News Releases

60/60 Program Leads to Lourdes College B.A. For Owens Community College A.A.S. Health Science Students

Posted on July 19th, 2006

Lourdes College and Owens Community College are setting a new precedent within higher education by announcing a collaboration that would allow students accepted into one of four health science programs at Owens to also earn a baccalaureate degree at Lourdes while waiting for a clinical seat.

The program, known as 60/60, allows students pursuing Associate of Applied Science degrees in health information technology, occupational therapy assistant, radiography, or the surgical program at Owens to build on the credit hours they will earn to pursue a Bachelor of Arts – interdisciplinary studies degree at Lourdes College.

“Owens Community College is honored to partner with Lourdes College and open new doors for students by providing greater access to higher education,” said Christa Adams, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “We welcome this collaborative initiative with open arms and embrace the alignment of our educational philosophies.”

President Adams added, “This partnership represents a pioneering model between two- and four-year academic institutions and serves the health care community by creating a seamless pathway for students to achieve their educational goals.”

“With the 60/60 Program, Owens and Lourdes are working together to help students make the most of their investment of time, as well as money,” adds Dr. Robert C. Helmer, president of Lourdes College. “The health science students enrolling in this program will benefit from the solid technical education for which Owens is well-known, and from the values-based liberal arts education available at Lourdes, without having to finish one degree before beginning another.”

The Bachelor of Arts – interdisciplinary studies at Lourdes offers concentrations in allied health, business studies, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. With the help of their academic advisor, students pursuing the interdisciplinary studies select classes from at least two different departments totaling 30 semester hours and complete a capstone project to earn the baccalaureate degree.

Students entering the new 60/60 Program, which begins Fall 2006, will be required to earn a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework from each institution to simultaneously obtain an associate degree from Owens, and a baccalaureate degree from Lourdes. Students may begin their academic coursework at either institution. However, the student must be accepted into one of the four health science programs at Owens in order to meet Lourdes admissions criteria for this unique program. While waiting for their clinical seats, students may begin pursuing coursework at Lourdes toward their baccalaureate degree.

An admissions representative from Lourdes will be based at the Owens Toledo-area Campus to assist students through the registration process.

In addition to the new joint venture, Lourdes College and Owens Community College also have a long-standing collaboration enabling students in the Owens registered nursing program to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Lourdes through an articulation agreement.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Located in Sylvania, Ohio, and rooted in the Franciscan tradition, Lourdes College offers baccalaureate degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Nursing, and Professional Studies including business, education, leadership studies, and social work. Lourdes also offers graduate degrees in Education and Organizational Leadership. Lourdes is a private college offering a distinctive educational experience at an affordable price, giving our graduates a lifetime of opportunities.

Owens Community College Introduces New Massage Therapy Associate Degree Program

Posted on July 18th, 2006

Owens Community College is expanding its School of Health Sciences academic curriculum by announcing the creation of a new massage therapy associate degree program. Beginning Fall Semester 2006, the new academic program will be offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

The new two-year associate degree program recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents.

“The need for highly skilled and trained massage therapists is growing as a result of medical personnel and the general public recognizing the value and importance of massage therapy to health living,” said Beth Ann Hatkevich, Owens chair of the occupational therapy assistant and massage therapy. “The College’s School of Health Sciences sees the establishing of a new massage therapy associate degree program as an opportunity to meet Northwest Ohio’s health care demands by educating future massage therapy professionals.”

The new associate degree requires 68 credit hours of coursework, which includes learning about the history of medical massage, scope of practice, professional ethics, business practices, specific hands-on mobilization techniques, various massage techniques and the anatomy and physiology of the human body as it relates to the practice of massage therapy.

Owens’ program is designed to prepare highly competent massage therapists for service delivery in rehabilitation and pain management centers, as well as hospitals, palliative care and hospice centers. Graduates will also have the opportunity to work in geriatric massage and nursing homes, chiropractic offices, health and wellness centers, and corporate-industrial wellness programs, among other health-related locations.

“A career within massage therapy isn’t limited to full-time work for a private company or an organization,” explained Hatkevich. “Many massage therapists choose to establish their own private practice in-home, allowing for more flexibility in balancing life outside of work.”

In addition to the new two-year associate degree, the School of Health Sciences offers a recently established certificate program in massage therapy. The 13-month program is offered twice per academic year and designed to prepare highly competent massage therapists for service delivery in variety health-related settings.

For additional information about Owens’ new massage therapy associate degree, call (567) 661-7175 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7175. Fall Semester classes begin on August 21.

Owens Community College Express Baseball Holds Open Tryouts, Aug. 7-10

Posted on July 17th, 2006

Prospective high schools graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s baseball are invited to open tryouts at Owens Community College, Aug. 7-10.

The open tryouts begin at 4 p.m. each day and will be held at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

The men’s baseball program, led head coach Bob Schultz, finished the 2006 campaign with a 32-21 overall record and an 11-9 mark (third place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Macomb Community College.

Scholarships are still available. Owens Express players must be high school graduates and should bring their own equipment. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Vice President Named to Owens Foundation Board of Directors

Posted on July 13th, 2006

James H. Geers

Owens Community College has named James H. Geers, vice president of global human resources at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in Findlay, to serve on the Board of Directors for the Owens Community College Foundation. The College’s Foundation Board of Directors approved the new appointment during a recent quarterly meeting.

Geers is one of 22 leaders within the government, business and industry communities comprising the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $1.9 million in assets.

The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is cultivating gift initiatives by targeting successful alumni, business and industry members who are committed to investing and supporting the educational needs of current and future Owens students. The Foundation’s focus allows Owens to continue offering affordable tuition, ensuring the College’s academic position as the best investment in Northwest Ohio. The Owens Foundation has awarded over $972,000 in scholarships and program support since incorporation in 2002.

During his 38 years at Cooper, Geers has held positions in industrial engineering, as manager of industrial relations for Cooper’s Findlay and Texarkana plants and as director of industrial relations for the corporation before being named a corporate vice president responsible for global human resources.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Geers’ professional and community involvement includes serving on the board of the Blanchard Valley Health Association and membership with the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s Human Resource Committee.

Geers attended the University of Findlay majoring in management and economics and completed the advanced management program at Bowling Green State University. He resides in Findlay.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Expands Weekend Offerings in Business and Information Technology

Posted on July 11th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College will soon afford area residents the opportunity to begin and end their college education entirely through weekend courses as the Findlay-area Campus School of Business and Information Technology expands its weekend offerings to include three certificate programs. Starting Fall Semester 2006, students will be able to enroll in the first-ever weekend certificate programs in basic supervision, real estate and network and systems security.

“The Owens Findlay-area Campus is very excited to supplement our current weekend classes with these three certificate programs and provide students with alternative ways to pursue a college education,” said Brent Wickham, Owens chair of business and information technology on the Findlay-area Campus. “Expanding the Findlay-area Campus’ weekend education will open new doors for individuals to achieve their career aspirations through greater accessibility to academic options.”

Owens’ certificate program in basic supervision will require six credit hours of coursework, which includes classes in leadership, business professionalism and developing communication skills. The academic curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of supervisory practices and procedures as a new or continuing first-level supervisor.

Also offered on the weekends will be courses designed to prepare students for the real estate exam upon successful completion. The real estate certificate program requires 20 credit hours and includes coursework in real estate law, real estate finance and appraisal, personal selling and business professionalism.

The network and systems security certificate program on the Findlay-area Campus requires 12 credit hours of coursework within the areas of cyber crime and information security, network security concepts, advanced network security concepts and fundamentals of Internet security. The weekend program will provide knowledge and insight into the roles and responsibilities of a network security professional.

According to Wickham, courses in each of the weekend certificate programs will apply toward associate degrees within the specific concentration areas. “Depending upon the certificate, individuals can also choose to complete their coursework in a shorter period of time as part of the College’s fast-track program,” he explained.

The Findlay area-Campus’ School of Business and Information Technology currently offers 15 courses as part of its weekend academic curriculum. In addition to the School of Business and Information Technology weekend opportunities, the College has made available more than 90 classes to students in the areas of history, chemistry, English and physics, among other academic curriculum selections.

For additional information about the Owens Findlay-area Campus weekend certificate program offerings, call (567) 429-3500 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3500. Fall Semester weekend classes begin on August 26.

Owens Community College Professor Receives National Business Education Teaching Award

Posted on July 10th, 2006

Owens Community College professor of office administration Dr. Rose Marie Kuceyeski has been chosen by the National Business Education Association (NBEA) to receive the Postsecondary Business Teacher of the Year Award among academic institutions nationwide. The national award recognizes outstanding contributions to business education by postsecondary business educators.

Kuceyeski was the College’s first-ever recipient of the Postsecondary Business Teacher of the Year Award. The honor was announced as part of the annual NBEA conference in Tampa, Fla.

“Rose Marie is an exceptional educator whose passion and enthusiasm for teaching is unmatched,” said Myrna DeAustria, Owens dean of business and information technology. “As a result, she is constantly on the cutting edge of incorporating technology in the classroom and developing new academic curricula for business students, ensuring that they receive a college education that reflects today’s most current trends and standards. Rose Marie is a visionary who leads by example and is very deserving of this honor.”

Selection criteria for the NBEA Postsecondary Business Teacher of the Year Award is based upon contributions to business education through teaching within the classroom, curriculum development initiatives, involvement in professional organizations and activism at their respective academic institutions.

NBEA, based in Reston, Va., is the nation’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to serving individuals and groups engaged in instruction, administration, research and dissemination of information for and about business. The organization is committed to ensuring that business education competencies are recognized as essential for all individuals in today’s fast-changing society.

Kuceyeski joined the College’s faculty in 1985. She currently is responsible for teaching a variety of courses within information technology, such as administrative office management, computer concepts and applications, office procedures and keyboarding, among others.

Recognized by her colleagues as an expert in word processing and a creative pioneer in alternative learning modalities, Kuceyeski was the first Owens faculty member to develop and facilitate online courses in computer applications and integration, enabling students to pursue a college education at their own convenience.

Additionally, she has introduced courses utilizing new technologies in voice recognition, presentation management and intercultural simulations. For students who want to become home-based entrepreneurs, she was instrumental in developing the academic curriculum for the administrative virtual assistant certificate program.

Her professional and community involvement includes serving as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association and membership on the Association of Collegiate Business Schools Programs (ACBSP), the National Business Education Association and the American Society for Training and Development. Additionally, she is a former president and committee chair of the OBTA-Association for Business Technology Educators.

Kuceyeski has received several honors during her distinguished career, including the Owens President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award for exemplary dedication and service to higher education. She also was recognized with the Postsecondary Teacher of the Year Distinguished Service Award from the North Central Business Education Association, the Association for Collegiate Business Schools Program Region 4 (ACBSP) Postsecondary Teaching Excellence Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award in Business Education from Bowling Green State University.

A resident of Perrysburg, Kuceyeski earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Malone College. She also holds a master’s degree in business education from Bowling Green State University and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instructional media from the University of Toledo.

Owens Community College Express Honors Baseball, Golf and Softball Programs

Posted on July 7th, 2006

Owens Community College recently honored its spring athletic programs for displaying excellence during intercollegiate competition. Student-athletes participating in baseball, golf and softball were recognized for their athletic achievements.

Express men’s golf this past year completed its first season as an Owens athletic program. Led by head coach Jim Welling, the Express made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing 14th in the tournament. Owens captured six match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional. The program earned its trip to the nationals by defeating Oakland Community College 16-17 in a sudden-victory playoff in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The Owens women’s softball program finished with a 39-11 overall record and captured its second consecutive OCCAC regular season championship with a 16-0 mark. Led by head coach Duane Lanham, Owens’ program advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Lansing Community College. Lanham’s squad was ranked as high as No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II women’s softball poll.

Men’s baseball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Austin Taylor of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Drew Linder of Bellevue (Bellevue H.S.)
Coaches Award – Ross Graham of Oregon (Clay H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Team – Austin Taylor, Ross Graham and Mike Ramlow of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Mike Ramlow

Owens Express men’s baseball team members also were Peter Seitz of Naples, Fla. (Naples H.S.), Brett Tscherne of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Adam Blachuta of Wayne (Elmwood H.S.), Thomas Arvay of Toledo (Start H.S.), Brandon Best of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Wes Blank of Millbury (Lake H.S.), Jeremy Sheeks of Tontogany (Otsego H.S.), Joshua Barton of Toledo (Bowsher H.S.), Dylan Hefflinger of Defiance (Defiance H.S.), Andy Bean of Hebron (Lakewood H.S.), Chris Feix of Mansfield (Ontario H.S.), Jimmy Johnson of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Steve Weigle of Naples, Fla. (Naples H.S.), TJ Willison of Defiance (Defiance H.S.), Jordan Schultz of Defiance (Defiance H.S.), Scott Conley of Millbury (Lake H.S.), Josh Converse of Novi, Mich. (Franklin Road H.S.) and Josh Pheils of Rossford, pitcher (Rossford H.S.).

Men’s golf awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Blake Tucker of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Ryan Brown of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
Coaches Award – Michael Guerrero of Toledo (Start H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Blake Tucker and Ryan Brown

Men’s golf team members also included Brian Bowker of Van Buren (Van Buren H.S.), Aaron Whitlow of Toledo (Toledo Christian H.S.), Josh Williams of Fostoria (Arcadia H.S.), Brian Roosenberg of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.) and Kyle Tracy of Toledo (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.).

Women’s softball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Kelli Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Danielle Stead of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)
Offensive Player of the Year – Kylie Zweifel of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Mackenzie Heban of Grand Rapids (Notre Dame Academy)
Coaches Award – Ashley Henney of Oregon (Clay H.S.)
Heart of a Champion Award – Kari Bockbrader of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Kylie Zweifel
OCCAC Pitcher of the Year – Kelli Short
OCCAC All-Conference Team – Kylie Zweifel, Kelli Short, Mackenzie Heban, Cortney Simmons of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Jessica Snyder of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Kylie Zweifel and Kelli Short
NJCAA Region XII All-Tournament Team – Kylie Zweifel and Kelli Short

Members of the Express women’s softball program also were Lindsay Guinn of Erie, Mich. (Mason H.S.), Monica Brinkman of Oregon (Notre Dame Academy), Allicia Lawrence of Fostoria (St. Wendelin H.S.), Katie Henry of Erie, Mich. (Mason H.S.), Paige Kingsborough of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Whitney Ondrus of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Kelly Acker of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Raquel Lehmann of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Tarah Dominique of Swanton (Swanton H.S.) and Sarah Borowske of Genoa (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Softball Holds Open Tryouts, July 17-18

Posted on July 6th, 2006

Prospective high schools graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate women’s softball are invited to open tryouts at Owens Community College, July 17-18.

The open tryouts begin at 5 p.m. both days and will be held at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Last season, the Express women’s softball program finished with a 39-11 overall record and captured its second consecutive OCCAC regular season championship with a 16-0 mark. Led by head coach Duane Lanham, Owens’ program advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Lansing Community College. Lanham’s squad was ranked as high as No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II women’s softball poll.

Owens Toledo-area Campus SIFE Team Honored For Local and International Community Outreach

Posted on July 6th, 2006

Owens Community College’s Toledo-area Campus Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team was recently honored for outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial excellence following regional competition in Cincinnati. The team received first runner-up and rookie of the year accolades among participating community colleges from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri.

A panel of approximately 15 judges determined the rankings based upon each team’s extraordinary commitment and dedication to its respective academic institution and area communities throughout the academic year. Only 30 teams were pre-selected out of 500 in the region.

“Achieving recognition at the regional level is credit to the hard work of this SIFE team and their passion for wanting to make a difference through educational outreach initiatives within the surrounding communities, and internationally,” said Andrew Timothy, Owens instructor of accounting and Toledo-area Campus SIFE team advisor. “I commend the students for representing Owens so well as a first-year student organization. They really wanted to make a lasting impact and certainly did so through their many activities.”

The national SIFE organization was founded in 1975 to provide college students with educational opportunities designed to enhance their leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Such educational opportunities are initiated by practicing the principles of market economics, business ethics, entrepreneurship and personal financial success through the implementation of various projects and SIFE-sponsored events. Currently, there are more than 1,800 SIFE organizations on college and university campuses in 40 countries.

“SIFE is a wonderful student experience,” said William Ash, Owens computer programming student and SIFE CEO. “It really feels good to make a positive impact and give back to the surrounding communities.”

Throughout the academic year, Owens’ SIFE team has participated in a variety of free enterprise and educational projects and events benefiting the community. This past year, the student organization was responsible for coordinating 24 service learning projects.

Highlighted endeavors included participating in a Honduras Microbank Project that provided funds, training and healthcare for underprivileged Hondurans through various entrepreneurial ventures. The student organization also attended the 2006 Uniendo Conference, which focused on humanitarian service efforts worldwide, in San Pedro Sula. As part of their trip, the Owens SIFE team arranged for the donation of an ambulance benefiting the local community.

In addition, the student group participated in several events related Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In partnership with several local groups, the SIFE team helped rebuild K-Bar-B Youth Ranch, an abused children’s center in Slidell, La., donated a bookmobile loaded with books and library supplies to the Grand Lake Branch Library in Cameron, La., and drove a brand new van to Slidell, which was then donated to the community’s Meals on Wheels program.

Owens SIFE team members included William Ash of Perrysburg (computer programming), Suzanne Bickford of Perrysburg (accounting), Andrey Bredyuk of Toledo (business management), Lily Ingraham of Bowling Green (associate of science, general concentration), Aarik Kimberlin of Toledo (international business), Jennifer Lewis of Genoa (business management), Dan Reyes-Cairo of Toledo (music performance), Eleni Timothy of Sylvania (occupational therapy assistant) and Sarah Timothy of Sylvania (physical therapist assistant).

Owens Recent Graduates Named to All-Ohio Academic Team

Posted on July 3rd, 2006

Three Owens Community College recent graduates have been named to the 2006 All-Ohio Academic Team in recognition of their scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments. The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society have selected Terrie Ball of Toledo, Natalie Chambers of Findlay and Regina Woodson of Toledo for third team honors.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of Terrie, Natalie and Regina and their selection to the All-Ohio Academic Team,” said Chuck Bohleke, Owens chair of business technologies and Phi Theta Kappa student advisor. “All three have excelled both academically and through service to the community, which is reflected in their educational achievements and volunteerism. These inductees are very deserving recipients and should be commended for their distinguished efforts.”

This past year only 47 students attending either a community, technical or junior college throughout Ohio were chosen to receive the honor. Established in 1994 by Phi Theta Kappa, the All-State Academic Team program was created to honor students exemplifying excellence in higher education. The program has been in existence in Ohio since 1997.

Selection criteria for the All-Ohio Academic Team is based upon recipients achieving a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA, exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities and distinguishing themselves through service to their respective college and within the community. Additionally, individuals must be nominated by their respective college president.

Terrie Ball Ball graduated in May from Owens with a 3.67 GPA and an associate’s degree in dietetics. While at the College, she participated in a number of activities including the campus’ Relay for Life event and served as secretary of the Owens Students Involved in Dietetics (OSID) Club. She also has been active in her community, participating in the Bedford Public Schools Parent-Teacher Association and volunteering time for anti-drug and red ribbon week events in area schools. Additionally, she worked as a builder for her family’s business, Pinnacle Construction in Temperance, Mich. This fall she will enroll in Eastern Michigan University’s registered dietician program.

Natalie Chambers Chambers also graduated in May from Owens and earned her associate’s degree in office administration. While attending the Findlay-area Campus, she was employed as a student worker in the Enrollment Services Office as an Ozone assistant, helping students access campus Internet services and answering questions at the information desk. In addition, Chambers, who achieved a 3.49 GPA, helped coordinate Owens’ participation with the Hancock County Relay for Life event and assisted with the Findlay-area Campus SIFE hurricane relief efforts. Her community involvement included working with children at the Findlay Family YMCA. Chambers is currently seeking a second associate’s degree pre-business administration at Owens.

Regina Woodson Woodson earned her associate’s degree in registered nursing and graduated from Owens in December with a 3.82 GPA. While a student at the College, she served as president of the Student Nursing Association and also earned a grant to help promote HIV education as part of a health sciences class. She also worked for the campus’ building and grounds department. Her community involvement included volunteering at Planned Parenthood, participating in a number of charity walks for leukemia, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and assisting with the Women’s Heart Advantage conference, hosted by Owens. She will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree in clinical nursing at Bowling Green State University this fall.

Owens Findlay-area Campus SIFE Team Earns Regional Accolades

Posted on June 30th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team was recently honored for outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial excellence following regional competition in Cleveland. The team earned second runner-up honors among five participating community colleges from Ohio and Pennsylvania.

A panel of approximately 15 judges determined the rankings based upon each SIFE team’s extraordinary commitment and dedication to its respective academic institution and area communities throughout the academic year. Only 20 teams were pre-selected to compete out of 500 throughout the region.

“Achieving recognition at the regional level is a direct reflection on the Owens SIFE team and their passion for wanting to make a difference within the surrounding communities through educational outreach initiatives,” said Tom Marshall, Owens professor of marketing and sales and Findlay-area Campus SIFE team advisor.

“SIFE is a wonderful student experience,” said Pete Macke, Owens business management student and SIFE CEO. “Although the team is proud of the regional accomplishment, we are more pleased that the organization is making an impact in the community.”

Highlighted endeavors included teaching nearly 90 fifth and sixth grade students at Findlay’s Washington Elementary School about the process of creating a business plan, marketing plan and mission statement through the concept of “Building a Better Airplane.” As part of the initiative, each student was responsible for creating, testing and marketing their own designed paper airplane.

In addition, the student group hosted a community-wide Veterans Day celebration to pay tribute to service men and women, and reached out to area residents by organizing a professional clothing drive, benefiting disadvantaged women in Findlay and the surrounding communities. Collected clothing was donated to residents of Findlay’s Hope House for the Homeless.

New projects this past academic year for the Findlay-area SIFE team included participation in “Hancock Saves,” which was a county-wide program that advised area residents on budgeting and saving money, and teaching resume, writing and computer skills to the homeless at the City Mission of Findlay.

Owens Findlay-area Campus SIFE team members included Zac Boehm of Dunkirk, Mich. (marketing and sales), April Coppus of Findlay (marketing and sales technology), Amy Flores of Findlay (marketing and sales), Andrea Kisseberth of Findlay (small business management), Pete Macke of Ottawa (business management), Phoxay Michaleun of Findlay (international business), Matt Myers of Findlay (business management), Aimee Newton of Findlay (biomedical electronics) and Tom Torrez of Findlay (real estate).

Owens Community College Hosts Detroit Pistons and Shock Camp, July 24-27

Posted on June 30th, 2006

Owens Community College will offer area basketball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as part of the Detroit Pistons and Shock 2006 Youth Basketball Training Camp, Monday-Thursday, July 24-27.

The youth basketball training camp runs from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“Owens Community College is proud to once again collaborate with the Detroit Pistons and Shock organization and host an exciting week of basketball for area youth throughout Northwest Ohio,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of student enrichment and athletics.

Camp instructors for the four-day event will include Detroit Pistons and Shock officials and players, Michigan college and high school coaches, and current and former collegiate basketball superstars. Youth in grades 1-11 will receive instruction on various basketball skills, highlighted by ball handling, passing, shooting, defense and rebounding. Additionally, participants will be evaluated on their skill level and compete in games and a variety of contests.

The registration fee for the camp is $169 per participant and space is limited.

During the past nine years more than 17,500 boys and girls have attended the Detroit Pistons and Shock Training Camp Tour occurring throughout Ohio and Michigan. For more information, call (567) 661-7973, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973 or (248) 377-8653.

Owens Community College, 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo Provide Free College Education

Posted on June 29th, 2006

Owens Community College, 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo are once again partnering to offer a unique scholarship contest, which will award free college education to two area residents. The scholarship contest will award a grand-prize winner one year of free tuition to Owens, while the individual who finishes in second place will receive one semester of free tuition.

“Owens Community College is proud to continue partnering with 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo and offer this life-changing opportunity for the Northwest Ohio community,” said Andy Woodard, Owens interim director of marketing. “This contest is possible due to the College’s continued efforts of building upon its community partnerships. Thanks to the support of 92.5 KISS-FM and FOX Toledo, two students will be able to experience a quality education at Owens Community College.”

Woodard added, “We look forward to a very successful campaign, affording two students the opportunity to fulfill their educational dreams.”

Individuals can enter the contest by logging onto www.owens.edu, www.925kissfm.com or www.foxtoledo.com clicking on “Ultimate Tuition Challenge 2” and correctly answering a series of three questions. Applicants also can enter by calling 92.5 KISS-FM when prompted during afternoon drive time. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 30.

Applicants answering all three questions correctly will be entered into a drawing in which 300 semifinalists will be chosen at random. Each individual’s name will be listed on www.owens.edu. To determine the grand-prize winner, five randomly selected semifinalists will then be chosen at the quiz bowl finals scheduled for Thursday, August 10. The quiz bowl finals will occur from 3-6 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. Portions of the event will be broadcast live by 92.5 KISS-FM.

One grand-prize winner will be awarded one year of free tuition to Owens, while the individual finishing in second place will receive one semester of free tuition. All five finalists will receive a $100 gift certificate to the College’s Bookstore. The contest is open to Ohio and Michigan residents 16 years of age or older.

Owens this past year provided more than $46.8 million in grants, scholarships, loans and federal work study to support the educational needs of students. Recently, the Owens Community College Foundation awarded scholarships in the amount of $84,400 to students exemplifying academic excellence and leadership.

Free ESOL Courses Offered During Summer Months at Owens Findlay-area Campus

Posted on June 28th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents wanting to expand their English skills are encouraged to sign up for the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus. The free course is offered throughout the summer months.

Classes are held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the College’s Findlay-area Campus on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College is proud to provide Northwest Ohio residents with educational opportunities to develop their English skills,” said Phil Paskvan, Owens part-time Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) instructional coordinator. “The course will enable participants to further their educational and career aspirations, or simply improve their day-to-day conversational skills.”

Any person seeking to improve their command of English is welcome to attend an ESOL course. Owens’ classes are comprehensive and will cover listening, speaking, reading and writing. Participants will develop skills and vocabulary in such practical areas as shopping, school, work and social settings. Additionally, there will be opportunities to ask questions about American culture in a friendly and personal adult classroom atmosphere.

Enrollment in the course is free and available to individuals over the age of 18. For more information or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Free ESOL Courses Offered During Summer Months at Owens Workforce and Community Services

Posted on June 28th, 2006

Area residents wanting to expand their English skills are encouraged to sign up for the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at Owens Community College’s Toledo-area Campus. The free course is offered throughout the summer months.

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the College’s Workforce and Community Services on Tracy Road in Northwood.

Enrollment in the course is free and available to individuals over the age of 18. For more information or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Community College Professor Receives Distinguished International Teaching Excellence Award

Posted on June 27th, 2006

Owens Community College professor of Business Management Gretchen Carroll, J.D., has been chosen by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to receive the distinguished International Teaching Excellence Award among associate degree institutions in North America. The award recognizes exemplary contributions and dedication to the teaching profession.

Carroll, who was one of eight regional award winners, was the College’s first-ever recipient of the International Teaching Excellence Award. The international honor was recently announced as part of the annual ACBSP conference in Chicago.

The ACBSP International Teaching Excellence Award honors business faculty in higher education who are outstanding teachers as recognized by students, peers, administrators, alumni and business representatives. Carroll, who was honored as the Great Lakes Council (Region 4) recipient, was one of only eight individuals nationwide to receive the regional award. States within the Great Lakes Council include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian Province of Ontario.

“Gretchen can be described as the essence of teaching excellence,” said Myrna Howells-DeAustria, Owens dean of the School of Business and Information Technology. “Her boundless energy for teaching and innovative methods of instruction has led to her being viewed as a highly valued leader within Owens’ learning community. Gretchen is very deserving of this honor.”

Selection criteria for the ACBSP International Teaching Excellence Award is based upon an instructor’s teaching methods within the classroom, curriculum development, professional development, institutional versatility and commitment to the community.

Founded in 1988, ACBSP is the premier accreditation of business programs at the associate degree through graduate levels. The organization’s membership consists primarily of small to medium size colleges, universities and community colleges throughout the United States. Consisting of more than 400 membership institutions, ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education, which supports, celebrates and rewards teaching excellence. ACBSP encourages faculty involvement within the contemporary business world to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and to contribute to student learning.

Carroll has been a member of Owens’ faculty since 1995. In her current position as professor, she educates students in areas of the legal environment and real estate law, among others. Carroll also was instrumental in developing and designing Owens courses and curriculum for the College’s international business option program, which was one of the first of its kind among community colleges nationwide.

In addition to her duties as a professor, Carroll serves as a director for the Owens Leadership Academy, a role in which she develops and delivers leadership and supervisory training initiatives for fellow campus employees.

Carroll is also an avid enthusiast for professionalism, ethics and human resources/arbitration within the business and legal communities, presenting for such area organizations as the Toledo Leadership Academy, Toledo Public Schools and the Toledo Area Human Resource Association.

An advocate for internationalizing academic curriculum, Carroll has served as a facilitator and presenter for the International Business Institute at Michigan State University and has addressed the ACBSP Conference and faculty at academic institutions such as State University of New York. Additionally, she was a teaching assistant for the University of Toledo College of Law and currently is the mediator for Springfield Local Schools and the Lucas County Juvenile Court. Carroll is also a consultant for HR on Demand Inc.

The Sylvania resident earned a bachelor’s degree in RHIT/business from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Toledo. Carroll recently completed her juris doctor degree at the University of Toledo College of Law.

Owens Alumni Association Golf Outing Raises Over $43,800 in Support of Scholarships

Posted on June 26th, 2006

More than 100 area residents enjoyed a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni scholarship programs as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association held its fourth annual Golf Classic. The 31-team event raised over $43,800 to benefit scholarship endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has raised over $115,000 to support Owens students pursuing a college education and their career aspirations.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to once again host a community-wide event in which the proceeds benefit students pursuing a college education,” said Janet Meacham, Owens president of the Alumni Association. “The Golf Classic was a huge success and would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of Northwest Ohio’s business and industry, as well as Owens alumni. Their generous contributions will go along way in ensuring our students with opportunities for lifelong learning.”

Organized by the Owens Alumni Association’s Steering Committee, the golf outing was held at the historic Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event featured 18-holes of golf, lunch, cocktails/hors d’oeuvres and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsor was Sky Bank, while H.O.T. Graphic Services served as the print sponsor.

The championship team of the four-person scramble was sponsored by Bowers Asphalt and Paving Inc. in Walbridge. Team members included David Neely, Dan Connelly, Todd Sattler and Tom Skees.

Since opening its doors in 1965, Owens Community College has provided higher education to more than 250,000 students. Owens’ Alumni Association is committed to the personal and professional success of alumni and students through the ongoing development of value-added initiatives.

The College’s Alumni Association is open to all graduates or students who have successfully completed any credit or non-credit course at Owens. New members have the opportunity to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors or committees, utilize the Student Health and Activities Center, Common Computer labs, and Library services and attend a variety of social and networking events.

Owens Community College Express Golf Holds Open Tryouts, July 10

Posted on June 26th, 2006

Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate golf at Owens Community College are invited to an open tryout on Monday, July 10.

The open tryout begins at 7 a.m. and will be held at Maumee Bay State Park. The green fee is $11. Participants in the top 10 will advance to second round competition occurring at Belmont Country Club on Tuesday, July 11. Second round competition will begin at 2 p.m.

The golf program, led by head coach Jim Welling, this past year completed its first season as an Owens athletic program. The Express made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing 14th in the tournament. Owens captured six match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional. The program earned its trip to the nationals by defeating Oakland Community College 16-17 in a sudden-victory playoff in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Scholarships are available to both males and females. Owens Express players must be high school graduates. For more information on the open tryout, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Student-Athletes Named OCCAC Academic All-Conference

Posted on June 22nd, 2006

Sixteen Owens Community College student-athletes have received Academic All-Conference honors by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) in recognition of their scholarly achievements for the 2005-06 academic year.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of these student-athletes who have demonstrated both hard work and exceptional commitment to academic achievement,” said Jennifer Mann, Owens representative of Student Enrichment and Athletics. “Their success as scholars is a positive reflection on each athletic program and the dedication shown toward educational values.”

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving a minimum 3.30 grade point average.

Owens has been a member of the OCCAC for the past 19 years. The nine other member schools comprising the OCCAC are Clark State Community College, Cincinnati State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Edison State Community College, Lakeland Community College, Sinclair Community College, Southern State Community College and Terra Community College.

Student-athletes receiving Academic All-Conference honors include:

Bridget Buss of Toledo (marketing and sales), a Whitmer H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.79 GPA.

Kelli Fisher of Perrysburg (associate of arts, general concentration), a Perrysburg H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.52 GPA.

Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (health information technology), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.74 GPA.

Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (health information technology), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 4.00 GPA.

Ross Graham of Oregon (adolescence education), a Clay H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.72 GPA.

Arthur Griffin Jr. of Lima (associate of arts, general concentration), a Lima Senior H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 4.00 GPA.

Ashley Henney of Oregon (small business management), a Clay H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.47 GPA.

Amanda Hensley of Fremont (fine art), a Fremont St. Joe H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.56 GPA.

Gibril Kargbo of Holland (pre-nursing), a Sierra Leone Grammar School graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.49 GPA.

Jeff Kuehne of Maumee (pre-engineering), a Maumee H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.40 GPA.

Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (associate of science, general concentration), a Monroe H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.48 GPA.

Brian Roosenberg of Findlay (pre-business administration), a Van Buren H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.75 GPA.

Jeremy Sheeks of Tontogany (criminal justice technology), an Otsego H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 4.00 GPA.

Kelsey Shumaker of Dresden (dental hygiene), a Tri-Valley H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.58 GPA.

Allison Siefker of Ottawa (medical office support certificate), a Kalida H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.63 GPA.

Tia Simms of Fremont (commercial art), a Fremont Ross H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.40 GPA.

Owens Community College Closed For Independence Holiday, July 4

Posted on June 21st, 2006

Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. There will be no classes and the College offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and College offices will open again on Wednesday, July 5.

6,740 Students Choose Owens To Pursue Educational Opportunities and Career Aspirations

Posted on June 21st, 2006

Owens Community College continues to provide Northwest Ohio residents excellence in higher education with 6,740 students choosing to attend the academic institution for Summer Semester classes.

Since becoming a comprehensive community college in 1994, Owens has more than doubled its Summer Semester student enrollment by an astounding 166 percent. The College enrolled 2,538 students for Summer Semester classes 12 years ago.

“Owens Community College has a long and proud tradition of making a difference in students’ lives,” said Dr. Bill Ivoska, Owens vice president of Student Services. “The foundation for this institution’s academic excellence is a result of our faculty and staff and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student succeeds. Their desire in wanting to make a difference is why Owens is Northwest Ohio’s leader in higher education.”

The combined Summer Semester enrollment of 6,740 students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses surpasses the enrollment of 6,657 students during Summer Semester 2005. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus has 5,636 students attending classes, while on the Findlay-area Campus 1,104 students are enrolled. On both campuses, Summer Semester enrollment has increased 1.25 percent from last summer.

According to Ivoska, one of the many reasons for the College’s enrollment growth results from native four-year college students enrolling at Owens to take advantage of the course credit transferability during the summer months.

“Owens has made a fundamental point to build upon the needs of our students through the continued advancement of academic resources, including the accessibility and transferability of course offerings,” Ivoska stated. “Transient enrollment shows that students from other colleges and universities recognize the great value of an Owens education.”

For Zach Allen, a senior pursuing his bachelor’s degree in pre-law from Bowling Green State University, the opportunity to take Owens Summer Semester courses will allow him to fulfill many of his general education requirements.

“The convenience of taking classes at Owens and transferring those credits back to BGSU is great,” said Allen, who currently is enrolled in macroeconomics and previously took pre-calculus and public speaking courses during summer terms. “I really like the atmosphere and how approachable instructors are when you have a question.”

Allen added that “going from a large Bowling Green lecture hall with hundreds of students to a small Owens classroom with less than 20 students makes for the ideal learning environment.”

The small classroom is not only a favorite of the Bowling Green resident but also three fellow transient students also attending the Owens macroeconomics class.

“I’m really enjoying the class and my experience at Owens,” stated fellow BGSU student Meghan McGowan of Toledo.

Carrying a 3.1 grade point average at BGSU, Allen plans to attend law school and practice law in a few years. “I couldn’t be happier with my Owens experience,” he stated. “Graduating from college in four years is nearly impossible. However, because of my Owens education, I hopefully won’t have to worry about paying for a fifth year of college.”

Additionally, the College is committed to making courses available through e-Learning by continuously expanding its educational choices. During the 2005-06 academic year, the College offered students the opportunity to enroll in the first-ever online associate degrees as part of the new eOwens academic curriculum. For Summer Semester 3,574 students are pursuing e-Learning courses – up from 2,707 last summer (32 percent increase).

Owens Community College Names New School of Arts and Sciences Dean

Posted on June 20th, 2006

Owens Community College has named Dr. Renay Scott as the new dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Her responsibilities will include overseeing all instructional programs and activities within the School.

In addition, her new position will entail supervising the development and implementation of new academic curricula, directing the on-going evaluation of the School’s courses and collaborating with the fellow academic deans to enhance educational opportunities and resources for current and future students.

“We are very honored to have Dr. Scott serving as the new dean for Owens’ School of Arts and Sciences,” said Dr. Bruce Busby, Owens vice president of Academic Services. “Dr. Scott brings to the College a distinguished academic career and extensive knowledge and experience in higher education that will strengthen the overall leadership and take our School of Arts and Sciences to a new level of academic excellence.”

Since August 2003, Scott has served as the chair for the Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development at Central Michigan University. While at Central Michigan, she was responsible for overseeing over 2,000 students as well as 39 full-time and 40 part-time faculty members. Scott also played a significant role in cultivating and furthering partnerships between Central Michigan and the area public schools, community colleges and educational service organizations.

Additionally, she was responsible for the department’s recruiting and retention efforts for students and faculty, and professional development opportunities for schools and educators throughout Michigan. Prior to her position as chair, Scott served as a full-time professor at the university.

Her professional and community involvement includes currently serving as House of Delegates Steering Committee chair of the National Council for the Social Studies and past-president of Michigan Council for the Social Studies. Honored for her teaching excellence, Scott in 2004 received the Michigan Council for the Social Studies’ Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Educator for work at the collegiate level.

An advocate for teacher education, Scott recently completed a teaching unit for middle school educators titled “American Revolution Super Simulation.”

Scott received a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education from Calvin College and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Michigan State University. The Sylvania resident holds a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from Wayne State University.

Owens Community College Students and Faculty Inducted Into Psi Beta National Honor Society

Posted on June 20th, 2006

Twelve Owens Community College students and one faculty member were recently honored for their academic excellence, earning membership in the Psi Beta National Honor Society.

The Psi Beta Honor Society was established in 1981 as a national honor society for psychology within community and junior colleges. Today, there are over 175 chapters and more than 20,000 members of the national honor society. Affiliated with Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society for four-year colleges and universities, Psi Beta also is involved with the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science and the Association of College Honor Societies.

The overall mission of Psi Beta is to encourage, stimulate and promote interest and excellence in psychology, to advance the science of psychology and to nurture scholarship in all fields of study.

“The academic excellence and dedication that our students display in the area of psychology is commendable,” said Dr. Kerry Garretson, Owens professor of social and behavioral sciences and co-advisor of Psi Beta. “Owens’ School of Arts and Sciences is extremely proud of their selection to Psi Beta and their commitment to higher education and continuing interest within psychology.”

Selection criteria for students receiving the honor is based upon achieving a class ranking in the top 35 percent or an overall 3.0 GPA, earning a minimum “B” average in psychology and completing at least one semester of psychology coursework. Additionally, recipients must demonstrate a genuine interest in psychology and exhibit high standards of personal integrity.

The Psi Beta National Honor Society student inductees for the 2005-06 academic year are:

Brooke Affholder of Sylvania	(registered nursing)
Colleen Belt of Waterville	(pre-dietetic technician)
Chery Horvath of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Lily Ingraham of BowlingGreen	(associate of science, general concentration)
Kristin Manon of Defiance	(health information technology)
Sherri McCormick of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Lauren Michelsen of Toledo	(social work)
Linsee Ostrander of Findlay	(registered nursing)
Lynn Sharpe-Heller of Whitehouse	(undecided)
Ashley Sheeks of Tontogany	(psychology)
Terri Stevenson-Fleitz of Northwood	(associate of science, general concentration)
Angela Zeller of Toledo	(registered nursing)

In addition to student inductions, Carol Russell of Toledo, Owens professor of social and behavioral sciences, was selected as an honorary faculty inductee.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Volleyball Camp, July 17-20

Posted on June 19th, 2006

Owens Community College will offer area volleyball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as the women’s volleyball program hosts a four-day Express Volleyball Camp, Monday-Thursday, July 17-20.

The volleyball camp will offer two separate sessions daily from 9 a.m. – noon for grades 4-7 and from 1-4:30 p.m. for grades 8-12 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Camp instructors will include the Owens Express women’s volleyball coaching staff, area coaches and current and former collegiate players. Each camp participant will receive individual instruction on volleyball skills in their designated area, including outsider hitter, middle blocker, setter and defensive specialist. In addition, attendees will learn about drills and exercises for volleyball and gain tips on improving their passing efficiency.

The Express completed its 2005 season with a 25-17 overall record. The program captured its fifth consecutive OCCAC regular season championship, finishing with an overall 8-2 conference record. During this title run, Owens accumulated a record-setting 79 consecutive OCCAC match-winning streak, which came to an end this past year.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge.

The camp fee is $80 per player, which includes a camp T-shirt. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7939 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7939.

Owens Community College Events Calendar For July

Posted on June 16th, 2006

July 1
GED Preparation Class
Area residents interested in enhancing their basic skills in English or math, or improving their employment skills, are invited to attend Owens’
GED preparation classes. An orientation session is required for all new students entering the GED class on the first Saturday of each month beginning at 12 p.m. For more information, call (567) 661-7160 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7160.
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

July 3
Insider Art Exhibition
Owens non-traditional artists, such as faculty and staff, will showcase their various artistic talents as part of an exhibit featuring an array of diverse media, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, woodworking, ceramics, needlepoint and costumes. For more information, call the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’
Workshop
Area residents who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to attend these free informational workshops. For more information, call (567) 661-7385 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7385.
(9 and 11 a.m.) (College Hall Room 166)

First Day of Summer Semester Session B Five-Week Classes on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses

July 4
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

July 5
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 6
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 7
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 8
GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

July 10
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 11
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 12
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 13
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 14
Alumni Association Third Annual Whitewater Rafting Trip
Owens Alumni Association members are invited to enjoy a weekend of white water rafting and adventure in West Virginia
. Space is limited. For more information, call Alumni Relations at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410.
(Depart Owens at 10 a.m.) (Oak Hill, W.Va.
)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 15
GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

Alumni Association Third Annual Whitewater Rafting Trip
(TBA) (Oak Hill, W.Va.
)

July 16
Alumni Association Third Annual Whitewater Rafting Trip
(TBA) (Oak Hill, W.Va.
)

July 17
Owens Community College Express Volleyball Camp
Owens Express volleyball coaches, current and former players, and top area coaches will work with local players interested in honing their volleyball skills. Students in grades 4-12 are encouraged to attend. For more information, call (567) 661-7939 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7939.
(9 a.m. –
4:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’
Workshop
(9 and 11 a.m.) (College Hall Room 166)

July 18
Owens Community College Express Volleyball Camp
(9 a.m. –
4:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 19
Owens Community College Express Volleyball Camp
(9 a.m. –
4:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 20
Owens Community College Express Volleyball Camp
(9 a.m. –
4:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)
July 21
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. –
3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

July 22
GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

July 24
Detroit Pistons and Shock Training Camp Tour
Area basketball players are invited to learn the fundamentals of the sport during the 2006 Detroit Pistons and Shock Training Camp Tour at Owens. For more information, call (567) 661-7974 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7974.
(8:30 a.m. –
12:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

July 25
Detroit Pistons and Shock Training Camp Tour

(8:30 a.m. –
12:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

July 26
Detroit Pistons and Shock Training Camp Tour

(8:30 a.m. –
12:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

July 27
Maumee Bay Volleyball Tournament
Owens will serve as host to over 100 area high school varsity volleyball teams for four days of tournament competition. For more information, call (567) 661-7974 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7974.
(12:30-10 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Detroit Pistons and Shock Training Camp Tour

(8:30 a.m. –
12:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

July 28
Maumee Bay Volleyball Tournament
(7 a.m. –
7 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Last Day of Summer Semester Eight-Week Classes on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses

July 29
Maumee Bay Volleyball Tournament
(7 a.m. –
5 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

July 30
Maumee Bay Volleyball Tournament
(8 a.m. –
10 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

July 31
Community Writers’
Workshop
(9 and 11 a.m.) (College Hall Room 166)

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’
s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Editor’s Note: Enclosed are activities and events scheduled in July at Owens Community College. All campus events will occur on the College’
s Toledo-area Campus unless designated in the listing otherwise.

Owens Community College Assists School Children With ‘Backpack to the Future’ Supply Drive

Posted on June 14th, 2006

As another school year comes to an end, many students are once again placing their backpacks in storage or are discarding them entirely in anticipation of buying next fall’s latest fashion trend. Owens Community College’s Alumni Association and Student Government have taken the initiative of once again organizing a gently used backpack drive to provide new life for what many students consider their mobile lifeline to learning.

The College’s Alumni Association and Student Government community service endeavor, titled “Backpack to the Future,” is currently accepting gently used backpacks or new school supplies from area residents during the summer months. Items collected, as part of the “Backpack to the Future” event, will be given to low-income elementary school children throughout Northwest Ohio.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to once again collaborate with the Student Government and coordinate an event benefiting such a worthy cause,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens community service chair of the Alumni Association. “There are many low-income families that can barely afford to pay their bills, and may not be able to provide their children with new supplies. Our goal is to ensure that such occurrences do not happen and that all children begin their school year with new educational resources.”

Koevenig added, “The various donations collected throughout the summer will be delivered to underprivileged children as the new school year begins in August and September.”

In addition to the gently used backpacks, or new backpacks, individuals can donate crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues. Area residents can bring their charitable donations to the College’s Office of Alumni Relations on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Since establishing the program in 2004, the Owens Alumni Association and Student Government have given over 300 backpacks and nearly 5,000 school supplies to benefit underprivileged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

The College’s Student Government is comprised of individuals who serve as the student body voice on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Balancing their time between school and work, Student Government members are constantly initiating new projects and events that cater to the interests of Owens’ student body.

For more information about the school supply drive, or to make a donation, contact the Owens Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7410, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410 or alumni@owens.edu.

Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts Hosts American Harp Society Day Ensemble Concert, June 30

Posted on June 14th, 2006

Area residents are encouraged to witness the masters of pulling strings as Owens Community College hosts the ninth annual American Harp Society Day Ensemble Concert in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on Friday, June 30. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

The event is the culmination of Harp Week, a weeklong series of ensemble rehearsals and practical application workshops sponsored in part by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Harp Society and the Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Harp Week is open to any harpist who has played for at least one year.

“The Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Harp Society is very excited to bring this fun and dazzling performance to Owens for the second consecutive year,” said Denise Grupp-Verbon, Owens adjunct faculty member and co-founder of Harp Week. “This year’s concert will feature 25 harpists from as far away as Oklahoma, and we are certain attendees will not be disappointed with the musical variety and stylistic flourishes of this year’s presentation.”

Harpists ranging from beginners to professionals will be strumming both familiar and original tunes throughout the evening. Highlights will include “Baby Blues,” “Big Band Harps,” “Edelweiss,” “Chariots of Fire” and “Over the Rainbow.” Performers will use harps of all different sizes, with some harps including as many as 47 strings.

The American Harp Society was founded in 1962 in response to the growing needs of harpists as performers, teachers and students. Its mission is to encourage and cultivate the enjoyment of the harp as a musical instrument, to support the composition of the music and to advance the quality of ability for performing harpists. The society has flourished since its founding and now consists of more than 3,000 members with chapters throughout North America and South America.

The Northwest Ohio Chapter was established in the mid 1970s with the mission of preserving, promoting and presenting the harp and its music in the community. The chapter’s initiatives include promoting the study of the harp by providing scholarship opportunities and instruments and serving as a co-sponsor of Harp Week since its inception in 1998.

The American Harp Society Ensemble Day Concert is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Express Baseball Student-Athlete Signs With Milwaukee Brewers Organization

Posted on June 12th, 2006

Owens Community College Express baseball standout Mike Ramlow of Maumee has signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers professional organization. The Maumee High School graduate is the third Express student-athlete in the baseball program’s history to be drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft.

“Mike has been an outstanding pitcher for our Express baseball program,” said Bob Schultz, Owens Express baseball head coach. “He certainly was an anchor for the pitching staff these past two years and one of the reasons the program captured a conference title in 2005. I expect Mike to make a very smooth transition to professional baseball and compete at a very high level.”

Ramlow is expected to report to Helena, Mont., and the Single-A Helena Brewers later this month. The Helena Brewers play in the Pioneer League, which is a short-season rookie league. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted the Express baseball standout in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball Draft in June 2005.

While at Owens this past spring, Ramlow posted a 3-2 record and a 1.74 earned run average in 11 games. He also registered one save and recorded 70 strikeouts. His athletic accomplishments helped him earn NJCAA Region XII and Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) All-Conference first team honors this past year.

In 2005, the adolescence education major earned OCCAC All-Conference first team honors and was named OCCAC Player of the Year. Ramlow led the team with a 5-1 record, 1.18 earned run average and 61 strikeouts.

The men’s baseball program finished the 2006 campaign with a 32-21 overall record and an 11-9 mark (third place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Macomb Community College.

Other Express baseball student-athletes to be drafted include Aaron Franke (8th round) by the then Anaheim Angels in 1999 and Ryan Clark (40th round) by the New York Yankees in 2000.

Owens Workforce and Community Services Offers Summertime First-Ever Kids Fun Series, June-August

Posted on June 12th, 2006

Want to try your hand at creating ice cream or making a masterful pebble sculpture? Area children seeking fun and the opportunity to stretch their imaginations and minds are encouraged to participate in the Owens Community College Workforce and Community Services’ first-ever Kids Fun Series during the months of June, July and August.

“Kids Fun Series was created as a great way to keep children active and learning throughout the summer months,” said Linda Hendricks, Owens instructor for Kids Fun Series and an adjunct faculty member. “The classes are each designed to allow an outlet for children to express their creativity and teaching fun skills that they might not necessarily receive during the school year.”

Hendricks added, “While Owens has made available classes like this before, this is the first time that a comprehensive series of summer activities, designed specifically for children, have been offered and we look forward to getting the program underway.”

Classes will meet Mondays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the College’s Workforce and Community Services on Tracy Road in Northwood. Each week, attendees will tackle a new themed subject and creative project, which then can also be recreated at home. The list of activities and dates is as follows:

Monday, June 19
Creepy Critters
Children will enjoy making a variety of creepy snacks such as “Critters in Holes,” as well as creating creepy crawler sculptures and playing bug-related games.

Monday, June 26
Candy, Candy, Candy
Each child will be able to appease his or her sweet tooth by creating their own handmade gum drops, taffy and fruit leathers during this session.

Monday, July 3
Red, White and Blue
Celebrate the nation’s founding by learning the history of the American flag, making a fabric flag and creating patriotic snacks like fruity Jello bowls and blue soda potions.

Monday, July 10
A Rockin Good Time
This week’s activity will teach children how to make rock candy and fossil candy rocks. Additionally, attendees will make pebble sculptures and a variety of art pieces.

Monday, July 17
Let’s Go To The Beach
In this sand-themed class, children will concoct pudding-based “beach cups” while working on sand castings and shell art.

Monday, July 24
Bath Time
Bath time will become more exciting than ever before as attendees create their very own bath crayons, fizzies and cloth figures to enjoy at home.

Monday, July 31
Jewels, Jewelry and Gemology
Attendees will have the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind “diamond” gardens and pieces of jewelry from chocolate and clay. Individuals will also learn about their birthstone.

Monday, August 7
Habitats of Lucas County
Participants will learn about local animals, trees and insects, as well as create a habitat home for bugs and birds. Children will conclude the class by learning how to make food for robins and robin’s eggs for themselves.

Monday, August 14
Native American Crafts
Children will dive into the rich history of Native American art by learning about their symbols and incorporating them into art paintings. They will also share a Native American treat, create sand art projects and make their own natural paints.

Monday, August 21
Oh No! Back to School
Attendees will look to make the return to school fun by decorating a notebook and making pencil toppers, all while enjoying their own handmade peanut butter and apple-shaped rice crispy treats.

Owens’ Workforce and Community Services is dedicated to providing customer-driven workforce development and job training. The learning-centered approach focuses on developing and enhancing professional skills to meet the needs of the community, customizing training in the areas of computer applications, allied health education, apprenticeship-related training and skilled trades.

The registration fee and supply free for each class are only $10. Children ages 6-14 are welcome to attend Kids Fun Series and parents are invited to participate with their children if they desire. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. For more information, call Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

U.S. Army Selects Owens Registered Nursing Program To Help Alleviate Military Nursing Shortage

Posted on June 9th, 2006

Owens Community College has been chosen among colleges and universities nationwide to participate in a collaborative venture with the U.S. Army and help in alleviating the military nursing shortage. The College’s registered nursing program, which is located on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, was selected as one of only 17 academic institutions to travel to Fort Gordon Military Installation in Fort Gordon, Ga., and take part in a two-day informational visit and study focusing on U.S. Army medicine and the nursing corps.

“The nationwide shortage of registered nurses continues to increase daily and is only expected to intensify as baby boomers age and their need for health care grows,” said Pearl Manion, Owens clinical teaching associate in Nursing, who will represent Owens and the registered nursing program during the U.S. Army nursing study. “Another problem facing the United States is that current nurses from the baby boomer generation are expected to begin retiring within the next few years which will cause added strain on the profession.”

Manion added, “The U.S. Army is not immune to the nursing shortage and is constantly seeking nurses to provide world-class heath care for soldiers. The U.S. Army is seeking the best and brightest nursing graduates. Owens registered nursing graduates are leaders not only within the profession but the health care community. Owens’ registered nursing is pleased to collaborate with the U.S. Army and assist in their efforts to preserve and defend America’s freedom by encouraging Owens students to consider a career within the nursing corps.”

Manion will depart for Fort Gordon Military Installation on Wednesday, June 14. Once at Fort Gordon, Manion, along with fellow college and university representatives, will receive a tour of the military installation, as well as witness the base’s annual mock field exercise. The training event is designed to simulate a military combat situation and the life-like injuries and casualties that occur as a result of the conflict. Individuals will also have the opportunity to tour the Eisenhower Army Medical Center and meet hospital officials to discuss nursing opportunities within the military.

Besides Owens, the other academic institutions participating in the informational study include Sullivan County Community College, Norfolk State University, State University of New York, Erie Community College, Tennessee State University, Fort Valley State University, Florida Institute of Technology, Purdue University, Winona State University, Loyola University, Missouri Southern State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Nevada, Reno, University of Puget Sound, UCLA and San Diego Community College.

Established in 1969 as the first associate degree program of its kind in Northwest Ohio, the School of Health Sciences’ registered nursing program has graduated more than 3,600 nurses who are providing leadership and making significant contributions to the health care community throughout the United States. The program was implemented on the Findlay-area Campus in 1991.

Owens’ registered nursing program requires 73 credit hours of coursework, which includes nutrition, nursing concepts, pharmacology, life span psychology, nursing skills, adult health issues, anatomy and physiology. Following graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to become a registered nurse.

The registered nursing program is designed to prepare graduates for nursing positions in a variety of health care settings. Among the various locations are acute care agencies, physician offices, long-term care agencies and outpatient ambulatory areas. The program combines studies at Owens with planned and guided clinical experience in client care for health care facilities and community agencies.

Owens’ School of Health Sciences also offers a licensed practical nurse/associate degree nursing progression program, which is designed for individuals who need specified nursing courses and are licensed practical nurses, as well as practical nursing and international nursing certificate programs. During the upcoming Fall Semester, Owens for the first time will make available a new paramedic to registered nurse bridge program on the Toledo-area Campus.

Owens Toledo-area Campus Child Care Center Offers Summer School Program to Area Children

Posted on June 7th, 2006

Area residents interested in receiving exceptional child care through innovative teaching and learning methods are invited to enroll their children in the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus Child Care Center summer school program. The College’s Child Care Center is currently accepting new students ages 5 to 10 for this summer.

Located adjacent to Alumni Hall, the College’s Child Care Center is focused on providing quality and affordable child care for the children of faculty, staff, students and the community. The Owens Toledo-area Campus Child Care Center summer school program will be offered Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

“Owens Community College summer school program is devoted to enhancing the lives of children through developmentally appropriate curriculum, which emphasizes learning through play,” said Maribeth Tercha, Owens manager of the Toledo-area Campus Child Care Center.

Tercha added, “Creating an environment which places the highest level of focus on the child’s development is possible because of our low ratio of children to adults and extremely caring staff.”

Youth enrolled in the program will spend their summer participating in an array of educational activities designed to teach about cultures around the world. Each student will receive a “passport” at the beginning of the term that allows them to track their journey. The lessons will be guided by the children themselves and include field trips for such activities as putt-putt, bowling and swimming, as well as visits to COSI Toledo, the Toledo Zoo, the Toledo Museum of Art, a Toledo Mud Hens game and even a lunch excursion to an area China buffet.

Owens’ Child Care Center has been providing quality child care to the surrounding communities for nearly 40 years and was created with the overall mission of offering excellence in child care services by providing the latest in innovative teaching and learning methods. The Center also affords Owens students enrolled within the early childhood education program the opportunity to apply knowledge obtained within the classroom in a real-world setting. Many child care teachers and directors throughout the surrounding communities have begun their instructional careers at the Owens Child Care Center.

The Owens Child Care Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a distinction earned by only 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide. It is also one of a select few programs across the country to introduce the child care philosophy named Reggio Emilia. The philosophy centers on the ideal that every child be afforded the right to grow and learn in a nurturing environment on an individual basis. This allows the students to explore their unique ability at their own pace and express their learning in hundreds of different ways through hands-on experiences.

In addition to the summer school program, child care services are available during the academic year to children ages 6 weeks to 10 years of Owens employees and students, as well as community residents. Owens’ Child Care Center is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

For more information about Owens’ Child Care Center on the Toledo-area Campus, call (567) 661-7404 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7404.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Strengthens Leadership

Posted on June 5th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College is strengthening its leadership on the Findlay-area Campus by naming Verne Walker, director of Enrollment Service, as the new assistant dean of Students. In addition, Angie McGinnis, former Enrollment Services representative, becomes the new director of Enrollment Services.

“Verne and Angie are outstanding leaders who share Owens’ commitment to excellence in higher education,” said Judy Ennis, Owens executive dean of the Findlay-area Campus. “Both individuals have been instrumental in helping achieve the College’s mission of serving its students and surrounding communities. The Owens Findlay-area Campus has a bright future with endless opportunities for collaboration throughout Northwest Ohio. Verne and Angie will have a significant impact on this College’s educational future.”

Verne Walker
Walker joined Owens in 1997. Since then, he has held numerous positions including Advising representative, coordinator of Advising, assistant director of Enrollment Services and director of Enrollment Services. In his new position as assistant dean, he will be responsible for providing leadership to a wide variety of offices such as Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, the Testing Center and Student Life, as well as the Bookstore and the Bursar’s Office. Additionally as the assistant dean, Walker will be responsible for handling all student questions and concerns related to policy, procedure, College practices and customer service.

At Owens, Walker also serves as the co-director for the Owens Leadership Academy and is a member of several committees including AQIP, Food Service, College Planning Council and Findlay Strategic Planning, among others.

Prior to working at Owens, Walker served as a residence life director at Bowling Green State University in the Student Housing and Residence Services (SHARP) office where he developed a residential community for 300 undergraduate students.

Walker is involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and is a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), the Ohio Academic Advising Association (OHAAA), the Ohio Association of College Admissions Counselors (OACAC), the Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA) and Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society.

Walker earned an associate degree from Muskegon Community College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Michigan University and a master’s in higher education administration with a focus on college student personnel from the University of Toledo. Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration at the University in Toledo. Walker resides in Arlington.

Angie McGinnis
McGinnis joined the College as a part-time Admissions representative on the Toledo-area Campus in 2001. Two years later, she joined the Findlay-area Campus as a full-time Enrollment Services representative. In her former positions, she was responsible for assisting students achieve their professional and personal goals by providing advising and guidance through the enrollment process. Additionally, she was instrumental in producing and directing an orientation program for Findlay-area Campus students, organizing the Greater Hancock County College Night and editing an e-newsletter for all area high school guidance counselors.

As director of Enrollment Services, she will be responsible for supervising College advisors, the student outreach specialist and receptionist, as well as overseeing all admissions, advising and orientation functions on the Findlay-area Campus.

Prior to joining Owens, McGinnis worked at Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services for five years. There, she served as an income maintenance caseworker and a children services investigator where she determined eligibility for public assistance and investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect, respectively.

Her community and professional involvement includes serving on the Hancock County Area Read for Life committee and as coordinator of the College’s Adopt-A-Road and the Salvation Army Angel Tree programs. Last year, McGinnis’ leadership was recognized with acceptance into the Owens Leadership Academy.

McGinnis earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from Hiram College. A resident of Kansas, she holds a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University.

Summer Community Writers’ Workshop Forming at Owens Community College

Posted on June 2nd, 2006

Area residents who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to join a Community Writers’ Workshop at Owens Community College. The workshop will meet every other week with a group of writers to discuss, critique and support writing.

Offered free of charge, the informal Community Writers’ Workshop meets every other Monday from 7-9 p.m. in the Writing Center which is in College Hall Room 156-D on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. The workshop runs from June 5 through July 31.

“The Community Writers’ Workshop is a cost-free opportunity for area residents, of all writing levels, to put their creativity to work and build their literary skills and abilities,” said Lynda Hoffman, Owens adjunct faculty member.

In addition, the Writing Center will offer a free Grammar Workshop on Monday, June 26. The free workshop will occur at both 9 and 11 a.m. in College Hall Room 166.

For more information, call (567) 661-7385 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7385.

Owens Enhances Admissions Process Through New Online Application

Posted on June 2nd, 2006

Area residents interested in pursuing a college education at Owens Community College can now complete the initial enrollment process from the convenience of their home computer. Beginning Summer Semester 2006, the College is affording new students the opportunity to submit the Application for Admission entirely through an online program.

“Owens Community College is dedicated to meeting the needs of its students by providing several admissions application options,” said Donna Gruber, Owens director of Enrollment Services. “The online Admissions Application was created to allow new students to take the first step toward an Owens education at their own convenience, anytime during the day or night.”

According to Gruber, in order to apply for admission online, new students will need to access the College’s website at www.owens.edu and click on the area titled “Quick Links,” then select “Admission Application.” Both links are located on the left hand side of the website, she explained.

“Individuals will then need to create a password, which will allow them to access the Admissions Application,” Gruber stated. “The entire application will only take a few minutes to complete and will be readily available to Enrollment Services representatives to begin the enrollment process.”

Information requested as part of the electronic application includes name, address, phone number, planned course of study, high school and any previous college attended, among other areas. Following the online application process, Enrollment Services representatives will assist the new student in determining which additional information is needed for admission to Owens, such as high school grade transcript, GED scores, college grade transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, an articulation form or post-secondary option form.

“Whether an individual is a native four-year college student and taking advantage of course credit transferability or a first-time college student pursuing one of the College’s many academic program areas, our goal within Student Services is to ensure that a student’s initial Owens experience is very positive,” Gruber concluded.

For more information about the College’s new online Application for Admission, call (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Enhances Admissions Process Through New Online Application

Posted on June 1st, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents interested in pursuing a college education at Owens Community College can now complete the initial enrollment process from the convenience of their home computer. Beginning Summer Semester 2006, the College is affording new students the opportunity to submit the Application for Admission entirely through an online program.

“Owens Community College is dedicated to meeting the needs of its students by providing several admissions application options,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens director of Enrollment Services on the Findlay-area Campus. “The online Admissions Application was created to allow new students to take the first step toward an Owens education at their own convenience, anytime during the day or night.”

According to McGinnis, in order to apply for admission online, new students will need to access the College’s website at www.owens.edu and click on the area titled “Quick Links,” then select “Admission Application.” Both links are located on the left hand side of the website, she explained.

“Individuals will then need to create a password, which will allow them to access the Admissions Application,” McGinnis stated. “The entire application will only take a few minutes to complete and will readily be available to Enrollment Services representatives to begin the enrollment process.”

For more information about the College’s new online Application for Admission, call (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509.

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Spring Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Posted on May 30th, 2006

Owens Community College students recently were honored for their excellence in higher education, earning membership into the Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest in Ohio.

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 by the presidents of eight Missouri junior colleges for women. In 1924, the international organization was expanded to include all two-year colleges. To date, more than one million individuals have been inducted into the international honor society, which offers over $36 million in transfer scholarships for its members.

The overall mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic excellence among two-year college students, provide opportunities for leadership training and an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals. In addition, the society continues to promote among its members the four standard hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our spring inductees for their dedication and commitment to higher education,” said Chuck Bohleke, Owens chair of Business Technologies. “Induction into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is considered one of the highest compliments an individual in higher education can receive. Their selection is a tremendous achievement.”

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is extended to the top 10 percent of Owens students. Selection criterion for students includes completion of 12 credit hours of coursework, achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average and exemplifying academic excellence, as determined by faculty.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2006 Spring Semester are:

Brooke Affholder of Sylvania	(registered nursing)
Teresa Aponte of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Lesliey Augustyniak of Holland	(pre-surgical)
Natalia Bautista of Toledo	(communication arts)
Larry Bialecki of Perrysburg	(mathematics)
Amy Cook of Toledo	(accounting)
Wyeth Danielson of Pemberville	(pre-business administration)
Renee DeMelo of Bowling Green	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Judi DePeal of Walbridge	(pre-physical therapist assistant)
Jason Gallaher of Oregon	(physical therapist assistant)
Colleen Hanson of Whitehouse	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Janet Hegedus of Toledo	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Bethany Horen of Rossford	(business management)
Melissa Ketcham of Toledo	(diagnostic medical sonography)
Christine Lapointe of Oregon	(psychology)
Heather McCaig of Swanton	(history)
Natalia Mechalkina of Bowling Green	(business management)
Cliff Merritt of Toledo	(business management)
Brandon Mills of Bowling Green	(accounting)
Carrie Newby of Bowling Green	(business management)
Sara Parrish of Toledo	(adolescence education)
Randy Pierce of Curtice	(biology)
Sarah Piotrowski of Maumee	(registered nursing)
William Rieman IV of Toledo	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Frederick Rist of Pemberville	(CAD technology)
Theresa Snyder of Sylvania	(registered nursing)
Terri Stevensen-Fleitz of Northwood	(psychology)
Erica Veneziale of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Brenda Walton of Perrysburg	(associate of arts, general concentration)
Diane Wenig of Dunbridge	(pre-business administration)

Owens and Greater Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium Establish New Scholarship Program

Posted on May 30th, 2006

Owens Community College and the Greater Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium are opening new doors for students to seamlessly pursue their career aspirations through a college education by making available thousands of dollars in Tech Prep scholarships for area graduating high school seniors.

The new scholarships will be offered to any high school graduate who has participated in a Tech Prep career pathway within the Greater Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium. Scholarship recipients, who must meet certain qualifications, will receive a maximum award of $2,000 for two academic years or $500 per semester for four semesters to pay for tuition and fees. The first-ever scholarships will be awarded for Fall Semester 2006.

“Owens Community College is pleased to collaborate with the Greater Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium to assist students in furthering their education and career aspirations,” said Dr. Paul Unger, Owens executive vice president/provost. “These scholarships will enable Tech Prep high school students to seamlessly continue their educational pathways at the collegiate level, which accomplishes the objective of the statewide Tech Prep initiative.”

Dr. Unger added, “Upon completion of their educational career pathways, Owens Tech Prep graduates will either continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree or move directly into high demand, high tech careers. Either way, these students will continue to build a highly skilled workforce that will attract and further business investment opportunities in the state of Ohio.”

To qualify for an Owens Tech Prep scholarship, students must have achieved a minimum 2.5 GPA by the end of their seventh high school semester. Applicants also must be enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours within an associate degree program related to their chosen high school Tech Prep career pathway for Fall Semester 2006. While receiving scholarship funding, students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment status during the College’s fall and spring terms and maintain a 2.5 GPA while at Owens.

“The Owens Community College Tech Prep scholarships are an exciting opportunity for our Tech Prep students,” said Nancy Pietras, executive director of the Greater Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium. “More than 50 percent of our graduating Tech Prep seniors enroll at Owens each year. Owens has worked closely with the Consortium to provide our students with access to a college education and ensure that their transition from high school to college is seamless.”

Pietras added, “These scholarship opportunities are still another example of the commitment and dedication that Owens has to the youth of Northwest Ohio. Owens’ new scholarships will provide additional incentive and financial support for students to continue their education by pursing a college degree.”

College Tech Prep is a collective group of high schools, colleges and businesses that combine academic and technical courses with career training to prepare high school students for college and high demand, high pay technical careers. Students have the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school within an array of diversified technologies programs, including agricultural systems, automotive technology, business technology, construction management, criminal justice, engineering technology, environmental technology, e-commerce marketing, health technology, information technology, marketing research and teaching professions.

The application deadline for the new Owens Tech Prep scholarships is Monday, July 17. For more information, contact the College’s Financial Aid Office at (567) 661-7343 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7343.

Pinning Ceremony Honors Over One Hundred Spring Registered Nursing Program Graduates at Owens

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

Over 100 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the School of Health Sciences signifying their graduation from the registered nursing program. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

“Owens’ registered nursing program is proud to acknowledge our graduates’ impressive accomplishments and commend them for their academic excellence,” said Cynthia Hall, Owens chair of Nursing. “The pin, through its symbolism, reminds nursing professionals of what it truly means to care for others. It is only fitting that the College recognize the rite-of-passage for these future caregivers.”

The nurse pinning ceremony originated in the 1860s at St. Thomas Hospital’s Nightingale School of Nursing in London, England. Having been recently awarded The Red Cross of St. George for her selfless service to the injured and dying in the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale chose to extend the honor she received to her most outstanding graduate nurses by awarding each of them a medal of excellence. The practice of awarding nurses a badge was soon after adopted, and the first pin was awarded to the Class of 1880 at the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing in New York City.

Graduating nurses include Brooke Affholder of Sylvania, Robin Angers of Findlay, Monica Arana of Fostoria, Ronald Bailey Jr. of Lima, Kristine Barlekamp of Findlay, Seok Barnett of Toledo, Stefanie Beam of Perrysburg, Joyce Beamon of Toledo, Diana Benson of Maumee, Belinda Bonnot-Budd of Erie, Mich., Jennifer Bowen of Risingsun, Ashley Bryan of Oregon, Janice Burchett of Grand Rapids, Becky Burns-Reed of Ada, Kristy Byerly of Temperance, Mich., Michelle Caton of Findlay, Kelly Chovan of Oregon, Diana Coker of La Salle, Mich., Angela Cross of Curtice, Lori Crossland of Deshler, Shirita Davis of Toledo, Tracey Dippman of Oregon, Lisa Donbrosky of Toledo, Carla Drew of Toledo, Melinda Dukes of North Baltimore, Grace Duncan of Toledo, Kerri Easton of Temperance, Mich., Anjelle Ebright-Harmon of Toledo, Jo Ann El-Tatawy of Toledo, Crystal Epley of Fostoria, Stephen Flugga Jr. of Findlay, Donette Forgette of Holland, Nina Fragoso of Maumee, Ellen Gilfillen of Bluffton, Cassandra Goal of Toledo, Melissa Gomoll of Temperance, Mich., Karen Grindstaff of Toledo, Holly Haberkamp of Toledo, Kimberly Hamilton of Findlay, Lori Hansen of Morenci, Mich., Theresa Harrison of Findlay, Frank Hartsock of Maumee, Melissa Herbert of Findlay, Jennifer Hermiller of Ottawa, Dawn Hiser of Bowling Green, Jennifer Hobbs of Fostoria, Stephanie Holcomb of Alvada, Christina Hoover of Findlay, April Houck of Findlay, Carrie Hueve of Ottawa, Keesha Huggins of Toledo, Holly Igo of Rossford, Jennifer Iler of Bowling Green, Jessica Janicki of Toledo, Ryan Kasza of Waterville, Jessica Kazmierczak of Sand Creek, Mich., Jolene Kearns of Forest, Cassandra Kiser of Toledo, Deborah Klasen of Bowling Green, Scott Koch of Toledo, Elizabeth Kosinski of Toledo and Rebecca Kovacs of Walbridge.

Rgistered nursing program graduates also were Andrea Krumn of Toledo, Hollie Kujawski of Sylvania, Cara LaCourse of Toledo, Patricia Lamb of Fremont, Melissa Lewis of Toledo, Stephanie Linkes of Temperance, Mich., Rachel Lowe of Woodville, Thomas Lubinski Jr. of Liberty Center, Jason Luther of Toledo, Jennifer Martin of Fostoria, Brian McDonagh of Toledo, M. LeAnna McGuire of Findlay, Joy McGurk of Maumee, Elizabeth McKay of Waterville, Renee Mehrman of Fostoria, Maria Minkowski of Toledo, Gina Newman of Bowling Green, Stephanie Newton of Toledo, Robin Nichpor of Northwood, Amanda O’Donnell of Tiffin, Kari Opp of Tiffin, Leslie Opperman of Findlay, Gael Paterson of Toledo, Jessica Perry of Swanton, Tracey Perry of Republic, Lisa Rashleigh of Toledo, Nicole Reitz of Walbridge, Debra Repolesk of Weston, Jada Rickheim of Petersburg, Mich., Andrea Rimer of Findlay, Tiffany Risner of Carey, Bambie Rolsten of Carey, Dawn Royer of Toledo, Rosalinda Sanchez of Fremont, Colt Semer of Findlay, Emily Sizemore of Findlay, Alicia Smith of New Riegel, Stacey Smith of Fostoria, David Sparks of Toledo, Ashley St. Clair of Findlay, Samantha Stanfill of Swanton, Cynthia Stechschulte of Perrysburg, Nancy Strayer of Neapolis, Frances Szabo of Toledo, Heidi Tatum of Findlay, Joseph Teyner of Findlay, Tina Vespi of Pemberville, Lori Walling of Lambertville, Mich., Linda Welker of Kenton, Diane Wensink of Rudolph, Jennifer Wilbur of Haskins, Kelli Winters of Fremont, Kevin Yerger of Luckey and Julie Zaleski of Toledo.

Summer Brings Insider Art Exhibit To Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, June 12 – July 20

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

Owens Community College faculty and staff outside of the Fine and Performing Arts will have the opportunity to showcase their artistic side to the surrounding communities as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts hosts the first Insider Art Exhibition in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, June 12 – July 20.

“The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is delighted to invite and encourage area residents to this showcase featuring the artistic and creative talents of the College’s employees,” said Wynn Perry, Owens adjunct faculty member and curator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “Work by those without a formal arts education is commonly known as ‘outsider art.’ This exhibit allows Owens ‘insiders’ who might not normally display their work publicly to have such an opportunity.”

The exhibit features such diverse work as paintings, drawings, sculptures, woodworking, ceramics, needlepoint and costumes. Contributing artists come from such varied Owens offices and departments as Safety and Security, Math and Life Sciences, Buildings and Grounds, and the President’s Office.

A reception for the artists and their friends and families will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery to celebrate the opening of the exhibit.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public, Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For additional information about the Insider Art Exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.

Owens Community College Unveils Plans and Begins Construction For New Community Education and Wellness Center

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

Owens officials ceremoniously break ground for the new Findlay-area Campus community education and wellness center.
FINDLAY – With the dust hardly settled from construction of a new Findlay-area Campus, Owens Community College is continuing to invest in the future of higher education within the Northwest Ohio region by unveiling plans and breaking ground for a $4.2 million community education and wellness center.

“Owens Community College has a longstanding commitment to providing students with access to enriched learning opportunities,” said Judy Ennis, Owens executive dean of the Findlay-area Campus. “The construction of a new community education and wellness center will enable the College to offer even more resources as we continue to fulfill our mission of serving students and the surrounding communities.”

Ennis added, “This state-of-the-art facility will be a welcome addition to the Findlay-area Campus and will open new doors to workforce training needs, a variety of community events and recreational activities.”

Owens president Christa Adams, Ph.D., Findlay-area Campus executive dean Judy Ennis and Board of Trustee members joined community leaders and Owens employees in recently celebrating the initial construction by ceremoniously breaking ground for the new state-of-art educational facility.

An artist rendering of the new Findlay-area Campus state-of-the-art facility.
Owens’ new community education and wellness center is being built adjacent to the new Findlay-area Campus education center and will provide expanded educational choices highlighted by a community and corporate training center. The 24,641 square-foot building will feature three classrooms, including a wireless seminar classroom with tiered seating for more than 150 individuals. The College’s facility will also include two computer labs and two multifunctional industrial laboratories/shop bays, as well as a wellness, cardiovascular and fitness center for general student use.

In addition, the Findlay-area Campus phase two construction project, which is slated for completion in January 2007, will feature a community-oriented, multipurpose center for continued education that will accommodate 350 banquet seating or more for a variety of events and will include on-site catering services.

Designed by the firm Rooney, Clinger, Murray Architects of Findlay, the exterior of the building will match the existing facility’s architecture with Belden brick, colored concrete block, reflective glass plate and curved metal canopies over the entrance doors. Charles Construction Services of Findlay will serve as the general contractor, while Warner Mechanical Corp. of Fremont and Westfield Electric Inc. of Gibsonburg will oversee combined plumbing/fire protection/mechanical and electrical contracts, respectively.

An interior image of the community education and wellness center's multipurpose area.
In 2005, Owens marked a milestone in the academic institution’s history by opening a new $17.7 million Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ new education center provides an array of academic resources, highlighted by 38 advanced technology classrooms, 27 technical and computer laboratories, and student services areas. Included in the new student services areas are a Bursar’s Office, Records Office, Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services Office.

Additional features include a Bookstore, Commons area, Library, Jaguar Grill, Conference Room, and the Voorhees Conference Center. Encompassing 119,407 square feet, the 60-acre campus is located at 3200 Bright Road on Findlay’s northeast side.

Owens’ new Findlay-area Campus is home to more than 100 degree and certificate program areas. Among the academic program offerings available to students are arts and sciences, business and information technology, health sciences, technology, public safety and emergency preparedness, and skilled trades. A record-setting 5,296 students attended classes on the new Findlay-area Campus during the past fall and spring terms.

Owens Community College Announces Spring Academic Honors

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

More than 2,500 students were named to the Academic Honors List at Owens Community College for the Spring Semester 2006. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for academic honors. Owens Community College uses a 4.0 scale in grading.

Owens Community College Express Golf Student-Athlete To Compete at the University of Cincinnati

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

Owens Community College Express golf standout Blake Tucker of Findlay has signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Cincinnati and play for the school’s intercollegiate golf program during the upcoming 2006-07 academic year. The Van Buren High School graduate is the first Express student-athlete in golf to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

“Blake is an exceptional student-athlete and intercollegiate golfer,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of student enrichment and athletics and Express golf head coach. “He has been a steadying influence for our golf program. Blake leads by example, consistently shooting scores in the 70s and his work ethic is outstanding. His contributions this past year is certainly one of the reasons the program is competing for an NJCAA Division II national championship.”

Welling added, “I’m very impressed with how quickly he has adapted to playing at the intercollegiate level. I really think Blake has a bright future ahead of him at the University of Cincinnati.”

Tucker was the first Owens student-athlete to be awarded a golf scholarship in school history. The freshman adolescence education major anchors the program’s first intercollegiate golf team, which has captured six match and invitational titles during the season. Team highlights include a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional and a berth in the NJCAA Division II Golf National Championships this week.

While at Owens, Tucker has recorded a 76.6 scoring average during match and invitational tournament play. He most recently finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championships with a total three-round score of 221. His third-place finish helped him earn NJCAA Region XII first team honors.

His high school accomplishments include receiving first team All-Blanchard Valley Conference and National High School Coaches Association All-American selection. Tucker was also named BVC Player of the Year and finished runner-up in the Ohio High School State Tournament. In addition, he qualified for the Ohio Amateur in 2005.

The new Express golf program officially began NJCAA competition during the current 2006 spring season. Owens is a Division II member of the NJCAA and participates in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). The College primarily competes against other community colleges from Ohio and Michigan.

Owens Community College Closed Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 19th, 2006

Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Saturday-Monday, May 27-29, for the Memorial Day holiday. All administrative offices will be closed.

Administrative offices will open again on Tuesday, May 30.

Owens Community College Events Calendar For June

Posted on May 18th, 2006

June 3
GED Preparation Class
Area residents interested in enhancing their basic skills in English or math, or improving employment skills are invited to attend Owens’ GED preparation classes. An orientation session is required for all new students entering the GED class on the first Saturday of each month beginning at 12 p.m. For more information, call (567) 661-7160 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7160.
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

June 5
First Day of Summer Semester Eight-Week Classes on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses

June 10
National ACT Exam
Area high school students will have the opportunity to take the national ACT test. Prior registration through the ACT organization is necessary. For more information, call (567) 661-7547 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7547.
(8 a.m. – 12 p.m.) (Fire Science and Law Enforcement Center Rooms 145-147)

GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

June 12
Insider Art Exhibition
Owens non-traditional artists, such as faculty and staff, will showcase their various artistic talents as part of an exhibit featuring an array of diverse media, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, woodworking, ceramics, needlepoint and costumes. For more information, call the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 13
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 14
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 15
Insider Art Exhibition Opening Reception
A free reception for the artists and friends, as well as for area residents, will kick off the latest art exhibition at Owens. For more information, call the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.
(11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 16
Girl’s Basketball Express Shootout
Area girl’s high school basketball teams are invited to compete against fellow Northwest Ohio programs as part of a weekend summer tournament hosted by Owens. For more information, call Athletics at (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.
(8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Alumni Association Mud Hens Night and Annual Meeting
Owens Alumni Association members are invited to enjoy an evening of baseball, fireworks and entertainment with the Toledo Mud Hens as Owens’ Alumni Association holds its Alumni Association Mud Hens Night and Annual Meeting. For more information, call Alumni Relations at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410.
(5:30 p.m.) (Fifth Third Field)

June 17
Girl’s Basketball Express Shootout
(8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

June 19
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 20
Owens Community College Board of Trustees Meeting
(12:30 p.m.) (Administration Hall)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 21
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 22
Hanf Dance Show
Area residents will perform a variety of dance selections as Hanf Dance Studios of Toledo presents its summer recital. For more information, call (419) 475-1616.
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 23
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training Program
Owens and the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency and safety forces are partnering to provide free educational training for area residents in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. For more information, call Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.
(6-9 p.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

Hanf Dance Show
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

June 24
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training Program
(8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

June 25
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training Program
(8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

GED Preparation Class
(9 a.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

June 26
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 27
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 28
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 29
Insider Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

June 30
American Harp Society Ensemble Concert
Enjoy an evening of music and entertainment performed by American Harp Society students. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Last Day of Summer Semester Session A Five-Week Classes on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Editor’s Note: Enclosed are activities and events scheduled in June at Owens Community College. All campus events will occur on the College’s Toledo-area Campus unless designated in the listing otherwise.

Owens Community College Express Golf Program Advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament, May 23-26

Posted on May 17th, 2006

Owens Community College’s golf program is one step away from being crowned national champions after placing second at their respective regional tournament this past weekend. As a result of their postseason success, the Express golf team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Tuesday-Friday, May 23-26.

This marks Owens’ first trip to the national championship in its first season as an intercollegiate athletic program. The Express earned their trip to the nationals by defeating Oakland Community College 16-17 in a sudden-victory playoff in the NJCAA Region XII Championships at Bedford Valley Golf Club (Bedford, Mich.).

Mott Community College captured the 54-hole NJCAA Region XII Championship with an overall score of 914. Both Owens and Oakland tied for second with 921 scores and were forced to compete in a 12-person playoff in which the best four scores for each team determined the outcome.

“I am extremely proud of our golf team and their outstanding success,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of Student Enrichment and Athletics and first-year head coach of the Express golf program. “Having an athletic program advance to the national championship tournament in its first year is unheard of. The program’s success is a credit to the work ethic of our student-athletes and assistant coach Gilbert Guerrero.”

Welling, who already has taken seven teams to national championship tournaments while serving as Express men’s basketball head coach, added, “This team has really come a long way since the beginning of the season. Our student-athletes are very deserving of an opportunity to compete for a national championship title.”

Owens’ golf team captured six match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional. The NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament will be held at Goose Pond Colony Golf Course in Scottsboro, Ala. A maximum of five players are allowed to compete on a designated intercollegiate team and the no-cut tournament will consist of four rounds beginning at 7 a.m. each day. Tee times will be set prior to the tournament in accordance with NJCAA rules.

Owens will compete against over 15 intercollegiate golf programs and 160 individuals across the country for the NJCAA Division II National Championship team and individual title. Express golfers expected to compete in the national championship tournament are Brian Bowker of Van Buren, 80.7 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.), Ryan Brown of Temperance, Mich., 80.4 scoring average (Bedford H.S.), Blake Tucker of Findlay, 76.6 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.), Aaron Whitlow of Toledo, 80.3 scoring average (Toledo Christian H.S.), Josh Williams of Fostoria, 81.6 scoring average (Arcadia H.S.) and alternate Michael Guerrero of Toledo, 78.5 scoring average (Start H.S.).

Express golf first-year players also include Brian Roosenberg of Findlay, 84.8 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.) and Kyle Tracy of Toledo, 81.6 scoring average (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.).

The College’s golf program is a Division II member of the NJCAA and participates in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). Owens primarily competes against other community colleges from Ohio and Michigan. Academic institutions from the OCCAC competing in intercollegiate golf include Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Columbus State Community College, Sinclair Community College and Cincinnati State Community College.

Over 700 Owens Community College Students Graduate During Spring Commencement

Posted on May 17th, 2006

James M. Murray, president of Ohio Operations for FirstEnergy Corp., served as the Spring Commencement keynote speaker.

Challenging graduates to build upon the successes already achieved, James M. Murray, president of Ohio Operations for FirstEnergy Corp., addressed the Owens Community College graduating class as the academic institution held its 40th annual Spring Commencement on Thursday, May 11.

Serving as keynote speaker, Murray shared with the more than 700 graduates, including 54 from the Findlay-area Campus, and the more than 6,000 family, friends and relatives in attendance words of advice related to his own personal experiences on relationships breeding success, hard work opening doors, balancing professional and personal life, reinventing yourself, and realizing the possibility of the impossible.

Murray began his career with Ohio Edison in 1969 at the W. H. Sammis Plant. He held various plant positions prior to becoming the coordinator of Personnel Relations in 1980. He was promoted to plant superintendent at Ohio Edison’s Gorge Plant in 1986, and in 1990, he became superintendent of the Niles Plant. Murray was promoted to regional president of Toledo Edison in 1997 and named to his current position in 2005.

Murray chairs or serves on the board of directors of numerous civic and community service organizations. He was named 2005 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his role as founding chair of the Bay Park Community Hospital Foundation, and for his other civic activities. Those include serving as board member of the Regional Growth Partnership, the Toledo Symphony, COSI Toledo, Toledo Northwest Ohio Food Bank, ProMedica Health Services Board and the Owens Community College Foundation Board.

Additionally, he chaired the 2005-06 Greater Toledo United Way Campaign and is the 2006 chairman of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Golf Classic. Murray also chairs the Greater Toledo Urban League as well as the ProMedica Physicians Board. He was chairman of the 2001-02 campaign for the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Inc. and conference chairman for the 2002 International Sister Cities Conference, which was held in Toledo. He is a member of the American Legion and the Ohio Jaycee Senate.

Prior to joining Ohio Edison, Murray served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He and his wife, Kay, and son, Martin, reside in Perrysburg.

Irina Ashton addresses the College's graduates as class representative.
Irina Ashton of Luckey, a diagnostic medical sonography major, was selected as the Owens class representative and addressed the graduates during the Spring Commencement ceremony.

Graduating with honors, Ashton is a native of Russia who describes herself as a social, hardworking and extremely determined individual. Her favorite hobbies include sewing, knitting and camping.

Ashton, a former professional Russian folk dancer, is a 1987 Russia high school graduate who received a bachelor’s degree in physical education/dance from a Russian institution before enrolling at Owens in 2001. While an Owens student, she worked as an aid at Arrowhead Physical Therapy in Maumee.

Ashton credits the educational success she has achieved to her supportive husband, Dillon, as well as to the rest of her family.

“Dillon was such a large part of my success at Owens,” Ashton said. “I knew little English before coming here, and he helped proofread all of my papers and explained to me how to build sentences. He was my at-home assistant.”

She added, “The rest of my family has been wonderful too. My parents wish me good luck over the phone before every test and my mother-in-law has really been supportive throughout this process as well.”

The focus of her Commencement speech addressed her personal success story, as well as discussed the great educational opportunities available to students of all races, genders and economic classes in the United States.

“It may sound cliché, but, in my case, this country has truly been the land of opportunity,” Ashton stated in her speech. “It was always a dream of mine to work in the medical field, but in my home country you had to have the connections to get into the good colleges, regardless of grades, drive, social standing or desire. Even though in the papers it would say that everyone had ‘equal opportunities,’ this was not true. Now, at age 36, I have finally been able to accomplish my lifelong professional goal.”

A mother of two, Ashton looks forward to applying her skills in a “real-world” situation and giving “something back to the country and community who welcomed her with open arms.”

Both Sarah Garlough of Toledo and Dustin Hoorman of Ottawa cleverly decorated their caps with rakes, trees, flowers, shrubs and a pond to reflect their future careers and degrees in landscape and turfgrass management.

Future John Deere agricultural technician workers and Owens graduates take time to pose for a photo following Spring Commencement. (L to R) Chris Hall of Farmdale, Anthony Freed of Jenera, Michael Rodefer of West Manchester and Lee Schank of Republic all earned associate degrees of applied science.

An Owens dental hygiene student thanks their mother and father in a unique way.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Introduces New Medical Assisting Associate Degree Program

Posted on May 16th, 2006

FINDLAY – In response to the growing need for allied health professionals in Northwest Ohio, Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus is expanding its educational opportunities by announcing the creation of a new medical assisting associate degree program. Beginning Fall Semester 2006, the new academic program will be offered through the School of Health Sciences on the Findlay-area Campus. The program is also offered on the Toledo-area Campus.

“Owens Community College’s School of Health Sciences is proud to offer another health care program that will meet the needs of the surrounding communities,” said Bonnie Hemp, Owens chair of Health Information Technology. “Medical assistant professionals are in increasing demand and the need for trained specialists is greater than ever before. The goal of this program is to provide students with the necessary training to become multi-skilled personnel who are capable of performing administrative and clinical procedures in the ambulatory health setting.”

Owens’ associate degree in medical assisting will require approximately 71 credit hours of coursework, which includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, administrative and clinical courses in medical assisting, legal concepts, coding and reimbursement, and arts and sciences electives.

The new program will serve to prepare entry-level medical assistants in administrative duties such as scheduling, billing and collection procedures, and procedural and diagnostic coding, as well as clinical aspects of administration of medication, performance of diagnostic tests and patient assessments. As part of this degree, students will receive supervised, hands-on experience that enables them to gain real work experience. Additionally, second-year students will participate in a 160-hour externship in an allied health care setting.

Upon completion of the program, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in ambulatory health care settings such as physician offices, clinics and group practices. Graduates also have the opportunity to receive professional recognition through a national exam.

For additional information about Owens’ medical assisting associate degree program, call (567) 661-7286 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext 7286. Students interested in enrolling in the program for Fall Semester must have their completed application submitted no later than August 1. Fall Semester classes begin on August 21.

Pippi Longstocking Concludes Family Fun Sunday Series At Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, May 21

Posted on May 12th, 2006

Area residents are encouraged to bring their families to Owens Community College for an afternoon of adventure and excitement as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts concludes its 2005-06 Presenting Arts Season with the fun-filled musical Pippi Longstocking on Sunday, May 21.

The widely popular Pippi Longstocking character and her mischievous friends will come to life in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 2 p.m. The performance is the third in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts Family Fun Sunday Series, which is designed to provide fun and entertainment to individuals of all ages.

“We are delighted to present Pippi Longstocking as the third and final installment in our Family Fun Sunday Series,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center of Fine and Performing Arts. “Pippi Longstocking is a wonderful musical production that is sure to have children and adults alike rocking in their seats along with this familiar and beloved character.”

Based upon the classic children’s stories by Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking tells the tale of a young lady whose father is a pirate and whose mother is in heaven. As she heads to the local carnival with her friends Tommy and Annika, a misguided social worker plots to have her placed in an orphanage. Complete with a rousing musical score and all the excitement of a classic tale of adventure, the Pippi Longstocking musical, which is an American Family Theater Inc. production, has delighted audiences of all ages nationwide through spectacle, song and special effects.

A professional and nationally renowned tour group, American Family Theater was established in 1970 to educate and entertain families and young audiences. The organization currently has 24 different troupes touring the country and performing a wide variety of musical plays ranging from Cinderella to Anne Frank. American Family Theater has performed in over 400 cities throughout the United States and Canada and reaches an estimated 1.4 million people each year.

In addition to the musical performance, those in attendance will have an opportunity to meet the cast at the show’s conclusion.

Tickets for Pippi Longstocking are $10 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Toledo-area Campus Hosts Rapid Registration Week, May 22-26

Posted on May 12th, 2006

Area residents, businesses and students interested in taking college classes or starting a new career this summer or fall are invited to attend Rapid Registration Week at Owens Community College, May 22-26. Summer Semester classes begin on May 30 and June 5, while Fall Semester will start on August 21.

For added convenience, the College will be open extra hours for Rapid Registration Week from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday, May 22 and 25. Additionally, students may register on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, May 23, 24 and 26 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Individuals attending Rapid Registration Week will have the opportunity to learn about Owens’ many academic program offerings, receive academic advising, complete electronic financial aid, learn about deferred payment plans and select their classes in a convenient and timely manner from the College’s staff representatives.

Owens Community College offers personal attention and small classes throughout the day, evening and weekends. For more registration information or to obtain a schedule of courses for the summer or fall terms, contact Enrollment Services at (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777, or access the College’s website at www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Rapid Registration Week, May 22-26

Posted on May 12th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents, businesses and students interested in taking college classes or starting a new career this summer or fall are invited to attend Rapid Registration Week at Owens Community College, May 22-26. Summer Semester classes begin on May 30 and June 5, while Fall Semester will start on August 21.

For added convenience, the College will be open extra hours for Rapid Registration Week from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday, May 22 and 25. Additionally, students may register on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, May 23, 24 and 26 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Owens Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

Owens Community College offers personal attention and small classes throughout the day, evening and weekends. For more registration information or to obtain a schedule of courses for the summer or fall terms, contact Enrollment Services at (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509, or access the College’s website at www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Unveils Plans and Breaks Ground For New Community Education and Wellness Center, May 15

Posted on May 11th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College is continuing to invest in the future of higher education within the Northwest Ohio region by unveiling plans and breaking ground for a new $4.2 million Findlay-area Campus community education and wellness center on Monday, May 15.

Owens president Christa Adams, Ph.D., Findlay-area Campus executive dean Judy Ennis and Board of Trustee members will join community leaders and Owens employees in celebrating the initial construction for the new state-of-art educational facility.

Beginning at 10 a.m., groundbreaking festivities will commence with remarks by several Owens representatives, as well as comments by area elected officials and the project’s architect and contractors. In addition, renderings depicting the future state-of-the-art facility will be on display for individuals to view. An open house on the Findlay-area Campus will precede the groundbreaking ceremony at 9:15 a.m.

Owens’ new community education and wellness center is being built adjacent to the new Findlay-area Campus education center and will provide expanded educational choices highlighted by a community and corporate training center. The 24,641 square-foot building will feature three classrooms, including a wireless seminar classroom with tiered seating for more than 150 individuals. The College’s facility will also include two computer labs and two multifunctional industrial laboratories/shop bays, as well as a wellness, cardiovascular and fitness center for general student use.

In 2005, Owens marked a milestone in the academic institution’s history by opening a new $17.7 million Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ new education center provides an array of academic resources, highlighted by 38 advanced technology classrooms, 27 technical and computer laboratories, and student services areas. Included in the new student services areas are a Bursar’s Office, Records Office, Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services Office.

Owens Community College Board of Trustees Awards 2006 Academic Excellence Scholarships

Posted on May 10th, 2006

Area high school seniors recently were honored by Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees for their outstanding achievements, receiving thousands of dollars in new scholarships through the Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program.

“Owens Community College is pleased to reward these incoming students for their superior academic efforts and exemplary contributions within their high schools and communities,” said Dr. Ronald McMaster, Owens chair of the Board of Trustees. “Each recipient’s outstanding leadership qualities and intellectual skills will be a strong asset to Owens, and we look forward to welcoming them during the new academic year.”

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 two-year scholarship.

The scholarship is available for 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.

Students receiving a Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship and their intended course of study at Owens include:

Lisa Hohlbein of Monclova, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate (registered nursing)
Courtney Holman of Arcadia, an Arcadia High School graduate (registered nursing)
Erica Wolford of Arlington, an Arlington High School graduate (registered nursing)
Jessica Cook of Bellevue, a Bellevue High School graduate (nuclear medicine)
Bethany Fowler of Bluffton, a Bluffton High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Derrik Peterson of Custar, a Bowling Green High School graduate (computer science)
Morgan Troiano of Carey, a Carey High School graduate (small business management)
Alexis Wingate of Toledo, a Central Catholic High School graduate (registered nursing)
Monica Molnar of Oregon, a Clay High School graduate (associate of science, general concentration)
Jacob Cousino of Deerfield, Mich., a Deerfield High School graduate (landscape and turfgrass management)
Kayla Weber of Delphos, a Delphos St. John’s High School graduate (radiography)
Lisa Hainen of Bowling Green, an Eastwood High School graduate (nuclear medicine)
Lindsay Manecke of Fostoria, an Elmwood High School graduate (accounting)
Meggan Swisher of Temperance, Mich., an Emmanuel Baptist Christian High School graduate (diagnostic medical sonography)
Whitney Foreman of Findlay, a Findlay High School graduate (world language studies)
Kayleigh Brock of Millbury, a Lake High School graduate (psychology)
Daniel Niese of Leipsic, a Leipsic High School graduate (mechanical engineering technology)
Bradley Heinze of Maumee, a Maumee High School graduate (computer programming)
Tonya Roof of Hoytville, a McComb High School graduate (registered nursing)
Sarah Phillips of North Baltimore, a North Baltimore High School graduate (registered nursing)
Nicole Haddad of Northwood, a Northwood High School graduate (radiography)
Eric Baker of Bowling Green, an Otsego High School graduate (middle childhood education)
Jaclyn Sheldrick of Whitehouse, a Penta Career Center graduate (automotive service management)
Sarah Spoerl of Perrysburg, a Perrysburg High School graduate (adolescence education)
Whitney Kimmel of Tiro, a Pioneer Career and Technical Center graduate (dental hygiene)
Ashley Beaudry of Toledo, a Rogers High School graduate (registered nursing)
Brent Reiter of Rossford, a Rossford High School graduate (criminal justice technology)
Rea Fe Greenage of Toledo, a Scott High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Matthew Szparka of Holland, a Springfield High School graduate (commercial art technology)
Andrew Leech of Toledo, a St. Francis de Sales High School graduate (associate of science, general concentration)
Joan Anderson of Sylvania, a St. Ursula Academy graduate (undecided)
Kelly Koelsch of Sylvania, a Sylvania Northview High School graduate (physical therapist assistant)
Lindzy Spitnale of Toledo, a Toledo School for the Arts graduate (surgical)
Tiffany Spangler of Findlay, a Van Buren High School graduate (registered nursing)
James Rhiel of Alvada, a Vanlue High School graduate (registered nursing)
Tiffany Betts of Toledo, a Waite High School graduate (early childhood education)
Sarah Christensen of Ottawa Lake, Mich., a Whiteford High School graduate (dental hygiene)
Katie Kintner of Toledo, a Whitmer High School graduate (undecided)
Nathan Shrewsbury of Woodville, a Woodmore High School graduate (architectural engineering technology)

Owens Community College Strengthens Institution Through Integration and Leadership Initiatives

Posted on May 10th, 2006

Committed to enhancing its academic mission of providing excellence in higher education, Owens Community College is aligning its institutional structure by integrating Student Services, Academic Services, and Marketing and Communications under the leadership of the Provost’s Office. The integration allows for these areas to work even more closely together in helping them achieve the College’s mission of serving its students and surrounding communities.

As a result of Owens’ organizational changes, Dr. Paul Unger, provost, has been named executive vice president/provost for the College. In addition, Dr. Bruce Busby, associate vice president of Academic Services, becomes the new vice president of Academic Services.

“Owens Community College is committed to providing a higher educational experience that changes students’ lives and strengthens the surrounding communities,” said Christa Adams, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “Paul Unger and Bruce Busby are visionary leaders whose extensive background and experiences have been invaluable to this College. Their continued leadership, along with these organizational changes, will enable Owens to more effectively align the structure of our institution in fulfilling our mission of student success.”

Dr. Unger will continue to serve as Owens’ chief academic officer, as well as oversee the areas of Student Services, Academic Services and Marketing and Communications. Dr. Busby assumes day-to-day responsibility for all academic areas, and the academic deans and departments will work under his leadership and guidance.

Dr. Unger was appointed provost for Owens in 2002. In this position, he is the chief academic officer with supervision over five schools of the College, the Library, Institutional Research, Planning and Grants, Marketing and Communications, and Student Services.

Since his arrival at Owens in 1992, Dr. Unger has been instrumental in supporting the infusion of state-of-the-art technology throughout the academic programs and the addition of the baccalaureate transfer curriculum in 1994 as the College was chartered from a Technical College to a State Community College. He also worked to secure the permanent Charter of the College as a State Community College and created the weekend college and distance learning offerings that currently enroll over 12,000 students.

His organizational memberships include the State of Ohio Chief Academic Officers of Two-Year Colleges, Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium and National Council of Instructional Administrators. He is also a member of many statewide committees with the Ohio Board of Regents. Dr. Unger holds a doctorate degree in community college administration from the Ohio State University. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he earned his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in business from Central Michigan University and Wright State University, respectively. He resides in Sylvania.

Dr. Bruce Busby
Dr. Busby joined the College as associate vice president of Academic Services in 2004. His responsibilities entail assisting the Provost with all aspects of administration for Academic Services. He also oversees academic planning, curriculum development, budget management and facility planning. Additionally, Dr. Busby provides assistance within the College’s outcome assessment and retention programs, distance learning, and program review and evaluation process.

Prior to joining Owens, Dr. Busby served as the dean of Arts and Sciences for Northwest State Community College. While at Northwest State, he was responsible for establishing the community college’s Student Success Center to address strategic goals for persistence and program completion among students. Through his leadership, Northwest State created the Heritage Arts Center as an institute for regional studies, integrating the Elder Hostel Program, the Center for Life-Long Learning, the Black Swamp Heritage Collection as well as credit and non-credit courses, regional partnerships and exhibitions celebrating the heritage of the Black Swamp region.

His professional and community involvement includes serving on the Workforce Development Steering Committee for the Ohio Bridges to Opportunity Initiative and holding board-level membership on the National Association for General and Liberal Studies and ProMedica’s Defiance Regional Medical Center Foundation. He previously served as an Ohio Association for Developmental Education board member.

A resident of Toledo, Dr. Busby earned his doctorate and master’s degrees in English from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree in English from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Owens Community College Graduates Assist Fellow Students Through A New Cap and Gown Collection Program

Posted on May 5th, 2006

As another school year nears an end, many students are about to reach the pinnacle of their academic careers by receiving a college diploma. However, the parties and celebrations that follow the pomp and circumstance quickly subside after a few days and in many instances the graduate’s cap and gown are placed in storage or discarded entirely. Owens Community College’s Student Government is encouraging its soon-to-be graduates to help future graduating classes by donating their garb to those less fortunate following Spring Commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 11.

All caps and gowns received during Spring Commencement will be given to future Owens graduating classes as part of a new Student Government outreach program.

“Owens Community College’s Student Government sees the cap and gown collection program as a great opportunity for a new alum to instantly give back to the school by donating their cap and gown to those less fortunate students,” said John Byers, Owens coordinator of Student Involvement. “We want to make sure that the last thing students need to worry about on their special day is having enough money for a cap and gown.”

According Byers, the donated caps and gowns for future Owens graduates are completely free of charge and come with only a minor stipulation.

“In order for a student to receive the garb they must give a few hours of their time to participating in student involvement activities at the College,” Byers said. “Owens students are engaged in a host of activities throughout the academic year. Their many initiatives are constantly making a significant impact, both for the College and the community. The cap and gown program is a great opportunity to expose even more students to the many campus life clubs and organizations that Owens has offer and experience the benefits of teamwork, leadership, responsibility and achievement.”

The College’s Student Government will be setting up collection points in the hallway adjacent to the Student Health and Activities Center. Graduates can drop off their cap and gowns immediately following the Spring Commencement ceremony on the Toledo-area Campus or by making an appointment with the Student Government office prior to Friday, May 19. Recent graduates can call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

‘The Human Ketchup Drinking Machine’ Seeks World Record With Trial Run at Owens, May 10

Posted on May 5th, 2006

Area residents interested in witnessing history in the making are invited to watch Owens Community College student Nicholas Huenefeld – otherwise known as “The Human Ketchup Drinking Machine” – seek enshrinement into the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the world’s fastest ketchup drinker on Wednesday, May 10. The event will serve as trial attempt at the ketchup-drinking record and proceeds raised will benefit the American Heart Walk and Owens Student Government.

To break the record, Huenefeld will attempt to consume 13 ounces of ketchup in 33 seconds through a quarter-inch straw. The event will occur at 1 p.m. in Health Technologies Hall Room 102. The Owens Student Government is sponsoring the event and admission is $1.

“Nicholas is a wonderful student and I am delighted to see him finding creative ways to benefit Owens student initiatives and the community while pursuing this milestone,” said John Byers, Owens coordinator of Student Involvement. “Apparently, he has been honing his ketchup-drinking skills for some time. Several people have been interested in seeing Nicholas perform his odd talent and as result the Owens Student Government found a way to turn ketchup drinking into a fun and unique on-campus event, benefiting a good cause.”

Byers added, “It is not every day one has the opportunity to witness an attempt on the ‘Guinness Book of World Records.'”

The Northwood resident is majoring in arts and sciences at Owens. Active on campus, the Lake High School graduate serves as an at-large representative for Student Government, sports editor for the “Owens Outlook” student newspaper and a student-worker at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center. Huenefeld’s ketchup-drinking escapes have already received world attention appearing in Ripley’s Believe It or Not “Planet Eccentric” publication for drinking a 24-ounce bottle of ketchup in one sitting.

In addition to the ketchup drinking, Owens’ Student Government will host a 50/50 drawing to benefit Owens student activities.

Following the successful trial run, Huenefeld plans to break the ketchup-drinking record in an official “Guinness Book of World Records” attempt during the upcoming Fall Semester at Owens.

For more information about the event, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Relay for Life Raises Over $18,000 in Support of Cancer Research

Posted on May 4th, 2006

Owens' Relay for Life theme this year was Hawaiian as evident by team Coconut Ohana's campsite.
More than 300 area residents recently walked the night and early morning away in support of cancer awareness as Owens Community College hosted its fourth annual Relay for Life on the Toledo-area Campus. The 11-hour walking-journey for participating teams resulted in the College raising over $18,000 for cancer research.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Owens’ Relay for Life is one of more than 300 similar cancer fundraising initiatives, occurring throughout Ohio. Since its inception, the Owens event has raised over $87,000 to support cancer research.

“Owens Community College is once again extremely proud to collaborate with the American Cancer Society and help in the fight against cancer,” said Elisa Rodriguez, Owens co-chair of the Relay for Life Committee. “Continuing to raise funds and promote cancer awareness are extremely important in the hopes that some day this disease will be eliminated.”

Twenty-two cancer survivors along with family and friends took part in the first few Relay for Life laps to kick-off the 11-hour walking-journey.
Established in 1985, Relay for Life was created to offer communities a unique, empowering and fun way to assist in the fight against cancer. Today, as the American Cancer Society’s signature event, approximately 4,200 communities and eight countries participate in the cancer awareness fundraiser.

Among the many highlights of the event were tributes to those individuals in attendance who have survived cancer. Twenty-two survivors together took part in a ceremonial first lap while cheered on by family, friends and Relay for Life participants. Special events included music and entertainment along with an array of games and activities.

The American Cancer Society is the nation’s leading community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by prevention, saving lives and diminishing suffering through research, education, advocacy and service.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Art Exhibition Highlights Student Work At Owens’ Findlay-Area Campus, May 4-15

Posted on May 3rd, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College fine arts students will have the opportunity to showcase their many artistic talents as the Findlay-area Campus hosts its first-ever Student Art Exhibition in the Library, May 4-15.

“Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is delighted to feature the finest works of art produced by our students in the past year,” said Gail McCain, Owens library manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The Library is a great venue for Owens students to display their own works and highlight the knowledge and growth they have acquired in the classroom.”

McCain added, “These artistic expressions are extremely individualized and reflect the unique creative abilities and inspirations of each student artist.”

The Student Art Exhibition features 31 pieces of artwork from paintings to drawings created by 13 different student artists enrolled in Fine and Performing Arts courses. In addition to the students’ artistic expressions, their instructor Louise Wineland, Owens adjunct faculty member for Fine and Performing Arts, will showcase some of her own works.

Students whose work will be displayed are Sara Agner of Findlay (commercial art technology), Leslie Barron of Findlay (commercial art technology), Tifani Boltz of Upper Sandusky (commercial art technology), Sarah Gosche of Bascom (liberal arts general concentration), Kari Johann of Findlay (business management), Jennifer Kloepfer of Vanlue (commercial art technology), Lindsey Leibfarth of Findlay (liberal arts general concentration), Ashley Parke of Findlay (business management), Erica Parke of Findlay (commercial art technology), Andrea Reinhart of Alvada (English), Ajay Reyna of Ottawa (pre-business administration), Judy Theis of Findlay (commercial art technology) and Amber Zeltner of Findlay (liberal arts general concentration).

Admission to the Student Art Exhibition and the Owens Findlay-area Campus Library is free and open to the public. The Library will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the College’s Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Alumni Association Presents Annual Golf Classic, May 22

Posted on May 2nd, 2006

Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni programs as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association presents its fourth annual Golf Classic. The event will occur on Monday, May 22.

Organized by the Owens Alumni Association’s steering committee, the golf outing will be held at the historic Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch, cocktails/hors d’oeuvres and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsor is Sky Bank and H.O.T. Graphic Services is the print sponsor.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to host a community-wide event, benefiting students in pursuit of a college education,” said Laura Moore, Owens director of Alumni Relations. “The Golf Classic is a unique opportunity for business and industry, as well as Owens alumni, to provide continued support for higher education, ensuring our students with opportunities for lifelong learning.”

Moore added, “The Northwest Ohio community’s initial response toward this year’s event has again been overwhelming and spots for participating teams are filling up fast. I expect the Golf Classic to once again be a first class event and a fun-filled day of golf, benefiting a worthy cause.”

The College’s Alumni Association is open to all graduates or students who have successfully completed any credit or non-credit course at Owens. New members have the opportunity to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors or committees, utilize the Student Health and Activities Center, Common Computer labs and Library services, as well as attend a variety of social and networking events.

The four-person scramble golf competition will begin with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Lunch will precede the golf from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The day will conclude with participants reminiscing about their golfing experience over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. A short program will occur at this time to recognize all prize winners.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the Golf Classic by entering a team and/or becoming a sponsor. Among the various levels of support include the Eagle Sponsor ($1,000), Birdie Sponsor ($800), Mulligan Sponsor ($350) and Bogey Sponsor ($250). Those businesses that do not want to golf have the opportunity to sponsor a hole on the course.

The Belmont Country Club is located on Bates Road, five miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, or to register a team, contact the Owens Alumni Affairs Office at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Recognizes Students For Creative Excellence in Artistic Expression

Posted on May 2nd, 2006

Owens student Janice Dingess was awarded first place for her acrylic painting.
Six Owens Community College students were recently honored for their creative excellence in art as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery held its annual Juried Student Art Exhibition.

“Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to have featured some of the finest works of art produced by our students,” said Wynn Perry, Owens adjunct faculty member who curates the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The creative works submitted by Owens students were truly outstanding and epitomized the meaning of artistic expression. Events such as the Juried Student Art Exhibition provide great opportunities for students to apply the knowledge obtained within the classroom into a real world setting.”

A jury composed of area artists and professionals selected the winning entries based on creative excellence. The Juried Student Art Exhibition was open to all students enrolled within fine and performing arts courses.

The show featured 100 pieces of artwork created by more than 60 students within the areas of painting, drawing, graphic and interior design, photography, ceramics, and sculpture. Students were allowed to enter a total of five pieces.

More than 100 pieces of artwork created by more than 60 Owens students were on display as part of the College's Juried Student Art Exhibition.
Janice Lynn Dingess of Toledo (fine art) was awarded first place for her acrylic painting titled “A.D.I.D.A.S.” Elise Lark of Maumee (communication arts) took second place for her charcoal drawing “Strong Still Life” and Michelle Sizemore of Toledo (photography) took third place for her black and white photograph “Glamour.”

Jeanette Kuhn of Perrysburg (commercial art certificate) received an honorable mention for her ceramic bowl titled “Blue Bowl.” In addition, the people’s choice award went to Hope Rene Eber of Perrysburg (photography) for her color photograph “Trolley Graffiti,” while Paul Joseph of Maumee (undecided) received the purchase award for his acrylic painting and mixed media piece titled “What’s Your Definition of Progress?”

Admission to all Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery events is free and open to the public during the summer months, Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For additional information about the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2721).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Greg Kostraba and Shannon Ford to Perform At Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts, May 12

Posted on May 2nd, 2006

Internationally acclaimed radio professional and concert pianist Greg Kostraba will partner with the nationally recognized woodwind performer Shannon Ford and take to the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ stage on Friday, May 12. The piano and reed duet performance will occur in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

“Owens is proud to feature such renowned and gifted musicians as Mr. Kostraba and Ms. Ford in concert,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Their complementary instruments and styles, along with their professional skills, are sure to make for a unique evening of music.”

Kostraba has successfully combined a career as a radio professional and concert pianist. He currently serves as the classical music director and senior radio host of WGTE-FM 91.3 and is responsible for the station’s classical music programming.

His passion for music also includes devoting much of his time composing and performing at various locations throughout North America. At the 2004 Fourth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, Kostraba’s mesmerizing performance helped him garner semi-finalist status and acclaim for music making. He has also performed with the Purdue and the Lafayette symphony orchestras and conducted solo piano and chamber music performances at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Great Gallery, Bowling Green State University and the Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society in Lafayette, Ind.

Ford has 17 years of experience as a professional performer. She has worked with many renowned ensembles such as the Toledo, Lima and Perrysburg symphony orchestras and the Toledo Concert Band. Ford also has participated in several world performances, including John Cage’s Four5 at the World Saxophone Congress in Italy. In 2004, she was named the “Toledo City Paper’s” Best Teacher of the Year.

Ford earned her master’s degree in woodwind performance from Bowling Green State University. She also was selected for membership into the Pi Kappa Lambda honorary organization while an undergraduate at Indiana State University. Ford provides her musical expertise as an instructor at several area colleges and universities, freelances classical and jazz styles and maintains a large private lesson studio.

Tickets are $12 for the public, $10 for senior citizens and $8 for Owens students. To purchase tickets visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the concert, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Over 700 Owens Community College Students to Graduate During Spring Commencement, May 11

Posted on May 1st, 2006

Over 700 candidates for graduation, including 54 from the Findlay-area Campus, will receive their degrees and certificates during the 40th annual Spring Commencement at Owens Community College on Thursday, May 11. The commencement will be at 7 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the College’s Toledo-area Campus.

James M. Murray, president of Ohio Operations for FirstEnergy Corp., will serve as the distinguished keynote speaker for the College’s Spring Commencement.

“Owens Community College is extremely honored to have Mr. Murray with us to celebrate the academic achievements of our graduates,” said Christa Adams, Ph.D, president of Owens Community College. “Mr. Murray is an accomplished leader, both within the community and his profession. His insightful message will serve as an inspiration to the College’s graduating class as they become the educators, scientists, health care professionals, technologists, musicians, skilled laborers and business leaders of tomorrow.”

Prior to joining Ohio Edison, Murray served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He and his wife, Kay, and son, Martin, reside in Perrysburg.

Irina Ashton of Luckey, a diagnostic medical sonography major, has been selected as the Owens class representative and will address the graduates during the Spring Commencement ceremony.

Graduating with honors, Ashton is a native of Russia who describes herself as a social, hardworking and extremely determined individual. Her favorite hobbies include sewing, knitting and camping.

Ashton credits the educational success she has achieved to her supportive husband, Dillon, as well as to the rest of her family.

The focus of her Commencement speech will address her personal success story, as well as discuss the great educational opportunities available to students of all races, genders and economic classes in the United States.

“It may sound cliché, but, in my case, this country has truly been the land of opportunity,” Ashton states in her speech. “It was always a dream of mine to work in the medical field, but in my home country you had to have the connections to get into the good colleges, regardless of grades, drive, social standing or desire. Even though in the papers it would say that everyone had ‘equal opportunities,’ this was not true. Now, at age 36, I have finally been able to accomplish my lifelong professional goal.”

A mother of two, Ashton looks forward to applying her skills in a “real-world” situation and giving “something back to the country and community who welcomed her with open arms.”

More than 6,000 family, friends and relatives are expected to attend the Spring Commencement, which is open to the public.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Alumni Association Honors Local Safety Forces With Outstanding Service Awards

Posted on May 1st, 2006

(L to R) Owens director of Alumni Affairs Laura Moore, Marvin Hug, Mick Frisbie, Hollie Engle, J. Eric Larson and Owens Alumni Association president Janet Meacham. Seated is K-9 Oz. (absent is Leonard Chapman)
Five area police, fire and emergency medical professionals have been chosen to receive the third annual Outstanding Service Awards by Owens Community College’s Alumni Association for tremendous contributions to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities. The recipients are honored as part of a community celebration.

Award winners are Mick Frisbie, Marvin Hug, Holli Engle, J. Eric Larson and Leonard Chapman.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to honor our brave police, fire and emergency medical professionals for their dedication to making our lives safer,” said Janet Meacham, Owens president of the Alumni Association. “Our nation would not be experiencing freedom and safety as we know it without their selfless acts of public service.”

The awards are presented within the categories of outstanding Police Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Management Services 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 to the community over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient.

The co-recipients of the Outstanding Police Officer Award are Frisbie of Stryker (deputy, Williams County Sheriff’s Office) and Hug of Edon (corporal, Williams County Sheriff’s Office). Both Frisbie and Hug were nominated by Williams County sheriff Kevin Beck for outstanding leadership, determination and K-9 expertise in responding to a call concerning a missing child in the rural northwest part of Williams County in late October 2005.

As a result of persistent efforts, Frisbie, Hug and their K-9 partners were able to locate the 5-year-old girl who had been missing for nearly five hours in an area of open fields that contained tall grass and several ponds. After multiple passes through the field, K-9 Oz picked up a scent, which led the officers directly to the child who was found cold and wet, but unharmed.

Frisbie has five years of law enforcement service. He is a member of the North American Police Work Dog Association, holds Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy K-9 certification and attended Northwest State Community College. His accomplishments include receiving a Distinguished Service Medal for the apprehension of drug manufacturers. Additionally, Frisbie serves as a pee wee softball coach in his local community.

Hug has been involved in public service for 25 years. He holds peace officer and K-9 certification from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. His professional and community involvement includes membership with the National Police Work Dog Association and the Dogs Against Drugs/Dogs Against Crime (DAD/DAC) organization. Hug also serves as a basketball and baseball coach for the Edon Youth League.

Engle of Jerry City (fire chief, Jerry City Volunteer Fire Department) is named the Outstanding Firefighter Award recipient. She was nominated by Jerry City mayor Melinda Bolbach for demonstrating exceptional service above and beyond within the local community by helping to make Jerry City a safer place to live. Last year, Engle, at age 25, stepped up to the challenge of filling Jerry City’s vacant position as fire chief and completely transformed the volunteer fire department into the community’s pride and joy.

One of the first female fire chiefs in Wood County, Engle was responsible for increasing the number of volunteer firefighters to an all-time high, holding weekly training sessions, initiating community outreach events and writing new protocols and procedures that have positively impacted the local community. As a result of her leadership and safety efforts, insurance rates have dropped for Jerry City homeowners.

Engle has eight years of experience in public service. Her professional and community involvement includes membership on the Black Swamp Humanitarian Award committee and the Wood County Hospital HAZMAT team. Engle was recently honored for exemplary service by being named the recipient of the Black Swamp Humanitarian and the Frank Coss awards for lifesaving efforts of an individual. She also attended Owens Community College.

The Outstanding Emergency Management Services Award is presented to J. Eric Larson of Bowling Green (Wood County Emergency Management director and EMS coordinator). He was nominated by Tammy Feehan and Suzette Hall from Wood County Emergency Management for going above and beyond to save people’s lives on a daily basis. Larson has been involved in the public service field for 29 years. His many accomplishments in the emergency management field include the implementation a monthly Emergency Medical Service Continuing Education program in cooperation with Wood County Hospital that is open to all emergency medical professionals and first responders at no cost.

In addition, he was twice deployed to Louisiana with the Federal Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team as a logistics officer in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His community involvement includes membership with the Black Swamp Humanitarian Committee, Wood County Fire/EMS Chief’s Association and the Wood County Fire Fighter’s Association. Larson attended Owens Community College.

Chapman of Bloomdale (fire chief, Bloomdale Fire and Rescue) is named the Outstanding Service to Community Award recipient. He was nominated by Robert Wiechman from Bloomdale Fire and Rescue for his exemplary service to the Bloomdale community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT during the past 45 years.

Chapman joined the then Bloomdale Fire Department in 1961 and five years later became the organization’s fire chief. In 1972, he became an EMT, which resulted in the department being able to purchase their first ambulance and officially change their name to Bloomdale Fire and Rescue. Chapman also annually organizes fire department community functions such as the Mother’s Day chicken barbeque, the Bloomdale Summerfest and the extremely popular open house, which is highlighted by fire truck rides.

Additionally, Chapman played a significant role in organizing and planning the Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen Association’s annual convention in 2002. His accomplishments also include receiving several firefighter and EMT awards for outstanding service within the community.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Student Groups and Bowling Green Evening Lions Club Collaborate on Eyeglass Collection Drive, May 1-8

Posted on April 27th, 2006

Owens Community College’s Environmental Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Government and the Bowling Green Evening Lions Club are reaching out to individuals throughout the world by initiating an Eyeglass Recycling Week collection program, benefiting those in desperate need of improved vision.

Beginning on Monday, May 1, the Owens student groups will be accepting donations of various eyeglasses for children and adults. Among the eyeglasses that can be donated during the collection period are weak and strong prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses.

“Owens Community College’s student organizations see the eyeglass collection as a great opportunity to improve the vision in people’s lives throughout the world,” said John Byers, Owens coordinator of Student Involvement. “We’re honored to assist individuals by helping them enjoy daily activities many take for granted such as reading a book or watching a sunset.”

Owens has set up a variety of collection points around the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Area residents can drop off their charitable donations on the Toledo-area Campus at Administration Hall, the Student Health and Activities Center, Alumni Hall, the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building, the Fire Science and Law Enforcement Center, the Transportation Technologies Center, College Hall, the Audio/Visual Classroom Center, the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, the Child Care Center, the Center for Development and Training, and Health Technologies Hall. On the Findlay-area Campus, collection points are in the College’s Commons.

The Eyeglass Recycling Week drive will conclude on Monday, May 8. The collected eyeglasses will be donated to the Bowling Green Evening Lions Club in the coming weeks. The glasses will then be cleaned, categorized by prescription and prepared for distribution to developing countries by Lions clubs and other community groups.

According to Byers, the World Health Organization estimates that the eyesight of approximately 25 percent of the world’s population could be improved with corrective lenses. “Participation in the eyeglass collection drive will help make eye care possible for those who might not otherwise receive the help they need to make a better life for themselves,” he stated.

The Bowling Green Evening Lions Club was chartered in 1954 and has been a very visible, active community group ever since. In addition to local work, the organization shares resources with both state and international Lions programs. Among the programs supported by the club are the Wood County Parks, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas Food Baskets for the Needy, and the Lions Sight and Hearing Project. Additionally, the local organization is affiliated with the International Association of Lions Club, which is one of the largest clubs in the world. Over 46,000 clubs are represented, with a membership exceeding 1.4 million individuals in over 193 countries.

For more information about the eyeglass collection drive, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Over 60 Students to Graduate From Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academies, May 4

Posted on April 26th, 2006

Over 40 students from the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be recognized as Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduates at Owens Community College on Thursday, May 4.

The special ceremonies will occur at 7 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. The College’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy graduation is open to the public.

“Owens Community College is proud to continue its collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and provide educational training for thousands of future law enforcement officials throughout Ohio,” said Gary Brinker, Owens coordinator of Public Service Training Programs. “Our nation would not experience freedom and safety as we know it without each graduate’s decision to pursue a career in public service.”

Founded in 1970, the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy is offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses in cooperation with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council. As part of the seven-month program, Owens police academy students take courses in patrol operations, firearms, defensive tactics and criminal investigation using modern, high-tech police equipment. Participants receive expert instruction from local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers, as well as state and federal agents.

Following successful completion of the College’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy, Owens graduates become eligible for certification as an Ohio peace officer. In addition, coursework earned by police academy graduates will apply toward an associate degree at Owens in law enforcement.

Local law enforcement agencies where Owens graduates now are employed include the Deshler Police Department, Findlay Police Department, Fostoria Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Lucas County Sheriff’s Department, Maumee Police Department, Northwood Police Department, Perrysburg City Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Sylvania City Police Department, Sylvania Township Police Department, Tiffin Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Wayne Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

The following students have completed the required number of law enforcement contact hours set forth by the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Day Academy:
Zachary T. Andrzejewski of Oregon
Noah N. Briggs of Toledo
Jeff E. Bronowski of Curtice
Nathan R. Cousino of Oregon
Mark J. Crowe of Holland
Angelo L. Garcia of Genoa
Matthew R. Hallowell of Maumee
John S. Kelpacz II of Rossford (sponsored by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
Michael P. McAlear of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
Patrick J. Mormile Jr. of Bowling Green (sponsored by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
Dennis R. McCree Jr. of Toledo
Brett L. Rahe of Pemberville (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)
Brandon R. Riefers of Napoleon
Jeffery M. Schwarzkopf of Toledo
Michael D. Senyo of Holland
Michael T. Skidmore of Willoughby Hills
Ryan A. Stager of Oregon
Brent D. VanDyke of Oregon
Kattie N. Wenner of Elmore
James K. West II of Toledo

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy:
Jim G. Baldwin of Grand Rapids
Larry A. Barnett of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Pemberville Police Department)
Matthew C. Collins of Bryan
Crystal N. Confer of Toledo
Justin P. Gross of Toledo
Leslie J. Hall of Toledo
Nicholas R. Hannan of Perrysburg (sponsored by the Lake Township Police Department)
Crystal D. Hays of Perrysburg
Dominic J. LoFiego of Sylvania
Richard K. Miller of Toledo
Charles R. Moffitt of Toledo
Kimberly A. Opfermann of Toledo
Stephen G. Rogers of Toledo
Melinda E. Spalding of Maumee
Heather M. Swinehart of Maumee
Julie A. Szymanski of Walbridge

Findlay-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Academy:
Eric D. Aller of Findlay
Ian D. Brown of Bluffton
Jeremy S. Crow of Fostoria
Lucas M. Elchert of Carey
Jared A. Elliott of Findlay
Scott A. Harshman of Vanlue (sponsored by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
Tyler S. Hochstetler of Bluffton
Jeffery D. Janes of Findlay (sponsored by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
Johnathon G. Jenkins of Pandora
Douglas M. Stewart of Findlay
Christopher R. Verhoff of Findlay
Robert B. Wagner of Findlay
Andrew M. Welch of Rawson

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Dual Van Buren H.S. and Owens Community College Student Competes on Intercollegiate Golf Team

Posted on April 25th, 2006

Owens student-athlete Brian Bowker prepares to strike his ball during golf action.
Consider the unique situation of an individual attending both college and participating in intercollegiate athletics while still a senior in high school. Van Buren High School’s Brian Bowker is accomplishing such a rare feat by pursuing both an Owens Community College education as a high school senior and competing on the school’s golf team during the spring semester.

Bowker is one of more than 300 high school students in Northwest Ohio obtaining an Owens education through the College’s Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. However, the dual Van Buren High School and Owens Community College student is the only student-athlete in the academic institution’s history – and one of the only individuals currently in Ohio – to compete in NJCAA intercollegiate athletics prior to graduating from high school.

According to Jim Welling, Owens director of Student Enrichment and Athletics and head coach of the College’s new golf team, one of Bowker’s former high school golf teammates and current Owens student-athlete, Blake Tucker suggested that the program take a look at a pretty good golfer with the potential for a bright future at the college level.

“Owens Community College has never had an individual compete in intercollegiate athletics while pursuing both a high school and college education at the same time,” explained Welling. “This is a very rare and really unique situation for Brian and the College’s athletic program. Golf is about the only sport that such a feat could occur in Ohio due to high school golf being a fall sport and NJCAA golf being a spring sport.”

Welling added, “Brian is very mature for his age and an exceptional student. He was definitely up to the challenge and made the transition to college life very easily.”

Following an outstanding high school golf career in which Bowker twice competed in the Ohio High School Athletic Association state tournament and was named the Blanchard Valley Conference Player of the Year, he enrolled in classes at Owens and began his pursuit of a future career in business.

Having fulfilled the proper NJCAA guidelines by attending classes at Owens during both the fall and spring terms, Bowker, who resides in Van Buren, became eligible to compete as a student-athlete on the College’s new intercollegiate golf team. The Van Buren senior is currently taking 13 credit hours of coursework at Owens, including classes in English composition, American government and mathematics of finance.

“I really felt I was ready to begin pursuing my college education during my senior year,” explained Bowker, who will graduate from Van Buren High School in June. “However, I never thought I would also be participating on the College’s golf team at the same time.”

Making the transition from high school to intercollegiate golf has not been easy for Bowker. “Competition at the college level has been fierce,” he stated. “You have to be ready to play every day because each golfer is extremely talented. Making mistakes are extremely costly. One stroke can make all the difference in a match.”

The Van Buren High School senior couldn’t be more appreciative to head coach Jim Welling and Owens for helping him achieve both his educational and athletic aspirations. “Owens is a perfect fit and I am extremely grateful,” Bowker said.

Bowker is excelling both in his academic studies and golfing at Owens. The pre-business administration major has achieved a 3.0 GPA and scored rounds in the mid 70s during recent matches and invitations.

“Brian has great potential as a intercollegiate golfer,” stated Welling. “His scores are continuing to improve as the season progresses, resulting from enhanced shot selection and golf course management. I’m very impressed with how quickly he has adapted to playing at the college level. I really think Brian has a bright future ahead of him.”

Owens student-athlete Brian Bowker sports his Van Buren High School colors.
Bowker’s former Van Buren High School golf coach and teacher, Eric Heitkamp, echoes coach Welling’s sentiments. “I had Brian both as a student and athlete in high school,” he said. “He is an exceptional individual who is dedicated to achieving the highest level of excellence, both in the classroom and on the golf course.”

Heitkamp, who currently has a total of three former Van Buren High School golfers – Bowker, Blake Tucker and Brian Roosenberg – on the Express team, added, “One minute Brian was taking my high school web design class and the next day I hear he’s attending Owens and a member of the golf team. Pretty amazing.”

Bowker and his teammates will look to build upon their continued success as a first-year Owens intercollegiate athletic program when the team, which has won two out of its last three golf invitations, hosts the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Invitational on Wednesday, April 26. The invitational, which will include six teams, will begin with a shotgun start 12 p.m. at Belmont County Club in Perrysburg.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Establishes One of the First-Ever Intercollegiate Community College Sailing Clubs

Posted on April 20th, 2006

Hard astern, ballast weight and cast off are just a few of the terms individuals might hear around Owens Community College these days as the excitement of sailing has taken the Toledo-area Campus by storm – no pun intended. Sailing recently become the latest addition to the College’s student involvement activities and competes against schools that include Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Purdue University, the University of Notre Dame and The Ohio State University, to name a few.

In addition to participating in regattas and boat races against four-year schools with longstanding sailing program traditions, Owens is venturing into uncharted waters as a two-year academic institution by becoming one of the first community colleges in the country to introduce sailing as an intercollegiate club sport.

“Owens Community College is so excited to offer new opportunities for our students,” said John Byers, Owens coordinator of Student Involvement. “A sailing club is obviously one of the more unique clubs and organizations currently available to Owens students. However, the uniqueness is certainly one of the reasons that the club sport is growing in popularity as there are already 18 students participating in the organization.”

Byers added, “I really commend the students for getting the program off the ground. They are the main reason that this club became a reality. The Sailing Club is a welcome addition to campus life and will afford new opportunities for the College’s students to experience the benefits of teamwork, leadership, responsibility and achievement.”

The Sailing Club is a member of the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association of North America (ICSA) and participates in the Midwest College Sailing Association (MCSA), which includes 35 academic institutions throughout the Midwest. More than 3,000 individuals participate at the association’s member colleges and universities. The MCSA hosts more than 30 regattas annually, occurring both in the spring and fall seasons.

Owens’ program recently participated in its first-ever regatta at Notre Dame and to most competing school’s surprise, except the Sailing Club, finished second out of 13 other four-year colleges and universities, including Notre Dame, Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin.

For Owens student Ryan Lashaway of Toledo, the Sailing Club’s second-place finish was not a surprise to either himself or his teammates. “I don’t think we were shocked by our results and actually expected to hold our own in the College’s first-ever regatta,” he stated.

Lashaway, an architectural engineering major and Sailing Club president, added that Owens’ success was more of a shock to the competing schools. “Many of the competing four-year colleges and universities came up to our group and wondered where Owens Community College was located, having never heard of the school before,” explained Lashaway, who began racing at the age of 5 and was instrumental in bringing sailing to Owens. “I think our experience and competitiveness as a new sailing program dumbfounded the other schools.”

Owens has continued to build upon its impressive finish at Notre Dame by placing fourth and fifth at the Miami University in Ohio’s April Fools Regatta and Ohio State’s Buckeye Intersectional, respectively. Additionally, the Buckeye Intersectional marked the first time that Owens participated in a national competition. The Sailing Club is planning to compete at Northwestern University’s Invitational Regatta this upcoming weekend, April 22-23.

In two weeks, intercollegiate sailing will come to Northwest Ohio as the College’s Sailing Club hosts its first-ever regatta titled the Lake Erie Collegiate Championship at the Toledo Yacht Club, May 6. Competing sailing programs will include Owens, Bowling Green State University, the University of Toledo and John Carroll University. Racing will begin at 9:30 a.m. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. In addition to spring semester competition, Owens’ Sailing Club is scheduled to participate in three regattas during the upcoming fall term.

“We’re really excited to host an intercollegiate regatta in our first year and are very appreciative to the Toledo Yacht Club and their support of Owens student clubs and organizations,” said Lashaway.

In addition to the Toledo Yacht Club allowing Owens to the use their venue for the upcoming regatta, the organization has provided the Sailing Club with four boats to use when practicing at the mouth of the Maumee Bay. The Sailing Club is also in the near future expected to purchase its very own sails through the support of the Owens Community College Foundation.

According to Lashaway, the team practices every Saturday and Sunday morning except for regatta weekends. “I really believe that practice is paying off for our team as we continue to improve our scores in regatta competition,” he said. “The next step is actually winning a regatta, which I believe will come very soon.”

In the meantime, Lashaway and his fellow students are building a reputation within the Midwest for Owens as a sailing college.

Owens students participating in the Sailing Club include Laura DiNardo of Toledo, Lindsay Gregory of Toledo, Lily Ingraham of Bowling Green, Ryan Leech of Toledo, Jim Richards of Bowling Green, Torey Stroud of Perrysburg, Nick Turney of Toledo, Jessica Schwind of Rossford, Pat McCarty of Toledo, Alex Zalar of Oregon, Chris Asplin of Grand Rapids, Brian Bradley of Perrysburg, Mike Stark of Bedford, Mich., Ben Mercer of LaSalle, Mich., Sarah Trace of Toledo, Silvia Galizzi-Sabino of Elmore and Tankut Oezel of Bowling Green.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club Sponsors First-Ever Spring Plant Sale, May 2

Posted on April 20th, 2006

Area residents seeking to beautify their lawns and gardens for spring and summer are encouraged to attend the first-ever Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club Spring Plant Sale at Owens Community College on Tuesday, May 2.

The plant sale will occur from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. in between College Hall and Administration Hall and will feature a wide selection of shrubs and rare and unusual trees, among other items.

According to Chris Foley, Owens professor of Math and Life Science and Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club advisor, due to the immense popularity and success of their first plant sale last fall, the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club has decided to sponsor a second sale for spring planters. “All proceeds raised from the plant sale will help in supporting the club’s participation in the national horticultural and landscape competition next year,” he stated.

Shrubs on hand will include purple beauty berry, sunburst hypericum, summer wine ninebark, dwarf lilacs, magic carpet spirea, assorted viburnums and others. In addition, the student organization will offer trees such as rare maples, white fringetree, silverbell and dawn redwood, as well as select hostas and ornamental grasses.

The Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club was founded last year in an effort to provide a collegial atmosphere and foster stronger bonds among Owens 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, call (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Honors Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs

Posted on April 19th, 2006

Owens Community College recently honored its basketball programs for displaying excellence during intercollegiate competition. Twenty-five student-athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball were recognized for their athletic achievements.

Led by head coach Jim Welling, the Express finished the 2005-06 campaign with a 26-7 overall record and a 9-5 mark (third place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season standings. Owens advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Cincinnati State Community College. Welling’s team was ranked as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II men’s basketball poll.

Men’s Basketball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Alex Davenport of Belleville, Mich. (Belleville H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Zach Diekman of Martin (Genoa H.S.)
Coaches Award – Johnny Willhite of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Loy Norrix H.S.)
Ozone Award – Andrew Vroman of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Alex Davenport, Brian Sellers of Cincinnati (Western Hills H.S.) and Julian Logan of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Loy Norrix H.S.)

Members of the Owens Express men’s basketball team also were: DeAuntay Scott of Cleveland (Cleveland East H.S.), Chris Trobaugh of Elkhart, Ind. (Jimtown H.S.), Craig Ash of Pontiac, Mich. (Pontiac H.S.), Vershawn Chears of Toledo (Scott H.S.), Jordan Murphy of Bowling Green (Otsego H.S.) and Kenny Thomas of Barberton (Barberton H.S.).

The Express women’s basketball program is led by head coach Mike Llanas and completed their season with a 17-14 overall record and an 8-4 mark (second place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Llanas’ squad lost to Schoolcraft College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Women’s Basketball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Bridget Buss of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Sarah Moore of Taylor, Mich. (Truman H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Tia Simms of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.)
Coaches Award – Tashe Jacobs of Findlay (Findlay H.S.) and Ashley Williams of Toledo (Start H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Bridget Buss
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Sarah Moore
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Tia Simms
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Bridget Buss

Express women’s basketball team members also included: Kelly McPherson of Northwood (Lake H.S.), LaToya Bidden of Detroit, Mich. (Detroit Community H.S.), Kelsey Shumaker of Dresden (Tri-Valley H.S.), Amanda Coressel of Malinta (Patrick Henry H.S.), Brittany Barrera of Oregon (Cardinal Stritch H.S.), Brittany Murrell of Toledo (Central Catholic H.S.), Katie Culver of Tiffin (Tiffin Columbian H.S.) and Amanda Cogley of Lima (Lima Bath H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Student Group Collects Clothing and Raises Funds During First-Ever Sleep Out for the Homeless

Posted on April 18th, 2006

Owens students' (L to R) Kris Romp, Wendy Smith, Michelle Wagner and Carmen Dunbar huddle around the camp fire during the first-ever Sleep Out for the Homeless event.
Each night in communities throughout Northwest Ohio, many individuals are faced with the uphill struggle of finding a place to sleep that is warm and out of Mother Nature’s ever-changing elements. For Owens Community College’s Student Nursing Association the thought that this situation is played out daily was too much bear and recently took it upon themselves to learn what it would be like to do without shelter by spending a night under the stars to raise homelessness awareness.

As part of the organization’s first-ever Sleep Out for the Homeless event, participants spent 24 hours camping out in bitterly cold temperatures on the College’s lawn between Health Technologies Hall and College Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. Not only was the goal to make more people aware of homelessness occurring locally, but also to raise funds and collect basic hygienic and clothing materials to benefit the Sparrow’s Nest in Toledo.

As a result of the organization’s efforts, more than $5,000 worth of supplies and monetary donations were collected during the event.

For Owens Student Nursing Association member Wendy Smith, the weather was almost too much to take as the evening temperature dipped below the freezing mark. “It’s hard to believe that there are people trying to survive in these conditions on a daily basis,” she said. “Nobody should ever have to sleep out in the cold. It’s not humane.”

According to Michelle Wagner, Owens Student Nursing Association member and event organizer, the Sleep Out for the Homeless event grew out of a group project on homelessness for an Owens nursing class. “We found information regarding the concept of a sleep out event to raise homelessness awareness and thought it would be a great idea to apply our coursework and help the Sparrow’s Nest through community service outreach,” she explained. “I don’t think I will ever forget this experience and hopefully these donations will make a world of a difference for individuals who are in need.”

Among the basic hygienic and clothing materials collected as part of the Sleep Out for the Homeless were deodorant, laundry soap, sandwich bags, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, twin sized sheets, towels, nightgowns, slippers and socks.

Two tents were all that kept Owens students warm during bitterly cold temperatures.
“It is great to see positive examples of people in the community taking the initiative to help confront problems related to homelessness,” said Rodney Schuster, director of development for Cherry Street Mission Ministries. “It’s not the number of people who make an effort to help others, it’s the fact that someone is making the effort. These students are a tremendous example of what is right in our community. I commend them for their activism.”

The Sparrow’s Nest, which is located in Toledo, is a division of the Cherry Street Mission Ministries. The organization provides emergency relief such as shelter and food for homeless women, as well as helps them build their confidence through the Ready for Life program. The Sparrow’s Nest aided more than 400 women in the Toledo area in 2005 and currently has occupancy of more than 50 beds.

The Student Nursing Association, which is open to all pre-nursing and nursing students, is one of the longest active student organizations at Owens Community College. The student organization’s overall mission is to provide avenues for individuals to engage in community service activities and to serve as a support network for students. The organization recently expanded its educational opportunities to include a new Findlay-area Campus chapter in 2005. There are currently 40 nursing students actively participating in the Toledo-area Campus chapter.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Hosts Findlay Career Day 2006, Apr. 27

Posted on April 17th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents and students are invited to learn about and explore various career opportunities available throughout Northwest Ohio as Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus hosts Findlay Career Day 2006 on Thursday, April 27.

Sponsored by Owens’ J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Brought to Students) Office and the Findlay-area Campus Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Findlay Career Day 2006 will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens’ Findlay Career Day is a great opportunity for individuals at different educational levels to be exposed to a wide selection of career options,” said Gentry Dixon, Owens coordinator of Student and Alumni Placement. “Owens is excited to host an event which will allow the College’s students and alumni, as well as area residents, to seek seasonal and career employment opportunities, explore the current job market or acquire additional information about a particular career field all in one day.”

Throughout the event, individuals will have the chance to meet with local business representatives, asking them questions about their professions and how to go about choosing a career path. In addition, attendees will be able to fill out applications for various 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.

Area employers in attendance will be Complete Wireless, Corporate Research International, Blanchard Valley Health Association, Findlay Police Department, Wood County Hospital, Verizon Wireless, Vaughn Industries, Kelly Services, the U.S. Army and Navy, and Supplemental Staffing, among others.

In addition, Owens Community College will have information available for those individuals interested in pursuing a college education.

For more information, contact the College’s J.O.B.S. Office at (567) 661-7501 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7501.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Student Leaders Inducted Into Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society

Posted on April 17th, 2006

Owens Community College students were recently honored for their academic accomplishments in business, earning membership into the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society.

Kappa Beta Delta was established in 1997 as an international honor society exclusively for Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredited business programs.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our inductees for their excellence in higher education business programs,” said Barb DiNardo, Owens professor of Marketing and Sales and Kappa Beta Delta advisor. “Induction to Kappa Beta Delta is considered a lifetime honor and quite an achievement within the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.”

Standing for excellence, trustworthiness and genuineness, the overall mission of Kappa Beta Delta is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management and administration at two-year academic institutions. Additionally, the international honor society promotes student aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.

Selection criterion for students into Kappa Beta Delta is based upon being ranked in the top 20 percent of students pursuing business degrees, completing a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit, six hours of which must be in business, and achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average.

The Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society student inductees for the 2005-06 academic year are Korrie Benedict of Toledo (supervision), Suzanne Bickford of Perrysburg (accounting), Leslie Black of Delta (business management), William Bowersox of Graytown (computer programming), Renee DeMelo of Bowling Green (associate of arts, general concentration), Consuelo Duran of Temperance, Mich. (marketing and sales), Kurt Eger of Findlay (business management), Matthew Galbraith of Grand Rapids (computer programming), Monica Gonzalez of Toledo (undecided), Cynthia Jaynes of Findlay (business management), Bobby Jones of Clyde (networking and information systems support), Shaulonda Jones of Toledo (accounting), Gregory Landes of Findlay (mechanical engineering), Mark Mihalik of Toledo (e-business), Anna Miller of Toledo (accounting), Terri Randall of Wapakoneta (small business management), Joanne Reinhart of Fostoria (entrepreneurial studies), Brian Ruemmele of Perrysburg (accounting), Abigail Sadowy of Toledo (business management), Nahdia Shaheen of Oregon (small business management), Laura Smith of Erie, Mich. (microcomputer business systems), Chris Stewart of Waterville (pre-business administration), Ashley Strasbourg of Toledo (business management), Sharon Thomas of Findlay (office coordinator), Kelly Vinet of Oregon (undecided), Ashley Wall of Rossford (accounting), Henry Wilkins of Holland (undecided) and Nichole Zales of Maumee (office administration).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Assists Local Community During Volunteer Service Week, Apr. 25-27

Posted on April 17th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College faculty, staff and students will be donating their time and talents to improving lives and strengthening the local community as the Findlay-area Campus hosts its third annual Volunteer Service Week, April 25-27.

Area residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of interactive projects occurring in the College’s Findlay-area Campus Commons area, which is located on Bright Road in Findlay. The activities will benefit several area programs and their outreach initiatives, including the Hope House in Findlay, Hancock County’s Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, and Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY).

“Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus is proud to collaborate with the local community organizations and personally affect the lives of those who are truly in need,” said Lindsey Krout, Owens part-time Enrollment Services advisor. “Throughout the week, individuals will have the opportunity to take time and lend a helping hand through selfless acts of kindness. It feels good to give back, and that is exactly what the Owens Findlay-area Campus is doing with this program.”

Individuals will be able to choose an activity at each of several Volunteer Service Stations, which will have information regarding the specific projects, as well as the organizations that will benefit from the generosity. Volunteer activities featured at the specific stations will include making quilts for Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, creating 30 “Welcome Kits” for residents of the Hope House, and assembling 50 hygiene kits for foster care children who have been abused or neglected.

Volunteer activities will commence on Tuesday, April 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Commons on the Findlay-area Campus and will also be available for individuals to volunteer their time on Wednesday, April 26 from 2-7 p.m. and Thursday, April 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Donations are currently being accepted for Owens’ Volunteer Service Week. Items needed are quilt batting, large fabric remnants, notepads, pens, markers, pocket planners, small room calendars, scissors, scotch tape, magnets, sticky tack, blank note cards, postcard stamps, lanyards, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes and shower wash, among other donations.

Owens’ Findlay-area Campus volunteer services will be occurring in conjunction with National Volunteer Week. During National Volunteer Week, which began in 1974, organizations of all types host award ceremonies recognizing millions of the nation’s volunteers for their outstanding contributions to their communities over the past year.

For more information, call the Findlay-area Campus Enrollment Services Office at (567) 661-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Events Calendar For May

Posted on April 13th, 2006

May 1
Community Writers’ Workshop
Area residents who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to attend this informational workshop. For more information, call (567) 661-7351 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7351.
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

May 4
Ohio Basic Peace Officer Academy Graduation
Owens Basic Peace Officer Academy graduates will be honored for their academic accomplishments during the ceremony. For more information, call Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.
(6 p.m.) (Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128)

Owens Community College Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting
(5-6:30 p.m.) (Toledo Country Club in Toledo)

May 5
Dental Hygiene Awards Ceremony
Owens students completing the Dental Hygiene Program are honored for their academic excellence and dedication. For more information, call (567) 661-7374 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7374.
(6 p.m.) (Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128)

Toledo School for the Arts Kaleidoscope Performance
The Toledo School for the Arts will present a variety show highlighting the results of the students’ academic coursework this past year. Performances will include dance, martial arts, chorus and vocal performances, band, orchestra, visual arts and theater. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

NJCAA Sub-Regional Golf Championships
Intercollegiate golf teams from around the Midwest will compete for the opportunity to advance to the NJCAA Regional Championship tournament. For more information, call the Athletics Office (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.
(8 a.m.) (Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg)

May 6
Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Owens Registered Nursing Program graduates will be recognized with the awarding of their honorary pins. The pins signify their acceptance within the nursing community. For more information, call (567) 661-7332 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7332.
(2 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Women’s Softball vs. Mott Community College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Toledo School for the Arts Kaleidoscope Performance
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

May 7
Men’s Baseball vs. St. Clair County Community College
(1 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

Women’s Softball vs. Lorain County Community College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

May 8
Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

May 9
Owens Community College Board of Trustees Meeting
(2:30 p.m.) (Administration Hall Board Room)

Board of Trustees’ Academic Excellence Scholarship Program
Owens Community College Board of Trustees will honor exceptional area high school students with academic scholarships. For more information, call (567) 661-7364 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7364.
(6 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

May 11
Academic Recognition Reception
Owens honors exceptional students for their academic accomplishments. For more information, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.
(10:30 a.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Owens 40thAnnual Spring Commencement
Owens students will receive their associate degrees and certificates as part of the College’s 40th annual Spring Commencement. For more information, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.
(7 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

May 12
Greg Kostraba and Shannon Ford in Concert
The Van Cliburn semi-finalist and the “Toledo City Paper’s” 2004 Best Teacher of the Year team up for a piano and reed duet performance. Greg Kostraba serves as the classical music director for WGTE-TV, while Shannon Ford plays in Sax 4th Avenue and many other chamber ensembles. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(7:30 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

May 13
Toledo Plastic Modelers Club Showcase
Area youth are invited to “show and tell” their finest airplanes, cars, rockets and other classic models as part of the Toledo Plastic Modelers Club Showcase. Prizes will be awarded to the top entries. For more information, call (567) 661-7207 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7207.
(9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

May 17
Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
(10 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center)

May 21
Pippi Longstocking
From one of the best-loved stories of Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking will have attendees of all ages rocking in their seats during a musical that brings a new definition to adventure. The musical performance at Owens is presented by the American Family Theater and is the third in a series of three Family Fun Sunday performances. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

May 22
Alumni Association Fourth Annual Golf Classic
Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf and entertainment in support of Owens’ alumni scholarships and programs. For more information, call Alumni Affairs at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410.
(11:30 a.m.) (Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg)

Rapid Registration for Summer Semester
Area residents interested in taking college classes or starting a new career are invited to attend this insightful program. The event is designed to expose students to an array of educational opportunities and choices. For more information, call Enrollment Services at (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777.
(8 a.m. – 7 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

May 23
Rapid Registration for Summer Semester
(8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

May 24
Rapid Registration for Summer Semester
(8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

May 25
Rapid Registration for Summer Semester
(8 a.m. – 7 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

May 26
Rapid Registration for Summer Semester
(8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

May 27
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

May 28
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

May 29
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

Editor’s Note: Enclosed are activities and events scheduled in May at Owens Community College. All campus events will occur on the College’s Toledo-area Campus unless designated in the listing otherwise.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for Northwest Ohio college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Assistant Chair Selected to Participate In Overseas Study Forum About Child Care Education

Posted on April 12th, 2006

Owens Community College assistant chair of Teacher Education, Sharon Libby has been selected by the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) to experience first-hand an educational philosophy that has changed the way educators around the world teach young children.

Libby will travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy, on May 5 to take part in a weeklong study forum focusing on the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education, which centers on every child being afforded the right to grow and learn in a favorable environment. The philosophy also stresses reflection, practice and further reflection, and coincides with the College’s ideals in believing that children’s unique ability allows them to express their learning in hundreds of different ways.

While in Reggio Emilia, Libby and approximately 250 other professionals from North America will visit several Reggio schools, including two-three preschools and at least one infant/toddler center.

“I am honored to be selected to take part in this experience,” Libby said. “It is a stunning gift and opportunity. I hope that I’ll be able to bring a great deal of information back to Owens to help with programs at our child care laboratory schools.”

She added, “I am really looking forward to seeing the schools for myself and the opportunity to actually talk with and learn from the teachers who are doing the original work. It’s one thing to read, study and reflect about an idea, but it’s something else entirely to see it in person.”

Libby has been an employee of the College for more than 13 years. In her current position, she is responsible for serving as a mentor for the staff at the campus child care centers, leading a Reggio study group and improving and expanding employee understanding of the Reggio approach at Owens.

Her professional involvement includes membership with the NAREA, the Ohio Voices for Learning (OVAL) and the Toledo Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC). She is also a United Way volunteer, serving as the chair of Getting Young Children off to a Good Start.

Libby earned a dual undergraduate degree in home economics education and art from the University of Georgia before beginning advanced studies in early childhood education at Penn State University. She then earned her master’s degree in child development from Bowling Green State University. She resides in Bowling Green.

The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance is a network of educators, parents and advocates seeking to elevate both the quality of life and quality of schools and centers for young children. The history of the organization is rooted in the work and ideals of many dedicated individuals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These individuals visited the schools in Reggio Emilia and carried back images and narratives about this powerful community of education based on a philosophy that values the potential of all children to think, learn and construct knowledge. These first visitors returned to Reggio over and over again, leading delegations of colleagues.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

High School Students Experience Different Cultures At Owens Community College Foreign Language Day

Posted on April 11th, 2006

Sylvania Northview High School students (L to R) Riana Miller of Sylvania and Sarah Stephens of Sylvania pose in front of a scaled down version of the Eiffel Tower at Owens' Foreign Language Day.
Over 250 high school students from Northwest Ohio recently learned what it would be like living in another country for a day as Owens Community College hosted its annual Foreign Language Day.

As part of the event, participating students were separated into one of three languages – French, Spanish or German. Within each language group, the students then were divided into separate families. Each student was assigned to that family for the rest of their visit to Owens.

“From the moment students walked into the Owens Student Health and Activities Center until the time they left, each individual was required to only speak in one of the three predetermined languages,” said Kathleen Attwood, Owens assistant chair of Communications and Humanities. “Any student caught speaking English during the day was put into the Language Jail by the Language Sheriff.”

Attwood added, “Foreign Language Day is a great opportunity for students to experience what it would be like to speak another language for a day, while also learning about the country’s culture.”

Students participated in a variety of cultural activities throughout the event, which included singing and dancing, games, bartering for goods at the marketplace, crafts and an obstacle course.

Owens faculty, staff and students, as well as students from Bowling Green State University and area high school teachers, assisted the attendees, serving as village leaders for the different language families. The villagers wore a color-coded T-shirt to signify what language they were speaking – red for Spanish, blue for French and yellow for German.

Among the schools in attendance were Anthony Wayne High School, Bowling Green High School, Bowsher High School, Maumee High School, Monroe High School, Otsego High School, Sylvania Northview High School, Sylvania Southview High School, Toledo Christian High School and Woodmore High School.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Presents First-Ever ‘Melodic Expressions’ Spring Concert Series, Apr. 24 – May 3

Posted on April 10th, 2006

Area residents with a passion and an enjoyment of music are encouraged to join in celebrating the culmination of an academic year’s worth of fine and performing arts education as Owens Community College presents its first-ever “Melodic Expressions” Spring Concert Series, April 24 – May 3. The Spring Concert Series will showcase the accomplishments of Owens students and faculty in a number of performances ranging from vocal to instrumental.

“‘Melodic Expressions’ is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the tremendous accomplishments of our Owens Community College’s Fine and Performing Arts,” said Eric Wallack, Owens chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “The upcoming recitals and ensembles have been mastered through academic learning within the classroom this past year. Events such as ‘Melodic Expressions’ provide our students with a great venue to display such musical talents in a real world setting.”

Wallack added, “I am very proud of our Fine and Performing Arts students and the quality of work they and our faculty will present as part of the two-week musical extravaganza.”

All events will occur in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus. The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, April 24
Harp Performance by Owens Adjunct Faculty Member Denise Grupp-Verbon and Friends
Grupp-Verbon’s performance will feature a sundry of selections and styles. Owens harp students from Grupp-Verbon’s teaching studio will join her in a variety of arrangements for multiple harps.
(6 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Room 111)

Owens Student Choir
The Owens Student Chorus will present a wide range of music heard around the world, including songs from Australia, Canada, Cuba, South Africa and the United States, among others.
(7:30 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Wednesday, April 26
Solo Acoustic Guitar Performance by Owens Fine and Performing Arts Chair Eric Wallack
Owens’ chair of Fine and Performing Arts will present an afternoon of improvised and eclectic solo acoustic guitar music. Wallack is an internationally recognized performer with over 30 recordings to his credit.
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Room 111)

Owens Jazz Express
The Owens Jazz Express student performers will showcase their many talents through numerous crowd-pleasing musical favorites. Highlighted genres will include swing, bop and jazz waltz.
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Room 111)

Thursday, April 27
Owens Voice Class
Attendees are in for an evening of unique musical sounds courtesy of the College’s voice classes. The concert features entertainment by Fine and Performing Arts students, whose stylistic influences include opera.
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Friday, April 28
Owens Percussion Ensemble
The Owens Percussion Ensemble will offer a truly unique student performance by pairing Western Hemisphere instruments with non-Western Hemisphere music, breaking all the rules of traditional music and using melodies in a percussive setting.
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Wednesday, May 3
Owens Guitar Class
“Melodic Expressions” closes with an informal musical presentation by intermediate and beginning guitar students. Owens student performers will showcase some of their favorite songs in various genres.
(6 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Room 111)

All the performances are free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information about the “Melodic Expressions” Spring Concert Series, call the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

TAFT PROMOTES EDUCATION REFORM AGENDA AT OWENSHolds roundtable discussion with education, community leaders

Posted on April 6th, 2006

Governor Bob Taft recently discussed his education
reform agenda, the Ohio Core, during a roundtable discussion with
education and community leaders at Owens Community College. The Governor
is calling for a more rigorous core curriculum to become a high school
graduation requirement for all Ohio students. The Ohio Core aims to
better prepare high school students for success on the job and in college,
and reduce college remediation rates.

“When it comes to high school, it’s not just about graduation – it’s about
preparation,” said Taft. “The world has raised the bar, and we must act
to raise the bar for high school graduation. It’s time to require all
high school students to take a more rigorous core curriculum that gets
them on the right course to succeed in college and on the job.”

Roundtable discussion participants included Owens Community College
President Dr. Christa Adams, Medical University of Ohio President Dr.
Lloyd Jacobs, Sylvania Schools Superintendent Dr. Brad Rieger, Fifth Third
Bank Vice President for Community Affairs Larry Sykes and Owens Community
College student Nicholas Huenefeld, each of whom offered a unique
perspective on how best to prepare students for success in college and in
the workplace.

If enacted by the legislature, Taft’s education reform plan would
establish a rigorous core curriculum as the default standard for all of
Ohio’s high school students, beginning with the class of 2011. The plan
would:

Require all students to incorporate the Ohio Core, a set of
rigorous high school expectations that include four years of math,
including Algebra II; three years of lab-based science, to be chosen from
physical science, biology, chemistry and physics; four years of English;
three years of social studies; and at least two years of a foreign
language. Students may still take a variety of paths to graduation
including Tech Prep, career tech programs, Project Lead the Way and others
that will integrate the rigor of the Ohio Core into the program;
Make completing the Ohio Core a condition of admission to Ohio’s
state-funded, four-year colleges and universities;
Move all remedial education to Ohio’s two-year campuses, where
costs are lower;
Require all students to take a college and work-ready assessment
during their junior year to help determine if they are properly prepared
for college and work after high school; and
Add a measure to the School Report Card to indicate how well high
schools are preparing students for college and work.

During his State of the State Address on January 25, Taft also proposed
giving every high school student in good standing the opportunity to earn
at least one semester of college credit while still in high school. The
Governor called upon the Ohio General Assembly to enact an education
reform bill containing his proposal during the current legislative
session.

The Ohio Board of Regents’ 2005 Transition from High School to College
Report found that only one in three of Ohio’s high school graduates have
the skills they need to be successful in a good entry-level job, an
apprenticeship, the military, or in college. And four out of every ten
students entering college right from high school needed remedial
coursework, at a cost to the state of $29 million per year. A survey of
recent high school graduates found that 39 percent of those who went to
college and 46 percent of those who went straight to work said they were
not well prepared and that in retrospect, they would have taken tougher
courses in high school.

The Ohio Core initiative is the next step in a series of education reforms
made during the Taft administration. Under the governor’s leadership,
Ohio has established new student and teacher standards and accountability
measures to guide success in the classroom. Next fall, funding to schools
will have risen by 56 percent since 1999, and through the Ohio School
Facilities Commission, more than $2 million a day is being spent to
rebuild Ohio’s schools.

At the higher education level, college enrollment and completion in Ohio
are at all-time highs, both up by 15 percent since Taft took office. State
funding for college student aid programs has increased by almost 50
percent since 1999. In addition, the Partnership for Continued Learning,
chaired by the Governor, is working to streamline Ohio’s education system
from Pre-Kindergarten through college and into the workforce to ensure
achievement at every stage.

“For too many, a high school diploma is not a passport to success, but
rather a broken promise,” Taft said. “If we work together, we can set the
right course for students, for workers and for the economic future of
Ohio.”

To date, 49 school districts, colleges, businesses, education groups and
other associations across the state have expressed support for the Ohio
Core initiative.

For more information, call the (567) 661-7500 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7500, or (419) 352-9504, Ext. 3542.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Raises Violence Against Women Awareness Through Clothesline Project Display, Apr. 12-13

Posted on April 6th, 2006

Owens Community College is partnering with the SHARE Program of Behavioral Connections in raising society’s awareness of violent crimes by serving host to the Clothesline Project in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 12-13.

Sponsored by the College’s Academic Enhancement and Student Resource Center, the Clothesline Project is scheduled for display from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the College Hall Atrium.

“Owens Community College is proud to serve as host to such a powerful display that raises the awareness of violence against women,” said Chip Campbell, Owens Student Retention advocate.

The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to violence against women. As part of the public display a clothesline is hung with shirts of different colors, each representing individuals victimized by a violent crime. Survivors, family members and friends of women victims of violence design shirts to represent a particular woman’s experience or as a tribute to the women they loved who died as a result of an act of violence. Crimes of homicide, rape/sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, incest/child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, battering/assault and attack due to an individual’s sexual orientation are represented within the Clothesline Project.

Designed to educate and raise society’s awareness of the extent of violent crime, the National Clothesline Project display began in Hyannis, Mass., in 1990. Locally, the Wood County Clothesline Project began in 1995 and is committed to helping survivors of a violent act with the healing process, educating the public on violence against women and providing concrete suggestions of how individuals can work to prevent violence.

The Wood County Clothesline Project is provided and protected by the SHARE Program of Behavioral Connections. Currently, there are over 400 shirts in the local collection.

In addition to the public display, T-shirt making sessions will occur at Owens, allowing individuals the opportunity to add to the Clothesline Project collection. The sessions are free and confidential. All materials will be provided at the T-shirt making sessions, although individuals are free to bring their own materials to add to a T-shirt. Donations of supplies are always accepted.

The T-shirt making sessions are open to the public as well as Owens students and will occur in College Hall Room 140 on Wednesday, April 12 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday, April 13 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, call the (567) 661-7500 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7500, or (419) 352-9504, Ext. 3542.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Literacy Group’s ‘Chubby’ Cupcakes Raise Funds to Aid New Orleans Area Community College’s Library

Posted on April 5th, 2006

Haunted by the images of destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, Owens Community College’s Literacy Committee recently took the initiative of reaching out to a Louisiana community college’s educational needs by raising funds through the sale of “Chubby” Cupcakes on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Sales and additional monetary donations from the event netted $1,050 (doubled by the matching funds of FEMA), which will be given to the College’s adopted New Orleans school, Delgado Community College.

“Delgado Community College suffered tremendous loses as a result of Hurricane Katrina,” said Dr. Elizabeth Schroeder, Owens assistant professor of Developmental Education and the Literacy Committee cupcake project coordinator. “The Owens Literacy Committee felt, as a fellow community college, it was important to the help Delgado Community College’s employees and students in any way possible.”

In the spirit of the Mardi Gras celebration, the College’s Literacy Committee decorated the “chubby” cupcakes in traditional Mardi Gras colors and made the edible delights available for purchase on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

Additionally, the Literacy Committee asked interested individuals to write brief notes of encouragement in care of the Delgado Community College community when purchasing their cupcakes. The notes, along with funds raised from the “Chubby” Cupcake Sale, were recently sent to the Louisiana community college.

According to Deb Pinkston, Owens professor of Developmental Education and Literacy Committee member, the proceeds will be earmarked for the community college’s restoration of its Moss Memorial Library. “From what we’ve been told, the Delgado Community College’s Moss Memorial Library is currently inoperable and the entire collection of 150,000 books, periodicals, audio/visual materials, microforms and computers were lost to water damage,” she said.

Pinkston added, “Undaunted by the task of rebuilding an entire community college, Delgado’s students, faculty and staff remain united in their vision of a fully restored college. The Literacy Committee, along with all who so generously contributed to our fundraiser, became a small part of that vision as we, albeit in an unexpected and unprecedented manner, fulfilled our mission of building a community of readers.”

Delgado Community College was founded in 1921 and is Louisiana’s oldest and largest community college. The school enrolls more than 17,400 students during any given semester.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts Relay for Life, Apr. 28-29

Posted on April 5th, 2006

Area residents are invited to walk the night and morning away in support of cancer awareness as Owens Community College hosts its annual Relay for Life on the Toledo-area Campus, Friday-Saturday, April 28-29. Admission to Relay for Life is free and the public is encouraged to be a part of the many activities.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Owens’ fourth annual Relay for Life is one of more than 300 similar cancer fundraising initiatives, occurring throughout Ohio. Last year’s event raised over $28,000 to support cancer research.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud to collaborate with the American Cancer Society and assist in the organization’s on-going efforts to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Elisa Rodriguez, Owens co-chair of the Relay for Life Committee. “Relay for Life is a unique opportunity to not only honor the courageous spirit of those individuals battling cancer, but also to raise money for continued research in hopes that some day this disease will be eliminated.”

Established in 1985, Relay for Life was created to offer communities a unique, empowering and fun way to assist in the fight against cancer. Today, as the American Cancer Society’s signature event, approximately 4,200 communities and eight countries participate in the cancer awareness fundraiser.

The event begins with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center. Among the highlights of the opening ceremony will be a tribute to those in attendance who have survived cancer. The survivors will take a ceremonial first lap together while cheered on by family, friends and Relay for Life participants.

Following the cancer survivor lap, participating teams will begin their 11-hour journey around the College’s indoor track. Numerous activities and entertainment will occur throughout the evening, while a representative from each team will be walking laps around the track at all times. Among the special events will include live bands, relay contests, games, singing and movies.

Beginning at 8 p.m., a luminary ceremony will occur on the lawn adjacent to the Student Health and Activities Center where a special tribute will remember, honor and celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. Special music will be performed, while luminaries around the College’s pond are lit. Each luminary will include the names of cancer survivors and those lost to cancer.

Owens’ event will conclude at 5 a.m. on Saturday (April 9) with a special closing ceremony.

For more information about joining in the Relay for Life celebration, call (567) 661-7518 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7518. Individuals still have the opportunity to register or join a team, or purchase a luminary to honor a loved one that has battled cancer. All proceeds raised from the College’s Relay for Life will go toward the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and quality of life programs.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Closed For Easter Weekend, Apr. 14-16

Posted on April 5th, 2006

Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Friday through Sunday, April 14-16, for the Easter holiday. There will be no classes and the College offices will be closed for business.

Classes will resume and administrative offices will open again on Monday, April 17.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Golf Opens First-Ever Home Season With Express Invitational, Apr. 9

Posted on March 31st, 2006

Back Row (L to R) Michael Guerrero, Blake Tucker, head coach Jim Welling, Aaron Whitlow and Brian Bowker. Front Row (L to R) Josh Williams, Kyle Tracy, Brian Roosenberg and Ryan Brown. Not pictured Scott Daney.
Owens Community College golf will makes its home debut as an intercollegiate athletic program by hosting the first-ever Express Invitational on Sunday, April 9. The 12-team invitational will begin at 11 a.m.

All golf matches will be played at the nationally recognized Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Admission to all Express golf events is free and open to the public.

The College’s golf program is a Division II member of the NJCAA and participates in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). Owens primarily competes against other community colleges from Ohio and Michigan. Academic institutions from the OCCAC competing in intercollegiate golf include Lakeland Community College, Columbus State Community College, Sinclair Community College and Cincinnati State Community College.

Jim Welling of Northwood, Owens director of Student Enrichment and Athletics, will serve as the program’s first-ever head coach. His assistant coach is Gilbert Guerrero of Toledo.

According to Welling, who recently retired as head coach of the Express men’s basketball program, the golf team has been very competitive during the early portion of the season.

“We have a very talented group of student-athletes who want to make their mark and build this program into one of the best in the country,” explained Welling. “Having the opportunity to play in a few warm weather tournaments early on will be very beneficial to our team when conference matches begin. I expect our team to be very competitive in the OCCAC.”

Welling added, “Owens is extremely appreciative to Belmont Country Club for serving as the College’s home course. Arguably, Belmont Country Club will become the pinnacle of golf venues within the conference and enable Owens to contend for a national title very quickly.”

First-year players to the Express golf program are Brian Bowker of Van Buren (Van Buren H.S.), Ryan Brown of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.), Scott Daney of Oregon (Cardinal Stritch H.S.), Michael Guerrero of Toledo (Start H.S.), Brian Roosenberg of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.), Kyle Tracy of Toledo (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.), Blake Tucker of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.), Aaron Whitlow of Toledo (Toledo Christian H.S.) and Josh Williams of Fostoria (Arcadia H.S.).

The Express golf program becomes the seventh intercollegiate athletic program offered at Owens. The six other sports include men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Student Nursing Association Raises Homeless Awareness During First-Ever Sleep Out for the Homeless, Apr. 7-8

Posted on March 30th, 2006

Owens Community College Student Nursing Association will spend a night under the stars to raise homelessness awareness as the organization hosts its first-ever Sleep Out for the Homeless on Friday, April 7.

Beginning at 3 p.m., participants will spend 24 hours camping out on the College’s lawn between Health Technologies Hall and College Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. The goal of the sleep out is to make more people aware of the homelessness occurring in the surrounding communities and to raise funds and collect basic hygienic and clothing materials to benefit the Sparrow’s Nest in Toledo. The event will conclude at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8.

“The Sleep Out for the Homeless event grew out of a group project on homelessness that we (students) were working on for one of our Owens nursing classes,” said Michelle Wagner, Owens Student Nursing Association member and event organizer. “We found information regarding the concept of a sleep out event to raise homelessness awareness and thought it would be a great idea to apply our coursework and help the Sparrow’s Nest through community service outreach.”

Owens students and community members are encouraged to show their support by joining the Student Nursing Association in camping out for the night and/or by making a monetary donation or dropping off basic hygienic or clothing materials. Desired items include deodorant, laundry soap, sandwich bags, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, twin sized sheets, towels, nightgowns, slippers and socks. Donations can be made or dropped off outside the nursing office in Bicentennial Hall Room 166.

According Wagner, individuals may drop off monetary donations or basic hygienic or clothing items during the Sleep Out for the Homeless event. “The donations will make a world of a difference for individuals who are in need,” she said.

“It is great to see positive examples of people in the community taking the initiative to help confront problems related to homelessness,” said Randy Schuster, director of development for Cherry Street Mission Ministries. “I commend the students for their activism.”

For more information about Sleep Out for the Homeless, including donation information, call (567) 661-2605 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2605.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Student Government Presents Domestic Violence Community Forum at Findlay-area Campus, Apr. 6

Posted on March 30th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents interested in learning about ways to address and handle a bullying and an abusive situation are encouraged to attend a free domestic violence community forum titled “Rules of Engagement” at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus on Thursday, April 6.

Presented by the College’s Student Government, the community forum will occur from 7-8 p.m. in the Findlay-area Campus Conference Center. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“The community forum is a great opportunity for the surrounding local communities to learn how about taking more initiative and intervene or seek additional help when a bullying situation occurs,” said John Byers, Owens coordinator of Student Involvement. “The ugliness of violence rarely involves just physical abuse. Violence can scar beyond the visible. Owens’ Student Government is proud to sponsor an event which brings such issues to the forefront.”

Serving as the forum’s guest speaker will be Laurence Mitchell, a professional mediator and an advocate for prevention of social violence. The focus of his presentation will address the idea of developing a stronger dialogue between parents and children about ethics, respect, accountability and making good choices. The constant dialogue is designed to curve the idea that bullying, domestic violence and sexual assaults are acceptable.

In addition, discussion topics will include learning how to challenge bullying behavior and refusing to remain an innocent bystander during a violent situation.

For information about the community forum, call (567) 661-2605 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2605.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts ‘Registration Rocks’ in April

Posted on March 30th, 2006

Area high school seniors are invited to learn about Owens Community College’s many educational opportunities during a fun, music-themed event as the College hosts “Registration Rocks.” The event will occur April 10-13 and 17-20.

High school seniors can sign up for any day of “Registration Rocks” which runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Attendees are required to RSVP prior to the event.

“‘Registration Rocks’ is a great opportunity for prospective students to receive academic advising, as well as register for summer and fall classes all in one fun-filled day,” said Donna Gruber, Owens director of Enrollment Services. “Owens Community College is excited to once again host an event where students can take the first step toward their career aspirations by pursuing a quality college education.”

Throughout each day, students will be able to meet with faculty and staff members, take the Owens placement test and pick up important information about financial aid, clubs and student activities, local housing and academic program offerings. In addition, a separate program on learning to support your children in college will be offered to parents who attend “Registration Rocks.”

Seniors will have the opportunity to win various raffle prizes during each day, including Owens baseball caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts and more. Additionally, attendees will be provided with a free lunch during their visit.

For more information, or to register, contact the College’s Enrollment Services Office at (567) 661-7253 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7253. Or, check out the website at www.owens.edu and click on the “Registration Rocks” icon.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts ‘Registration Rocks’ in April

Posted on March 30th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area high school seniors are invited to learn about Owens Community College’s many educational opportunities during a fun, music-themed event as the College hosts “Registration Rocks.” The event will occur April 10-13 and 17-20.

High school seniors can sign up for any day of “Registration Rocks” which runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the College’s Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Attendees are required to RSVP prior to the event.

“‘Registration Rocks’ is a great opportunity for prospective students to receive academic advising, as well as register for summer and fall classes all in one fun-filled day,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens Enrollment Services representative at the Findlay-area Campus. “Owens Community College is excited to once again host an event where students can take the first step toward their career aspirations by pursuing a quality college education.”

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus and Green Energy Ohio Present Renewable Energy Community Meeting, Apr. 11

Posted on March 29th, 2006

FINDLAY – The emergence of green energy technology and its impact on local communities will serve as the highlighted discussion topic as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and Green Energy Ohio present a renewable energy community meeting on Tuesday, April 11.

Sponsored by Green Energy Ohio and Owens’ Community and Corporate Education, the meeting will occur from 7-8:30 in the Findlay-area Campus Conference Center. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Clean energy is the wave of the future and society’s demands for alternative energy sources is on the rise,” said Joe Peschel, Owens coordinator of Customized Training. “Owens Community College is proud to partner with Green Energy Ohio and present a forum in which the local community can learn about and explore green energy opportunities.”

Discussion topics will include local wind and solar installations in Hancock County as well as opportunities for economic development in the region, focusing on solar, wind and biomass technologies. Attendees will also be provided with information on Green Energy Ohio’s Northwest Ohio regional network meeting that occurs regularly on the second Tuesday of the month. These meetings provide a continuing forum for individuals to share ideas and experiences related to local clean energy projects.

“From wind turbines powering farm equipment in western Ohio to solar panels generating backup power on the governor’s carriage house, green energy is off and running in Ohio,” said Bill Spratley, executive director of Green Energy Ohio. “Clean energy is here and working to help offset rising utility costs as well as creating potential jobs and new industry that could spur our economic future.”

Owens has a longstanding history of providing educational opportunities within the area of photovoltaic training and currently serves as the only technical training site for solar installers in Ohio. The College’s Photovoltaic Training Program provides students with innovative and cutting edge instruction for careers within the emerging field of environmental technology.

Individuals attending Owens’ five-day apprentice training program receive instruction within the areas of electricity and photovoltaic systems and theory. Course content includes system sizing and construction, codes and standards, battery safety, interconnection safety, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Installation practices related to project management, adapting mechanical and electrical design, and system commissioning are also highlighted. The hands-on course concludes with the design and installation of a grid-tied photovoltaic system.

For more information about the meeting, call (567) 661-7163 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7163. In addition, individuals can learn more about the meeting by accessing the Green Energy Ohio website at www.GreenEnergyOhio.org or by calling 1-866-GREEN-OH.

Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. The organization serves as the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad Dance with Rolling Stones During Super Bowl Halftime

Posted on March 28th, 2006

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad
Not too many individuals can say they performed before a worldwide television audience of one billion in more than 225 countries and territories. However, Owens Community College’s Cheerleading team can now boast such a feat. The Express squad recently took their energy and enthusiasm on the road, performing on what is considered the largest sporting and entertainment stage in the world – the Super Bowl.

Sixteen student-athletes and their two coaches experienced an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of dancing to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime extravaganza. The team was among 2,000 groups and individuals chosen to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit. Owens’ cheerleaders and coaches dressed in rock n’ roll apparel and danced to rock classics such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Start Me Up.”

“The experience was amazing,” explained a somewhat awestruck Stephanie Welling, who is a second-year Express cheerleader. “I don’t think any cheerleading performance will ever top the Super Bowl. What a thrill.”

Knowing that the performance was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Amanda Hill, also a second-year cheerleader on the Express team, tried to soak up the moment. “I will never forget the feeling I had when I was on the field,” she stated. “The Rolling Stones are legends and to share the Super Bowl stage with them was awesome.”

The Express cheerleaders were mere feet away from the legendary band, performing around the 50-yard line during the halftime concert.

In addition to performing before more than 130 million television viewers in the United States, the College’s Cheerleading team cheers on the Owens Express men’s basketball team and entertains crowds with halftime dance routines at all home games during the season.

Since their founding as a cheer/dance mounting squad in 2001, the Owens Cheerleading squad has participated in a variety of regional and state competitions, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter Nationals.

The squad is led by fifth-year head coach Tracy Rollins of Perrysburg. Rollins’ assistant coach is Kelly Melnyk of Northwood.

“I am very proud of our team,” said Rollins. “Their selection for such an amazing opportunity is a credit to the group’s hard work and dedication.”

The Owens Cheerleading squad returning members include Heather Placko of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Stephanie Welling of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Amanda Hill of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.) and Joshua Johnson of Toledo (Waite H.S.).

First-year members are Tiffany Miller of Ottoville (Ottoville H.S.), Stephanie Emch of Toledo (Start H.S.), Tiffany Schramm of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Melissa VanNess of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.), Krista Rakich of Medina (Archbishop Hoban H.S.), Delana Simms of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Jasmie Pauley of Toledo (Rogers H.S.), Brian Lomeli of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Matt Carrier of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Scott Miles of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Michael Stella of Toledo (Waite H.S.) and Michael Ertle of Ottawa Hills (St. Francis de Sales H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

High School Students Experience Different Cultures At Owens Community College Foreign Language Day, Apr. 7

Posted on March 27th, 2006

Over 250 high school students from Northwest Ohio will learn what it would be like living in another country for a day as Owens Community College hosts Foreign Language Day on Friday, April 7.

Beginning at 8 a.m., participating students will be separated into one of three languages – French, Spanish or German. Within each language group, the students then will be divided into separate families. Each student will be assigned to that family for the rest of their visit to Owens.

The event runs from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“From the moment students walk into the Owens Student Health and Activities Center until the time they leave, each individual will be required to only speak in one of the three predetermined languages,” said Kathleen Attwood, Owens assistant chair of Communications and Humanities. “Any student caught speaking English during the day will be put into the Language Jail by the Language Sheriff.”

Students will participate in a variety of cultural activities throughout the event, which include singing and dancing, games, bartering for goods at the marketplace, crafts and an obstacle course.

Owens faculty, staff and students, as well as students from Bowling Green State University and area high school teachers, will assist the attendees, serving as village leaders for the different language families. The villagers will wear a color-coded T-shirt to signify what language they are speaking – red for Spanish, blue for French and yellow for German.

Among the schools in attendance will be Anthony Wayne High School, Bowling Green High School, Bowsher High School, Maumee High School, Monroe High School, Otsego High School, Sylvania Northview High School, Sylvania Southview High School, Toledo Christian High School and Woodmore High School.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts Lincoln Motorsports Welding Night, Apr. 6

Posted on March 27th, 2006

Owens Community College, the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Welding Society and Lincoln Electric Motorsports are inviting area residents to learn more about careers within the welding and automotive industry, as well as check out an array of competition racecars, at the tenth annual Lincoln Motorsports Welding Night on Thursday, April 6.

Lincoln Motorsports Welding Night will occur from 6-9 p.m. in the College’s Transportation Technologies Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Lincoln Motorsports Welding Night is a great opportunity for area residents to meet individuals from local businesses and ask questions concerning their professions and how to go about choosing a career within the welding or automotive industry,” said Jim Gilmore, Owens chair of Manufacturing and Industrial Operations. “More than 25 car owners from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan are expected to be in attendance to offer advice and showcase their vehicles.”

Vehicles featured at the event will include stock racing cars, a selection of drag racing cars and bikes, among others. In addition, a 410 Sprint Car, a Super-Modified Four Wheel Drive (SMFWD) Pulling Truck, a 1971 Chevelle Drag Car, a 1973 Vega Drag Car, modified mini tractors and a custom-built chopper will be on display.

Dennis Klingman of the Lincoln Electric Co. will serve as the guest speaker for this year’s event. In addition to serving as director of Technical Training at the Welding and Cutting Technology Center in Cleveland, Klingman also heads up welding repair at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May. He will speak at approximately 7 p.m.

In addition, Joseph Darmofal of Performance Metal Inc. and chief operating officer of the Mid American Sprint Series will be on hand and displaying various metals used in competition vehicles. He will be available to answer questions on which metals to use when building competition vehicles throughout the evening. Other welding demonstrations will also occur during the event.

Lincoln Motorsports Welding Night is co-sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Welding Society and Lincoln Electric Motorsports. For additional information, call (567) 661-7729 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7729.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College to Host U.S. Department of Labor Seminar, Apr. 26

Posted on March 24th, 2006

Northwest Ohio business professionals interested in acquiring additional information about federal labor laws are invited to attend a one-day seminar presented by the U.S. Department of Labor and Owens Community College. The event will occur on Wednesday, April 26.

Sponsored by Owens Community College, the seminar will occur from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the College’s Workforce and Community Services, located on Tracy Road in Northwood.

“Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Labor and host such an informative seminar affecting virtually all employers,” said Connie Buhr, Owens director of Corporate Training. “Such partnerships enable Owens to continue meeting the needs of Northwest Ohio’s business and industry by providing innovative educational training services.”

Buhr added, “This training seminar will allow businesses to become even more familiar with the basic wage and hour laws, increasing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.”

Topics to be discussed during the six-hour seminar include how to properly compute and pay wages and maintain records. Attendees also will be given instruction about which employees are exempt from minimum wage or overtime and laws that govern working individuals under the age of 18.

The registration fee for the seminar is only $25 per person and includes lunch. Application forms must be submitted by Monday, April 10. For more information, or to register, call Owens’ Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

New Massage Therapy Certificate Program Offered at Owens Community College in April

Posted on March 22nd, 2006

Responding to the growing demand for trained professionals in massage therapy, Owens Community College is expanding its School of Health Sciences’ educational opportunities and introducing a new Massage Therapy Certificate Program. Course work in the new academic program will be offered beginning in April on the Toledo-area Campus.

“Today more than ever before, medical personnel and the general public are recognizing the value of massage therapy in the achievement and maintenance of health and well-being,” said Beth Ann Hatkevich, Owens chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. “As a result, highly skilled and trained massage therapists are in growing demand. The School of Health Sciences sees the establishing of a Massage Therapy Certificate Program as an opportunity to meet Northwest Ohio’s health care demands by educating future massage therapy professionals.”

The 13-month program, which will be offered twice per academic year, is designed to prepare highly competent massage therapists for service delivery in rehabilitation and pain management centers, as well as hospitals, palliative care and hospice centers. Graduates will also have the opportunity to work in geriatric massage and nursing homes, chiropractic offices, health and wellness centers, and corporate-industrial wellness programs, among other health-related locations.

According to Hatkevich, a career within massage therapy isn’t limited to full-time work for a private company or an organization. “Many massage therapists choose to establish their own private practice in-home, allowing for more flexibility in balancing life outside of work,” she explained.

The new certificate requires 24 credit hours of course work, which includes learning about the history of medical massage, scope of practice, professional ethics, business practices, specific hands-on mobilization techniques, various massage techniques, and the anatomy and physiology of the human body as it relates to the practice of massage therapy, among other areas.

For additional information about Owens’ new Massage Therapy Certificate Program, call (567) 661-7175 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7175. The first classes begin on Monday, April 17.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Human Resource Management Certificate Program Offered at Owens Findlay-area Campus, Apr. 4-27

Posted on March 16th, 2006

FINDLAY – Northwest Ohio professionals interested in expanding their proficiency in the area of human resources are invited to participate in the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) Essentials of Human Resource Management certificate program at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus. The program begins April 4 and will continue through April 27.

The course will be offered through Owens’ Workforce and Community Services and Community and Corporate Education on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. on the College’s Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“The SHRM Essentials of Human Resource Management program is an excellent tool for professionals new to the field of human resources or those looking to develop and enhance their skills in this area,” said Sally Siferd, Owens instructor for the program. “This introductory course will offer a comprehensive overview of various aspects of human resource management through curriculum designed by leading experts and professionals.”

Topics covered will include the roles and responsibilities of human resource management, employment law, effective recruitment and selection techniques, compensation and benefits, orienting and training employees, and ensuring quality performance. Attendees will receive the latest content and methods based upon legislative changes, recent developments, and the “real world” experiences of leading professionals.

A minimum of 15 contact hours is required to complete the program. Course participants can earn up to 1.5 continuing education credits or up to 15 re-certification hours and a certificate upon completion.

For more information, or to enroll in the program, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357. Additional information about the curriculum can be found by accessing the SHRM website at www.shrm.org/essentials.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

HCR Manor Care Vice President Named to Owens Foundation Board of Directors

Posted on March 16th, 2006

Owens Community College has named R. Jeffrey Bixler, vice president, general counsel and secretary of HCR Manor Care in Toledo, to serve on the Board of Directors for the Owens Community College Foundation. The College’s Foundation Board of Directors approved the new appointment during the recent quarterly meeting.

Bixler is one of 22 leaders within the government, business and industry communities comprising the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $1.8 million in assets.

The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is cultivating gift initiatives, targeting successful alumni, business and industry members who are committed to investing and supporting the educational needs of current and future Owens Community College students. The Foundation’s focus allows Owens to continue offering affordable tuition, ensuring the College’s academic position as the best investment in Northwest Ohio. The Owens Community College Foundation has awarded over $823,000 in scholarships and program support since incorporation in 2002.

Bixler was named the vice president, general counsel and secretary of HCR Manor Care in 1991. His responsibilities entail managing the organization’s legal department, which provides health care services to more than 40,000 patients per day through 60,000 employees. HCR Manor Care has more than 500 locations in 31 states. Prior to his current position, Bixler was a partner with Cooper Walinski LLP in Toledo and a senior attorney with Owens-Illinois Inc. in Toledo.

His professional and community involvement includes serving on the Board of Trustees for the Toledo Bar Association and the Dean’s Advisory Board for the University of Toledo College of Law. He is also co-chairman for the Advisory Board of the Legal Aid of Western Ohio.

Bixler earned a juris doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Dayton. He resides in Toledo.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Oakland Community College, March 25

Posted on March 15th, 2006

Owens Express Softball team
Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2006 home season against Oakland Community College on Saturday, March 25. The game will begin at 1 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to all home games is free.

The Owens softball program is guided by third-year head coach Duane Lanham of Sylvania. In his second year as head coach, he led the Express to a record 44-win season.

The Express women’s softball program this past year finished with a 44-12 overall record and captured the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship with an 18-0 mark. The program made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing fifth in the tournament. Owens was ranked as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II women’s softball poll. Additionally, the 44 victories was a school record for most wins in a season, surpassing the previous mark of 41 in 2003.

Owens currently has a compiled a 4-6 overall record this season following games against teams from Florida.

“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season,” said Lanham. “Last year’s team had an exciting run at a national title and certainly see that as a great motivator for the current group.”

Lanham added, “We have great veteran leadership from our returning players who know how to win. The team also has a very talented group of first-year players who will definitely contribute to our success. I would expect our team to once again be in the title hunt for another OCCAC championship.”

The nine Express players returning from last year’s team include NJCAA All-Region XII All-Tournament Team selection Kelli Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.). In 2005, the sophomore pitcher / infielder posted a 12-2 record and a 1.62 earned run average for the Express. Additionally, she led the team with 15 doubles and a .472 batting average. Her postseason honors also included being named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Lanham’s squad also returns Mackenzie Heban of Grand Rapids (Notre Dame Academy) and Kylie Zweifel of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). Heban, a sophomore first baseman, collected 43 hits, had 38 RBIs and compiled a .323 batting average. Her postseason honors included being named OCCAC All-Conference and OCCAC Academic All-Conference. She also received the team’s Heart of a Champion Award. Zweifel is a sophomore outfielder. In 2005, she earned OCCAC All-Conference honors. She collected 25 hits, recorded 23 runs and compiled a .357 batting average.

Other returning sophomore players include Lindsay Guinn of Erie, Mich., shortstop (Mason H.S.); Cortney Simmons of Rossford, outfield (Rossford H.S.); Kari Bockbrader of Toledo, pitcher and third base (Whitmer H.S.); Monica Brinkman of Oregon, outfield (Notre Dame Academy); Allicia Lawrence of Fostoria, catcher (St. Wendelin H.S.), and Katie Henry of Erie, Mich., pitcher (Mason H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s softball program are Paige Kingsborough of Fremont, catcher and third base (Fremont Ross H.S.); Danielle Stead of Maumee, catcher (Maumee H.S.); Jessica Snyder of Sylvania, third base (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Whitney Ondrus of Oregon, infield (Clay H.S.); Kelly Acker of Sylvania, first base (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Henney of Oregon, pitcher and infield (Clay H.S.); Raquel Lehmann of Toledo, catcher (Whitmer H.S.); Tarah Dominique of Swanton, outfield (Swanton H.S.), and Sarah Borowske of Genoa, pitcher (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College and FirstEnergy Host Electrical Line Worker Program Orientation Session, March 21

Posted on March 14th, 2006

Area residents interested in a career as an electrical line worker can pursue such an opportunity through a partnership program offered between Owens Community College and FirstEnergy. The two organizations will offer an orientation session for the electrical line worker program on Tuesday, March 21.

The orientation session will occur from 6-8 p.m. in the College’s Center for Development and Training building, which is located on Tracy Road in Northwood.

“As partners, Owens Community College and FirstEnergy are committed to offering innovative training and educational opportunities for individuals pursuing a career within the electric utility field,” said Dave Siravo, Owens director of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Training. “The upcoming orientation session will allow attendees to learn more about the educational program, as well as afford an opportunity for individuals to ask questions related to a career as an electrical line worker.”

The associate degree program requires a total of 68 credit hours, which includes course work in business communications, industrial physics, principles of economics, AC/DC high voltage, national electric code, and utility line worker laboratory and field experience, among other areas. The program is completed over a 21-month period. Classroom-based courses occur on the College’s Toledo-area Campus, while laboratory experience is held at FirstEnergy’s Lakewood Service Center in Northwood. All training and education occurs during the weekdays from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In addition, students participating in the program receive first aid and CPR training, as well as a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Individuals also participate in a paid 10-week evaluated field experience as part of their educational training.

Individuals attending the March orientation will receive background information on the program and learn about the skills necessary for line work. Prospective students then have the opportunity to participate in a skills orientation, which will include activities to test strength, endurance and the ability to work in high places. In preparation for the program, which begins in August, all students also are required to attend a mandatory 80-hour basic wood pole climbing course in which they will learn to climb poles in full fall protection equipment.

Program class size is limited. For more information on the orientation session, contact Owens Community College at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357, or FirstEnergy at 1-800-829-6801.

FirstEnergy Corp. is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation’s fifth largest investor-owned electric system, serving 4.5 million customers within 36,100 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Juried Student Art Exhibition Unveiled At Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, April 7-29

Posted on March 14th, 2006

Owens Community College students will have the unique opportunity to showcase their artistic talents as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts hosts the annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, April 7-29.

“Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to feature the finest works of art produced by our students,” said Wynn Perry, Owens adjunct faculty member who curates the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “This exhibit is a great venue for Owens students to display their accomplished artistic pieces, enabling them to showcase the knowledge obtained within the classroom into a real world setting.”

Perry added, “The artistic expressions are extremely individualized and reflect the unique creative ability of each student artist.”

Owens’ Juried Student Art Exhibition features over 100 pieces of artwork created by nearly 60 students enrolled within Fine and Performing Arts courses. Juried categories include painting, drawing, graphic and interior design, photography, ceramics, and sculpture. Students presenting art for the Juried Student Art Exhibition are allowed to enter a total of five featured pieces.

Area artists and professionals will serve as the jury for the spring show.

An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, April 7 from 6-8 p.m. in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. The reception is free and area residents are encouraged to attend.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For additional information about this exhibit or the College’s 2005-06 Art Exhibition Season, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Production of ‘The Rover’ Takes The Center for Fine and Performing Arts Stage, Mar. 31 – Apr. 8

Posted on March 14th, 2006

All the madness and excitement representing a New Orleans Mardi Gras will storm the Mainstage Theatre as Owens Community College presents the theatrical production of “The Rover” at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, March 31 – April 8. The first show will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31.

This rollicking romantic comedy by Aphra Behn tells the story of the wealthy and virtuous Florinda racing against the clock to wed her penniless lover, Belvile. Florinda’s actions occur as a result of her family wanting to marry her off to another man. Florinda is assisted by her sister, Hellena, who develops a few romantic plans of her own when she spots Belvile’s rakish friend, Willmore. Gypsies, pirates, grifters and duels make the theatrical producation one battle of the sexes not to be missed.

“The College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts is very excited to present such a unique theatrical production, featuring the talents of so many Owens students,” said Eric Wallack, Owens chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “‘The Rover’ offers humor, action-packed suspense and fun for individuals of all ages. The music and dazzling Mardi Gras costumes are sure to make the performance a hit with the whole family.”

The cast and crew of “The Rover” are comprised of more than 30 students from Owens, the University of Toledo, local high schools, professional artists and community members. The College’s theatrical production is being directed by Owens adjunct faculty member Cynthia Stroud.

Owens students involved in the production are Fernando Viso of Sylvania as Belvile, Chad Paben of Maumee as Willmore, Dylan Kahle of Toledo as Frederick, William Toth of Toledo as Ned Blunt, John Sweney of Perrysburg as Don Pedro, Henry Walling of Sylvania as Sancho, Zac Gilley of Toledo as Biskey, Paul Kendrick of Toledo as Sebastian, Kyle Lewis of Toledo as a Police Officer, Veronica Smith of Toledo as Callis, Gillian Mitchell of Perrysburg as a Police Officer and Shannon Quigley of Toledo as a Police Officer.

“The Rover” will run Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. from March 31 – April 8.

Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for senior citizens and $6 for Owens students. All seats are general admission and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to assist in the continuing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Events Calendar For April

Posted on March 13th, 2006

April 1
The Rover
The rollicking romantic comedy tells the story of the wealthy and virtuous Florinda racing against the clock to wed her penniless lover Belvile before her family marries her off to another man. Florinda is assisted by her sister, Hellena who develops a few romantic plans of her own when she spots Belvile’s rakish friend, Willmore. Gypsies, pirates, grifters, duels and the madness of a New Orleans Mardi Gras make The Rover one battle of the sexes not to be missed. The performance is an Owens student production. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(7:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Men’s Baseball vs. Clark State Community College
(1 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

April 2
The Rover
(2 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

April 3
Community Writers’ Workshop
Area residents who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to attend this informational workshop. For more information, call (567) 661-7351 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7351.
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

Women’s Softball vs. Tiffin University JVs
(3 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

April 5
High School Writers’ Workshop
Area high school students who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to attend this informational workshop. For more information, call (567) 661-7351 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7351.
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

April 6
The Rover
(7:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

April 7
Student Art Exhibition
View an academic year’s worth of artwork completed by students enrolled in the College’s Fine and Performing Arts classes. Featured visual media will include paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures and molded pieces, among others. For more information, call the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Student Art Exhibition Opening Reception
(6-8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

The Rover
(7:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

April 8
National ACT Exam
Area residents will have the opportunity to take the national ACT test. Prior registration through the ACT organization is necessary. For more information, call (567) 661-7547 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7547.
(8 a.m. – 2 p.m.) (Fire Science and Law Enforcement Center Rooms 145-147)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

The Rover
(7:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

April 9
Men’s Baseball vs. Lakeland Community College
(1 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

Men’s Golf (Express Golf Invitational)
(TBA) (Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg)

April 10
Registration Rocks
Area residents interested in taking college classes or starting a new career are invited to attend this insightful program. The event is designed to expose students to an array of educational opportunities and choices. For more information, call Enrollment Services at (567) 661-7253 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7253.
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

April 11
Owens Community College Board of Trustees Meeting
(12:30 p.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center)

Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 12
Women’s Softball vs. Cuyahoga Community College
(3:30 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

April 13
Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 14
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

April 15
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

April 16
Owens Community College Closed for the Holiday

April 17
Men’s Baseball vs. Cuyahoga Community College
(2 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

April 18
Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 19
Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

April 20
Registration Rocks
(8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 21
Women’s Softball vs. Southern State Community College
(3:30 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 22
Men’s Baseball vs. Lorain County Community College
(1 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

Women’s Softball vs. Columbus State Community College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 23
Women’s Softball vs. Clark State Community College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

April 24
Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

April 25
Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 26
Men’s Golf (OCCAC Conference Golf Invitational)
(TBA) (BelmontCountry Club in Perrysburg)

Women’s Softball vs. Lakeland Community College
(3:30 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

April 27
Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 28
Outstanding Service Awards Celebration
Area residents are invited to attend the third annual Outstanding Service Award Celebration, honoring police, fire and emergency medical professionals for their outstanding dedication to the profession. Reservations are required. For more information, call Alumni Affairs at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410.
(8 a.m.) (Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128)

Relay For Life
Owens and the American Cancer Society walk the night away to support cancer awareness. For more information, call (567) 661-7305 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7305.
(6 p.m. – 12 a.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 29
Women’s Softball vs. Kiskwaukee Community College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Relay For Life
(12-9 a.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Student Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

April 30
Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra
The Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1961, is a community-based, community-supported musical organization that provides an opportunity for talented area musicians to perform in a semi-professional orchestra. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(8 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Women’s Softball vs. Delta College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for Northwest Ohio college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Dental Program Brighten Smiles For Area Children During Give Kids A Smile Day

Posted on March 13th, 2006

More than 100 area elementary and high school students received free dental services courtesy of the Owens Dental Hygiene program and the Toledo Dental Society.
Oral hygiene, X-rays and fillings were the focus of free dental appointments at Owens Community College as more than 100 Northwest Ohio elementary and high school students’ teeth were transformed to pearly whites during the nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day.

Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, recently offered a day of free dental services for underprivileged children at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.

For 3-year-old Cayden Raye of North Baltimore, the experience of having his teeth cleaned was a breeze. Showing off his pearly whites to both his mother, Charity Rayle, and Owens dental hygiene student Chrissy Vogelpohl of Millbury, Cayden summed up the dental appointment in two words – “pretty cool.”

And don’t forget about the “water gun” used to rinse Cayden’s teeth during the cleaning. “I call him Mr. Thirsty,” explained the delighted youngster.

“I think Give Kids A Smile Day is a great program and I am really appreciative to Owens Community College,” said an appreciative Charity Rayle. “Dental care is extremely expensive. The opportunity to receive dental services for my children at minimal cost is a blessing. I am very grateful to the Owens Dental Hygiene program and their students.”

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantage children. The event provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to children from low-income families across the country. In 2006, nearly 40,000 dental professionals and volunteers provided free educational, preventive and restorative dental services to children at approximately 2,000 locations. The event is annually held in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month.

“Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is proud to 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.”

Tronolone added, “If untreated, tooth decay just continues to get worse and affects children’s overall health. Our goal was to provide each attendee a positive dental experience and help them feel comfortable smiling again.”

Owens Dental Hygiene second-year students, faculty and alumni conducted the dental services, which included dental education and screening, X-rays, oral prophylaxis (cleanings), limited restorations and dental sealants. In addition, first-year students from the health program provided educational presentations for parents and children.

Local communities benefiting from the free dental services included Bowling Green, Elmore, Genoa, Monclova, North Baltimore, Northwood, Perrysburg, Rossford, Toledo and Woodville.

The College’s Dental Hygiene program provides more than 40 students with a fully accredited, scientifically current and competency-based curriculum annually. Students receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, while preparing to sit for the national, state or regional exam in dental hygiene. 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.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Baseball Opens Home Schedule Against Adrian College JVs, Mar. 18

Posted on March 9th, 2006

Owens Community College Men's Baseball Team
The Owens Community College men’s baseball program will open the 2006 home portion of its schedule against the Adrian College JVs on Saturday, March 18. The game will begin at 1 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to all home games is free.

Bob Schultz of Toledo begins his fourth year as head coach of the Owens men’s baseball program. During the past three years, he has guided the Express to back-to-back conference championships in 2004 and 2005. Prior to his position as head coach, Schultz served as an Express assistant coach for five years. His assistant coaches are Gabe Medina of Toledo and Jason Halka of Rossford.

The men’s baseball program finished the 2005 campaign with a 31-23 overall record. They also tied with Columbus State Community College for the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship – their second consecutive title. Owens achieved a 12-8 mark in the OCCAC. The Express completed the recent fall season with 11-4 overall and 6-4 OCCAC records.

Additionally, Owens currently has a compiled a 3-1 overall record this season following games against teams from Florida.

“Our coaching staff is very excited about this season,” stated Schultz. “We have a great core group of returning student-athletes, which will provide a lot of depth and experience for the ball club.”

He added, “Pitching will definitely be one of our team’s strengths and I expect our first-year players to contribute heavily to our success. I expect the men’s baseball program to once again play a significant part in who wins the OCCAC championship.”

The Express have nine players returning from last year’s team, including OCCAC All-Conference selection Mike Ramlow of Maumee (Maumee H.S.). In 2005, the sophomore pitcher led the team with a 5-1 record, 1.18 earned run average and 61 strikeouts. Additionally, Ramlow was named OCCAC Player of the Year and drafted in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Schultz’s squad also returns Thomas Arvay of Toledo (Start H.S.) and Ross Graham of Oregon (Clay H.S.). Arvay, a sophomore shortstop, collected 27 hits, had 16 RBIs and compiled a .310 batting average. Graham is a sophomore outfielder. In 2005, he was second on the team with 22 RBIs and 14 walks. His postseason honors included being named to the OCCAC All-Academic team.

Other returning sophomore student-athletes include Peter Seitz of Naples, Fla., pitcher (Naples H.S.); Brett Tscherne of Oregon, pitcher (Clay H.S.); Drew Linder of Bellevue, pitcher (Bellevue H.S.); Adam Blachuta of Wayne, pitcher (Elmwood H.S.), and Austin Taylor of Toledo, catcher (St. Francis de Sales H.S.).

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Brandon Best of Sylvania, pitcher and outfield (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Wes Blank of Millbury, outfield and pitcher (Lake H.S.); Micah Smith of Lorain, outfield and pitcher (Lorain Southview H.S.); Jeremy Sheeks of Tontogany, pitcher (Otsego H.S.); Joshua Barton of Toledo, shortstop (Bowsher H.S.); Dylan Hefflinger of Defiance, second base and shortstop (Defiance H.S.); Andy Bean of Hebron, third base (Lakewood H.S.); Chris Feix of Mansfield, outfield (Ontario H.S.); Jimmy Johnson of Toledo, pitcher (Whitmer H.S.); Steve Weigle of Naples, Fla., second base (Naples H.S.); TJ Willison of Defiance, pitcher (Defiance H.S.); Jordan Schultz of Defiance, catcher (Defiance H.S.); Scott Conley of Millbury, pitcher (Lake H.S.); Josh Converse of Novi, Mich., third base and catcher (Franklin Road H.S.), and Joshua Pheils of Rossford, pitcher (Rossford H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Celtic Harpist Patrick Ball Brings ‘The Fine Beauty of the Island’ To Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Mar. 20

Posted on March 9th, 2006

Area residents will have the opportunity to take a musical journey into Irish mythology and history as Celtic harpist and storyteller, Patrick Ball performs at Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Monday, March 20. Ball will perform his solo musical theater piece titled “The Fine Beauty of the Island” at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre.

Sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Harp Society and the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, admission to the evening of music and storytelling is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“This should be a very exciting evening of entertainment for the Northwest Ohio community,” said Denise Grupp-Verbon, Owens adjunct faculty member and president of the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Harp Society. “Attendees will have the opportunity to see an internationally renowned performer present one of Ireland’s most haunting legends in a show that captures that country’s music and oral tradition.”

Ball was born and raised in California and earned a master’s degree in history from Dominican College. While pursuing his college education, he found himself particularly fascinated by the lyrical and turbulent history of Ireland. During several trips to Ireland his fascination with the heritage and culture continued to grow, highlighted by learning about the Celtic harp and its role in Irish oral tradition. Before long, he taught himself to play and began creating performance pieces that combined his scholarship, love of words and musicianship.

Today, he is regarded as one of the premier Celtic harpers and storytellers in the world. Ball tours extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and his nine instrumental and three spoken word albums have sold well over 500,000 copies. Additionally, he has been awarded several grants for his work by the Zellerbach Family Fund and the California Arts Council and is a Circle of Excellence Award recipient from the National Storytelling Association.

His shows are known for capturing dark Irish humor combined with Irish history and legends he discovered through research. Ball’s travels also play a significant role in his traditional Celtic music. “The Fine Beauty of the Island” will transport audiences to the legendary Blasket Islands off Ireland’s coast in search of a deeply haunting tune heard on the winds of the islands and the vanished islanders who played it.

For more information about Ball’s free performance, call (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Employee Named to National Leadership Program

Posted on March 9th, 2006

Owens Community College special assistant to the president for Government Relations, Jennifer Fehnrich has been chosen among college and university officials nationwide to participate in the National Institute for Leadership Development (LEADERS) program involving administrators and faculty in higher education.

Established in 1981, the LEADERS program is recognized internationally by colleges, universities and businesses for its visionary approach toward higher education. The program’s overall mission is to produce leaders who effectively challenge assumptions, eliminate barriers and create new pathways to successful solutions.

“Selection to the LEADERS program is a privilege and honor,” Fehnrich said. “I look forward to working with my fellow peers from other colleges and universities as we continue to raise the level of excellence within higher education.”

Individuals participating in the yearlong program will learn about a variety of institutional practices involving supervisory and human relations skills, planning and budgeting and organizational transformation, which relate to decision-making roles at their academic institutions. In addition, members will discuss with national experts issues confronting higher education during the next decade.

Selection criterion for the honor is based upon professional abilities, interests in advancement within higher education and the quality of a proposed project.

Fehnrich’s project involves the creation of a management program/system that will be used to maintain the vast interactions with the surrounding Northwest Ohio communities. Such a system will enable the College to further its overall mission by building upon and strengthening community relationships.

Owens Community College president, Christa Adams, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as Fehnrich’s mentor during the program, assisting her with initiatives to aid the College and foster individual professional growth.

Fehnrich joined Owens in July 2002. Her primary responsibility entails strengthening relationships between Owens and the federal and state legislature. Additional responsibilities include researching legislative issues for the College’s economic and political initiatives at the federal, state and local levels. Fehnrich also fosters relationships between Owens and government leaders and acts as a liaison in advocating legislative and economic issues relating to the College.

She previously served as the College’s director of Public Relations and Marketing. While in the Office of College Advancement, she orchestrated innovative advertising and public relations campaigns, managed the public relations and marketing budget, administered the Owens Web site, supervised a staff of Owens employees, and oversaw a wide variety of College events and publications.

Fehnrich is a 2005 class graduate of Leadership Toledo, a non-profit organization that fosters leadership and involvement in the Greater Toledo area by developing awareness of community issues, needs and opportunities.

The Port Clinton native holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bowling Green State University. Her professional involvement includes memberships with the American Marketing Association, the Business Marketing Association and the Association of Women in Communications. She resides in Perrysburg.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Hosts Spring Future Fair 2006, Mar. 16

Posted on March 8th, 2006

Area residents and students are invited to explore various career and higher education opportunities available throughout Northwest Ohio as Owens Community College hosts Spring Future Fair 2006 on Thursday, March 16.

Sponsored by Owens’ J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Brought to Students) and Enrollment Services offices, the Future Fair will occur from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College’s new Future Fair is a great opportunity for individuals at different educational levels to be exposed to a wide selection of post-graduate options,” said Gentry Dixon, Owens coordinator of Student and Alumni Placement. “We are excited to host an event which will allow the College’s students and alumni, as well as area residents, to explore the current job market or acquire information about a particular career field all in one day.”

Dixon added, “This year’s event will also afford current students the opportunity to learn more about seamless transfer options to other colleges and universities throughout the surrounding area.”

During the event, individuals will have the chance to meet with more than 50 local business representatives, asking questions about their professions and how to go about choosing a career path or filling out applications for various employment opportunities. Additionally, attendees will be able meet with more than 40 college and university representatives to learn more about each institution’s educational 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.

Area employers in attendance will be American Cultural Exchange Services, Clear Channel-Toledo, Coca-Cola Enterprises, FedEx Ground, Ironworkers Local 55, KenMours Marketing and Recruiting, Mercy Health Partners, Medical University of Ohio, Ohio Air National Guard, Primerica Financial Services, Sears Holdings Corp., Toledo Dental Academy, UPS and WTOL-TV, among others.

For more information on Spring Future Fair 2006, contact the College’s J.O.B.S. Office at (567) 661-7501 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7501.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Area Manufacturers to Explore Advantages of Open Innovation at Owens Community College Findlay-Area Campus, Mar. 31

Posted on March 7th, 2006

FINDLAY, OHIO – CAMP is partnering with Owens Community College to sponsor an Executive Breakfast on Friday, March 31 in Findlay exploring the advantages of Open Innovation.

The seminar will occur from 8-10 a.m. at the College’s Findlay-area Campus on Bright Road in Findlay. The cost is only $25 to attend.

The seminar will feature Frank Evan, director of Business Development for NineSigma (www.ninesigma.com), a Cleveland-based innovation-sourcing firm. NineSigma is a leader in the area of Open Innovation, having worked with leading companies in the U.S., Europe and Japan to establish successful external innovation programs. Evan will discuss the Open Innovation concept and provide specific case study examples to demonstrate how companies have leveraged this powerful technique to create new products and opportunities for growth.

Open Innovation is the process of searching for and adopting new ideas, technologies and solutions from outside an organization. It is a key strategy used to leverage and complement internal resources with the breadth of knowledge, ideas and fresh approaches from around the world. The benefits of Open Innovation can be as familiar as finding new solutions, expanding a company’s network, increasing its choices and accelerating time-to-market by accessing proven technical capabilities. The potential for Open Innovation programs is staggering and can include accelerated growth and an increased competitive advantage.

“For more than 20 years, CAMP has been a leader in the field of innovation assisting companies to understand, adopt and utilize new ideas, approaches and methods to make their business more competitive. We believe that Open Innovation is a critical strategy to help companies diversify, grow and become more profitable,” said Randy Reese, director of Product Development for CAMP Services.

For more information on the seminar, call 216-432-5317 or visit www.camp.org/events. CAMP Inc. (www.camp.org) assists Ohio manufacturers compete and grow with business consulting, product development and innovation services, and entrepreneurial assistance and incubation for emerging manufacturing/technology firms. CAMP’s initiatives have generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for the region since 1984.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Area High Schools Compete in Owens FFA District I Tractor Troubleshooting Contest

Posted on March 7th, 2006

Pettisville High School students' (left to right) Andrew Spotts and John Bruner test their problem solving techniques during Owens' Tractor Troubleshooting Contest.
Eleven area high schools recently put their knowledge of tractors to the test during the 13th annual FFA District I Tractor Troubleshooting Contest hosted by Owens Community College.

Sponsored by the College’s Diesel Technology program, the contest involved high school teams, consisting of two students, completing a written examination and five practical skill events to determine their expertise of tractors. As part of the practical skills competition, teams were required to locate, identify and repair malfunctions on specified tractors donated for the event.

A panel of 11 judges, comprising Owens students from the John Deere Agricultural Technician and Diesel Technician programs, graded each high school in the areas of workmanship as a team, safety practices, problem-solving techniques and identification, and repair of malfunctions to determine a district champion. The top team advances to the state championship competition at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima.

“Owens Community College is excited to once again serve as host for the Tractor Troubleshooting district competition,” said Tracy Campbell, Owens chair of Transportation Technologies. “Each participating team displayed a high level of knowledge about the agricultural industry, which made for a very exciting day of competition.”

The district championship went to Brett Thome and Stewart Zachrich of Ayersville H.S., while Bill Casey and Matt Casey of Elmwood H.S. finished in second place.

Other students and high schools involved in the competition and their order of finish were Mark Crews and Justin Fager (Wauseon H.S.), A.J. Weidner and Steve Zbierajewski (Oak Harbor H.S.), Andrew Cramer and Cody Bame (Bowling Green H.S.), Brice Mull and Garrett Hogrefe (Delta H.S.), Jarrad Mandly and Brent Clemens (Four County Career Center), Jared Dick and Zac Muehlfeld (Edon H.S.), Ken Daup and Gary Butte (Penta Career Center), John Bruner and Tim Spiess (Pettisville H.S.), and Adam Warnecke and Gene Palmer (Anthony Wayne H.S.).

Local organizations donating tractors for the competition were Streacker Tractor Sales in Findlay, Crosby Equipment in Toledo and Owens Community College.

Owens’ Diesel Technology program offers students the opportunity to pursue either an associate degree or a certificate while preparing them for careers in operations, maintenance, service, testing, diagnosis and development of truck and heavy equipment. Students interested in a career as a professional agricultural equipment service technician can pursue an associate degree through the College’s John Deere Agricultural Technician program. Owens is one of 17 academic institutions nationwide, and the only school in Ohio, to offer the John Deere Agricultural Technician program.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Students in Free Enterprise Host Fifth Annual Spaghetti Dinner, Mar. 15

Posted on March 6th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents are invited to learn more about the professional business setting as Owens Community College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) hosts its fifth annual SIFE Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday, March 15.

The event will occur from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Owens Findlay-area Campus located on Bright Road in Findlay. Tickets for the Spaghetti Dinner are $5 per person and the public is encouraged to attend. Proceeds will be used to fund the student organization’s participation in the SIFE Regional Championship competition and various community outreach initiatives.

“Owens Community College’s SIFE organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of local community members by engaging in market economics, business ethics, entrepreneurship and personal financial success outreach initiatives,” said Tom Marshall, Owens professor of Marketing and Sales and Findlay-area Campus SIFE faculty advisor. “Events such as the SIFE Spaghetti Dinner enable our student group to open doors for service learning projects. We appreciate the community’s support and anticipate a great evening of conversation about the business industry.”

Brad Huffman of Future Finances Inc. in Columbus will serve as the highlighted speaker for the event. He will discuss his book titled “Scared Rich” as well his experiences as a financial advisor.

In addition to the featured discussion, Owens’ SIFE organization will be announcing the recipients of two $1,000 Owens Findlay-area Campus SIFE scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year. Scholarship recipients are selected based upon applicants submitting an essay on what free enterprise means to them and why they would like to participate in the College’s SIFE team. Individuals also must be a graduating high school senior planning to enroll as an Owens student and carry a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

SIFE was founded in 1975 to provide college students with educational opportunities designed to enhance their leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Such educational opportunities are initiated by practicing the principles of market economics, business ethics, entrepreneurship and personal financial success through the implementation of various projects and SIFE-sponsored events. Currently, there are more than 1,200 SIFE organizations on college and university campuses in over 40 countries.

Throughout the academic year, Owens’ 12-member SIFE team participates in a variety of free enterprise educational projects and events benefiting the local community. In 2005, the organization hosted a community-wide Veterans’ Day celebration to pay tribute to service men and women and reached out to area residents by organizing a professional clothing drive, benefiting disadvantaged women at Findlay’s Hope House for the Homeless, among other activities.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (567) 429-3530 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3530.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Glengarry Bhoys to Perform Celtic Classics At Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Mar. 12

Posted on March 6th, 2006

Glengarry Bhoys to Perform Celtic Classics At Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Mar. 12
The sounds of traditional Celtic music from the Scottish highlands will be given a fresh perspective as the Glengarry Bhoys come to Northwest Ohio and Owens Community College on Sunday, March 12. The group will perform at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre.

“The Glengarry Bhoys have earned international acclaim for their enchanting live performances,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Their performance at Owens will delight individuals of all ages through impressive musicianship, good humor and a joyous blend of traditional Celtic influences and contemporary sensibilities.”

Hailing from Glengarry, Ontario, an area settled by Scottish highlanders in the 1800s, the Glengarry Bhoys began their musical journey performing to crowds in local Canadian bars. From such humble beginnings, the group exploded upon the musical scene, thrilling audiences worldwide with a unique Celtic sound, which combines their multi-cultural heritage and folklore. In the span of seven years touring, the Glengarry Bhoys’ music has grown immensely in popularity to include a loyal group of followers nicknamed the “fhans” in their native region.

The Glengarry Bhoys are also regarded as a major act on the United States Celtic festival circuit and their club shows frequently draw the size of crowds usually associated with the large pop stars of today. The group has six critically acclaimed albums to their credit and has sold in excess of 95,000 copies of their records, a staggering accomplishment for an independent artist that often places them in the Top 10 of Canada’s online sales lists. The Glengarry Bhoys recently finished their seventh album “Mill Sessions,” which was released within the last two weeks.

In addition and as part of their performances, the group also pays homage to continuing their region’s cultural legacies in reinterpretations of traditional jigs and reels. The Glengarry Bhoys are comprised of guitarist Graham Wright, fiddler Miranda Mulholland, bassist Graham Smith, bagpiper Ewan Brown and drummer Gaye Stuart “Ziggy” Leroux.

Tickets for the Glengarry Bhoys are $18 for the general public, $16 for senior citizens and $12 for Owens students. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Student Organizations Choose to Spend Spring Break Helping Louisiana and Honduras Residents in Need

Posted on March 3rd, 2006

Spring Break is usually a time when college students head south for a bit of relaxation, rejuvenation and good old-fashioned fun in the warm tropical sun. For a group of Owens Community College students and alumni, however, heading south for Spring Break means a week of hard, manual labor to help out those in need.

In a collaboration between Owens’ Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) on the Toledo-area Campus and the Rotaract Club, five current students, one alum and one faculty advisor will be heading south to Slidell, La., on March 4 to assist an abused children’s shelter in reconstructing its facility in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

While at the abused children’s center, which is named K-Bar-B Youth Ranch, the volunteers will be responsible for cleaning, putting up drywall and painting.

“The core mission of both student organizations is to not only assist Northwest Ohio, but also aid other communities, throughout the United States and the world, in need through outreach projects,” said Andrew Timothy, Owens instructor of Accounting and faculty advisor for the Toledo-area Campus’ SIFE and Rotaract student organizations. “SIFE and Rotaract students have been instrumental in this endeavor and have taken on a leadership role in ensuring service to our southern neighbors.”

Helping at the children’s shelter is not the only item on the agenda, however. This unique philanthropic effort involves many other components.

As a result of attending a January 2006 Uniendo Conference, which focused on humanitarian service efforts worldwide, held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, SIFE and Rotaract students were able to make a strong connection with the Sula Vallee Rotary Club in San Pedro Sula and attempted to help them in securing medical supplies and equipment to aid the organization’s surrounding communities.

Through a Northwest Ohio connection, Owens’ SIFE and Rotaract organizations had recently come in contact with a local couple from Oak Harbor, who were interested in donating an ambulance to a worthy cause. With the knowledge of an available ambulance in Northwest Ohio, the Owens student groups coordinated with the Sula Vallee Rotary Club and volunteered to drive the ambulance to a New Orleans port where it will be shipped off to a Honduras local hospital.

In addition, Rotaract and SIFE will be caravanning down south in three additional vehicles, including a Book Mobile filled with books donated by the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library to benefit Grand Lake Branch Library in Cameron, La.; a van donated by the Maumee Rotary Club to the Slidell Rotary Club to benefit area senior citizens in Slidell; and a 12-person van donated by the College to transport the volunteers down south and back again.

Through private donations and the support of the Perrysburg Rotary Club and District 6600, the group is also taking with them a check for $7,500 to purchase extra supplies for the abused children’s center, as well as a gas card worth $1,600 donated by Marathon Oil Corporation.

Owens students volunteering their time to participate in the humanitarian efforts include Suzanne Bickford of Perrysburg, Dan Reyes-Cairo of Toledo, Aarik Kimberlin of Toledo, Lily Ingraham of Bowling Green and William Ash of Perrysburg. Owens alumnus Samuel Mallette of Toledo and Owens SIFE and Rotaract faculty advisor Andrew Timothy of Sylvania will be accompanying the students to the Gulf Coast region.

The volunteers will conclude their journey and their Spring Break by returning to the Owens Toledo-area Campus on Saturday, March 11.

“This is our opportunity to provide service for those who are in need,” explained Owens student Dan Reyes-Cairo. “Rather than resting and relaxing during Spring Break, we decided to work and help out others.”

The Owens Rotaract Club is a Rotary-sponsored international organization with a primary focus of providing community and international service. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Perrysburg, the Owens Rotaract Club is comprised of young men and women who are dedicated to local volunteer work, as well as traveling abroad to aid impoverished nations.

Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Founded in 1905, the Rotary Club was the first service-oriented club in the world. Today, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 167 countries. Rotary International also awards scholarships and offers a wide range of humanitarian grants and educational programs that enable Rotarians to bring hope and promote international understanding throughout the world.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Hosts NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Mar. 10-12

Posted on March 1st, 2006

The Owens Community College men’s basketball program begins its postseason run toward a third national title as the Express compete in and host the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championships, Friday-Sunday, March 10-12.

The tournament will be held at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Teams participating in the tournament will include Edison State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College, Clark State Community College, Owens Community College and Cincinnati State Community College.

The Express, coached by Jim Welling, will take a 25-6 overall record into the single elimination tournament, where they will battle Clark State (13-13) at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10. Other first round games on Friday will feature Edison State (13-17) versus Columbus State (11-18) at 2:30 p.m. and Cuyahoga (12-16) versus Lakeland (23-7) at 4:30 p.m.

The winner of the Owens/Clark State game will play Cincinnati State (20-8) at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 11. The other semifinal game on Saturday will feature Edison State/Columbus State versus Cuyahoga/Lakeland and begin at 2 p.m. The championship game will occur at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.

Welling will lead his Express team into postseason play one final time after announcing that this season will be his last as head coach of the men’s basketball program. His teams have previously won seven Great Lakes Region XII championships to qualify for the national tournament. They also captured NJCAA national championships in 1992 and 1993 and finished as the national runner-up in 1994. Owens completed the Ohio Community College Athletic Association (OCCAC) regular season in fourth place with a 9-5 record and is ranked No. 8 in the nation, according to the final NJCAA Division II poll.

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championships will be held Wednesday-Saturday, March 22-25 in Danville, Ill.

Tickets for the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Basketball Championships are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Children ages 5 or under are admitted free. Individuals can purchase a tournament pass for $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Toledo-area Campus Hosts Northwest Ohio’s Largest College Preview Night, Mar. 8

Posted on February 28th, 2006

More than 100 public and private colleges and universities from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania will visit the Toledo area as Owens Community College hosts Northwest Ohio’s largest College Preview Night on Wednesday, March 8.

The event will occur from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the counseling staffs of 18 local high schools and Owens. College tables will be set up in Owens’ Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) and presentations will be held in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, the Math/Science Center and the Audio/Visual Classroom Center. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to the preview night is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“College Preview Night is a great opportunity for high school students and their parents to visit with admissions representatives and learn about the variety of educational opportunities available after high school,” said Jennifer Irelan, Owens assistant director of Enrollment Services. “Owens Community College is proud to once again work with area high schools in sponsoring an event where students can begin to choose their career path.”

The event will provide high school students and their parents the opportunity to visit with various college and university representatives and pick up important information about admission requirements. Individuals will also learn about financial aid, student activities, academic program offerings, athletic eligibility and accommodations for students with special needs.

Informational sessions will also occur throughout the evening. Attendees can hear presentations on financial aid, planning for college, preparing for the SAT and ACT tests, and accommodations for students with special needs.

In addition, area bank representatives will be present to provide information on student loans and high school counselors will be available during the event to answer general college questions. Representatives of the various military branches will also be on hand to discuss admission to military academies, the ROTC and other scholarship-related programs.

For more information on College Preview Night, contact the Owens Enrollment Services Office at (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Mar. 2-5

Posted on February 28th, 2006

The Owens Community College women’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District H) Women’s Basketball Championships this weekend. The tournament will be held at Delta College in University Center, Mich., Thursday-Sunday, March 2-5.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express will take a 17-13 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Schoolcraft College at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 3. If they would advance, Owens will play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. The championship game will occur at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Delta College, Oakland Community College, Mott Community College, Schoolcraft College, Wayne County Community College, Kirtland Community College, Lakeland Community College, Columbus State Community College and St. Clair County Community College.

Llanas’ team finished the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) tied for second place with an 8-4 record. Last year, the Express advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Schoolcraft College.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championships will be held Wednesday-Saturday, March 15-18 in Phoenix.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts FFA District I Tractor Troubleshooting Contest, Mar. 2

Posted on February 27th, 2006

Area high school students will put their knowledge of tractors to the test as they compete in the 13th annual FFA District I Tractor Troubleshooting Contest on Thursday, March 2 hosted by Owens Community College.

The contest will occur from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the College’s Transportation Technologies Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Sponsored by the College’s John Deere Agricultural Technician program, the contest will involve high school teams, consisting of two students, completing a written examination and five practical skill events to determine their expertise of tractors. As part of the practical skills competition, teams will be required to locate, identify and repair a malfunction on a specified tractor donated for the event.

A panel of 11 judges, comprising Owens students from the John Deere Agricultural Technician and Diesel Technician programs, will grade each high school in the areas of workmanship as a team, safety practices, problem-solving techniques and identification, and repair of malfunctions to determine a district champion. The top team will advance to the state championship competition at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima on March 9.

“Owens Community College is excited to once again serve as host for the Tractor Troubleshooting district competition,” said Tracy Campbell, Owens chair of Transportation Technologies. “I expect each participating team to display a high level of knowledge about the agricultural industry, which will make for a very exciting day of competition.”

High schools invited to participate in the competition are Anthony Wayne H.S., Ayersville H.S., Bowling Green H.S., Delta H.S., Edon H.S., Elmwood H.S., Four County Career Center, Genoa H.S., Holgate H.S., Oak Harbor H.S., Penta County Career Center, Pettisville H.S. and Wauseon H.S.

Local businesses donating tractors for the competition are Streacker Tractor Sales of Findlay, Crosby Equipment of Toledo and Holgate Implement Sales Inc. of Holgate.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents Lalo, the ‘Vibe Queen,’ Mar. 3

Posted on February 24th, 2006

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents Lalo, the 'Vibe Queen,' Mar. 3
Traditional jazz will receive an injection of modern edge sounds, courtesy of the vibraphone, when composer and vibraphonist Lalo performs at the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Friday, March 3. Her performance will occur in the Mainstage Theatre and begin at 8 p.m.

“We are delighted and excited to bring one of the country’s most recognized vibraphonists to Owens Community College,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Lalo’s modern take on traditional jazz when fused with world music and rock influences is inspiring. Attendees are in for an evening of musical sounds that will leave a lasting impression.”

Dubbed the “Vibe Queen” by New York City’s “The Village Voice,” Lalo is originally from Savannah, Ga. and began performing in regional clubs and festivals as early as high school. She went on to graduate from the Berklee College of Music and has studied with world-renowned vibraphonist Mike Mainieri.

Lalo has toured throughout the United States and Europe and plays regularly in legendary New York City venues such as the Blue Note and Makor. She has been the featured guest artist at several festivals, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Her original compositions have earned a feature interview on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition Sunday and on the cover of Womenrock.com and “Jazziz” magazine, which listed her among the “20 Fine Vibists” in the world. She is also part of the Women Rock the Road Tour, a group that tours in association with the American Cancer Society.

Lalo and guitarist Jack West will present the Owens audience with original compositions that offer impressive instrumentation, improvisation and interaction in a highly visual performance that spans genres and delivers a positive message.

In addition to her live musical performance, the American Cancer Society will have representatives and information on hand to promote the importance of breast cancer awareness in conjunction with Women’s History Month.

Tickets for Lalo are $16 for the public and $10 for senior citizens and Owens students. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Greater Hancock County College Night, Mar. 6

Posted on February 24th, 2006

FINDLAY – More than 80 colleges and universities from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania will visit the Findlay area as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus hosts Greater Hancock County College Night on Monday, March 6. The event will occur from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The counseling staffs of nine local high schools in Hancock County and the surrounding area are co-sponsoring the annual event, which is being held for the first time at the Owens Findlay-area Campus. The College is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Admission to the college preview night is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Greater Hancock County College Night is a great opportunity for high school students and their parents to visit with admissions representatives and learn about the variety of educational opportunities available after high school,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens Enrollment Services representative at the Findlay-area Campus. “Owens Community College is proud to once again work with area high schools in sponsoring an event where students can begin to choose their career path.”

The event will provide high school juniors and seniors and their parents the opportunity to visit with various college and university representatives and pick up important information about admission requirements. Individuals will also learn about financial aid, student activities, academic program offerings and accommodations for students with special needs.

Informational sessions will occur throughout the evening. Attendees can hear presentations on financial aid, planning for college, preparing for the SAT and ACT tests, and career trends of the future.

In addition, area bank representatives will be available to provide information on student loans and military branches will be on hand to discuss admission to military academies, the ROTC and other scholarship-related programs. High school counselors will also be present during the event to answer general college questions.

For more information on Greater Hancock County College Night, contact the Owens Findlay-area Campus at (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Men’s Basketball Wins Last Home Game For NJCAA Legendary Head Coach

Posted on February 22nd, 2006

Owens men's basketball head coach Jim Welling provides guidance to his Express team during his last regular-season home game.
Owens Community College men’s basketball head coach Jim Welling capped his final regular-season home game with what else – a victory. The Express added another win to his impressive record with a 103-69 victory over Siena Heights University JVs at the Student Health and Activities Center.

At the conclusion of the game, Owens honored coach Welling and his family for exemplary contributions to the men’s basketball program during the past 20 years. As part of the ceremony, Owens vice president of Student Services, Dr. Bill Ivoska awarded coach Welling the game ball.

“It has been a privilege to coach so many talented players and with such tremendous assistant coaches over the years,” said Welling. “I also owe a debt of gratitude to my family, friends and Owens Community College and the support they have shown during my career.”

Earlier this year, coach Welling announced that the upcoming 2005-06 season would be his last, signaling an end to the most successful era in the program’s history.

Welling began his coaching career at Owens during the 1986-87 season. In his first year, he led the Express to 22 victories. Welling, whose career record now stands at 548-125, has recorded only one losing season during his 20-year tenure at Owens. He has led the Express to many notable achievements, including NJCAA Division II National Championships in 1992 and 1993. In addition, Owens has averaged 27 wins while Welling has served as head coach.

Coach Welling addresses the home crowd after yet another victory.
His squads have captured seven Great Lakes Region XII Championships, nine Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) State Tournament Championships and eight OCCAC Conference Championships. Welling has been named Coach of the Year five times by the OCCAC, seven times by Region XII and twice by the NJCAA Division II.

Last year, Welling reached a milestone in his illustrious basketball career by earning victory No. 500 with an 81-71 win over Hillsborough Community College. At the age of 45, he was one of the youngest basketball coaches in NJCAA history ever to accomplish this feat.

Since 1986, Welling has sent 58 players to NCAA Division I programs. Overall, 90 percent of his student-athletes have gone on to play intercollegiate basketball at four-year academic institutions. Most importantly, Welling’s program has graduated 86 percent of his players.

Although he is stepping down as head coach of men’s basketball, Welling will continue to serve as the College’s director of Student Enrichment and Athletics, as well as head coach of the new Express golf program.

Owens men’s basketball program has amassed an overall record of 24-5 and a 9-4 mark (second place tie) in the OCCAC. They also are ranked No. 8 in the nation, according to this week’s NJCAA Division II poll.

The Express will conclude their regular season at Cincinnati State Community College on Saturday, February 25. Owens will next play at home when they host the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championships in postseason competition, March 9-12.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Group Assists New Orleans Area Community College’s Educational Needs Through ‘Chubby’ Cupcake Event, Feb. 28

Posted on February 20th, 2006

Haunted by the images of destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, Owens Community College’s Literacy Committee has taken the initiative of reaching out to a Louisiana community college’s educational needs by hosting a “Chubby” Cupcake Sale on Tuesday, February 28. All sales and additional monetary donations collected from the event will be given to the College’s adopted New Orleans school, Delgado Community College.

In the spirit of the Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday celebrations, the College’s Literacy Committee will decorate the “chubby” cupcakes in traditional Mardi Gras colors and make the edible delights available for purchase from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Area residents can pick up their “chubby” cupcakes in the hallways near the Bookstore and the Library on the Toledo-area Campus and in the Findlay-area Campus Commons.

Additionally, the Literacy Committee is asking interested individuals to write a brief note of encouragement in care of the Delgado Community College community when purchasing their cupcakes. The notes, along with funds raised from the “Chubby” Cupcake Sale, will be sent to the community college later this month. For those who are not interested in purchasing a sweet treat, colorful Mardi Gras beads will also be available at the various fundraising locations.

Dr. Schroeder added, “Based on our conversations with the community college’s representatives, a large majority of the school’s main campus was destroyed. Even though classes are currently underway, students are still in need of help to pay for books, supplies, transportation and child care services. The Literacy Committee wants to make a difference.”

As part of the “Chubby” Cupcake Sale, the Literacy Committee will have additional information on hand about Delgado Community College and its many relief programs established to assist students. Delgado Community College was founded in 1921 and is Louisiana’s oldest and largest community college. The school enrolls more than 17,400 students during any given semester.

Continuing with the Southern theme, Owens’ Literacy Committee is also engaging students in a campus-wide read of the book “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” The book takes a journey into about 110 years of American history as seen through the eyes of a black woman from Louisiana. Topics highlighted within the book range from racism during the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement. In addition, individuals are invited to view the 1973 television movie adaptation of the critically acclaimed book on Thursday, March 2 in the College’s Library on the Toledo-area Campus. The movie presentation will occur at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

For additional information about the “Chubby” Cupcake Sale, or to make a donation, call (567) 661-7672 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7672.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus and Findlay-Hancock County Library Present First-Ever College Planning Workshop, Mar. 1

Posted on February 20th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents are invited to learn how to go about planning for college as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library present the first-ever College Planning Workshop on Wednesday, March 1.

The College Planning Workshop is free and begins at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. The library main branch is located on Broadway Street in Findlay.

“The College Planning Workshop is a great opportunity for prospective students to get a head start on the college planning process by acquiring information on everything from admission requirements to student loans,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens Enrollment Services representative at the Findlay-area Campus. “Owens Community College is excited to work collaboratively with the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and offer an event where individuals can take the first step toward their career aspirations.”

Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about financial aid, the college admissions process and ACT test preparation, among other areas.

For more information, contact the College’s Findlay-area Campus at (567) 429-3515 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3515, or the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library at (419) 422-1737. Attendees can RSVP by contacting the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Local Artists Capture the U.S. and World on Film During Owens Findlay-area Campus Exhibit, Feb. 27 – Mar. 31

Posted on February 17th, 2006

FINDLAY – Travel aficionados, Carole Elchert and Andrea Van Vorhis will offer glimpses of the culture and the beauty of exotic locales in Central Asia and the American West as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Library is proud to host their first-ever photography art exhibit, February 27 – March 31.

In addition, the College will host a reception for both artists on Tuesday, February 28 in the Library from 4-6:30 p.m. The reception is free, and the public is encouraged to attend, to view and to discuss the works, the lands and their travels.

“We are proud to showcase the artwork of two impressive artists,” said Gail McCain, Owens library manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The Owens Findlay-area Campus encourages the public to stop by the Library and take a look at the breathtaking imagery captured from Van Vorhis’ travels to the American West and Elchert’s journeys to the Himalayan regions.”

Elchert is recognized for her images, writing, presentations and travels on numerous trips to Tibet and Nepal. As part of her travels, she has conducted 16 eco-cultural tours to the area, including the 1988 Cultural Arts Exhibition to Tibet, which led to her co-producing the PBS video “White Lotus” and its companion book. “White Lotus” highlights photographs taken during the expedition. Her work has appeared in exhibits worldwide, including in New York, London, Melbourne, and Los Angeles. In addition to her exploration of landscapes with photography, Elchert is a writer of performance prose, essays and short stories. She is currently an assistant professor of Communication at The University of Findlay and is a writing mentor in the innovative Writing Center at the Owens Findlay-area Campus.

Van Vorhis has spent over 20 years exploring the history, culture and landscapes of the Southwest and the Rocky Mountains areas. Such passion for the outdoors eventually led to Van Vorhis and her husband creating Wind River Adventure Tours, an educational tour company that leads small groups to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Badlands and the Grand Canyon, among other locations. A native of Austria, Van Vorhis’ work captures shapes, colors, textures, shadows and contrasts of the landscapes located within the western United States. She serves as an associate professor of Communications and Humanities at the Owens Findlay-area Campus.

The photography exhibit is part of the College’s ongoing efforts to showcase the work of local artists on the Owens Findlay-area Campus. Admission to the art exhibit and the Owens Findlay-area Campus Library is free and open to the public. The Library is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact the College’s Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Northwest Ohio Community Leaders Discuss Societal and Diversity Issues at Owens, Feb. 23

Posted on February 16th, 2006

Northwest Ohio Community Leaders Discuss Societal and Diversity Issues at Owens, Feb. 23
A consortium of educators and community leaders will gather at Owens Community College to discuss a variety of important diversity issues relevant to Black culture as part of a Black History Month panel discussion on Thursday, February 23.

Presented by Owens’ Black Student Union in conjunction with the College’s celebration of Black History Month, the forum titled “The Past, Present and Future of the Black Middle Class” will occur from 4-6 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Discussion will focus on topics of race and diversity affecting the past, present and future of the Black middle class in relation to the widely acclaimed book “Is Bill Cosby Right?: Or Has Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind?” by Michael Eric Dyson. Featured topics will include education, language, crime and culture, among other issues.

“Owens Community College is honored to serve as a forum, which will facilitate racial discussions on issues viewed as extremely important to the future of diversity nationwide,” said Betty Valentine, Owens director of Employee Relations and Diversity. “I expect a very engaging dialogue on a host of topics by both the panel and attendees.”

Efrem Graham, a reporter/weekend anchor, WTVG-TV ABC Channel 13, and Darius Hall, Owens Black Student Union president and communications major, will serve as moderators for the open discussion. Among the seven individuals comprising the panel are Vincent Muhammad, an area minister and author; Sharon Perry-Nause, director of the Northwest Ohio Academic Center, Tiffin University; Dr. Kaye Patten Wallace, vice president of Student Life, University of Toledo; John Scott, author of “Kaleidoscope” and “Shorty”; Keith Lee Johnson, Owens alumnus and author of “Sugar and Spice” and “Little Black Girl Lost”; Dr. Morris Jenkins, assistant professor of Criminal Justice, University of Toledo, and Tywana Hilliard, area diversity youth advocate, educator and parent.

Owens continues to serve as a leader in providing academic opportunities to African Americans throughout Northwest Ohio. For Spring Semester, 2,298 African Americans are pursuing an Owens education on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The College has more than quadrupled its African-American enrollment since 1996. Ten years ago only 629 African-American students were enrolled during the spring term.

For additional information about the event, call (567) 661-7493 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7493.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Men’s Basketball Honors NJCAA Legendary Head Coach During Last Regular Season Home Game, Feb. 20

Posted on February 16th, 2006

Owens Men's Basketball Honors NJCAA Legendary Head Coach During Last Regular Season Home Game, Feb. 20
Owens Community College men’s basketball will honor Jim Welling, one of the most successful coaches in NJCAA history, when the Express entertain Siena Heights University JVs to conclude the regular season home portion of their schedule on Monday, February 20. The Express men will battle the Siena Heights Saints beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The game will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to home games is free.

At the conclusion of the game, Owens will honor coach Welling for his exemplary contributions to the men’s basketball program during the past 20 years.

Earlier this year, coach Welling announced that the upcoming 2005-06 season would be his last, signaling an end to the most successful era in the program’s history.

“Jim Willing epitomizes the best of Owens Community College, both on and off the basketball court,” said Dr. Bill Ivoska, Owens vice president of Student Services. “He is one of the most respected coaches throughout the region because of his integrity and values, which are instilled within each one of his student-athletes. Owens Community College is proud of his outstanding accomplishments and what he has meant to the men’s basketball program.”

Welling began his coaching career at Owens during the 1986-87 season. In his first year, he led the Express to 22 victories. Welling, whose career record now stands at 546-125, has recorded only one losing season during his 20-year tenure at Owens. He has led the Express to many notable achievements, including NJCAA Division II National Championships in 1992 and 1993. In addition, Owens has averaged 27 wins while Welling has served as head coach.

His squads have captured seven Great Lakes Region XII Championships, nine Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) State Tournament Championships and eight OCCAC Conference Championships. Welling has been named Coach of the Year five times by the OCCAC, seven times by Region XII and twice by the NJCAA Division II.

Owens men’s basketball program has amassed an overall record of 22-5 and a 7-4 mark (third place tie) in the OCCAC. They also are ranked No. 9 in the nation, according to this week’s NJCAA Division II poll.

The Express recently has compiled wins over Sinclair Community College 90-72, Edison State Community College 73-54 and Clark State Community College 90-83.

Owens will next play at home when they host the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championships in postseason competition, March 9-12.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Events Calendar For March

Posted on February 15th, 2006

March 1
High School Writers’ Workshop
Area high school students who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to attend this informational workshop. For more information, call (567) 661-7351 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7351.
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
Owens celebrates the opening of the soon-to-be completed Toledo Museum of Art’s new glass building by showcasing works of several contemporary glass artists. The exhibit features artwork that carries on Toledo’s longstanding tradition of producing art glass. Local artists include Tom McGlauchlin, Steve Kemmerly, Michelle MacFarlane and Jack Schmidt, among many others. For more information, call the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 2
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 3
Lalo
Vibraphonist and composer Lalo fuses traditional jazz with world music influences and a modern edge. Selected as one of “Jazziz” magazine’s top 20 Fine Vibists in the world, Lalo has been featured on National Public Radio’s “Weekend Edition Sunday” and the cover of Womenrock.com. Her appearance at Owens will include live music and a presentation by the American Cancer Society promoting the importance of breast cancer awareness in conjunction with Women’s History Month. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(8 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training Program
Owens and the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency and safety forces are partnering to provide free educational training for area residents in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. For more information, call Workforce and Community Services at (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.
(6-9 p.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 4
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training Program
(8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

March 5
American Red Cross Oscar Night
Area residents are invited to watch their favorite stars vie for the coveted Academy Awards statues as the American Red Cross hosts its annual Oscar Night at Owens. Guests will enjoy upscale food from Toledo’s finest restaurants, the Academy Awards presentation on the big-screen and dancing with the KGB Band and the Theresa Harris Quintet. For more information, call (419) 329-2543.
(6 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre and Rotunda)

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training Program
(8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Workforce and Community Services)

March 6
Community Writers’ Workshop
Area residents who enjoy writing short prose or poetry are invited to attend this informational workshop. For more information, call (567) 661-7351 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7351.
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

Greater Hancock County College Night
Area high school students will be given the chance to explore educational opportunities as more than 80 colleges and universities visit the Owens Findlay-area Campus. For more information, call (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509.
(6:30-8:30 p.m.) (Findlay-area Campus)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 7
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 8
College Preview Night
Area high school students will be given the chance to explore educational opportunities as more than 100 colleges and universities visit the Owens Toledo-area Campus. For more information, call (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777.
(6:30-8:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Owens Community College Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting
(5-6:30 p.m.) (Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 9
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 10
NJCAA Men’s Basketball Region XII Championship
Intercollegiate men’s basketball teams from around the Midwest will compete for a regional championship and the opportunity to advance to the NJCAA National Championship tournament. For more information, call the Athletics Department at (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.
(TBA) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 11
NJCAA Men’s Basketball Region XII Championship
(TBA) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 12
Glengarry Bhoys
The Glengarry Bhoys combine traditional Celtic music with contemporary sensibilities, while at the same time pay homage to continuing cultural legacies in reinterpretations of traditional jigs and reels as part of their performance. A major act on the U.S. Celtic festival circuit, the group has sold over 95,000 copies of their albums and brings an energy and excitement, spanning different cultures and ages. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(7 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Region XII Championship
(TBA) (Student Health and Activities Center)

No Classes (Spring Break)

March 13
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

March 14
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 15
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

March 16
Future Fair
Area residents and students are invited to Owens to learn about and explore various career opportunities available throughout Northwest Ohio. Additionally, individuals will have the opportunity to meet with area four-year colleges and universities from Ohio and Michigan and explore transfer options. For more information, call the J.O.B.S. Office at (567) 661-7501 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7501.
(10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 17
Glass in the Glass City Special Lecture and Reception
Glass expert and artist Jack Schmidt will give a special lecture and slide show about the art glass movement, including discussion of his own work, which explores the odd tension between nature and manmade structures. A reception will immediately follow the lecture and will include all the exhibit’s participating artists. For more information, call the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.
(5 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Room 111)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 18
Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra
The Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1961, is a community-based, community-supported musical organization that provides an opportunity for talented area musicians to perform in a semi-professional orchestra. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(8 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Men’s Baseball vs. Adrian College JVs
(1 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

March 20
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

March 21
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

March 22
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

March 23
Northwest Ohio “Toledo Blade” Spelling Bee
Area middle school students will put their spelling skills to the test during the regional contest. For more information, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.
(6:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Men’s Baseball vs. Kellogg Community College
(3:30 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

March 24
World Cultures Film Series (My Beautiful Laundrette)
The film features a Pakistani man and an English man who both live on the wrong side of the tracks. The characters grapple for success in the laundromat business in 1980s London, while coping with culture clashes, old school ethnic adult attitudes, homophobia and snobbery. For more information, call (567) 661-7523 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7523.
(7:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Men’s Baseball vs. Ferris State University
(2 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

March 25
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Women’s Softball vs. Oakland Community College
(1 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

March 26
Men’s Baseball vs. Grand Rapids Community College
(1 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

March 27
Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

Women’s Softball vs. Kalamazoo Valley Community College
(3 p.m.) (Softball Complex)

March 29
High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

Men’s Baseball vs. Urbana University JVs
(3:30 p.m.) (Baseball Complex)

March 31
The Rover
The rollicking romantic comedy tells the story of the wealthy and virtuous Florinda racing against the clock to wed her penniless lover Belvile before her family marries her off to another man. Florinda is assisted by her sister, Hellena who develops a few romantic plans of her own when she spots Belvile’s rakish friend, Willmore. Gypsies, pirates, grifters, duels and the madness of a New Orleans Mardi Gras make The Rover one battle of the sexes not to be missed. The performance is an Owens student production. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(7:30 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for Northwest Ohio college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Appoints Board of Trustees to Leadership Positions

Posted on February 14th, 2006

Owens Community College has appointed Dr. Ronald A. McMaster and John Moore to serve as the chairman and vice chairman for the Owens Community College Board of Trustees. Dr. McMaster and Moore were elected to their positions by their fellow colleagues during the recent Owens Community College Board of Trustees meeting and will serve one-year terms.

“Owens Community College has an outstanding group of Board of Trustees members who value the importance of a quality college education and the many benefits of lifelong learning,” said Christa Adams, Ph.D., president of Owens Community College. “Each individual is passionate about higher education and engaged with the College’s faculty, staff and students. We are fortunate to have such dedicated leaders who want to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Appointed in March 1993, Dr. McMaster is the president of McMaster Motor Co. and McMaster Fuel Ltd. Retired from GlassTech Inc. as vice president of Corporate Development, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Ohio State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Michigan, all in mechanical engineering. Dr. McMaster resides in Perrysburg.

John Moore
A graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Moore spent 30 years in banking and 10 years in higher education at Bowling Green State University. Appointed to the College’s Board of Trustees in April 2000, he now serves as a consultant and recently authored a book on surviving stress. He resides in Holland.

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of nine community leaders from Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Sandusky counties who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio for six-year terms.

In addition to Dr. McMaster and Moore, Owens Community College Board of Trustees members include John G. Ault of Perrysburg, Allan J. Libbe of Perrysburg, RJ Molter of Woodville, Carl R. Patterson of Findlay, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Jack T. Sculfort of Perrysburg and Diana H. Talmage of Toledo.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Celebrates Opening of New Findlay-area Campus Child Care Center with Findlay Fun Days, Feb. 23 and 25

Posted on February 13th, 2006

Owens' new Child Care Center
FINDLAY – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus will offer area residents and their children the opportunity to enjoy two separate days of fun and activities as the Child Care Center celebrates the opening its new facility with Findlay Fun Days, February 23 and 25.

Findlay Fun Days will occur on Thursday, February 23 from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Owens’ new Child Care Center is located southwest of the Findlay-area Campus education center at the convergence of Township Road 212 and County Road 18.

“Owens’ new Child Care Center is a great educational addition to the Findlay-area Campus and to children throughout the Hancock County region,” said Stephanie Davis, Owens coordinator of the Findlay-area Campus Child Care Center. “This new facility will enable Owens to provide the latest in innovative child care services for not only our students and employees, but also the surrounding communities.”

Family Fun Day attendees will be able to take part in various activities throughout event, highlighted by face painting and interactive educational games in the Math, Science, Creative Art, Writing, Language and Literacy learning centers. Additionally, third grade students from Findlay’s Chamberlin Hill Intermediate School will be reading to visiting children as part of both days. Parents and children will also be able to tour the building and meet the Child Care Center staff.

Inside view of Owens' new Child Care Center
The new stand-alone Child Care Center has space for approximately 40 children – nearly tripling the previous facility’s capacity. The Center cost $536,761 and includes two classrooms specifically intended to encourage learning and nurturing. Each room consists of a learning center that features computers, math and science, blocks and construction, creative art, woodworking, reading, and writing.

Additional features of the 2,990 square-foot building include a warming kitchen, a lunch room, an office, a children’s restroom and an adult restroom. Windows, allowing for natural lighting, are highlighted throughout the building, as well as an area designated as an art studio. The new facility also allows the staff to display children’s projects so that parents, community and the children themselves can view their creative masterpieces.

Owens’ Findlay-area Campus has been providing quality child care to the Hancock County region since 1993. The program was created with the overall mission of offering excellence in child care services by providing the latest in innovative teaching and learning methods. Child care services on the Findlay-area Campus are available to children ages 2 ½ to 5 of Owens employees and students, as well as community residents. Owens’ Child Care Center is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. year-round.

In addition, the College’s Child Care Center serves as an educational setting for the Early Childhood Education program. Students enrolled within Early Childhood Education have the opportunity to apply knowledge, obtained within the classroom, in a real-world setting by working with children enrolled at the Child Care Center. Many child care teachers and directors throughout the surrounding communities have begun their instructional careers at the Owens Child Care Center.

Beginning in 2006, Owens’ Child Care Center also becomes one of a select few schools across the United States to introduce a new philosophy, which centers on every child being afforded the right to grow and learn in a favorable environment. Named after a small town in Italy, the new philosophy, titled Reggio Emilia, stresses reflection, practice and further reflection, and coincides with the College’s ideals in believing that children’s unique ability allows them to express their learning in hundreds of different ways.

For more information about Owens’ new Child Care Center on the Findlay-area Campus, call (567) 429-3596 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3596.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

International Guitar Great Pavlo to Dazzle Audience At Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Feb. 24

Posted on February 13th, 2006

International Guitar Great Pavlo to Dazzle Audience
Area residents will have the opportunity to forget about the cold of winter and listen to musical sounds that conjure images of the sunny Mediterranean as the internationally acclaimed Pavlo, known as the Greek god of guitar, and his band perform at the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Friday, February 24. Pavlo’s performance will occur in the Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m.

“We are delighted to bring such a brilliant composer and guitarist to Owens Community College,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Pavlo is internationally renowned for his dynamic and captivating performances. His unique fusion of flamenco, Latin, classical and Mediterranean guitar mixed with the Greek bouzouki will leave individuals attending his Owens performance in awe.”

The Toronto-based guitar great, Pavlo (born Pavlo Simtikidis) grew up listening to rock n’ roll music while at the same time perfected the classical guitar. The two ends of the musical spectrum provided the groundwork for an intriguing blend of sound that also included Greek music from his heritage. Those influences, along with a passion for flamenco, led to Pavlo fusing his musical favorites into one unique sound. He began touring and showcasing his new music shortly thereafter.

Pavlo has enjoyed great success worldwide and has released six albums, two of which were certified gold in Canada by the Canadian Recording Industry Association. His album, titled “Fantasia,” was nominated for Best Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2000 Juno Awards, which is the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards. In 2004, Pavlo won the category for World Artist of the Year at the Canadian Independent Music Awards.

Additionally, his songs have been heard on television episodes of the “Chris Isaak Show” and on the CTV program “Eleventh Hour.” In 2001, he received the honor of performing before for His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

Pavlo and his band have toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Greece, always receiving rave reviews for the vibrant performances of Mediterranean music.

Tickets for Pavlo are $16 for the public and $10 for senior citizens and Owens students. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts Rescheduled Relay For Life Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 23

Posted on February 13th, 2006

Interested in chasing away the winter chills with a hot bowl of chili? Area residents are invited to let their taste buds do the judging as Owens Community College hosts its second annual Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off on Thursday, February 23. The event was originally scheduled for February 2.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Owens Relay for Life Committee, the College’s Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off will occur from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the College’s Math/Science Center. Freewill donations will be accepted and entitle each person to all-you-can-eat chili. The event is open to the public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample an assortment of chili from various teams, and then vote for their favorite edible delight. The team who receives the most votes will become the Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off people’s choice winner. Ballot counting will be held at 1:30 p.m.

Proceeds raised from the Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off will go toward the College’s annual Relay for Life event, which will be held April 28-29.

Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research, education, advocacy and quality life programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one member on the track at all times as part of the 24-hour event.

For more information about the Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off, or about joining the College’s Relay for Life celebration, call (567) 661-7305 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7305.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio with 29 consecutive semesters of enrollment increases. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 44,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 160 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Josh Boyd and The V.I.P. Band to Perform At Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Feb. 20

Posted on February 9th, 2006

Sounds ranging from down-home blues to super funky dance will engulf the Mainstage Theatre as Josh Boyd and The V.I.P. Band takes to the stage at Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Monday, February 20.

Josh Boyd and The V.I.P. Band’s performance, which is sponsored by the College’s Student Government, is free of charge and begins at 4:30 p.m. Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is located on the Toledo-area Campus.

Thrilling crowds in Northwest Ohio and beyond, Josh Boyd and The V.I.P. Band has performed at various clubs, fairs and festivals nationwide, including the acclaimed Buddy Guy’s Legends and the Kingston Mines, both located in Chicago. The group, which is comprised of Boyd (lead guitar), Junior Springs (bass) and Charles Gaston (drums), has served as the opening act for such renowned artists as Kansas, Dave Mason, Charlie Daniels, Edgar and Johnny Winter, and Kenny Wayne Sheppard.

Known for their unique rock, funk, soul and blues sound, the three-piece band has garnered regional and national recognition, including a first place finish in the annual Black Swamp Blues Society competition. The group recently represented Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan in the International Blues competition. Josh Boyd and The V.I.P. Band has two released albums to their credit.

The concert is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information about the event, call at (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Hosts Cheerleading Competition for Youth and High School Students, Feb. 17-18

Posted on February 9th, 2006

More than 20 area cheerleading teams will have the opportunity to test their ability against some of the best squads in Ohio as Owens Community College hosts its annual Cheerleading Competition, February 17-18.

Sponsored by Owens’ Cheerleading Program, the competition is from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, February 17 and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“I anticipate a very exciting weekend of cheerleading with each participant incorporating a lot of spirit, energy and enthusiasm into their routines,” said Tracy Rollins, Owens Cheerleading head coach. “Many cheerleading squads ranging from high school varsity to pee wee are expected to participate in the competition.”

Cheerleading squad participants are between preschool and 12th grade. Additionally, there will be an open competition for individuals ages 18 and over. Divisions for the competition will include Specialty, Cheer Squads and School. Specific categories are Individual Cheer, Individual Tumble, Recreation Leagues, All Stars, Junior High, Freshmen, Junior Varsity, Small Varsity, Large Varsity and Collegiate/Open.

Routines performed by each team cannot exceed two minutes and 30 seconds in length, while individual routines cannot exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds in length. Both routines are allowed a maximum of one minute and 15 seconds for the music section. The routines must include one cheer, one chant and a dance. A panel of judges will critique all divisions with the top three teams in each division receiving awards.

High schools and junior high schools participating in the various categories are Northview, Southview, Eastwood, Clay, Whitmer, Start and Northwood, among others.

Since their founding as a cheer/dance mounting squad in 2001, the Owens Cheerleading Program has participated in a variety of regional and state competitions, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter Nationals. Earlier this month the group was chosen to dance to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime show.

Tickets for the competition, which is open to the general public, are $5 for adults, $2 for youth and free for children under the age of 3. Individuals can also purchase a $8 two-day event pass. For more information, call (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts First-Ever Health Information Awareness Day, Feb. 15

Posted on February 8th, 2006

Area residents are invited to learn about the many health resources available throughout Northwest Ohio as Owens Community College hosts its first-ever Health Information Awareness Day on Wednesday, February 15.

The event, which is being held in conjunction with the College’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month, will occur from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Math/Science Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“Owens Community College is delighted to offer an event dedicated to raising awareness of health issues and concerns as part of Black History Month,” said Betty Valentine, Owens director of Employee Relations and Diversity. “Those in attendance will greatly benefit from the array of free health-related information and activities being offered by Northwest Ohio’s community organizations.”

Attendees will be able to learn about such varied topics as disability services, kidney disease, cancer, lupus treatments, low-income legal assistance, family needs programs, parental support and child care programs, nutritional services, medical care for the terminally ill, physical education and health care accessibility services, among other areas.

Health care organizations on hand from the community will include The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, The American Cancer Society, the East Toledo Family Center, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, the Lupus Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Mobile Meals, St. Luke’s Hospital, Planned Parenthood, Parents Helping Parents, The United Way of Greater Toledo 2-1-1 and the YMCA of Greater Toledo.

In addition, those who attend will be able to get body health composition, BMI and blood pressure screenings. Various prizes will also be awarded as part of the event.

All activities are free and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Alumni Association Accepting Nominations For Outstanding Service Award Celebration in April

Posted on February 8th, 2006

Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is recognizing the tremendous contribution that area police, fire and emergency medical professionals make to Northwest Ohio’s surrounding communities by hosting the third annual Outstanding Service Awards. The recipients will be honored as part of a community celebration on Friday, April 28.

The College’s Alumni Association is presently accepting nominations for the Outstanding Service Awards. Area residents are invited to nominate an individual or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations need to be returned by Friday, March 3. The award is not limited to a single recipient, and the College’s Alumni Association encourages the nomination of more than one person when teamwork was the key element in their success.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to again honor our brave police, fire and emergency medical professionals for their dedication to making our lives safer,” said Janet Meacham, Owens president of the Alumni Association. “Our nation would not be experiencing freedom and safety as we know it without their selfless acts of public service.”

The four awards, which will be presented at the community celebration, are within the categories of Outstanding Police Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician and Service to Community. Selection criteria will be based upon a nomination process with candidates demonstrating exceptional service related to dedication, ingenuity, bravery, special skills and/or to the community over a sustained period of time. The awards are not limited to a single recipient.

The third annual Outstanding Service Award Celebration will begin at 8 a.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend, however, reservations are required.

For more information about the Outstanding Service Award Celebration, or the nomination process, contact the College’s Alumni Affairs Office at (567) 661-7410 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7410. Nomination forms can accessed on Owens’ website at www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts First-Ever Campus Exploration Day, Feb. 20

Posted on February 7th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area high school students are invited to learn about Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus’ many educational opportunities as the College hosts its first-ever Campus Exploration Day on Monday, February 20.

Campus Exploration Day is free and will occur from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the College’s Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on the Bright Road in Findlay. Attendees are required to RSVP prior to the event.

“Owens’ Campus Exploration Day is a great opportunity for prospective students to experience what college life is like in one fun-filled day,” said Angie McGinnis, Owens Enrollment Services representative at the Findlay-area Campus.

Throughout day, students will have the opportunity to experience what a college class is really like by attending lectures within an array of academic program areas, including humanities, business, marketing, nursing, electrical/electronics and CAD. Each attendee will be able to participate in up to three lectures.

In addition, high school students will be able to meet with faculty and staff members, make an appointment to take the Owens placement test and pick up important information about financial aid, student activities, local housing and academic program offerings. Tours of the College’s Findlay-area Campus will also be given throughout the day.

Attendees will also be provided with a ticket to receive free refreshments at the Jaguar Grill during their visit.

For more information, or to register, contact the College’s Enrollment Services Office at (567) 429-3674 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3674. Or, access the Owens website at www.owens.edu/exploration.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Automotive Careers and Educational Opportunities Showcased at Owens Toledo Auto Show Preview Day

Posted on February 7th, 2006

Four County Career Center students' (L to R) Weldy Miller of Montpelier (Montpelier H.S.) and Dustin Willis of Bryan (Bryan H.S.) look under the hood of a new Lincoln Mark LT 4X4 at the Owens Community College Toledo Auto Show Preview Day. The event was sponsored by Owens Community College, General Motors Corp. and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA).
More than 220 high school students from Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan recently explored careers within the automotive industry, as well as received a sneak peek of the Toledo Auto Show, as Owens Community College, General Motors Corp. and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) hosted a Toledo Auto Show Preview Day in early February.

The event began with more than 40 area General Motors service managers and representatives from the Toledo Speedway ARCA branch meeting with students and sharing information on career opportunities available within the automotive industry. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the College’s Automotive Technology/General Motors Corporation Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) and heard from Owens ASEP alumni share their career and educational experiences.

Following the informational program, students and instructors received a preview of the Toledo Auto Show, showcasing the latest state-of-the-art vehicles from more than 25 manufacturers. Organizations displaying vehicles included Acura, GMC, Saturn, Jeep, Pontiac and Chevrolet, among others. In addition, all students and instructors attending the Toledo Auto Show received tickets to an upcoming Toledo Motor Speedway event.

“The Toledo Auto Show Preview Day is a great opportunity for high school students to be exposed to educational opportunities and career choices within the automotive field,” said Tracy Campbell, Owens chair of Transportation Technology. “Owens Community College is excited to collaborate with the General Motors Corporation and the Automobile Racing Club of America and host an event where students are able to meet with automotive professionals who can provide insight into how to go about choosing various career paths after high school.”

Area high schools attending the Toledo Auto Show Preview Day included Clay High School, Four County Career Center, Penta Career Center and Whitmer High School.

The College’s Transportation Technologies programs offer students the opportunity to pursue either an associate degree or a certificate while preparing for careers within the transportation industry. The College currently partners with General Motors, Caterpillar and John Deere among others, enabling students to work in dealerships and service facilities while attending classes.

Owens and the General Motors Corp. have a longstanding partnership through the College’s Automotive Technology/General Motors Corporation Automotive Service Educational Program. The two-year associate degree program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to diagnose, correct, and repair electrical, fuel, emissions, and mechanical problems found in today’s modern automobiles. Owens students are taught by General Motors certified instructors and all lab/lecture instruction is specific to General Motors products. As part of the academic curriculum, students rotate between working full-time at a General Motors dealership and taking Owens classes full-time in eight-week increments. Scholarships are also available for prospective students interested in the program.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

‘Glass in the Glass City’ Exhibit Featured at Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, Feb. 13 – Mar. 25

Posted on February 3rd, 2006

One of the city of Toledo’s most recognized and distinctive art forms will be the focus of an exhibit opening this month at the Owens Community College’s Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. The exhibit titled “Glass in the Glass City” will feature several prominent artists of local and international fame who will showcase their glass works from February 13 – March 25.

In addition, glass expert and artist Jack Schmidt will give a special lecture and slide show about the art glass movement on Friday, March 17. The lecture and slide show will occur at 5 p.m. in the Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Room 111. Highlights of Schmidt’s presentation will also include discussion of his own work, which explores the odd tension between nature and manmade structures. A reception will immediately follow the lecture and will include all the exhibit’s participating artists.

“Toledo is known worldwide as the ‘Glass City’ and has a longstanding tradition of producing some of the finest art glass,” said Wynn Perry, Owens adjunct faculty member who curates of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The Terhune Art Gallery is very excited to be able to feature an exhibit that pays tribute to this heritage.”

The exhibition, which is being held in the same year as the opening of the new Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, will be showcasing the work of several artists that have made significant contributions to the contemporary art glass movement. Pieces on display will feature bowls, stemware, marbles, sculptures and jewelry created by glass sculptors, jewelers and blowers.

In addition to Schmidt’s work, featured artists will include Patrick H. Dubreuil, Steve Kemmerly, Matthew John Paskiet, Michelle MacFarlane, Jeff Mack, Mark R. Matthews, Tom McGlauchlin, Robin K. Schultes, Mark Wager, Homer J. Yarrito and Dominick Labino.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Gallery will be closed March 6-12 for spring break.

For additional information about the College’s 2005-06 Arts Exhibition Season, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2721 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Presents Illstyle & Peace Productions Hip-Hop Dance Tour, Feb. 14

Posted on February 3rd, 2006

The urban beats of hip-hop along with the latest in dance performance will be making their way to Northwest Ohio as Owens Community College presents Illstyle and Peace Productions Hip-Hop Dance Tour on Tuesday, February 14. The performance will occur at 8 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre.

Illstyle and Peace Production’s appearance is a part of the College’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month.

“Owens Community College is excited to bring such a unique form of free style, hip-hop and tap dance to the Center for Fine and Performing Arts,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Illstyle and Peace Productions is well-known for its cross-cultural, cross-gendered performances. The dance theatre company celebrates a music genre and an art form that has become part of mainstream American culture. Audience members are in for an evening of entertainment that will certainly bring them out of their seats and onto their feet.”

Illstyle and Peace Productions formed in 2002 as the brainchild of two luminaries within the hip-hop dance scene, Brandon Albright and Forrest Webb. The multicultural, male and female company fuses the spirit and moves of hip-hop with various other styles of dance, such as free style or tap. Since their inception, the group has been committed to creating and sharing awe-inspiring works with diverse audiences, and to spreading unity, peace, love, respect and fun through dance.

The theatre company has made appearances at various venues throughout Ohio, as well as the country. Highlighted performances include the Cleveland Bicentennial celebration, the 2003 Jump For Kids in Washington, D.C. and the Vittum Theater in Chicago. The group has also collaborated on several record albums.

Albright, a.k.a. “Peace,” serves as the group’s artistic director and choreographer and was an original member of the Philadelphia based Scanner Boyz. He has danced for major recording artists such as Boyz II Men, Will Smith, LL Cool J and the Beach Boys and is also assistant artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Rennie Harris Puremovement, with whom he has toured extensively.

Serving as the group’s managing director is Webb, a.k.a. “Getemgump.” Webb began dancing in the 1980s and co-founded the Northeast Ohio b-boy dance troupe Illstyle Rockers in 1996. He has toured with Albright in Rennie Harris Puremovement productions of Rome and Jewels and Hip-Hop Legends. Webb has also been in several onscreen and onstage performances, including “The Wiz” and “Of Mice and Men.”

Tickets for the Illstyle and Peace Productions Hip-Hop Dance Tour will be $16 for adults, $14 for senior citizens and $10 for Owens students. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the event, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host Community Blood Drive, Feb. 9

Posted on February 1st, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents are encouraged to help in saving lives as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and the American Red Cross host a community Blood Drive on Thursday, February 9.

The Blood Drive will occur from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road.

Qualified donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh between 110 and 350 pounds and not have given blood within 56 days prior to their donation. In addition, individuals should feel well the day of the Blood Drive and be in general good health. The Blood Drive is open to Owens employees and students, as well as area residents. Walk-ins are welcome. Photo identification is required to donate.

The American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Region, which comprises Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, requires 290 units of donated blood to keep its 22 hospitals adequately supplied on a daily basis.

Donors will be provided snacks and drinks before and after their donation. For more information, call (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Dental Program Offers Free Dental Services For Children During Give Kids A Smile Day, Feb. 3

Posted on January 31st, 2006

Oral hygiene, X-rays and fillings will be the focus of free dental appointments at Owens Community College as more than 100 area elementary and high school students’ teeth are transformed to pearly whites during the nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day on Friday, February 3.

Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for underprivileged children at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. The clinic is located in Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. Free appointments are still available on a limited basis and are being scheduled at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantage children. Held each February, Give Kids A Smile Day provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to children from low-income families across the country. In 2006, nearly 40,000 dental professionals and volunteers will provide free educational, preventive and restorative dental services to children at approximately 2,000 locations. The event is held in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Tronolone added, “If untreated, tooth decay just continues to get worse and affects children’s overall health. 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 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.

For more information, or to schedule a free Give Kids A Smile Day appointment, call (567) 661-7294 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7294. All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Local Top-Selling Business Improvement Author, Leadership Accountability Workshop, Feb. 13 and 16

Posted on January 31st, 2006

FINDLAY – Northwest Ohio business professionals interested in acquiring information about building and achieving excellence within their organizations are encouraged to attend a book signing with a nationally recognized business expert and a half-day training seminar presented by the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and Six Disciplines Leadership Center of Northwest Ohio, February 13 and 16.

“Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with Six Disciplines Leadership Center of Northwest Ohio in hosting such informative events affecting virtually all business and industry,” said Steve Hillard, Owens director of Community and Corporate Education. “Such partnerships enable Owens to continue meeting the needs of Northwest Ohio’s business and industry by providing innovative educational opportunities.”

The training seminar, titled “How to Build a Culture of Accountability,” will be held in the College’s Conference Center on Thursday, February 16. Owens’ program will occur from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and feature a variety of topics, including accountability, management, measurement of progress and execution within an organization.

Additionally, seminar participants will receive a copy of the top-selling book “Six Disciplines for Excellence,” as well as valuable checklists, examples and step-by-step processes for building a culture of accountability within their organization.

Prior to Thursday’s seminar, Gary Harpst, author of “Six Disciplines for Excellence,” and CEO and founder of Six Disciplines Corporation, will be available for a book signing on Monday, February 13 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Owens’ Findlay-area Campus Library. Copies of the book are available in the College’s Bookstore.

According to John Crawford, general manager of the Six Disciplines Leadership Center of Northwest Ohio, many of the top-performing organizations he works with everyday have expressed a real desire to build a culture of accountability within their company.

“An organization that has a culture of accountability is one in which responsibility is assigned, goals are set and the team members understand their role and responsibilities in meeting those goals,” he stated. “This timely training session will show a person how to apply a practical framework for building accountability into an organization – from hiring, goal setting and execution to people performance management issues.”

Harpst’s work as an author, keynote speaker and executive mentor has created nationwide interest in applying the Six Disciplines Methodology. His new book “Six Disciplines for Excellence: Building Small Businesses That Learn, Lead and Last,” which offers specific details on the methodology of how the best small and emerging businesses can achieve lasting excellence, is recognized nationally among business and industry.

He founded Six Disciplines Corporation in Findlay in fall 2000 after spending almost a year talking with small business owners and other experts for research and exploring ways to leverage the latest technologies to meet small business needs. As a result, Six Disciplines Corporation offers a professional business-building service that integrates a systematic methodology, technologies and coaching to enable the best small and emerging businesses to achieve lasting success.

Harpst was formerly a co-founder and CEO of Solomon Software, which merged with Great Plains Software in 2000, and later was acquired by Microsoft in 2001. He also founded Plumbline Solutions Inc., a Findlay-based firm that is a software consulting service for Microsoft Independent Software Vendors (ISV) and Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) Channel Partners.

For more information or to register for the Six Disciplines “How to Build a Culture of Accountability” training, call (419) 350-2044, or (567) 429-3604 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3604. The seminar cost is only $75 per person, with a 50 percent discount for three or more individuals from the same organization.

The Six Disciplines Leadership Center of Northwest Ohio works with top-performing businesses in the area to help them significantly improve business execution. By using a systematic business-building methodology, practical Internet technologies and an organizational coaching system, passionate business leaders learn how to become more aligned with their strategy, focus on execution and improve their organization’s performance to achieve lasting, sustainable excellence.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Straight Ahead Brings Blues Women of the 20th Century To Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Feb. 11

Posted on January 31st, 2006

Straight Ahead Brings Blues Women of the 20th Century To Owens' Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Feb. 11
Songs of life, love, tenderness, heartache and hardship will take center stage as the group Straight Ahead, featuring Audrey Northington, presents Blues Women of the 20th Century at the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Saturday, February 11. Straight Ahead’s performance will serve as the kick-off event for the College’s celebration of Black History Month and will occur in the Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m.

“Owens Community College is delighted to bring Straight Ahead’s exciting and historical Blues and Rhythm n’ Blues experience to Northwest Ohio,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “The group is renowned for getting their audiences to shake, rattle and roll to classic Blues songs, while also educating them in the history of this popular and groundbreaking American music.”

Formed in the 1980s out of the lively Detroit jazz scene, Straight Ahead, comprised of vocalist Audrey Northington, flutist Althea Rene, pianist Eileen Orr, bassist Marion Hayden and drummer Gayelynn McKinney, are widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music. Their live performances are considered by many in the Jazz community as a dynamic celebration of power and joy. Straight Ahead has garnered several honors for their musical talents, including finalists in the 1989 “Sony Innovators” competition. Their first album, “Look Straight Ahead,” was released by Atlantic Jazz the following year and earned national acclaim.

Since then, the group has enjoyed enormous success worldwide, releasing three albums and touring throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, including a performance at the acclaimed Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. The Grammy-nominated artists have constantly landed on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart’s Top 20 and received induction honors into the Motor City Music Awards Hall of Fame. In addition, they have appeared on the Black Entertainment Network and CNN, as well as in a McDonald’s television commercial.

Straight Ahead’s Blues Women of the 20th Century performance at Owens will include songs from such classic artists as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ma Rainey and Aretha Franklin, interspersed with witty musical jokes and historical narratives designed to please audiences of all ages.

Tickets for Straight Ahead are $18 for adults, $16 for senior citizens and $10 for Owens students. To purchase tickets, contact the College’s Box Office or visit www.stagetix.com. For more information about the event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Men’s and Women’s Basketball Entertain Lakeland Community College in Crucial Conference Games, Feb. 1

Posted on January 30th, 2006

Owens Community College Express men’s and women’s basketball programs will entertain Lakeland Community College Lakers in crucial conference games on Wednesday, February 1. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will battle Lakeland beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Both games will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to home games is free. The men’s game will be broadcasted live on BCSN television, while the Express women will air on a taped delay at a later date. In addition, the 65-member JJ Express Drill and Drum Corps will be performing as part of the evening’s entertainment.

The Express women’s basketball program has amassed a 12-11 overall record and currently is in a second place tie in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) standings. Led by head coach Michael Llanas, their conference record is 4-2.

In recent weeks, Owens has captured victories over Clark State Community College 76-63, Edison State Community College 65-55, Columbus State Community College 107-42 and Sinclair Community College 53-42.

The 2004-05 edition of the men’s basketball program is off to a successful start in Jim Welling’s last year as Express head coach. Owens has an overall record of 20-3 and a 5-2 mark (second place tie) in the OCCAC. They also are ranked No. 6 in the nation, according to this week’s NJCAA Division II poll.

The Express recently has compiled wins over Clark State Community College 90-83, Cuyahoga Community College 87-60, Edison State Community College 76-74 and Sinclair Community College 86-67.

Lakeland enters the Wednesday night doubleheader with the men (ranked No. 16 nationally) owning an 18-5 overall record (5-2 OCCAC second place tie), while the women are 17-7 overall (4-2 OCCAC second place tie).

The next home men’s and women’s basketball games will occur on Wednesday, February 8 as the Express entertain Sinclair Community College. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will take on Sinclair beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad To Perform at Super Bowl With Rolling Stones

Posted on January 30th, 2006

Owens Community College’s Cheerleading team will be taking their energy and enthusiasm on the road, performing on what is considered the largest sporting and entertainment stage in the world – the Super Bowl. Sixteen student-athletes and their two coaches will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime show.

The Express cheerleading squad was among 2,000 groups and individuals recently chosen to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit. Owens’ cheerleaders and coaches will be dressed in rock n’ roll apparel and will dance to rock classics such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Start Me Up.”

“Owens Community College’s Cheerleading squad is beyond excited,” said Tracy Rollins, Owens Cheerleading head coach. “To perform in front of millions of people worldwide is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Rollins added, “I have a very talented and spirited squad that cheers on the Owens Express this year. Their selection for such an amazing opportunity is a credit to the group’s hard work and dedication.”

The Super Bowl is watched before more than 130 million viewers in the United States and is the highest-rated television program annually. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of one billion in more than 225 countries and territories.

According to Rollins, the Express cheerleaders will participate in a dress rehearsal on Friday (Feb. 3) night at Ford Field and are expected to perform around the 50-yard line during the Rolling Stones’ concert.

The College’s Cheerleading team cheers on the Owens Express men’s basketball team and entertains crowds with halftime dance routines at all home games during the season.

The squad is led by fifth-year head coach Rollins. A Perrysburg resident, she previously served as a cheerleading coach for nine years at Lake Junior, Bowling Green and Eastwood high schools, and has worked with several area All-Star squads. Coach Rollins also worked with the National Cheerleading Association organizing various cheer clinics throughout Northwest Ohio. Her squads are known for their creativity and have won various awards in all competitions. Her assistant coach is Kelly Melnyk of Northwood (Lake H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Automotive Careers and Educational Opportunities Showcased at Owens Toledo Auto Show Preview Day, Feb. 2

Posted on January 30th, 2006

More than 220 high school students from Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan will explore careers within the automotive industry, as well as receive a sneak peek of the Toledo Auto Show, as Owens Community College, General Motors Corp. and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) hosts a Toledo Auto Show Preview Day on Thursday, February 2.

Beginning at 10 a.m. in SeaGate Convention Centre, more than 40 area General Motors service managers and representatives from the Toledo Speedway ARCA branch will meet with students and share information on career opportunities available within the automotive industry. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the College’s Automotive Technology/General Motors Corporation Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) and hear from Owens ASEP alumni as they share their career and educational experiences.

Following the informational program, students and instructors will receive a preview of the Toledo Auto Show, showcasing the latest state-of-the-art vehicles from more than 25 manufacturers. Organizations displaying vehicles are Acura, GMC, Saturn, Jeep, Pontiac and Chevrolet, among others. In addition, all students and instructors attending the Toledo Auto Show will receive tickets to an upcoming Toledo Motor Speedway event.

“The Toledo Auto Show Preview Day is a great opportunity for high school students to be exposed to educational opportunities and career choices within the automotive field,” said Tracy Campbell, Owens chair of Transportation Technology. “Owens Community College is excited to collaborate with the General Motors Corporation and the Automobile Racing Club of America and host an event where students will be able meet with automotive professionals who can provide insight into how to go about choosing various career paths after high school.”

Area high schools attending the Toledo Auto Show Preview Day are Clay High School, Four County Career Center, Penta Career Center, Lenawee Vocational Tech Center and Whitmer High School.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Area Girl Scouts Learn about ‘Car Sense’ At Owens Community College Workshop, Jan. 28

Posted on January 26th, 2006

Area residents are probably used to buying their famous cookies, however, soon individuals might want to consult them about car troubles. Approximately 15 young women from the Girl Scouts of Maumee Valley and their parents will roll up their sleeves and learn about basic car maintenance as Owens Community College presents a “Car Sense” program on Saturday, January 28.

Owens’ “Car Sense” program will occur from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Transportation Technologies Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The College is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“Owens Community College is proud to offer a program in which young women have the opportunity to learn about and recognize potential car problems and become familiar with the preventive maintenance associated with their vehicles,” said Del Lockhart, Owens instructor of Transportation Technologies. “Our goal at the end of the day is to make sure that each individual will be able to walk away with the skills to fix many of the minor and common problems that may occur.”

Lockhart added, “The workshop is designed to help each person perform basic maintenance themselves as well as become more aware as consumers when they encounter problems that require expert service.”

In the morning from 9:30-11:30 a.m., attendees will learn about preventive maintenance, oil changes, tire rotation and balance, emergency kits, brake inspection, and where to go for car service, among other topics. The afternoon session, occurring from 12:30-4 p.m., will place the girl scouts in the Transportation Technologies Center lab where they will participate in such hands-on activities as checking tire pressure with a gauge, completing brake inspections, replacing windshield wiper blades, changing a tire, and changing a vehicle’s oil and filter, along with other maintenance.

Owens students, faculty and alumni from Transportation Technologies will lead the program’s activities and provide firsthand insight into the various topics discussed.

The College’s Transportation Technologies programs offer students the opportunity to pursue either an associate degree or a certificate while preparing for careers within the transportation industry. The College currently partners with General Motors, Caterpillar and John Deere, among others, enabling students to work in dealerships and service facilities while attending classes. Owens currently has more than 320 students enrolled in Transportation Technologies academic program areas.

For more information on the event, call (567) 661-7433 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7433.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Toledo-area Campus Helps Students Achieve Academic Dreams Through Financial Aid Opportunities, Feb. 12

Posted on January 26th, 2006

Area residents are often faced with the uphill struggle of finding financial resources to pursue a college education. However, and unbeknownst to many individuals, the pursuit of such opportunities is just a mere phone call or Internet search away. Just ask the more than 13,600 students who are making their academic aspirations a reality as a result of the various financial aid programs available at Owens Community College.

Individuals interested in acquiring additional information about financial aid are invited to attend a workshop where financial aid representatives from colleges and universities throughout Northwest Ohio will provide insight on securing federal and state assistance to attend any academic institution of higher learning. The program, known as College Goal Sunday, will be held at the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus on Sunday, February 12. The College is also hosting a College Goal Sunday on the Owens Findlay-area Campus that same day.

Additionally, the state-sponsored event will focus on helping students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, as well as answer financial aid specific questions. College Goal Sunday will begin at 2 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center. Families will need to register prior to the event by accessing the College Goal Sunday website at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org.

“Owens Community College, along with fellow academic institutions, are committed to offering the maximum amount of educational resources for students to fund their college education,” said Betsy Johnson, Owens director of Financial Aid. “One of the biggest roadblocks students encounter when exploring their eligibility for financial aid is the financial aid form itself. College Goal Sunday invites students and their parents to spend an afternoon going through the application process step-by-step with a financial aid representative.”

Johnson added, “Students who apply now will have the advantage of being eligible for considerably more financial aid than those who wait until late spring. The money is out there and events such as College Goal Sunday are intended to provide some sense of hope to students who feel that financial resources are the biggest barrier to a college education.”

Owens currently participates in several need-based federal and state funded grant programs, work study opportunities, and loans, which all require applicants to file a FAFSA form to determine financial need. Additionally, numerous scholarships are available to Owens students through the Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Scholarship Program, the College’s Foundation Scholarship Program and from outside contributors.

Specific programs accessible to students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan and the Federal Work Study, among others.

Owens students must submit a new financial aid application for each academic year. Forms are available in the College’s Financial Aid Office, and most can be completed online or downloaded by accessing the Owens website at www.owens.edu. One of the first application deadlines is for 2006-07 Owens Foundation Scholarships on Wednesday, February 15.

Owens Community College this past year provided more than $46.8 million in grants, scholarships, loans and federal work study to support the educational needs of students. Recently, the Owens Community College Foundation awarded scholarships in the amount of $75,000 to students exemplifying academic excellence and leadership.

For more information, contact the College’s Financial Aid Office at (567) 661-7343 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7343.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Helps Students Achieve Academic Dreams Through Financial Aid Opportunities, Feb. 12

Posted on January 26th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents are often faced with the uphill struggle of finding financial resources to pursue a college education. However, and unbeknownst to many individuals, the pursuit of such opportunities is just a mere phone call or Internet search away. Just ask the more than 13,600 students who are making their academic aspirations a reality as a result of the various financial aid programs available at Owens Community College.

Individuals interested in acquiring additional information about financial aid are invited to attend a workshop where financial aid representatives from colleges and universities throughout Northwest Ohio will provide insight on securing federal and state assistance to attend any academic institution of higher learning. The program, known as College Goal Sunday, will be held at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus on Sunday, February 12. The College is also hosting a College Goal Sunday on the Owens Toledo-area Campus that same day.

Additionally, the state-sponsored event will focus on helping students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, as well as answer financial aid specific questions. College Goal Sunday will begin at 2 p.m. in the College’s Conference Center. Families will need to register prior to the event by accessing the College Goal Sunday website at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org.

“Owens Community College, along with fellow academic institutions, are committed to offering the maximum amount of educational resources for students to fund their college education,” said Gary Ulrich, Owens financial aid representative on the Findlay-area Campus. “One of the biggest roadblocks students encounter when exploring their eligibility for financial aid is the financial aid form itself. College Goal Sunday invites students and their parents to spend an afternoon going through the application process step-by-step with a financial aid representative.”

Ulrich added, “Students who apply now will have the advantage of being eligible for considerably more financial aid than those who wait until late spring. The money is out there and events such as College Goal Sunday are intended to provide some sense of hope to students who feel that financial resources are the biggest barrier to a college education.”

Specific programs accessible to students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan and the Federal Work Study, among others.

For more information, contact the College’s Financial Aid Office at (567) 429-3540 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3540.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Celebrates Black History Month With Events in February

Posted on January 25th, 2006

Owens Community College will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events and activities highlighting and honoring the role and impact of African Americans throughout this country’s history. The public is encouraged to join the campus community for guest speakers, entertainers and educational awareness programs.

All events and activities will occur on the College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo, while the Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College is proud to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Americans who, throughout history, have done so much to make America the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today,” said Betty Valentine, Owens director of Employee Relations and Diversity. “It is also an opportunity for Americans to learn about the experiences of black Americans in our society and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.”

Valentine added, “I encourage area residents to engage themselves in Owens’ various events surrounding Black History Month and draw inspiration from their important messages.”

Owens activities occurring during Black History Month include:

Saturday, February 11
The Blues Women of the 20th Century presented by Straight Ahead
With a wink, a nod or a shake of their hips, women of Blues and Rhythm n’ Blues weave tales of life, love, tenderness, heartache and hardship with their song. Hear many classics by such legends as Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin come to musical life as the jazz group Straight Ahead performs an array of favorites from the 20th century. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(8 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Tuesday, February 14
Illstyle and Peace Productions – Hip Hop Dance Tour
Illstyle and Peace Productions is a multi-cultural male and female dance theatre company whose work fuses the moves and spirit of hip-hop with various other styles of dance such as free style and tap. The company’s performances are dedicated to spreading peace, unity, love, respect and fun through dance moves and works that bring audiences out of their seats. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).
(8 p.m.) (Mainstage Theatre)

Wednesday, February 15
Health Information Awareness Day
The Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, the Lupus Foundation of Northwest Ohio, the YMCA of Greater Toledo, the East Toledo Family Center, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, St. Luke’s Hospital, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Mobile Meals, the American Cancer Society, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, the United Way of Greater Toledo, the Owens Black Student Union and the Owens Student Government will provide area residents with an array of health-related information and activities, including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.
(11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) (Math/Science Center)

Wednesday, February 22
African-American Soul Food Luncheon
Authentic soul food from the African-American culture will serve as theme for a Terrace View Café luncheon. The cuisine will be prepared by Owens students within Hotel, Restaurant, Institution Technologies. Reservations must be made prior to the event.
(11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) (College Hall Terrace View Café)

Thursday, February 23
“The Past, Present and Future of the Black Middle Class” Panel Discussion
A consortium of Northwest Ohio’s educators and leaders will discuss a variety of societal and diversity issues in relation to the widely acclaimed book “Is Bill Cosby Right?: Or Has Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind?” by Michael Eric Dyson.
(4-6 p.m.) (Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128)

Thursday, March 2
“The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” Movie Presentation
Individuals are invited to view the 1973 television movie adaptation of the critically acclaimed book “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” The movie takes viewers on a journey into about 110 years of American history as seen through the eyes of a black woman from Louisiana. Highlights include racism from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement.
(10 a.m. and 12 p.m.) (Library)

In addition, Owens’ libraries on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will display a variety of African-American heritage and cultural artifacts, as well as feature a selection of books and audio/visual materials related to Black History Month in February. The College’s Black Student Union will also heighten the awareness of African-American history and culture through a month-long, interactive display in the College Hall Atrium on the Toledo-area Campus.

Finally, Owens students will have the opportunity to participate in an essay and poetry contest where each participant will be able to share their thoughts on an individual they consider a personal hero. The top three submissions will be honored at the conclusion of Black History Month.

To celebrate and honor the contributions made by African Americans throughout America’s history, longtime black history advocate Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced Negro History Week to the country in 1926. Later changed to Black History Week, the observance was extended in 1976 to a month-long celebration occurring in February and renamed Black History Month.

For additional information about Owens’ Black History Month activities, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

18,616 Students Choose Owens to Pursue Educational Opportunities and Career Aspirations

Posted on January 24th, 2006

Owens Community College continues to provide Northwest Ohio residents excellence in higher education with 18,616 students choosing to attend the academic institution for Spring Semester classes.

Since becoming a comprehensive community college in 1994, Owens has more than doubled its Spring Semester student enrollment by an astounding 134 percent. The College enrolled 7,957 students for Spring Semester classes in 1994.

“Owens Community College has a long and proud tradition of making a difference in students’ lives,” said Dr. Bill Ivoska, Owens vice president of Student Services. “The College’s continuous growth in enrollment reinforces the fact that more students are choosing Owens Community College over any other college or university in Northwest Ohio.”

Dr. Ivoska added, “The foundation for this institution’s academic excellence is a result of our faculty and staff and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student succeeds. Their desire in wanting to make a difference is why Owens is Northwest Ohio’s leader in higher education.”

The combined Spring Semester enrollment of 18,616 students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses surpasses the enrollment of 18,540 students during Spring Semester 2005. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus has 15,865 students attending classes, while on the Findlay-area Campus 2,751 students are enrolled. On both campuses, Spring Semester enrollment has increased 0.41 percent from last spring.

The College’s ethnicity/race student enrollment also continues to increase. For Spring Semester, 2,298 African-American students are pursuing an Owens education compared to 2,257 last year (1.8 percent increase). Additionally, Hispanic enrollment has recorded a 4.6 percent increase with 756 students attending classes compared to 723 during spring term 2005.

According to Dr. Ivoska, Owens also has made a fundamental point to build upon the educational needs of its students through the continued advancement of innovative programs, courses, teaching methods and academic resources.

New educational initiatives include Owens offering its first-ever academic courses on the Medical University of Ohio (MUO) campus during the 2005-06 academic year, giving the College its first-ever classroom presence in Lucas County. The College also marked a significant milestone as an academic institution in 2005 by unveiling a new $17.7 million Findlay-area Campus.

Additionally, the College is committed to making courses available through e-Learning by continuously expanding its educational choices. During the 2005-06 academic year, the College offered students the opportunity to enroll in the first-ever online associate degrees as part of the new eOwens academic curriculum. For Spring Semester 5,650 students are pursuing e-Learning courses – up from 4,418 last spring (27.9 percent increase).

To accommodate the record number of students, the College also within the last three years opened an $11 million Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus. In addition, Owens broke ground for a new Center for Emergency Preparedness in 2004. The Center will be the only state-of-the-art facility of this magnitude within the Midwest.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

The Spencers Bring ‘Healing of Magic’ Workshop, Theatre of Illusion Performance to Owens, Feb. 2-3

Posted on January 23rd, 2006

The Spencers Bring 'Healing of Magic' Workshop, Theatre of Illusion Performance to Owens
Dazzling illusions, amazing special effects and high drama and comedy will mesmerize Northwest Ohio residents for two days as modern-day Houdinis Kevin and Cindy Spencer bring their internationally renowned magic programs to Owens Community College for a workshop and performance, February 2-3.

The Spencers will perform their award-winning Theatre of Illusion at the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Friday, February 3. The show will occur in the Mainstage Theatre and begin at 8 p.m.

Prior to their Friday evening performance, the Spencers will conduct a “Healing of Magic” workshop for area occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, teaching them about giving the gift of magic to people with various physical, psychological and developmental disabilities. The “Healing of Magic” program will be held on Thursday, February 2, from 6-9:30 p.m. in Owens’ Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128.

“We are delighted to bring the Spencers to Northwest Ohio for this one-of-a-kind event,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center of Fine and Performing Arts. “Their performance is widely regarded as one of the most successful illusion productions in the country and will leave the audience both laughing and hanging on the edge of their seats, all in one night.”

Barkan added, “The duo is also widely considered leading authorities on the therapeutic use of magic in physical and psychological rehabilitation. Their ‘Healing of Magic’ program is revolutionary and an exciting way to approach rehabilitation and develop and improve self-concept.”

For more than a decade, Kevin and Cindy Spencer have entertained audiences throughout the United States and around the world with one of the most successful touring illusion shows. They have earned the reputation as arguably one of the most highly regarded acts and sought-after illusion teams in magical entertainment. The Spencers are known for combining original theatrical elements with cutting-edge illusions, audience interaction, special effects and stage magic, propelling the ages-old art of magic into the 21st century.

In addition to their magical talents on stage, both Kevin and Cindy are considered leading experts on the revolutionary concept of incorporating magic into physical and psychological rehabilitation. The Spencers are the authors of the “Healing of Magic,” the most comprehensive guide to establishing and maintaining a magic therapy program.

The “Healing of Magic,” which was developed in cooperation with occupational, recreational, physical and speech therapists, is a systematic approach to the therapeutic use of magical tricks in physical and psycho-social rehabilitation. The program is designed to foster learning through the use of magic, allowing patients a means of safely exploring their skill level while providing a fun way of reaching therapeutic goals.

The innovative therapy treatment is often implemented as a physical rehabilitation program for victims of strokes, arthritis or spinal cord injuries by offering a chance to develop fine motor schools through tricks that patients often willingly practice hundreds of times with enthusiasm. It has also been used to treat clinical depression, substance abuse and developmental disabilities by building self-esteem and socialization and leadership skills.

The Spencers’ work has been featured in the “Journal of the American Medical Association,” the “Australian Occupational Therapy Journal” and on dozens of television news programs, including the CBS “Early Morning Show.” “Healing of Magic” is currently being used in more than 2,000 facilities in more than 30 countries around the world, and is used in occupational and physiotherapy departments of leading colleges and universities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

In addition, the Spencers have garnered several awards for their unique illusions, including multiple Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year as recognized by arts presenters and entertainment professionals.

For more information or to register for the “Healing of Magic” workshop, call (567) 661-7175 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7175. The workshop cost is only $30 and includes one free ticket to the Spencers’ Theatre of Illusion performance.

Tickets for the Spencers’ Theatre of Illusion are $18 for adults, $16 for senior citizens and $10 for Owens employees and students. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

Owens Community College Hosts Relay For Life Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 2

Posted on January 19th, 2006

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Owens Relay for Life Committee, the College’s Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off will occur from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the College’s Math/Science Center. Freewill donations will be accepted and entitle each person to all-you-can-eat chili. The event is open to the public.

“Owens Community College is once again extremely proud to collaborate with the American Cancer Society and assist in the organization’s on-going efforts to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Amy Holmes, Owens co-chair of the Relay for Life Committee. “The Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off is a great opportunity to raise additional funding for continued research in hopes that someday cancer will be eliminated and to get more individuals involved in such a worthy cause.”

Proceeds raised from the Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off will go toward the College’s annual Relay for Life event, which will be held April 28-29.

For more information about the Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off, or about joining the College’s Relay for Life celebration, call (567) 661-7305 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7305.

Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Offers Free GED Orientation During Spring Semester

Posted on January 18th, 2006

FINDLAY – Area residents interested in enhancing basic skills in English or math, or improving employment skills, are encouraged to sign up for a free GED orientation through the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus.

Experienced teachers will provide a friendly, adult classroom atmosphere with small classes and personal attention. Orientation sessions are offered on Tuesdays from 12-3 p.m. on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay. In addition, orientation sessions are offered on Mondays from 6-9 p.m. at the Jobs and Family Services Office in Findlay.

All students must attend an orientation meeting to register for GED Prep classes. The GED classes are held during various times at both locations.

Students who pass the GED practice test offered by Owens will receive a fee waiver to take the GED test for free, saving $55. The GED practice test occurs monthly. Upcoming dates and times include February 11, March 18, April 8 and May 13, all from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Findlay-area Campus.

The GED program is funded by the Ohio Department of Education through the Adult Basic and Literacy Education Programs.

For more information, call (567) 661-7161 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7161, or (567) 661-7160 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7160.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.

The A Cappella Jazz Group, Chapter 6, Performs At Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Jan. 28

Posted on January 17th, 2006

The A Cappella Jazz Group, Chapter 6, Performs At Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Jan. 28
Spontaneous bursts of applause and laughter are a common occurrence when the jazz a cappella ensemble Chapter 6 entertains audiences nationwide. Such high energy and excitement will be making its way to Northwest Ohio as the group performs at Owens Community College on Saturday, January 28. Chapter 6’s performance will occur in the Mainstage Theatre and begin at 8 p.m.

“Owens Community College is excited to bring one of the nation’s premiere musical touring groups to the Center for Fine and Performing Arts for what should be a very entertaining evening of music and laughter,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Chapter 6 is renown for their energy, contagious high spirits and inspiring blend of pop, jazz, gospel, rock and comedy. Audience members are in for an evening of great music and entertainment.”

Chapter 6 was born at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. The group emerged from meeting each other in a class at the college and made their professional debut in 2001. Their technique, performance and unique, original arrangements are known nationwide, performing on numerous college campuses, as well as at high schools and concerts halls. Their trademark shows are highlighted by a comedy-infused combination of pop, jazz, gospel and pop.

Chapter 6 has won several awards and honors for their musical talents, including the Chicago Regional Harmony Sweepstakes Grand Championship three times – with the first title in 2000 distinguishing them as the youngest group ever to qualify for the national finals. In 2004, they garnered the prestigious National Harmony Sweepstakes and were chosen as Performing Group of the Year at the 2005 A.P.C.A. National Convention. Their success has also led to four albums, a live concert DVD and an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

The group’s songs include signature comic pieces like “Ode to Krispy Kreme’s,” an award-winning version of “The Wizard of Oz” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Members of Chapter 6 include Chuck Bosworth, Mark Grizzard, Jarrett Johnson, Luke Menard, John Musick, Nathan Pufall and A.D. Stonecipher.

Tickets for Chapter 6 are $12 for the public and $10 for senior citizens and Owens students. To purchase tickets visit www.stagetix.com or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. ARTS (2787).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.