News Releases

OWENS PARTNERS WITH DANA INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE WORKFORCE TRAINING

Posted on December 6th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2016 – Owens Community College today announced a new partnership with Dana Incorporated to provide workforce development and training for Dana’s new driveline manufacturing facility in Toledo, Ohio. The training program is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2017, coinciding with the hiring process for the facility.

“Owens Community College is very excited to partner with Dana in developing its next generation of plant employees here in Northwest Ohio,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “We welcome this type of collaboration, for it demonstrates how Owens’ strength in workforce education can be deployed to benefit business throughout our region and to further promote Ohio’s economic growth.”

Owens will develop and provide custom short-term training that addresses skills required at an advanced manufacturing facility. These include aptitude in basic math functions; manual dexterity; mechanical reasoning; and training in workplace safety, fundamentals for programmable logic controller operations, and the fundamentals and troubleshooting techniques associated with automation and robotics.

“Dana is investing more than a quarter of a million dollars in this program, as we are confident that it will provide our new employees the best possible start and highest opportunity for success when they begin working within Dana’s brand-new, state-of-the-art facility,” said Kristi Hill, human resources manager at Dana’s Toledo Driveline Facility. “Start-up and production schedules for the facility are very aggressive. With production beginning in mid-2017, we plan to hire more than 220 employees within the next year, all of whom will benefit from the training provided at Owens Community College.”

In the spring of 2017, prospective employees will be able to apply online via Dana’s career page (dana.com/careers) and through the Lucas County Work Ready Program. For qualified applicants, the training program will be offered at no charge to participants. All persons successfully completing the program will receive a certificate.

The Office of Workforce and Community Services at Owens is the region’s leader in providing affordable training to allow business and industry to thrive. Training is available in almost any subject matter, including the trades, computer skills, process improvement, and certification preparation.

To learn more about Owens workforce training, please visit www.owensworks.com or call (567) 661-7357.

528 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT

Posted on December 5th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Dec. 05, 2016 – 528 candidates for graduation, including 77 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 36th Owens Community College Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 09. Of those graduates, 118 will graduate with honors. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

The following degrees will be conferred: 85 Associate of Applied Business; 222 Associate of Applied Science; 90 Associate of Arts; 114 Associate of Science and 17 Associate of Technical Studies.

Jacquelle Luckey, Applied Business major graduating with Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 46-year-old Toledo resident was born in Hawthorne, California and grew up in San Fernando Valley, graduating from Chatsworth High School about an hour northwest of Los Angeles.

Luckey enrolled at Owens during Fall Semester 2014 after her office job was outsourced to Costa Rica. She recalled her doubts when she considered earning a higher education. She said she thought it was too daunting a task, because she was too old and a college campus was intimidating.

She said she overcame her fears, got started and gave herself a two-year deadline to earn a degree. She’s meeting her self-imposed deadline this evening.

“My experience at Owens has been great,” she said. “I followed the rules and put in the work. I did what I needed to do to get done. It’s a strong academic community at Owens. You are part of something that’s going to help you move forward in your life. I want to stay connected to Owens after I graduate.”

Personable and self-motivated, Luckey will discuss empowerment in her speech.

“Jacquelle sets a high standard for herself and is an outstanding example to others,” said Sherri Johnson, the secretary in the Transportation Technologies academic department who supervises Luckey in her role as student worker. “Many students have gone to Jacquelle for support and advice, and she has been unwavering in stepping up to support and direct her classmates to be successful. Other students have sought her out to work on group projects with them.”

Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., 17^th president of The University of Toledo (UT), will serve as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Gaber is moving UT forward through several major plans, including: a strategic plan that will chart UT’s course for the next several years; a diversity plan that helps to ensure UT’s campuses are welcoming and inclusive for everyone; a master facilities plan to reduce UT’s footprint and use space more efficiently; and an enrollment plan to increase enrollment and improve student retention rates.

Dr. Gaber currently serves on the board of trustees for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the board of directors for the Regional Growth Partnership. A city and regional planning expert, she came to UT following six years as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas. Prior to that, Dr. Gaber served in multiple roles in the provost’s office at Auburn University in Alabama, and also worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles, a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and her doctoral degree in city and regional planning from Cornell University. Dr. Gaber is the mother of three children, including one who is a UT student.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Posted on November 16th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2016 – The Owens Community College Foundation recently announced the election of four new board officers at its annual meeting. Each officer was elected to a one-year term.

Joining the Board of Directors are Philip J. Rudolph, Jr. (chairman), Diana (Dee) H. Talmage (vice chairman), David J. McMacken (treasurer), and Matthew J. Mishler (secretary).

Rudolph stated, “The Owens Foundation truly makes a difference in thousands of students’ lives by providing scholarships and funding in support of quality academic programming and customized workforce training. Owens Community College is a leader in driving the region’s economy and I’m honored to help lead an organization that solely exists to help students succeed, which in turn also drives the economy.”

Rudolph is the vice president of business development at the Rudolph Libbe Group and has served on the Owens Foundation board since 2010.

Talmage, a former elementary school teacher and guidance counselor, has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2002 and a director on the Owens Foundation since 2012.

McMacken has served as vice president and banking advisor for the Wealth Management Group of PNC Bank since 2004 and has been a Foundation director-at-large since March 2013.

Mishler is the national account manager for Buckeye TeleSystem in Toledo and has served as a Foundation director-at-large since February 2010.

Owens Community College Foundation, a 501c (3) organization, currently has 21 voting members serving on its board of directors. The sole mission of the organization is to develop and provide resources to advance the College’s mission of serving students and the community,

For more information on Owens Community College Foundation, please visit www.owens.edu/foundation.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAMED 2017 MILITARY FRIENDLY© SCHOOL

Posted on November 10th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2016 – Owens Community College is among a select 24 percent of degree-granting institutions nationally earning the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation by Victory Media, receiving the designation for the sixth consecutive year.

First published in 2009, Military Friendly® Schools is the most comprehensive, powerful resource for veterans today. Each year, the list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from Victory Media’s proprietary survey. A total of 1,160 higher education institutions received the 2017 designation. The U.S. has 4,726 2-year and 4-year colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Owens Community College’s veteran student population of about 400 includes veterans, military spouses or dependents of veterans.

“Owens Community College’s Office of Veterans Services is extremely honored to once again be among the best colleges and universities in the United States,” said Amy Giordano, Owens Vice President of Student Services. “Our commitment to meeting the needs of veterans is unwavering and will remain so through our dedicated staff in the Office of Veterans Services as well as across the entire college.”

Ratings methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.

Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

According to Daniel Nichols, a Navy Reserve veteran and Chief Product Officer at Victory Media, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to the majority of colleges gives veterans a comprehensive view of which schools are striving to provide the best opportunities and conditions for our nation’s student veterans. Military Friendly® helps military families make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

For more information about Owens Community College’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit www.owens.edu/veterans.

About Military Friendly® Schools: The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly®Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weightings were developed by Victory Media with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Data calculations and tabulations were independently evaluated for completeness and accuracy by EY. The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at: https://militaryfriendly.com.

OWENS APPOINTS LISA L. NAGEL GENERAL COUNSEL AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LABOR RELATIONS AND INTERIM V.P. OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Posted on November 2nd, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2016 – Owens Community College has appointed Lisa L. Nagel, J.D., to the position of general counsel and executive director of Labor Relations. In that role, she will oversee all legal matters related to the College, including litigation, employee and labor relations, and coordination and administration of contracts. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has also designated Nagel as an assistant attorney general.

Owens is also pleased to appoint Nagel to the position of interim vice president of Human Resources. In that role, she will provide strategic and operational oversight for all human resources matters, along with fulfilling any necessary and related labor needs.

Since August, 2015, Nagel served as law director for the City of Napoleon. In that position, she provided leadership for all legal-related decision making and advice for the City, the Mayor and seven City Council members.

Prior to her work with the City of Napoleon, Nagel was an equity partner with Robison, Curphey & O’Connell, LLC law firm in Toledo, Ohio, and was an associate attorney at Fuller & Henry, Ltd., a former Toledo, Ohio law firm. She is also currently an adjunct instructor in the Department of Management at the University of Toledo.

Nagel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo, College of Law.

OWENS LANDSCAPE AND TURFGRASS CREW CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL FALL PLANT SALE

Posted on September 29th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 29, 2016 – Area residents seeking to add new life and color to their gardens and yards this fall are encouraged to attend the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club’s annual Fall Plant Sale at Owens Community College on Wednesday, October 5.

The plant sale will occur from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. next to the greenhouse, which is near the entrance to the Owens Math/Science Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The sale will feature a wide selection of shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and rare and unusual trees. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“The Owens Community College Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club student organization is excited to once again offer individuals the opportunity to purchase select trees and shrubs at a minimal cost for the upcoming fall planting season,” said Chris Foley, Owens associate professor of Science and Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club advisor. “Fall is an excellant time to plant trees and shrubs as the ground is still warm from the summer months and the soil is moist. I encourage individuals to help support the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club and get a head start on their fall planting projects.”

All proceeds from the plant sale will help in supporting the organization’s participation in the PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) Student Career Days, which is a national horticultural and landscape competition involving colleges and universities across the country.

Shrubs on hand will include the Purple Beauty Berry, many type of Hydrangea, Fothergilla and a wide assortment of many others. Additionally, over 20 different varieties of trees (many rare) will be available and will include; unusual Maples, Dogwoods, Redbuds, as well as Franklinia, Stewartia, and others. The Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club will also sell an array of perennials, including select hostas and ornamental grasses. A complete listing of the available plants with their prices is available online at www.owens.edu/direct/plantsale.pdf.

The College’s Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club was founded in 2005 with the mission of fostering stronger bonds among students majoring in the Landscape and Turfgrass Management program. Among the organization’s main initiatives is creating a network between alumni and current students to help in assisting individuals pursue careers within the landscape, turfgrass and related horticulture industries. The group also hosts fundraisers to support club outreach activities in the surrounding communities.

For more information about the Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club plant sale, email Chris Foley at Christopher_foley@owens.edu

OWENS RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Posted on September 28th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 28, 2016 – Owens Community College has earned the distinction of being named to the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Owens has earned this distinction for the past three years and is the only community college in Ohio to receive the national recognition this year.

Owens was recognized in the categories of General Community Service and Economic Opportunity, demonstrating that its community service work is especially focused in those areas.

“We are committed to service-learning and believes strongly in preparing our students to be active leaders and participants in an ever-changing world,” said Krista Kiessling, director, The Center for Experiential and Community Engaged Learning (CECEL) at Owens. “We’re honored to receive this prestigious award – and owe much of it to the students themselves. They’re the energy driving our commitment and they’re the ones who make it all happen.”

The CECEL was established in 2011 with the overall mission of making service to the community an identifiable aspect of the academic institution’s culture. Outreach initiatives are focused on engaging students and employees in service activities that mutually benefit the academic institution and the surrounding communities.

Additionally, the CECEL maintains partnerships with over 50 community agencies that utilize Owens student volunteers to support community initiatives. Among the on-campus service-learning opportunities include the Owens Harvest Food Pantry and the Community Garden. The sites serve as on-campus living and experiential learning laboratories to support students in need, while also enabling the application of educational learning mastered within academic courses.

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll honors the nation’s leading higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for their commitment to bettering their communities through service. These are institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING RAISES $28,713 IN SUPPORT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on September 21st, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2016 – One hundred eight area residents recently enjoyed a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni scholarship programs as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association held its 14^th annual Golf Classic. The 27-team event netted $28,713 to benefit scholarship and outreach endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has netted over $398,000 to support Owens students pursuing a college education and their career aspirations.

“Owens Alumni Association is again overwhelmed by the community support we received this year,” said Laura Moore, Owens Alumni Association executive director. “The success of this event helps ensure our students are able to take advantage of the opportunities offered for lifelong learning.”

Organized by the Owens Alumni Association’s steering committee, the golf outing was held at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event featured 18-holes of golf, lunch, grazing dinner and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsor was Hylant and Hylant Administrative Services. In addition, Metzgers was the print sponsor.

Bowers Asphalt and Paving Inc. sponsored the four-person scramble championship team. Team members included Todd Sattler, David Neely, Rob Crider and Rob Enos all of Perrysburg.

OWENS DELIVERS BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO AREA CHILDREN

Posted on September 16th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million Inc., ten Directions Credit Union branches, two Great Lakes Credit Union branches and six Genoa Bank branches are brightening many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future.” Five hundred seventy-two backpacks and 10,092 school supply items collected throughout the summer months are being donated to 21 area elementary schools during the month of September.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 19, 10:15 a.m., Owens representatives will deliver backpacks and supplies to benefit kindergarten student at ten Toledo Public Schools—Old West End Academy, Birmingham Elementary, Glenwood Elementary, Leverette Elementary, Navarre Elementary, Oakdale Elementary, Reynolds Elementary, Keyser Elementary, Old Orchard Elementary and Burroughs Elementary – presented at Toledo Public Schools’ Old West End Elementary School (3131 Cambridge St.).

Owens representatives will also deliver backpacks and supplies to benefit kindergarten students in Bowling Green, North Baltimore, Rossford, Northwood, Genoa, Elmwood and Woodmore school districts at Rossford’s Glenwood Elementary School (8950 Avenue Rd.) on Tuesday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m.

“Every year, area residents and businesses have given an impressive response and made the ‘Backpack to the Future’ supply drive an outstanding success,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens “Backpack to the Future” project chair and Alumni Association Board director. “It’s wonderful to assure that many more disadvantaged children will be able to begin their school year with new educational supplies.”

Over the past three months, “Backpack to the Future” accepted gently used or new backpacks and new school supplies from area residents to assist disadvantaged kindergarten school children throughout Northwest Ohio. In addition to backpacks, individuals donated crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

The drive also collected over $3,683 from community members. The charitable donations will go toward the purchase of school supplies.

The Owens Alumni Association established “Backpack to the Future” supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given 5,085 backpacks and 91,000 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

“Our focus as an organization is to provide value-added programs and services that strengthen the surrounding communities and ensures every students success,” said Laura Moore, Owens executive director, Alumni Association and director, Alumni Relations.

OWENS RECEIVES $1.18 MILLION GRANT TO IMPROVE ADULT COLLEGE READINESS

Posted on August 25th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2016 – Adults interested in continuing their education but unsure where to begin now have additional resources available at Owens thanks to a $1.18 million Educational Opportunities Center (EOC) program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Owens will receive $236,000 per year for 5-years to provide counseling and information on college admissions to low income and first-generation adults age 19 or older who desire to enter, reenter, or continue a program of postsecondary education.

“EOC will allow Owens to further improve our community by providing more information and support to adult students who wish to pursue postsecondary education;” said Denise Smith, associate vice president, Academic Affairs. “We are excited to offer more one-on-one support to help those we serve obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, apply to college, and increase their financial literacy and understanding of student aid options.”

Educational Opportunities Centers are one of eight federal grant programs known as the Federal TRIO Programs that identify and provide services to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as: low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and those with disabilities. These programs assist in advancing these individuals from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu or call the Admissions office for information on the EOC program at 1-800-GO-OWENS.

OWENS NEW ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME SET TO INDUCT FIRST MEMBERS

Posted on August 15th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2016 – In honor of its 50-year athletic history which began with the 1966 Penta Tech Jaguars Men’s basketball team, Owens Community College has established an Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize those individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on Owens athletics and the community.

“It is important to me that we honor those student-athletes who gave so much to Owens Community College during their time on campus,” said J.D. Ettore, Owens athletic director. “The goal of my office is to make sure that our student-athletes are well-rounded individuals when they leave Owens Community College.”

Members will be inducted on October 15 during an inaugural awards ceremony on the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus. Full details on the ceremony and events of the induction day, will be mailed to the charter members as well as Owens Athletic alumni, Owens Board of Directors and Owens Administration.

The charter members for Owens Athletic Hall of Fame are:

Leroy “Cot” Marquette – Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, 1966-1980
Jeff Massey – Men’s Basketball, 1991-1993
Stephanie Champine – Volleyball, 2006-2007
Michael Rickard – Athletic Director, 2000-2010
Jim Penix – Men’s Basketball, 1966-1968
NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Champions, 1991-1992

Inductees must have met one of four criteria: received postseason athletic honors while attending Owens, successfully coached at Owens, coached or received honors at an institution beyond Owens, or be a contributor or supporter of Owens athletic programs. In addition, inductees must also be a solid citizen in the community, completed either a two- or four-year degree and be two years removed from completion at Owens.

“First priority for our student-athletes is academics but I also expect athletic intensity and commitment to community service and social responsibility,” said Ettore. “Our local communities are great and they provide a lot of support not just for athletics, but for every department at Owens Community College. In return we put our student-athletes to work in the community to help them understand that by paying it forward you are making a difference in people’s lives.”

For more information on Owens athletics or the new Hall of Fame, please visit www.owensexpress.com.

OWENS NAMES NEW FINDLAY – AREA CAMPUS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Posted on August 15th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, August, 15, 2016 – Owens Community College has named Julie Baker, M.B.A, M.A. as the new executive director of the Findlay-area Campus beginning September 26. Her responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects related to administrative leadership, coordination and development of initiatives related to enhancing educational opportunities and resources for current and future students on the Findlay-area Campus.

“Owens Community College is excited and proud to welcome Julie Baker as the new director of the Findlay-area Campus,” said Dr. Mike Bower, president of Owens Community College. “The Findlay-area Campus is an important part of Owens Community College and plays an integral role in meeting the education and training needs of the Northwest Ohio community. Baker is well-known in the community and will be able to open many new doors for learning opportunities and partnerships.”

In addition, Baker will serve as liaison between various College departments and faculty and staff and assist them in the coordination of academic and student services. The position will also entail the creation and implementation of strategies to enhance enrollment and retention efforts on the Findlay-area Campus, as well as serve as an ambassador for the Owens Findlay-area Campus and look to further strengthen partnerships with community, business and educational leaders in the immediate Findlay area and throughout the Hancock and surrounding counties.

“Higher education is facing some challenging, yet rewarding times,” said Baker. “I look forward to exploring future opportunities for the Owens Findlay-area Campus, and the role I will play in ensuring a successful presence in the Findlay/Hancock County area.”

Since 2013, Baker has served as campus director for Brown Mackie College in Findlay. She has spent the last thirteen years working in higher education with 7 of those years in administrative positions.

Baker received her bachelor of arts from the University of Toledo in 1978, her master’s in Business Administration in 1984, also from the University of Toledo and her master of arts in Guidance and Counseling from Bowling Green State University in 1997.

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu.

OWENS NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FOUNDATION

Posted on August 11th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, August 11, 2016 – Owens Community College has named Jennifer Fehnrich as executive director of the Owens Community College Foundation. This position is responsible for raising private and annual revenue for the Foundation to provide for the current and future needs of the College and its students.

Fehnrich remarked, “I have a long-standing passion for Owens and its critical role in northwest Ohio. I look forward to being part of Owens’ exciting future, while working to secure necessary resources that will grow and strengthen our mission of student success.”

Since 2002, Fehnrich has served in various positions at Owens focusing on external outreach, most recently as executive director, government and community relations. In this position, she was the liaison to local, state and federal level government officials, as well as business and community leaders. Her responsibilities included advocating for legislative and economic issues relating to the College.

In addition to taking on her new role with the Foundation, Fehnrich will also continue to be the point of contact for government and community relations.

Dr. Mike Bower, president, Owens Community College stated, “Jennifer’s proven experience in garnering support for Owens through government and community relations is a strength that will only further her ability to lead the Foundation.”

Fehnrich earned her bachelor of arts degree in Communications from Bowling Green State University in 1998 and her master of science in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University in 2013.

“On behalf of the Owens Foundation Board, we are very pleased to have Jennifer serve in this role and lead the Foundation with a high level of innovation and creativity,” said Dan Kimmet, Owens Community College Foundation chair.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $3.4 million in assets. Since 2002, donors have contributed $6.1 million in gifts and grants. As a result, more than $2.8 million has been distributed to the College for programs and more than $1.8 million has been distributed to students for scholarships.

The Foundation Board of Directors is currently comprised of 23 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

For more information about Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS ASSIST AREA CHILDREN WITH SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Posted on July 21st, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 21, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million Inc., nine Directions Credit Union branches, two Great Lakes Credit Union branches and six Genoa Bank branches are reaching out to area children in need of school supplies by holding a month-long “Backpack to the Future” school supply drive ending Thursday, Aug. 18. Collected items will benefit low-income kindergarten-age school children throughout Northwest Ohio.

The “Backpack to the Future” school supply drive will occur at Books-A-Million bookstore (2105 Levis Commons Blvd.) in The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg; Directions Credit Union branches (5121 Whiteford Rd.) in Sylvania, (3000 Tremainsville Rd.) in Toledo, (3321 Briarfield Blvd.) in Maumee, (4150 Brockway Dr.) in Perrysburg, (3312 Dustin Rd.) in Oregon, (2533 S. Reynolds Rd.) in Toledo, (3450 Central Ave., Suite 128) in Toledo, (27427 Crossroads Pkwy.) in Rossford and (1 Owens Corning Pkwy.) in Toledo; Great Lakes Credit Union branches (5823 Monroe St.) in Sylvania and (580 Craig Dr.) in Perrysburg; and Genoa Bank branches (801 Main St.) in Genoa, (3201 Navarre Ave.) in Oregon, (703 Conant St.) in Maumee, (24950 W, State Route 51) in Millbury, (9920 Old U.S. 20) in Rossford and in (5501 Monroe St.) Sylvania.

The Toledo Mud Hens will also have collections bins at Fifth Third Field (406 Washington St.) in Toledo during their Saturday, July 30 game against the Gwinnett Braves.

The 19 community locations expand the College’s educational initiative for individuals to drop off their donations. Among the charitable items that will be accepted as part of the school supply drive are gently-used or new backpacks, crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

According to Kaye Koevenig, community service chair, Owens Alumni Association, the Northwest Ohio community’s initial response toward the “Backpack to the Future” supply drive has been positive.

“Owens’ ‘Backpack to the Future’ school supply drive initiative has expanded efforts thanks to the support of Books-A-Million, Directions Credit Union, Genoa Bank and Great Lakes Credit Union,” she said. “I encourage area residents to lend a helping hand to those children who are in need of school supplies.”

Since establishing the program in 2004, the Owens Alumni Association has given 4,513 backpacks and 80,911 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

Owen’s Alumni Association is committed to the personal and professional success of alumni and students through the ongoing development of value-added initiatives. Owens has provided higher education to more than 250,000 students in its nearly 50-year history.

In addition to the community supply drive locations; area residents can bring their charitable donations to the College’s Office of Alumni Relations on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township and the Education Center Atrium on the Findlay-area Campus in Findlay.

For more information about the school supply drive, or to make a donation, contact the Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876 or alumni@owens.edu.

OWENS NAMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT SERVICES AND NEW POLICE CHIEF

Posted on July 15th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 15, 2016 – Owens Community College recently named Amy Giordano as the new vice president of student services and Scott Steinke as the new police chief/executive director.

“Over the past several years, both Amy and Scott have proven their commitment to the success of Owens and its students,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “We are excited to have them move into these positions, knowing that they will strive to continue moving Owens in the right direction and we welcome the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring.”

Giordano’s responsibilities will include all student services functions, including but not limited to: admissions, advising, athletics, disability services, financial aid, international programs, Oserve, records, student activities, student discipline, testing services and veteran’s services.

She has nearly 20 years experience working in higher education at institutions that include: The Ohio State University, Capital University, Suffolk University, Northeastern University and Owens Community College. Her extensive knowledge spans the areas of financial aid, records, advising, service-learning, and student activities to name a few.

Most recently, Giordano held the position of interim vice president of student services and enrollment management.

The Toledo resident earned her bachelor’s degree in history from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in labor and human resources and a master’s degree in higher education administration both from The Ohio State University.

Steinke’s responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects related to the strategic and administrative leadership, coordination and development of the College’s Public Safety Department within the framework of federal, state and local laws.

He has served in law enforcement for more than 24 years, with eight of those years in the university and college setting at The University of Toledo and Owens Community College. Steinke has been a lieutenant with Owens Police since 2010 and most recently acted as the interim director of Public Safety and chief of police.

The Toledo resident earned an associate’s in Law Enforcement Technology from The University of Toledo and his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University.

For more information on Owens Community College, please visit www.owens.edu.

OWENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS 2016 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on May 4th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 05, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored area high school seniors for their outstanding achievements, offering thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to commend the Trustees’ Academic Excellence scholarship recipients on their accomplishments said Ed Nagle, chair, Owens Board of Trustees. It is the responsibility of Owens to deliver a direct path to higher paying and rewarding jobs by providing motivated students with the best education at an affordable cost in the least amount of time. These are the type of motivated students that we wish to invest in.”

The Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was created in 1998 by Owens’ Board of Trustees to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

The scholarship is provided over four consecutive semesters with applicants being enrolled full-time and pursuing an associate degree at the College, as well as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average each semester. Since its creation more than a decade ago, the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program has provided over $1.3 million in scholarships to over 700 students.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship at Owens include:

Marissa Harrington (Anthony Wayne High School)
Jala Phillips (Apollo Career Center)
Sarah Hofacker (Arcadia High School)
Nolyn Burkholder (Archbold High School)
Alexandra Sheldon (Arlington High School)
Shelby Bechstein (Bowling Green High School)
Colleen Stamper (Calvin M. Woodward High School)
Carissa Wallace-Cullum (Central Catholic High School)
Gino Giovanoli (Clay High School)
Samuel Bowers (Continental High School)
Shaylin Barnd (Cory-Rawson High School)
Brooke Purney (Eastwood High School)
Meg Elizabeth Clark (E.L. Bowsher High School)
Kelsey Bloom (Elmwood High School)
Kyle Dobransky (Emmanuel Christian)
Sydney Northrup (Evergreen High School)
Alexis Sullivan (Findlay Digital Academy)
Alexandria Hill (Findlay High School)
Hannah Simmons (Genoa Area High School)
Alda Ibarra (Horizon Science Academy of Toledo)
Marlena Cortland-Wilson (Jesup W. Scott High School)
Makenzie Mazey (Lake High School)
Cole Smith (Liberty-Benton High School)
Kirstin Daniels (Liberty Center High School)
Tanya Lark (Maumee High School)
Dakota LaRue (McComb High School)
Jamie Watson (Millstream Career Center)
Bailee Daughenbough (Mohawk High School)
Carleigh Black (Monclova Christian Academy)
Brandon Wagner (Morrison R. Waite High School)
Olivia Frost (North Baltimore High School)
Brianna Mansberger (Northwood High School)
Victoria Allore (Notre Dame Academy)
Allison Schroeder (Oak Harbor High School)
Lexie Rieger (Otsego High School)
Davis Andrews (Penta Career Center)
Jennifer Modene (Perrysburg High School)
Tiffany Zacharias (Polly Fox Academy)
Tamera Payteon (Robert S. Rogers High School)
Daniel Fox (Rossford High School)
Seth Augustyniak (Saint Francis De Sales High School)
Benjamin Bruss (Saint John’s Jesuit High School)
Erika Angstmann (Saint Mary’s Memorial High School)
Adam Vandergrift (Springfield High School)
Kesean Bannister (Summit Academy Toledo Secondary)
Stephen Nelson (Swanton High School)
Isaac Tatkowski (Sylvania Southview High School)
Julia Lakin Kingston (Toledo Christian School)
Jake Mish (Toledo School for the Arts)
Chelsea Garza (Toledo Technology Academy)
Justin Chu (Van Buren High School)
Shyloe Hartman (Vanlue High School)
Alicia Danylchuk (Van Wert High School)
Olivia Banister (Wauseon High School)
Brynn Smith (Whitmer High School)
Emily Barringer (Woodmore High School)

743 GRADUATES PREPARE FOR OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Posted on May 3rd, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 3, 2016 – Seven hundred forty-three candidates for graduation, including 81 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees during the 50^th annual Owens Community College Spring Commencement on Friday, May 6. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

Owens’ commencement ceremony is free and open to the public. For family and friends unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed online and can be accessed at www.owens.edu/commencement. Owens is asking graduates to share their celebration photos and updates by including the hashtag #owensgrad in their social media posts.

Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of ProMedica, will serve as the keynote speaker. In addition to president and CEO, Oostra has held numerous roles at ProMedica since joining the system in 1997 including: president and chief operating officer, regional president, and corporate vice president, strategic business development.

Prior to joining ProMedica, Oostra, 61, served in myriad roles in health care leadership, including: Saint Anthony’s Health System, Alton, Illinois; Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Health One Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and LCM, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Oostra holds a Doctorate in Management from Case Western Reserve University, a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.

His commitment to the healthcare industry, and community, is evidenced in his extensive involvement in numerous professional and civic organizations at the local, regional and national levels. Oostra is a board member of the American Hospital Association, a member of the Ohio and Michigan Hospital Associations, and is a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a Board Member of the Regional Growth Partnership, Toledo Art Museum, Northwestern College (Iowa), Board Chair for the Toledo Symphony, a member of the Development Committee for Bread for the World and a member of the Third Frontier Advisory Committee.

Crystal Kurtz, a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) major graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the ceremony.

The 30-year-old Monroe, Michigan resident is the first person from her family to attend college.

The 2002 graduate of Monroe Jefferson High School briefly pursued a nursing degree at Monroe County Community College before leaving college and beginning to work a variety of jobs.

The position that changed her future was at Kindred RehabCare in Monroe, a facility that employed Owens PTA graduates. Working as a rehab technician, Kurtz became interested in a PTA career. She decided to pursue a degree at Owens and enrolled in Spring Semester 2012.

“I fell in love with the school. I thought it was the perfect fit for me,” she said.

Kurtz describes herself as shy, but credited the Owens faculty and staff for assisting her in overcoming any fears she had about invading the personal space of others, given the nature of the PTA profession. She thanked Nancy Rupp, PTA Professor, “for challenging my thinking. She doesn’t settle for average students.”

Bradley Wood, Assistant Chair of the PTA program, describes Kurtz as an intelligent, quick study and a hard worker.

“She has a bright future. She will be an advocate for Owens Community College and will forge strong relationships in the community that she serves,” he said.

Kurtz married her high school sweetheart, Cory, six years ago. Cory Kurtz earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing two additional master’s degrees in business and finance.

“My dad is my inspiration. He is a smart man,” Kurtz said. “I wanted to show him I could do something other than odd jobs. Now I’ve done it.”

After taking her national PTA licensure exam this summer, Kurtz plans to find employment in her field. Her long-term goal includes pursuing additional education and teaching, perhaps at a community college.

For more information regarding Owens’ commencement ceremony, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.

OWENS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS TWO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Posted on April 29th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 29, 2016 – Owens’ Alumni Association has chosen Timothy Griffin of Upper Sandusky to receive the 9^th Annual Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship and Matthew Huth to receive the 2^rd Annual Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship.

In tribute to and appreciation for the memory, life and heroism of Detective Keith Dressel, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2007.

The Scholarship is awarded annually to an Owens student who has the courage to become a police officer and embodies the passion, conviction and perseverance demonstrated by Detective Dressel during his career.

Timothy Griffin, this year’s recipient of the Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time student and has earned 28 credit hours toward a criminal justice technology degree. After graduating with honors from Upper Sandusky High School in 2015, Griffin immediately enrolled at Owens in the fall. While in high school, he also earned post-secondary option college credit from three different institutions, including Owens Community College.

Griffin has always had the desire to work in public safety. He says, “Ever since I was a little boy, I remember wanting and desiring to go into law enforcement.” Both his father and grandfather worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Maintaining a 3.4 grade point average, Griffin has organized 5K’s, rang the bell for the Salvation Army and routinely donated blood. He has also volunteered for the REACH (Recognizing & Enriching All Children) program in Upper Sandusky, which provides religious outreach and teaches life skills and recreational activities to area youth. Additionally, he works part-time as an office assistant for Saull Law Offices, LLC. His educational goal is to complete his associate’s degree in both criminal justice and business management technologies. After graduation, Griffin hopes to join the ranks as an Ohio State Trooper.

In honor of and gratitude for the remembrances, lives and heroism of Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman, the Owens Community College Alumni Association established the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2014.

The Scholarship will be awarded annually to an Owens student who has the passion to become a firefighter and embodies the courage, beliefs and determination demonstrated by Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman during their careers.

Matthew Huth, this year’s recipient of the Private Stephen Machcinski and Private James Dickman Memorial Scholarship, is currently a full-time Owens student, completing 23 credit hours toward his emergency services technology degree. The 2015 Hopewell-Loudon graduate began studies at Owens in the fall of 2014 as a post-secondary option student.

Huth says, “I want to become a firefighter because I think that it is one of the best and most rewarding careers in the world.” He recognizes that a firefighter can change a person’s day for the better and maybe even save a life. He loves the brotherhood and sisterhood bond of firefighters and looks forward to being part of that group.

Huth has maintained a 3.2 grade point average while volunteering in the community. He is a volunteer firefighter for the city of Bascom. He assists with annual community festivals, Bascom Lion’s Club dinners and is a regular blood donor. He volunteers at his local school helping to repair the baseball field fences and building new dugouts. After graduation, he hopes to work at a local fire department as a full-time firefighter and paramedic.

OWENS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

Posted on April 27th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 27, 2016 – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen seven area residents to receive the 13th annual Outstanding Service Awards for their tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s communities. The recipients will be honored as part of a community celebration Friday, April 29 in the Audio Visual Classroom Center, rooms 121-128 on Owens Toledo-area Campus beginning at 8 a.m.

Award recipients are Ken Reno, Jeffrey Martin, Tim Stecker, Fred Genzman, John Kersker, Krystal Sellers-Kominek and David Miller.

“The Outstanding Service Awards are a way for the Owens’ Alumni Association to honor and thank Northwest Ohio’s safety forces for their service to our region, state and country,” said Walt Celley, president, Owens Alumni Association.

This year’s awards are presented within the categories of Outstanding Police and Service to Community. Selection criterion is based upon a nomination process for candidates demonstrating exceptional service related to dedication, ingenuity, bravery, special skills and/or community service over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient and can be a group honor where teamwork was a key element.

The recipients of the Outstanding Police Award are Ken Reno of Curtice (sergeant, Oregon Police Division), Jeffrey Martin of Northwood (sergeant, Oregon Police Division), Tim Stecker of Oregon (patrolman, Oregon Police Division), Fred Genzman of Northwood (sergeant, Northwood Police Department) John Kersker of Perrysburg (patrolman, Northwood Police Department), and Krystal Sellers-Kominek of Maumee (patrolman, Northwood Police Department).

These officers were nominated by Paul Magdich, assistant chief, Oregon Police Division, for their quick, decisive and heroic actions in taking three dangerous individuals off the streets.

The event took place in the early morning of Friday, December 18, 2015, when Oregon police officers were dispatched to a restaurant on Navarre Avenue. Initial reports indicated that two men and a woman had assaulted another male patron. The victim had been pistol-whipped and at least one round fired into the air. The trio then retreated to a nearby hotel.

As officers were preparing to enter the hotel, Sergeant Reno observed a vehicle, with no lights on, speeding away. He alerted the other officers and quickly pursued the vehicle and upon arrival, it appeared as though the driver was about to surrender. However, as Sergeant Reno began to give verbal orders, the vehicle sped away and the pursuit continued.

Northwood police officers joined the Oregon units in the pursuit of the vehicle as it entered Northwood. At one point, Sergeant Reno lost sight of the vehicle in a quiet Northwood neighborhood. A witness alerted dispatch of the suspects’ possible location and then dispatch advised the units that Northwood officers were in foot pursuit of a suspect.

Sergeant Martin, and his dog, Grimm, responded and observed Sergeant Genzman chasing one of the suspects on foot. He joined the pursuit and when the suspect failed to comply, he released Grimm to assist in the capture. Oregon Patrolman Stecker, Sergeant Reno, as well as Northwood Patrolmen Kersker and Sellers-Kominek converged on the area and the suspect gave himself up.

Unaware at the time, the officers were standing near a vehicle, backed into a residential drive, which was occupied by the other two suspects. As Officer Stecker leaned forward to adjust his spotlight on the suspect being taken into custody, he narrowly escaped a bullet, fired from the 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun from the other male suspect just yards away. The female suspect stepped out from the rear of the vehicle and also began firing a handgun at officers.

Northwood and Oregon officers engaged the suspects in a brief gun battle. The officers showed tremendous weapon discipline and quickly diffused the threat. Thankfully, no officers were injured during the pursuit and subsequent gun battle. The female suspect received a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her injury was determined not to be caused by the police officers. The male suspect had a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken into custody.

The recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Community Award is David Miller of Woodville (2^nd assistant chief, Woodville Township Fire Department).

William Andrews, chief, Woodville Township Fire Department, nominated Miller for his willingness help when needed.

Miller joined the Woodville Township Fire Department on April 30, 1999, and has worked his way up through the ranks to his current position. He is one of the most active members of the department as demonstrated in the end-of-the-year staff reports. He consistently is the first to volunteer for a project, often stepping up as committee chairman, ensuring project completion and success.

He survived a major vehicle accident when he was younger that may have prohibited many people from doing what he does today. He has also survived cancer and heart failure, pushing through treatments while remaining active. Even a torn meniscus did not stop him from standing nine hours, flipping pancakes at a recent pancake breakfast fundraiser.

The Terry Farrell Firefighter Fund was established in memory of a New York firefighter that died in the World Trade Towers on September 11, 2001, to financially help struggling firefighters and fire departments. When the Northwest Ohio Chapter was about to dissolve, Miller and his wife stepped up to keep the chapter going. They are active in promoting the organization and assisting with vital fundraising events. This organization benefits fire service nationally and shows the character and dedication he has to fire service as a whole.

Miller is also the Vice President of the Sandusky County Firefighters Association and rarely misses a meeting or activity. He has been very active in the Ottawa County Fair with his daughters and their 4-H projects.

His dedication and willingness to help when needed makes him a valuable asset to the Woodville Township Fire Department, the community and those he serves. He goes above and beyond fire service, showing character and commitment in all that he does.

Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club to Host Annual Spring Plant Sale

Posted on April 19th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 19, 2016 – Area residents seeking to add some new life and color to their gardens and yards this spring are encouraged to attend the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club’s annual Spring Plant Sale at Owens Community College on Thursday April 28.

The plant sale will be held from 10:00 am till 6:00pm. next to the greenhouse, which is near the entrance to the Owens Math/Science Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The sale will feature as assortment of potted Herbs, Annuals, as well as shrubs and rare, unusual trees. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

According to Chris Foley, Owens Associate Professor of Science, the student organization is excited to once again offer individuals the opportunity to purchase select trees, shrubs and annuals at competitive prices for the upcoming spring planting season.

“The annual spring plant sale also provides our students with the unique opportunity to showcase their talents to the general public and the campus community. Annual plants will be in the form of assorted 3.5” and 5” pots, assorted hanging baskets, and a wide variety of combination planters filled with beautiful blooming plants,” added Foley. “The annuals were all grown by students in the Greenhouse Management classes in our greenhouse.” Prices for the annuals will vary, based on sizes, but will competitive.

Shrubs on hand will include assorted hydrangeas, hardy shrub roses, Fothergilla, and many others. Shrubs will range in price from $18.00 to $25.00. Several rare and unusual trees will also be available, including the Japanese stewartia, Carolina Silverbell, and many grafted Japanese maples and dogwoods, as well as many others. Tree prices will range from $20.00 to $80.00 The Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club will also sell perennials, including select hostas and daylilies. A complete listing of the available plants with their prices is available online at www.owens.edu/direct/plantsale.pdf.

All proceeds from the plant sale will help in supporting the organization’s participation in the annual NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) National Collegiate Landscape Competition, which is a national horticultural and landscape competition involving over 65 colleges and universities from across the country.

The College’s Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club was founded in 2005 with the mission of fostering stronger bonds among students majoring in the Landscape and Turfgrass Management program. Among the organization’s main initiatives is creating a network between alumni and current students to help in assisting individuals pursue careers within the Green Industry and its related horticulture industries. The group also hosts fundraisers to support club outreach activities in the surrounding communities.

For more information about the Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club plant sale, email Chris Foley at Christopher_foley@owens.edu.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO HOST COMMUNITY EVENTS IN APRIL

Posted on March 30th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will host the following community events in April:

Owens Community Engagement Fair
Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus, 30335 Oregon Road, will host a Community Engagement Fair Tuesday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Heritage Hall 123. Over 25 community partners will be present to share information about their organizations and how members of the community can assist local organizations by volunteering. For more information, please contact Krista Kiessling at 567-661-2275 or krista_kiessling@owens.edu.

Owens Spring Musical Production, ‘Next to Normal’
Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Next to Normal” tells the story of an American family dealing with the effects of mental illness. This musical produces thought-provoking questions about illness, coping and survival. The production will play April 8,9,15,16 at 7:30 p.m. and April 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Owens Toledo-area Campus Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre, 30335 Oregon Road. For more information, please visit www.owens.edu/fpa/cfpa or call 567-661-2798.

Domestic Violence Awareness
The Student Nurses Association (SNA) is hosting a seminar to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault Tuesday, April 12, 12-1 p.m. in the EC Conference room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus, 3200 Bright Road. Speakers include Owens mental health staff members, Findlay Police Department detectives, and more. SNA will also be selling NoMore.org shirts April 11 and 12 in the Findlay-area Campus atrium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An Elegant Irish Evening
Community members are invited to join Owens for a fundraising dinner to support the Owens Community College Student Culinary Association, Friday, April 22 at the Terrace View Café. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Cost is $30 per person and there will be a cash bar. Payment accepted at the door (cash or check only). For more information, please call 567-661-7280.

Administrative Professionals’ Conference
Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus will host an Administrative Professionals’ Conference Friday, April 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Findlay Country Club, 1500 Country Club Drive. Cost is $25 per person and $5 for Owens students. The registration deadline is April 6. For more information, please visit www.owens.edu/apc.

OWENS TO HOST TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES CAREER FAIR

Posted on March 3rd, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, March 3, 2016 – Owens Community College will host the 2016 Career Fair for transportation technology industries Wednesday, March 16 in the Transportation Technologies building on Owens’ Toledo-area Campus, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg.

The career fair will be broken out into two different sessions. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. focused toward high school students and the second from 4 to 7 p.m. for a general audience. However, members of the community are welcome to attend either session.

Students and community members will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the automotive, diesel heavy truck, agricultural equipment, construction equipment and collision industries. Industry representatives will be searching for employees to fill current positions as well as students looking for paid internships in conjunction with Owens.

Interested attendees should bring a resume and high school portfolio/transcripts and be prepared to speak to potential employers and/or Owens personnel regarding internship programs starting in fall 2016.

In addition, Owens faculty and staff from the College’s Transportation Technologies department will be available to answer questions for those interested in careers as automotive, diesel, auto collision repair, agricultural equipment and construction equipment technicians. Owens’ Transportation Technologies currently offers seven degrees and four certificate programs

For more information, please visit www.owens.edu or call 567-661-7388 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7388.

Owens Community College Issues Statement on Higher Education Reform

Posted on February 22nd, 2016

On behalf of Owens Community College, President Mike Bower, Ph.D. issues the following statement:

Owens Community College is fully supportive of initiatives that will keep higher education and workforce training affordable and I am encouraged by the reforms that were proposed by Governor Kasich. Reforms that will help Owens prepare a strong workforce, increase two- and four-year degrees, and maintain affordable access to education are important to the success of our students.”

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO HOST GREEN INDUSTRY CAREER AND JOB FAIR

Posted on February 22nd, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 22, 2016 – Area residents and students with career aspirations in a green industry-related field are invited to learn about and explore various seasonal employment opportunities available throughout the region as Owens Community College hosts a Green Industry Career and Job Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The Green Industry Career and Job Fair will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-127 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Throughout the event, individuals can meet with local green industry representatives and ask them questions about their professions or how to go about choosing a career path in the green industry field. In addition, attendees will be able to fill out applications for various seasonal employment opportunities.

Owens students and area residents attending the event are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume and to dress professionally in preparation for any impromptu interviews.

Approximately 15 area employers within such areas as landscape, golf course, small-scale farm, gardens/arboretums and garden centers will be in attendance. Employers will be looking to hire employees for the up coming 2016 season.

In addition, Owens will have information available for individuals interested in pursuing a college education. Owens offers a wide variety of academic programs through the College’s Department of Science specific to the natural sciences areas of Landscape and Turfgrass Management.

For more information about the Green Industry Career and Job Fair, call (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

OWENS’ NURSING PROGRAMS RECEIVE FIVE-YEAR APPROVAL FROM OHIO BOARD OF NURSING

Posted on February 18th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 18, 2016 – Owens Community College recently received official notice from the State of Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) that the nursing programs have been granted full approval for a period of five years.

“We are very proud of this accomplishment and it means a lot to our faculty and students,” said Cathy Ford, M.Ed., R.T., interim dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Receiving approval for five years shows we are meeting the states high standards and we offer a top program in northwest Ohio.

Owens nursing students who have taken the National Council Licensing Exam for registered and practical nursing (NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN) have traditionally had high passage rates. For example, during 2015, 139 students who took the NCLEX-RN and passed on the first attempt, resulted in a pass rate of 95.86 percent and 22 students who took the NCLEX-PN passed on the first attempt, resulting in a pass rate of 100 percent. Both pass rates exceed the national and state passage rates.

This is the fourth year in a row the students taking the NCLEX-PN have earned a 100 percent pass rate.

“We are extremely proud of the students from our nursing program,” said Irene Jones, MSN, RN, chair, Nursing Department. “Their passage rates speak volumes to the high quality of nurses that are being sent out into our community.”

Owens’ nursing programs are accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League Nursing Accreditation Commission (NCLNAC), through spring 2018.

For additional information about the College’s nursing programs, please call 4567-661-7338 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7338 or visit www.owens.edu/sonhp.

LT. COL. DAVE GROSSMAN TO PROVIDE TRAINING SESSION, ‘BULLET PROOF THE MIND’

Posted on February 16th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 16, 2016 – Owens Community College is pleased to welcome Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, M.Ed., Us. Army (Ret.) a leading law enforcement trainer and Pulitzer nominated author, Tuesday, March 15, 9 a.m. – 3p.m. in the Audio Visual Classroom Center, rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus.

Lt. Col. Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. He’s a member of the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security and American College of Forensic Examiners Institute.

Col. Grossman is a former West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ranger who has combined his experiences to become the founder of a new field of scientific endeavor, which has been termed “killology.” In this new field, Col. Grossman has made revolutionary new contributions to our understanding of killing in war, the psychological costs of war, the root causes of the current “virus” of violent crime that is raging around the world, and the process of healing the victims of violence, in war and peace.

He has authored nearly a dozen books, including “On Killing”, which is required reading at the FBI academy. He also has contributed to journals and periodicals, penned forewords, and written scholarly reference works. He has been an expert witness and consultant in state and Federal courts, to include serving on the prosecution team in UNITED STATES vs. TIMOTHY MCVEIGH.

Col. Grossman is an Airborne Ranger infantry officer, and a prior-service sergeant and paratrooper, with a total of more than 23 years’ experience in leading U.S. soldiers worldwide. He retired from the Army in February 1998 and has devoted himself to teaching, writing, speaking, and research. Today he is the director of the Killology Research Group, and in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks he is on the road almost 300 days a year, training elite military and law enforcement organizations worldwide about the reality of combat.

Registration is $35. For more information and to register, please visit www.owens.edu/bulletproof or call 567-661-7357.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS

Posted on February 4th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2016 – Owens Community College recently welcomed Tonya Rider, a detective with the Toledo Police Department and Michael McAlear, president and CEO of Service Spring Corporation as the newest members of the Board of Trustees.

“We are honored to welcome two outstanding and hard-working community leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Mike Bower, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “We look forward to their positive contribution on the future of Owens.”

Since January 2013, Rider has served as a detective in the Crimes Against Persons Unit. In her 26-year law enforcement career she has gained experience dealing with robbery, homicide, child and adult sexual exploitation, theft and fraud investigation, and Internet safety. She is a State-Certified Unit Instructor in the Ohio Peace Officer Training Program through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. She currently serves on the Toledo Police Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.

Rider earned her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, graduating with honors in 2003 and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007 both from Lourdes College. She earned her Master of Organizational Leadership in 2011 from Lourdes University.

McAlear began his career in 1978 working for his family’s business started by his grandfather, Service Springs Corporation (SSC). In 1994, at the age of 33, he became president of SSC and in 2005 he became CEO. Since early in his career, McAlear has been involved in the community serving as a member of several local and regional boards. He currently serves on the local boards of ProMedica Bay Park Hospital and the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio.

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems in 1982 and his Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1990 both from the University of Toledo. He is also a graduate of the Ohio Peace Officer Academy, he assists the Wood County Ohio Sheriff’s Office as an Auxiliary Deputy and also Steuben County, Indiana as a Reserve Marine Deputy.

“It’s exciting to have a full nine member Board of Trustees committed to making positive contributions to Owens and to the educational future of students,” said Bower.

For more information on Owens’ Board of Trustees, please visit www.owens.edu/trustees.

CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE DENTAL SERVICES DURING ANNUAL GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY AT OWENS

Posted on January 29th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2016 – Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children ages six months to 18 years with limited or no access to care. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic located on the second floor of the Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, dedicated to focusing attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children. Held each February in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month, Give Kids A Smile Day provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to children from low-income families across the country.

“Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is excited to once again participate in such a worthwhile endeavor and provide dental services to individuals in need,” said Beth Tronolone, Owens chair of Dental Hygiene. “Give Kids A Smile Day is also a wonderful opportunity to raise the importance and awareness of preventive dental care such as flossing, brushing and regular dental visits. Our goal is give each attendee a positive dental experience and help them feel comfortable smiling again.”

Owens Dental Hygiene second-year students, faculty and alumni, and area dentists will be conducting dental services, which will include dental education and screening, X-rays, oral prophylaxis (cleanings), limited restorations and dental sealants. In addition, first-year students from the health program will provide educational presentations for parents and children.

Owens’ program also offers dental services to area residents through its Dental Hygiene Clinic. The 20-chair clinic is staffed by dental hygiene students and supervised by licensed dental professionals at Owens, and appointments are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $30 fee.

Individuals interested in receiving free dental service are encouraged to contact the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic at (567) 661-7294 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7294. Appointment reservations must be made prior to the event.

OWENS RECEIVES $5,000 FROM DELTA DENTAL FOUNDATION TO IMPROVE ORAL HEALTH IN TOLEDO

Posted on January 15th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Jan. 15, 2016 – Owens Community College recently received $5,000 grant from Delta Dental Foundation to help purchase a mobile dental chair and dental unit for students to take to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers to provide dental cleanings to residents.

The Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Program is designed to prepare graduates for positions in private dental offices, hospitals, managed care facilities, federal, state and municipal health departments and correctional institutions. Emphasis is placed on the relation between prevention, education, the clinical phases of dental hygiene and basic and social sciences. Hands-on clinical experience allows the students to treat a variety of patients: pediatric to geriatric including medically compromised and special needs.

“Many elderly people experience significant barriers to receiving necessary dental care,” said Beth Tronolone, RDH, director of Owens’ Dental Hygiene Program. “This grant will allow students not only to experience caring for these individuals, but also experience planning the community project and identifying the patients needs and providing the necessary care and referral for the patients.”

The Delta Dental Foundation is focused on ensuring that children and adults in Ohio receive high-quality oral health education and high-quality dental care. Through its Brighter Futures initiative, Delta Dental is committed to improving people’s oral and overall health and well-being through advocacy, education and philanthropy.

“We are proud to recognize the work being done by Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Program by selecting it as one of our grant recipients,” said Teri Battaglieri, Delta Dental Foundation director. “By increasing access to dental care, we can help improve the oral and overall health and well-being of children and adults by preventing serious health issues down the road.”

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The foundation’s goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science, and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For more information, visit www.deltadentaloh.com.