’79 is, at 62, navigating new and uncharted waters of life and marriage with her dear matey Steve Hess (pictured left) as he courageously faces his fourth bout with bladder cancer. They created a second home on the Eastern Shore in Cambridge, Md. When not cruising the Choptank River on their boat, they can be found exploring the historic routes where her childhood heroine Harriet Tubman lived and worked as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Their primary residence is in Frederick, Md., on a mountaintop where bears, coyotes, deer, and rabbits are frequent visitors. Art studios in both homes allow her illustration career to thrive. She is working on illustrating her second children’s book. See her website: anniehessarts.com. One of her greatest adventures has been casting all of the characters for her illustrations using family and friends for models. This spring when she attended her 40th OWU reunion, Annie had the good fortune to meet Erin Fletcher, the new director of the Ross Art Museum. Erin is looking for OWU alumni artists to exhibit their work. Consider having a show; see owu.edu/ross. Contact Erin at elfletch@owu.edu, 740-368-3870.
1980s
Christine Sherrill Vass ’81, Chattanooga Times Free Press public editor, has been named president of the Tennessee Press Association.
Stacey McKinley ’82 was selected for the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Hall of Fame.
Alumnus summits Handies Peak
Monte C. Magill ’83 shows off his OWU pride on the summit of Handies Peak in Colorado. He has now summitted 51 of the 58 14,000-plus-foot mountain peaks in Colorado. He even ran into another former Battling Bishop on the descent — small world!
Maureen Ryan ’85 joined Odgers Berndtson, a top-six global executive search firm, as a partner in its Healthcare Practice, where she will lead the U.S. Health Systems team.
Tracie Winbigler ’87 was named to the board of directors of Rocky Brands, Inc.
Robert Barnes ’88 was named head coach of the Indiana University South Bend women’s soccer team.
Stephen Harff ’88 was named vice president of commercial leasing for DiMarco Realty Services.
1990s
Rowers participate in 2019 Regatta on Cuyahoga River
Rowing team “1X” is pictured at the 2019 Regatta, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the burning of the Cuyahoga river, which led to the Clean Water Act. The 2019 Regatta is sponsored by the Western Reserve Rowing Association, which includes more than 50 teams that row 8-person shells on the Cuyahoga river. Two Bishops — identified by the OWU hats — are members of the team. Carmen Bowen Pepe ’95 (Delta Delta Delta) is the heart of the team and has been with the team for 17 years, and rows in a key position (stroke), which sets the pace for the rest of team; Bob Jefferis ’79 (Fiji) is captain of the team and has rowed with the team for five years.
Quentin Derryberry III ’96 was named director of advancement at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School in Coral Gables, Fla. He most recently was vice president of development for the YMCA of South Florida.
Kristen Lindsay ’96 was named vice president of student affairs and enrollment services at Terra State Community College. Lindsay has served as interim VP of student and enrollment services since September 2018.
Irfan Nooruddin ’96, Georgetown University professor and director of the school’s India Initiative, is the new head of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center. Through partnerships with key institutions in the region, the Atlantic Council facilitates dialogue among decision makers in South Asia, the United States, and Europe with the aim of “waging peace” and securing democracy and prosperity in the region.
C. Paul Palmer IV ’96 was promoted to CEO of National Lime and Stone Co.
David Lauffer ’98 joined Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking’s Healthcare Investment Banking group as a managing director covering the biopharma sector.
Joshua Shade ’99 was named Arizona market president for U.S. Bank. In this role, he will lead the market in companywide efforts and activities and direct commercial banking in Arizona. He earned his MBA from Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University.
2000s
Eleana Drakatos ’00 is an attorney in Columbus, Ohio. She practices with her husband, Dennis Yacobozzi II, in the law firm of Yacobozzi Drakatos, LLC. In 2018, Eleana was elected president of the Ohio State Bar Association and is serving as the State Bar President for 2019-2020.
Sara Gebhart Ott ’00 was named city manager of Aspen, Colo.
John Vandersall ’00 moved back home to Indianapolis a few years ago. Now a licensed real estate agent/broker with the largest independent brokerage in Indiana, FC Tucker, John has been able to help many individuals and families buy and sell property. In 2018 he ranked in the top 10 percent of new agents. FC Tucker was a founding member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.
Edward Canterbury ’02, a real estate attorney at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., was selected as one of Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40.
Veronica Dillard ’02 resides in Chicago as an established actress/voice over artist, and recently starred in two films, “See The Light” and “Humanity Without A Home.” “See The Light” has been selected in this year’s Inspired Faith Film Festival (Atlanta) and Chicago’s South Side Film Festival. A free film screening and panel discussion was also held for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. “Humanity Without A Home” is available on Amazon Prime.
MeganRose Forman-McCaulla ’02 is the new principal of Hanby Elementary School in Westerville, Ohio.
Kelsey Guyselman ’09 joined Information Technology Industry Council, the global voice of the technology sector, as senior director, government affairs.
2010s
Maria Del Toro ’11 was featured in the spring issue of Professional Women’s Magazine in an article called, “What My MBA Did For Me,” in which she discusses the importance of mentorship for underrepresented groups and her path to business school. During her time at OWU, she was a chair of VIVA and a member of the President’s Commission on Racial and Cultural Diversity. She is currently completing her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Ha Le ’14 is the founder of two companies, including Succulents Box, which has been so successful on Facebook’s Marketplace that it was mentioned by Sheryl Sandberg on Facebook’s earnings call in May and was featured in a Facebook success case study. Succulents Box is now on track to reach its first $1 million this year. The products of Ha Le’s other company, Less is More Jewelry, are now being sold at more than 200 boutique stores across the country. Both companies give back to the community by donating a portion of their profit to Smile Restaurant in Vietnam, which provides free lunches to disadvantaged Vietnamese families.
Stephanie Toole ’14 was named education and outreach manager at the Massillon Museum in Massillon, Ohio.
Christopher Brinich ’17, senior associate at Rea & Associates, a regional accounting and business consulting firm, completed and passed the Level III Chartered Financial Analyst exam.
Rachel Ballitch ’18, a private music teacher at Richland Academy of the Arts, competed in the National Association of Teachers Singing (NATS) semifinal competition. Ballitch finished third in her age division. NATS is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world, with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and more than 35 other countries.
Births
1980s
Robert Albrecht ’80 and his wife Kelsey welcomed their third child and first daughter, Tegan Rae, on Aug. 8. Tegan joins her older brothers, Bryson and Preston, as well as her half-siblings, Ashley, Michael, Tom, and Alison.
2000s
Jessica Sprajcar Aiello ’00 and husband Jim welcomed their first child, daughter Annamarie Louise Aiello, on July 1. The family hopes to see everyone at the reunion in 2020.
Marriages
Stephanie Stropp ’91 married Michael Hoban ’89 in April 2019.
In Memoriam
1940s
Joann Smith Leavenworth ’42, of Hudson, Ohio, June 15, at the age of 98. She was predeceased by her mother, Rachel Smith 1918, and is survived by her husband and children. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Doris Cannell Price ’42, of Springfield, Va., Sept. 20, 97. She is survived by a daughter and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi sorority.
Jeanne Riddle ’42, of Columbus, Ohio, July 12, at the age of 98. She was predeceased by her husband, Philip Riddle ’38, her parents, and three siblings. She is survived by a daughter and a granddaughter.
Dorothy Foss Tainton ’43, of Eugene, Ore., June 13, at the age of 97. She was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by two daughters and multiple grandchildren, and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority.
Harold Will ’43, Nov. 2, 2017, at the age of 95. He was predeceased by his wife Rachel Lenhart Will, who passed away in December 2000. Barbara Blake Bell ’44, of Santa Clarita, Calif., June 23, at the age of 96. She is survived by her husband and three children. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority.
Helen Barnum Frye ’44, of Catawba Island, Ohio, Sept. 13, at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by a son and two grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Elizabeth Hart ’48, of New Wilmington, Pa., Aug. 24, at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her husband, George Hart ’49, and sister Patricia (Fleigh) Moles ’56. She is survived by four children and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
Andrew Sparks ’48, of Deep River, Conn., Sept. 9, at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn “Mike” Quay Sparks ’50, three children, multiple grandchildren, and a half sister. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Patricia Dynes Dye ’49, of Venice, Fla., Sept. 24, at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Dye ’49, and survived by many extended family. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
William Sheehy ’49, of Delaware, Ohio, Aug. 2, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, and sister. He is survived by a son and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
John Smith ’49, of Sarasota, Fla., June 4, at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the OWU Tower Society.
Elizabeth Manuel Way ’49, of Clarksville, Tenn., January 1, 2019, at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and youngest child, Bruce. She is survived by two sons, Stuart and Glenn; one daughter, Cindi Verbist; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1950s
Thomas Cecil ’50, of Dayton, Ohio, July 21, at the age of 92. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Nancy Albrecht ’47. He is survived by sister Martha Stauffer ’53, brother David Cecil ’55, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Richard Mauer ’50, of Dublin, Ohio, July 15, at the age of 93. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen Mauer ’49, and a brother. He is survived by two children, a brother, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Robert Riegger ’50, of Medina, Ohio, June 18, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his parents, including mother Pauline R. Riegger 1921, and a brother, Hugh C. Riegger ’49. He is survived by wife Jane M. Riegger ’50, two daughters, brother David Riegger ’51, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Edward Schlicht ’50, of Sandusky, Ohio, June 6, at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister. He is survived by his wife, a sister, three children, three stepchildren, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
John “Jack” Swisher Jr. ’50, of Indio, Calif., June 10, at the age of 91. He is survived by two children and a brother. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Lois Abell Dalton ’51, of Wakeman, Ohio, Sept. 12, at the age of 89. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, a son, a granddaughter, and three brothers. She is survived by two children and multiple grandchildren.
Hazel Mutersbaugh Martindale ’51, of Rocky River, Ohio, Sept. 5, at the age of 90. She is survived by her son, grandson, and great-grandson. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Jeannie Johnson Reider ’51, of Delaware, Ohio, May 28. She was predeceased by her father, mother Emma Paulie Brittain Johnson 1917, and husband. She is survived by two sons, including Carson Reider ’82, two siblings, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
Mildred Gray Arehart ’52, of Plano, Texas, June 3, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents and four siblings. She is survived by three children and a grandson.
Goodwin “Goodie” Berquist Jr. ’52, of Prescott, Ariz., Feb. 16, at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Berquist ’53, parents, two brothers, and a sister. He is survived by a brother. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.
Sallie Baker Mellem ’52, of Cape May, N.J., Sept. 9, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents, and is survived by three sons and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
Faith Hawley Snedden ’52, of Nartberth, Pa., June 3, at the age of 89. She was predeceased by her husband, a son, and a brother. She is survived by five children, a sister, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Thyra “Joanne” Mack Waite ’52, of Cutler, Maine, June 8, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, a daughter, and a granddaughter. She is survived by a daughter, three sons, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
Ann Koenigseker Wieczorowski ’52, of Chevy Chase, Md., June 18, at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband, two children, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Joan BeVier Smith ’53, June 21, at the age of 87. She was predeceased by her parents, husband John Smith ’50, and two children. She is survived by a daughter and multiple grandchildren, including Patrick Moore ’08. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Elizabeth Hester “Bea” Brown ’54, June 23. She was predeceased by a child. She is survived by four children and a sister, Jane Hester Strauss ’57.
Adelbert Seiple Jr. ’54, of Hudson, Ohio, Aug. 30, at the age of 86. He was predeceased by a brother, David Seiple ’53. He is survived by wife Gail Seiple ’55, three children, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Kathleen Keifer Graham ’55, of Scottsdale, Ariz., May 25, at the age of 86. She is survived by three daughters and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Jessie Ellen McGovran Gwynne ’55, of Madison, Wis., June 20, at the age of 85. She was predeceased by her parents and two siblings. She is survived by her husband, multiple children and grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Leon Richey ’55, of Toledo, Ohio, July 2, at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his parents, a son, and a sister. He is survived by his wife, three children, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Jan Selby ’55, of New York, N.Y., June 12. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his domestic partner and multiple siblings. He was a member of Beta Sigma Tau fraternity.
Richard Buerkle ’56, of Kingsland, Ga., May 27, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, four children, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
M. J. “June” Whitehouse Harris ’56, of Columbus, Ohio, June 14, at the age of 84. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Kenneth Harris ’54. She is survived by four children, including Susan Harris Raphael ’80 and Amy Harris Sherman ’91, a brother, and multiple grandchildren, including Kaitlin Raphael ’09. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Louise Simpson Hendry ’56, of San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 4, at the age of 84. She was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by two brothers, including Jon Simpson ’54; her sister, Nancy Simpson Alonzo ’60; two children; and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
Harvey Sharp ’56, July 21, at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his parents and first wife. He is survived by his second wife, and multiple children and grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Marilyn Beetler Wilkinson ’56, of Ocean Isle, N.C. and New Canaan, Conn., May 30, at the age of 84. She was predeceased by her husband, and is survived by multiple children, including Jay Vidovich ’82. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
Robert Aebersold ’57, of Butler, Pa., Aug. 12, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
In memory of Marjorie Hamann Hill
Marjorie Hamann Hill ’57, of Concord Township, Ohio, Sept. 11, at the age of 83. She was involved in many extracurriculars at OWU; she was an active participant in choir, glee club, thespians, and Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and she was at one point a literary editor. She enjoyed 50 years of marriage with Edson Clark Hill. She and Clark lived in Concord Twp., where she was living her best life as a wife, homemaker, and mother. Marj was a much loved member of East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirtland, Ohio, where she served as the choir director for over 25 years.She was also the leader of the Browning Singers, a song group at Browning Senior Center in Willoughby. She loved music and playing the piano and had a gift for finding just the right piece of music for any occasion. In addition to her love of music, Marjorie was the proud animal-mom to several cats and Gordon setters over the years. She loved animals, bird watching, playing Scrabble, watching Jeopardy! and taking annual trips with her high school girlfriends and her daughters. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, a sister, and multiple grandchildren.
M. Sue Semans Kneubel ’57, of Worthington, Ohio, Sept. 14, at the age of 84. She was predeceased by her parents, William Semans 1914 and Grace Semans 1922, and a brother, William Semans ’48. She is survived by her husband, three children, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Roy Michels Jr. ’57, June 20, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, a son, a granddaughter, and a sister. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Joanne Gross Sweeley ’57, of Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., June 20, at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister. She is survived by her husband, two children, two grandsons, and a brother. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
June Adkins Vogel ’57, of DePere, Wis., Aug. 8, at the age of 84. She was predeceased by her parents and brother. She is survived by two children and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Stephen Bodman ’59, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Aug. 22, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, two children, two sisters, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
E. Stanley Hobbs, Jr. ’59, of Prescott, Ariz., July 21, at the age of 70. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Carolyn Breitling Jones ’59, of Appleton, Wis., Sept. 23, at the age of 81. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
1960s
David Purdy ’61, of Harrisonburg, Va., Aug. 11, at the age of 79. He was predeceased by his first wife, Emily Weese Purdy ’61, his mother, and his father, Marshall Purdy ’31. He is survived by his second wife, two children, multiple grandchildren, and multiple step-children. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Stephen Kenyon Stafford ’61, June 20, at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his parents and two siblings. He is survived by his wife, four children, and multiple grandchildren.
Marguerite Hopkins Hatten ’62, of Columbia, La., July 13, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She graduated from OWU with a B.A. and a major in Spanish. She taught English, French, and Spanish in Caldwell Parish School System. She was a volunteer with the Louisiana Art and Folk Festival and the Martin Home Place Museum. She is survived by husband Donnie Hatten; two sons, William and Andrew; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Ira Lipman ’62, of New York, N.Y., Sept. 16, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife and three sons. He was a member of the OWU Board of Trustees.
Katherine “Kit” Barrett Tillinghast ’62, of South Burlington, Vt., May 21, at the age of 78. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Tillinghast ’62, her parents, and a brother. She is survived by two children and multiple grandchildren, and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Ronald Buchan ’62, of Avon, Ohio, May 26, at the age of 78. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother. He is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
James Cowan ’63, of Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 1, at the age of 77. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Michael DuBrow ’63, of San Jose, Calif., Sept. 23, at the age of 77. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister. He is survived by his wife, four children, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.
Annlee Kendrick Edwards ’63, of Virginia Beach, Va., July 21, at the age of 77. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister. She is survived by two children, a sister, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Dallas Edwin Frederick ’64, of Springfield, Va., June 8, at the age of 76. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lou A. Frederick ’65; three siblings, including Carl Frederick ’70; and a daughter. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Darrell Blumer ’66, of Mass., Aug. 1. He is survived by his wife, a son, sister Barbara Stockstill ’58, and a brother. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Sandra Strehlow Haarlow ’66, of Pinehurst, N.C., May 29, at the age of 74. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by two sons, multiple grandchildren, and former husband. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Sara Rardin Johnson ’66, of Columbia, S.C., June 9, at the age of 75. She was predeceased by her father; mother, Ruth E. Horr ’36; and stepmother, Beverley D. Horr ’33. She is survived by her husband, C. Clayton Johnson ’66, siblings Martha R. Tee ’74 and Timothy B. Rardin ’68, two children, and two grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Gail Olson Morris ’66, of Coatesville, Pa., July 20, at the age of 75. She is survived by her husband, three sons, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Paul Steven Elliott ’67, of Aiken, S.C., July 8, at the age of 74. He was predeceased by his parents and brother. He is survived by a wife, a daughter, a stepson and stepdaughter, and three grandsons. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
In memory of Bonnie Stone George
Bonnie Stone George ’67, of Indian Lake, S.C., Aug. 10, at the age of 73, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. She earned her degree in elementary education. She taught fifth and sixth grade health and science for several years before switching to a long career in information technology. Bonnie lived most of her life in Erie, Pa., and spent the last 12 in Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, S.C. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her soulmate Jim and three siblings.
Robert Pfeiffer ’67, of Port Republic, Md., Sept. 20, at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife, stepson, two brothers, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Westcott Burlingame III ’68, of Hendersonville, N.C., Sept. 17, at the age of 73. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, two children, a sister, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Roy Henderson ’69, of Delaware, Ohio, Sept. 4, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, two children, and multiple grandchildren.
1970s
Forrest Old Jr. ’71, of Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 22, at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife; three children, including Forrest Old III ’12; ex-wife Elizabeth Dugdale Old ’72; and two sisters.
Kathleen Corbin Evans ’72, of Bonita Springs, Fla., July 28, at the age of 68. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold Corbin ’47 and Betty Corbin ’47. She is survived by her husband, sister Susan Houser ’74, daughters Abigail Radebaugh ’00 and Megan Demolina ’97, two stepchildren, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Mary Cibelius ’72, of Chicago, Ill., July 31. She is survived by her husband, Jeff Flodin, and two sisters.
Edward “Eddie” Nantoski Jr. ’72, of Methuen, Mass., June 16. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a grandson.
Valerie Ward Toombs ’74, of Springfield, Mo., July 4, at the age of 67. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband and a brother. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
James Henke ’76, July 8, at the age of 65. He is survived by two sons. After graduating from OWU, he worked in Cleveland at The Plain Dealer until leaving to pursue a career at Rolling Stone Magazine in New York City. There he rose from copy editor to music editor, spending years working with some of rock ’n’ roll’s biggest names. His legacy includes significant interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, and The Clash. He is also credited with writing the first profile of U2 for American audiences and with inspiring their song “Pride (In the Name of Love).” His writing earned him the ASCAP Deems Taylor award for excellence in music journalism.
1980s
Sonnetta Shahid-Sturkey ’83, June 26, at the age of 57. She was predeceased by her sister, Evonne Shahid ’85. She is survived by husband Daniel Sturkey '84, cousin Jay Hairston ’78, parents, and multiple siblings.
Marcedius Jameson ’84, of Lawrence, N.J., Sept. 17, at the age of 57. He was predeceased by his father. He is survived by his mother, wife, four children, multiple grandchildren, and multiple siblings.
Elizabeth Kane ’85, Aug. 6, at the age of 56. She was predeceased by her father. She is survived by her mother and two sisters.
Peter Issel Jr. ’89, of Lewes, Del., July 31. He is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, and a brother. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
1990s
Beth Szalontai McDonald ’91, of Medina, Ohio, June 13, at the age of 52. She was predeceased by her father. She is survived by husband Thomas McDonald ’90, three children, two siblings, and her mother.
Melissa Jane Morse ’97, of Manchester, Conn., June 4, at the age of 44. She is survived by her parents and a brother. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
2000s
Kara Collins Sedoris ’00, of Louisville, Ky., Aug. 26, at the age of 41.
2010s
Samuel T.B. Newton ’10, of New York, N.Y., Aug. 29, at the age of 31. He is survived by his parents.
Kevin Schindler ’12, of Mentor, Ohio, Aug. 16.
Faculty and Staff
Christel Rossmann Burnside, of Delaware, Ohio, May 30, at the age of 88. She worked as a science librarian at OWU. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and brother. She is survived by three sons and multiple grandchildren.
Lyman Leathers, of Columbus, Ohio, and formerly of Delaware, Ohio, June 20, at the age of 90. He was a member of the OWU Tower Society and taught English Humanities at OWU.
Donald Lockwood, of Delaware, Ohio, Aug. 10, at the age of 81. He was a golf coach and assistant basketball coach at OWU. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and multiple grandchildren.
Leona Vivian Maxey, of Delaware, Ohio, July 25, at the age of 96. She worked as a mail room supervisor at OWU for more than 30 years. She was predeceased by her husband and multiple siblings. She is survived by multiple children and grandchildren.
Dave Staley, former math faculty member
Dave Staley, Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Science, died Aug. 30, 2019, at the age of 89.
Jeffrey Nunemacher, Parrott Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, recalls Staley as a “central and beloved figure in mathematics on this campus” who was affectionately nicknamed “Daily” Staley for administering daily quizzes in his 33 years at OWU. Staley also coached men’s swimming from 1977-1983 and served as chairperson for the Mock Convention.
Julianne Rainbolt ’86 remembers Staley as an enthusiastic man. “Dr. Staley had taught me that researching mathematics can be thrilling and rewarding … He showed me that teaching mathematics is just as rewarding as learning mathematics.” Rainbolt cites Staley as an influential person in her decision to become a professor of mathematics herself.
Staley organized Delaware’s first triathlon in the 1980s and won second place in his age group at the 1996 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
Staley also served as a chairman of the Delaware County Democratic Party, president of the Ohio Association of Democratic County Chairpersons, a member of the Delaware County Board of Elections, vice-president of Ohio Council for Math Teachers, and as a member of the Delaware City School Board.
Upon his retirement in 1994, Staley was presented with an Adam Poe medal. He is survived by his wife Pat Staley and their children Lisa (Staley) Flahive ’81, Laura Staley ’84, and Paul Staley ’89.
Diana Stitzlein, of near Waldo, Ohio, June 6, at the age of 64. She worked as an administrative assistant at OWU. She is survived by her husband; four daughters, including Amanda Stitzlein Thompson ’05; and multiple grandchildren.
Sympathy to
Alison Falk ’14 for the loss of her father, Charles Falk, of Hookstown, Pa., Aug. 6, at the age of 74.
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The deadline for receiving Class Notes and Faculty Notes submissions for the Spring 2020 OWU Magazine is January 24, 2020.