News Releases

Free ESOL Courses Offered During Spring Semester At Owens’ Workforce and Community Services

Posted on January 17th, 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 Spring Semester.

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.

“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.

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’s State-of-the-Art Technology Helps Nursing Students Learn Life-Saving Techniques

Posted on January 13th, 2006

Owens nursing students' Stephanie Strable of Findlay (left) and Bethany Schutz of Arlington receive instruction from Tina Weaver, Owens part-time nursing clinical coordinator, on the Findlay-area Campus' new state-of-the-art human patient simulator.
FINDLAY – From a simple cut or bruise to a serious coronary condition, nurses everywhere must be trained to think quickly and administer life-saving procedures, for countless patients each day, by referring to methods and practices learned in academia. And, although lectures and textbooks are very effective learning tools, nothing beats hands-on training. Just ask nursing students at Owens Community College who have fully taken advantage of the innovative educational opportunities.

Fortunately, nursing students at Owens Community College’s Toledo-area Campus and now the Findlay-area Campus are able to use high-tech, state-of-the-art Human Patient Simulators (HPS) to sharpen their skills and techniques.

“Human Patient Simulators are truly changing the face of health care by providing students with practical, hands-on experience that assists and enhances their clinical experience,” said Diane McDougle, Owens nursing skills lab coordinator on the Toledo-area Campus. “We’re so excited to now offer this experience to our students on both campuses.”

Created in 1996 by Medical Education Technologies Inc. (METI) in conjunction with the University of Florida, the HPS is a computer-driven, full-sized mannequin that looks and responds like a real person. The sophisticated HPS blinks, speaks and breathes, has a heartbeat and pulse, and accurately mirrors human responses to such procedures as CPR, intravenous medication, intubation, ventilation and catheterization.

The device also has sensors that respond to stimulants like oxygen, electricity and numerous medications used to treat a variety of conditions. Realistic scenarios most often used include massive bodily injuries, drug overdose, heart attacks and allergic reactions, among others.

Owens instructors can choose the patient type (male or female, young or old, healthy or sick) and one or more medical conditions that include diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy, heart failure or pneumonia. The HPS then reacts directly to actions taken by the student administering treatment, making each simulation emulate a high-pressure emergency.

“The benefit of Human Patient Simulator technology is that it facilitates learning to the point that students can experiment with a variety of nursing interventions,” said Janell Lang, Owens dean of the School of Health Sciences. “The HPS mirrors a patient’s response to those actions and interventions in real time. They can explore multiple options without causing potential harm to a real patient.”

Lang added, “Students who have worked with the HPS are more confident, more comfortable and more competent.”

Owens’ Toledo-area Campus acquired its first Human Patient Simulator in April of 2002. At the time, Owens was one of only six educational institutions in Ohio to own a HPS. The Owens Findlay-area Campus recently obtained its own HPS. Today, Owens owns a total of six simulators (two adults, two pediatric and two baby simulators) and is one of less than 20 Ohio colleges, universities and businesses to offer the technology.

Human Patient Simulators have been fully integrated within the Owens nursing curriculum reflecting the most simple to complex examples of nursing practices. The Toledo simulators and their accompanying METI lab cost about $250,000, while Findlay’s simulators were purchased through an educational training grant.

Owens continues to be a leader in providing future nursing professionals with educational opportunities. Established in 1969 as the first associate degree program of its kind in Northwest Ohio, Owens’ Registered Nursing Program has graduated more than 3,500 nurses on its Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses and 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.

Medical Education Technologies Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of medical education simulation technology and the creator of the Human Patient Simulator. Headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., METI works with institutions and organizations worldwide to provide medical education at all levels, including medical schools, community colleges, technical schools, teaching hospitals, fire and EMS departments, the military and health care industry professionals.

Owens Community College Events Calendar For February

Posted on January 12th, 2006

February 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) 661-7385 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7385.
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

Women’s Basketball vs. Lakeland Community College
(5:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Men’s Basketball vs. Lakeland Community College
(7:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Faculty Art Exhibition
A wide range of visual media, including paintings, photography, sculptures and ceramics, will be highlighted as part of Owens’ annual faculty exhibition. 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)

February 2
Relay for Life – Chili Cook-Off
Area residents are invited to enjoy an array of chili recipes courtesy of the College’s Relay for Life team participants. All monies raised will go toward Owens’ annual Relay for Life event benefiting the American Cancer Society. For more information, call (567) 661-7305 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7305.
(11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) (Math/Science Center)

Faculty Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 3
The Spencers Theatre of Illusion
Enjoy an evening of incredible magic and theatre with one of the largest and most successful illusion productions in the country. The Spencers have garnered several national awards for their unique show, including Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year for six consecutive years. 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)

Faculty Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 4
Faculty Art Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 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) 661-7385 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7385.
(6-9 p.m.) (Bicentennial Hall Room 153)

February 8
Women’s Basketball vs. Sinclair Community College
(5:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Men’s Basketball vs. Sinclair Community College
(7:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

High School Writers’ Workshop
(6-8 p.m.) (College Hall Room 176)

February 11
National ACT Testing
Area residents will have the opportunity to take the national ACT test. Prior registration is necessary though the ACT organization. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (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)

The Blues Women of the 20 th 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 20 th 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)

February 12
College Goal Sunday
State-sponsored event that will focus on helping students complete their FAFSA applications to obtain financial aid. For more information, call (567) 661-7343 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7343, or (567) 429-3540 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3540.
(2-5 p.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 121-128 and 152-154)
(2-5 p.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center)

February 13
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
Owens celebrates the recent opening of the Toledo Museum of Art’s new glass building by showcasing works of several contemporary glass artists. The exhibit will feature 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)

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

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)

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

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 15
Women’s Basketball vs. Cuyahoga Community College
(5:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Men’s Basketball vs. Cuyahoga Community College
(7:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

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)

February 16
Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
(10:30 a.m.) (Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 17
Cheerleading Competition
Area cheerleading squads will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in Northwest Ohio as Owens’ Cheerleading and Dance Team hosts its annual cheerleading competition. For more information, call (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935.
(5 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

World Cultures Film Series (The Quiet American)
Love, politics and intrigue intermingle in this taut retelling of Graham Greene’s classic tale of a disillusioned British journalist, an idealistic young American and the beautiful Vietnamese woman that comes between them in 1950s Saigon. 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)

February 18
Cheerleading Competition
(10 a.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 20
Men’s Basketball vs. Siena Heights University JVs
(7:30 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

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)

February 21
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 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)

February 23
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

Community Writers’ Workshop
(6-9 p.m.) (College Hall)

February 24
High School Wrestling District Championship
Owens will serve as host to the District Championship competition for OHSAA Division III high school wrestling. Qualifying participants will advance to the state competition. For more information, call (567) 661-7974 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7974.
(4-10 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Pavlo
A world renown composer, musician, guitarist and recording artist, Pavlo performs what can best be described as Mediterranean music that combines influences of Flamenco, Latin and Mediterranean guitar mixed together with the Greek Bouzouki. His album Fantasia was nominated for Best Instrumental Album of the Year at the Juno Awards in Canada and he has performed for His Royal Highness Prince Charles. 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. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 25
High School Wrestling District Championship
(9 a.m. – 8 p.m.) (Student Health and Activities Center)

Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

February 27
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)

February 28
Glass in the Glass City Exhibition
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) (Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery)

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.

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

Owens Recognizes Findlay-area Campus Employee For Exemplary Service With Presidential Citation

Posted on January 11th, 2006

FINDLAY – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus enrollment services representative Angie McGinnis has been chosen to receive the third annual Presidential Citation Award for outstanding dedication and service to higher education.

The Presidential Citation Award was established to honor an Owens employee who has worked tirelessly to create a positive campus environment for the College’s administration, faculty, staff and students. Given annually, the award recognizes individuals for their hard work, dedication and leadership, impacting Owens’ educational future and mission. Recipients are selected by Christa Adams, Ph.D., President of Owens Community College.

“Angie exemplifies the best traditions of higher education, with a passion for life-long learning,” said President Adams. “Her greatest gift to the Owens community and especially Owens students has been the blessing of knowing and working with her. The mission of Owens is: Your success is our mission. That is Angie’s mission as well.”

McGinnis began her career at Owens 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. Her responsibilities include assisting students achieve their professional and personal goals by providing advising and guidance through the enrollment process. Additionally, she has been instrumental for producing and directing an orientation program for Owens Findlay-area Campus students, organizing the Greater Hancock County College Night and editing an e-newsletter for all area high school guidance counselors.

McGinnis also coordinates the College’s Registration Rocks prospective high school student program and advises all Post-Secondary Option students on the Findlay-area Campus.

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. This past year, McGinnis’ leadership potential 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.

Owens Community College Faculty Member Receives President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award

Posted on January 10th, 2006

Owens Community College assistant professor of Law Enforcement/Fire Science, Wayne Seely of Maumee has been chosen to receive the second annual President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award for his exemplary dedication and service to higher education.

The President’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award was established to honor an Owens faculty member who has worked tirelessly to help students achieve success in their academic and professional careers. Given annually, the award recognizes faculty for their hard work, dedication and leadership, impacting Owens’ educational future and mission. Recipients are selected by Christa Adams, Ph.D., President of Owens Community College.

“Wayne epitomizes the best of Owens Community College and leads by example,” said President Adams. “He is an exemplary faculty member, dedicated to helping students achieve success, and to bringing the most relevant experiences possible into the classroom.”

President Adams added, “While most people would be satisfied with gathering information about homeland security from magazines, books and interviews, Wayne took his investigation directly to the source. Risking his life while serving his country and utilizing his many years of experience and expertise, he volunteered to go to Iraq to train Iraqi police officers in person. Why did he do it: for two reasons, to serve his country and contribute expertise, and second, to gain the experience so that he would be more valuable to his students and the College as the Center for Emergency Preparedness continues to develop.”

Seely joined Owens’ faculty in 2001. He currently is responsible for teaching academic courses in criminal justice administration, community policy, criminal law and procedure, and introduction to criminal justice.

While serving as an instructor in Iraq this past year, Seely worked alongside instructors from 16 other nations training Iraqi police cadets. He represented not only Owens but the United States with honor and distinction and was awarded the Warriors Medal of Valor by the Native American Nations of the United States for his patriotic service in Iraq.

Before teaching at Owens, Seely previously served as the chief of police for Sylvania Township Police Department and the Wauseon Police Department. His professional involvement includes membership with the Ohio Chief of Police Association and the International Chief of Police Association.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Toledo and an associate’s degree in public service technology from Owens Community College. In addition, Seely is a certified Peace Officer through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council.

Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on January 10th, 2006

Owens Community College recently honored its fall athletic programs for displaying outstanding excellence during intercollegiate competition. Thirty-six student-athletes participating in women’s volleyball and men’s soccer were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Ceara Barr of Fremont being named NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American.

This marks nine out of 10 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Barr’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year, NJCAA All-Region XII Player of the Year, as well as Owens’ Most Valuable Player.

Ceara Barr
Barr, a sophomore setter from Fremont Ross High School, holds Owens’ volleyball records with 2,137 assists for a career, 1,477 assists for a season and 6,079 sets for a career and 4,104 sets for a career.

Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, the Express completed its 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.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its eighth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 16-5-2 overall record and a 5-3-2 mark (third place) in the OCCAC. The 16 victories and 10 shutouts registered by Owens are both school records for a season. The program captured its first-ever NJCAA Region XII Championship and was one match victory away from advancing to the NJCAA National Championships.

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Ceara Barr
Most Improved Player – Kelli Fisher of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.)
Coaches Award – Mallory Bieringer of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Ceara Barr
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Ceara Barr, Elisha Milks of Erie, Mich. (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.), Stephanie Czupich of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.) and Allison Siefker of Ottawa (Kalida H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Kelli Fisher
NJCAA Region XII Player of the Year – Ceara Barr
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Ceara Barr, Elisha Milks and Stephanie Czupich
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Ceara Barr
NJCAA All-American Division II Second Team – Ceara Barr

Owens Express volleyball team members also included: Alexi Carnicom of Gibsonburg (Gibsonburg H.S.), Anna Rauch of Wyandotte, Mich. (Roosevelt H.S.), Amanda Hensley of Fremont (Fremont St. Joe H.S.), Madison Cupp of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Kristy Bailey of Adrian, Mich. (Lenawee Christian H.S.), Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.), Lindsay Trumitch of Riverview, Mich. (Riverview H.S.), Lindsay Lehmann of LaSalle, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.) and Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Logan Anderson of Findlay (Findlay H.S.)
Offensive MVP – Anthonio Briggs of Lima (Lima Senior H.S.)
Defensive MVP – Zach Wazny of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Matt Francis of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
Coaches Award – Jeff Kuehne of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Logan Anderson and Zach Wazny
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Anthonio Briggs and Matt Ringle of Ottawa Lake, Mich. (Whiteford H.S.)
NJCAA Region XII Coach of the Year – Art Johnson
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Anthonio Briggs and Zach Wazny
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Logan Anderson, Zach Wazny and Andrew Snook of Findlay (Findlay H.S.)

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included: Ryan Michaels of Holland (St. Francis de Sales H.S.), Brian Whitner of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Kyle Kaiser of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Gibril Kargbo of Holland (Sierra Leone Grammar School), Mugisha Rwehumbiza of Bowling Green (Newlands Manor School), Josh Radtkin of Toledo (Maumee Valley Country Day School), Torrey Korsog of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Adam Grzybowski of Lima (Findlay H.S.), Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Bobby Barriger of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Arthur Griffin Jr. of Lima (Lima Senior H.S.), Robert Fountain of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Sasa Markovic of Windsor, Canada (Riverside Secondary School) and Alex Taheri of Stockholm, Sweden (Jakobsbergs Folkhogskola H.S.).

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

Posted on January 9th, 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.

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 fall 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.”

Selection criterion for students receiving the honor is based upon enrollment in a two-year college, completing a minimum number of course hours set forth by the individual chapter, achieving a minimum 3.5 grade point average and exemplifying academic excellence, as determined by faculty. Honorary members are those who, according to the honor society or the local chapter, have exhibited distinguished service to Phi Theta Kappa.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2005 Fall Semester are:

Karen Ahrens of Toledo	(business management)
Gregory Alsbach of Toledo	(welding certificate)
Irina Ashton of Luckey	(diagnostic medical sonography)
Lesley Augustyniak of Holland	(surgical)
Gretchen Avery of Bowling Green	(pre-business administration)
Hillary Banas of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Nicole Barr of Grand Rapids	(undecided)
David Beaverson of Northwood	(associate of arts – general concentration)
Robin Bolen of Gibsonburg	(business management)
Christine Briones of Toledo	(office administration)
Julia Camp of Toledo	(undecided)
Tanya Chadwick of Toledo	(accounting)
Tiffany Charles of Toledo	(early childhood education)
Lisa Curfman-Seiple of Toledo	(environmental health and safety technology)
Jennifer Daniels of Maumee	(early childhood education)
Kristen Dennis of Sylvania	(health information technology)
James Eaton of Toledo	(criminal justice technology)
Samantha Engel of Whitehouse	(undecided)
Donald Fish of Toledo	(pre-business administration)
Lyndsey Fish of Toledo	(associate of arts – general concentration)
Carrie Fortinberry of Toledo	(pre-radiography)
Jennifer Frusher of Toledo	(pre-physical therapist assistant)
Sandra Garrett of Curtice	(environmental health and safety technology)
Brittney Garufos of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Geri Grass of Toledo	(accounting)
Tami Haaser of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Janet Hegedus of Toledo	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Darla Heibeck of Curtice	(medical office support option)
Terry Hoover of Toledo	(associate of arts – general concentration)
David Jackson of Oregon	(business management)
Deanna Keller of Perrysburg	(CAD technology)
Jan Labuda of Toledo	(middle childhood education)
Raymond Lilly of Swanton	(computer programming)
Larry Long Jr. of Bowling Green	(fire science technology)
Heather Lovitz of Toledo	(accounting)
Richard Manteuffel of Walbridge	(mathematics)
Christopher Marlowe of Perrysburg	(business management)
Amy Martinez of Northwood	(practical nursing certificate)
Elizabeth McKay of Waterville	(registered nursing)
Eric Mearse of Toledo	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Lorraine Meyers of Toledo	(emergency management and planning)
Eric Middleton of Toledo	(criminal justice technology)
Anna Miller of Toledo	(accounting)
Samantha Muir of Toledo	(pre-nursing)
Marcus Nagley of Temperance, Mich.	(electrical)
Tasha Nelson of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Jeffrey O’Neal of Oak Harbor	(supervision)
Shirley Orben of Holland	(accounting)
Jaime Pace of Rossford	(pre-dental hygiene)
Brittany Pacheco of Northwood	(early childhood education)
Patricia Pitsenbarger of Oregon	(supervision)
Amy Radon of Sylvania	(landscape and turfgrass management)
Michael Ramm of Sylvania	(fire science technology)
Kelly Rash of Toledo	(fine art)
Ana Rodriguez of Maumee	(international business)
Nancy Rogers of Perrysburg	(associate of science – general concentration)
Robert Rohrs of Maumee	(pre-radiography)
Danielle Schroeder of Wauseon	(associate of science – general concentration)
Eddie Severhof of Walbridge	(middle childhood education)
Jessica Shake of Toledo	(office administration)
Ashley Sheeks of Bowling Green	(associate of arts – general concentration)
Jennifer Sheetz of Oregon	(registered nursing)
Chyenne Smith of Swanton	(registered nursing)
Jeannette Smith of Blissfield, Mich.	(pre-dental hygiene)
Christopher Stewart of Waterville	(pre-business administration)
Jonathan Thomson of Toledo	(peace officer academy)
Renee Tomaszewski of Luckey	(associate of science – general concentration)
Alicia VanCamp of Toledo	(registered nursing)
Arika Votava of Grand Rapids	(nuclear medicine)
David Wells of Perrysburg	(commercial art technology)
Whitney Wilkewitz of Perrysburg	(multi-age education)
Cindy Williams of Oregon	(criminal justice technology)
Brittany Wonnell of Toledo	(undecided)
Jeanne Zajac of Rossford	(microcomputer business systems)

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales Appears on Stage at Owens Community College, Jan. 22

Posted on January 5th, 2006

Classic children’s tales will be turned inside out as the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales on Sunday, January 22. The musical adaptation of the wildly popular children’s book, “The Stinky Cheese Man,” will be performed on the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to present such a hilarious and creative musical that the entire family will truly enjoy,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “This show will delight both children and adults with its ecstatic humor coming from familiar fairy tales.”

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales features a number of classic fairy tales retold in an irreverent and side-splitting new manner. Attendees will have the opportunity to see an array of the usual fairy tale suspects – Rumplestiltskin, the Little Red Hen and Foxy Loxy – team up to produce such whimsical vignettes as Cinderumplestiltskin, the REALLY Ugly Duckling and the malodorous The Stinky Cheese Man. Each story will be accompanied by a number of zany songs in eclectic styles ranging from Vaudeville to Trockadarro. The production was adapted from the book by Kent Stephens with music by Gary Rue.

The play is based upon the Caldecott Award-winning children’s book by Jon Sciezka and performed by the Dallas Children’s Theater. The critically acclaimed national touring company is well-known for creating large-scale productions promoting diversity and education for audiences of all ages. Often supplementing productions with study guides and workshops, the group was picked by “Time” magazine as one of the top five theaters in the United States performing for young audiences and families. The Dallas Children’s Theater began its local touring program in 1985 and has performed nationwide since 1996. Past touring productions include Heidi, Young King Arthur and Coyote Tales.

The performance is the second in the Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts Family Fun Sunday Series, which is designed to provide fun and entertainment to individuals of all ages. The series will conclude with the musical Pippi Longstocking on May 21.

Additionally, audience members interested in meeting the actors will have an opportunity to visit with the performers at the conclusion of each of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales shows.

Tickets for The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales 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 Community College Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Posted on January 5th, 2006

Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed on Monday, January 16 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no classes and the College offices will be closed for business.

Classes will resume and administrative offices will be open again on Tuesday, January 17.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Nursing Students Lift Children’s Spirits During Holiday Season

Posted on January 4th, 2006

FINDLAY – Happiness and cheer was abounding within area hospitals thanks to the recent humanitarian efforts of Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus’ Student Nursing Association. Hundreds of toys ranging from Care Bears to Candy Land board games, collected as part of a community wide drive, were given to more than 25 smiling children forced spend the holiday season in local hospitals.

“It feels great to see a child smile,” stated Craig Tobias of Defiance, an Owens registered nursing student and a member of the Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association.

Among the hospitals where Owens students personally hand-delivered the charitable gifts included the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center in Findlay, Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima and Fremont Memorial Hospital in Fremont.

For Russell Romans of Carey, the idea of being able to receive a gift while staying in the hospital was “pretty cool.” “It feels good,” said the appreciative Carey High School student as his eyes and smile widened when the gift was placed on his lap.

With the anticipation of discovering what was enclosed within the meticulously wrapped holiday paper, Romans politely asked his mother if it was ok to open the gift. Following a smile of approval and head nod, off came the holiday wrapping paper and to the delight of Romans appeared an electronic football game. “I always wanted an electronic football game,” explained Romans, who entered the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center earlier in the day.

According to Angie Klausing of Ottawa, an Owens registered nursing student and president of the Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association, the amount of donations received from the community as part of the chapter’s first-ever toy drive was amazing. “These charitable donations hopefully made a world of difference for the area children who had to spend their holiday in the hospital,” she said.

Klausing added, “Many of the Owens nursing students conduct their clinical work in the area hospitals. This toy drive allowed us to show our appreciation for that and to make a significant contribution to the patients.”

The Owens Student Nursing Association has a rich and storied history, serving as one of the longest active student organizations at the College. In 2005, Owens expanded its student activities opportunities to include a new Findlay-area Campus chapter of the Student Nursing Association. The organization was created for Findlay-area Campus nursing and pre-nursing students with the overall mission of providing avenues for individuals to engage in community service activities, as well as to serve as a support network for nursing students. There are currently 20 nursing students participating in the Findlay-area Campus chapter.

Owens Community College Welcomes Home 612th Engineer Battalion, Jan. 6

Posted on January 4th, 2006

Area residents will have the opportunity to honor their local soldiers as Owens Community College hosts a Homecoming and Freedom Salute Campaign Ceremony for the Ohio National Guard’s 612th Engineer Battalion on Friday, January 6.

The Homecoming and Freedom Salute Campaign Ceremony for the unit begins at 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.

The College will join community leaders, politicians and area residents in recognizing and welcoming home the 612th Engineer Battalion from its deployment overseas.

“Owens Community College is proud to honor our brave servicemen and servicewomen for placing their lives in harms way and defending and preserving freedom,” said Gary Dettling, Owens vice president of College Advancement who also serves as an officer in the Army Reserves holding Major Rank. “Extending our gratitude to the 612th Engineer Battalion represents a small token of our appreciation for their selfless acts.”

Approximately 130 personnel from the 612th Engineer Battalion, which is located in Walbridge, were mobilized to support Operation Iraqi Freedom efforts in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. The area included culturally diverse nations located in the Horn of Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Northern Red Seas regions, as well as the Arabian Peninsula in Iraq.

As part of its mission, the 612th Engineer Battalion provided support in the theatre of operations for higher echelon. The Battalion was mobilized and departed for its overseas mission in November 2004.

Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, over 7,000 members of the Ohio National Guard have answered the nation’s call, serving in geographical regions ranging from Afghanistan to the Persian Gulf. Owens currently has approximately 15 students from the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses serving their country in the military.

Comparable to the National Guard of other states, the Ohio National Guard has a long history of service to its citizens and the United States. Its heritage is rooted in the militia system that has played a vital role in conflicts, wars, civil disturbances and natural disasters throughout our nation’s history. The overall mission of the Ohio National Guard is to provide trained units and equipment capable of protecting life and property, and preserving peace, order and public safety.

The Ohio National Guard maintains a presence in 54 of the state’s 88 counties. Ohio’s Air Guard units are dispersed in seven geographical locations to include Cincinnati, Columbus, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Springfield, Toledo and Zanesville. The state’s Army Guard units occupy several training sites and 51 armories statewide.

For those reservists who are currently pursuing their college education, Owens is committed to assisting them in fulfilling their military commitment.

Owens students called to active duty should contact the College’s Veterans Representative, ensuring that they receive a full refund on their paid semester tuition and fees. Once the College receives a student’s military orders, an Owens representative will complete the proper paperwork to release the service member from college courses. In addition, Owens suggests that any reservist with prior student loans contact their servicing agents and request forbearance on their loan.

For more information, contact Owens’ Veterans Representative at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7342 or (567) 661-7342.

Owens Community College Announces Fall Academic Honors

Posted on January 3rd, 2006

More than 2,800 students were named to the Academic Honors List at Owens Community College for the Fall Semester 2005. 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 Recognizes Faculty, Staff and Administration For Excellence in Higher Education

Posted on January 3rd, 2006

Three Owens Community College employees have been chosen by their peers to receive the fourth annual Exemplary Faculty, Staff and Administrator awards for outstanding dedication and service to higher education.

Recipients for the 2005-06 academic year are:

Tom Deckelman of Sylvania, professor of Marketing and Sales (Exemplary Faculty Award)

Shane Trumbull of Bowling Green, help desk technician in Information Technology Services (Exemplary Staff Award)

Deb Ciecka of Rossford, chair of Early Childhood and Paraprofessional Education (Exemplary Administrator Award)

“Owens Community College has made a fundamental point to honor our employees for their exemplary contributions,” said Gene Lapko, Owens vice president of Human Resources. “Presenting these awards is just one of the many ways to acknowledge individuals for their hard work and dedication, which has had a positive and lasting impact on this academic institution.”

The Exemplary Faculty, Staff and Administrator Awards Program was established in 2003 to honor employees who make significant contributions to enhance the College’s mission of providing quality service and education. Recipients are nominated and selected by their fellow Owens employees.

Owens’ Exemplary Faculty Award recipient is chosen based upon criteria, which includes academic curriculum development, demonstrating outstanding ability to communicate effectively with students and innovation within the classroom setting. Award winners must display a commitment to Owens and the community through involvement in service activities.

Selection criteria for the Exemplary Staff and Administrator Awards are based upon an employee’s innovative approaches toward helping customer satisfaction and productivity. The recipients must exude a positive attitude and strong work ethic while performing daily job activities. In addition, the recipients must exhibit qualities associated with teamwork and promote collaboration, communication and cooperation among co-workers and staff.

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 Fall Registered Nursing Program Graduates

Posted on January 2nd, 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 Anne Helm, Owens professor 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: Susan Ammon of Waterville, Kellie Angel of Bluffton, Robin Angers of Findlay, Jennifer Arnold of Toledo, Lakiesha Banks of Toledo, Mary Bash of Findlay, Tiffany Bauman of Oregon, Sue Bohls of Maumee, Sheri Bowling of Carey, Bethany Branan of Arlington, Lisa Buzene of Toledo, Abbey Campbell of Curtice, David Caro of Toledo, Christina Carroll of Sylvania, Melissa Castillo of Toledo, Eric Christensen of Bowling Green, Stephanie Clementz of Cloverdale, Kaydra Coats of Pandora, Alicia Cook of Metamora, Julie Cousino of Swanton, Amy Cramer of Napoleon, Andrea Cropcho of Perrysburg, Regina Davis of Toledo, Rhonda Dennis of Cygnet, Tammy Dew of Toledo, April Distel of Walbridge, Katrina Dix of Risingsun, Christie Edmonds of Risingsun, Lynnae Ernsthausen of Delta, Karen Espen of North Baltimore, Erica Eversole of Port Clinton, Kellie Farricker of Toledo, Sarah Felgar of McComb, Autumn Ferguson of Oregon, Susan Ferguson of Toledo, Michelle Fox of Walbridge, Kathleen Frishman of Alvada, Erin Gallagher of Petersburg, Mich., Pamela Giest of Whitehouse, Kimberly Gillespie of Toledo, Christina Gochenauer of Deshler, Sandra Gorsuch of Toledo, Sarah Grant of Woodville, Karen Grindstaff of Toledo, Kimberly Haley of Swanton, Candace Harman of Metamora, Kimberly Haskins of Oregon, James Hickok of Toledo, Melissa Hinkle of Oregon, Tamara Hudson of Toledo, Michelle Huff of Rocky Ridge, Amanda Jacob of Perrysburg, Sarah Johnson of Sylvania, Aimee Jones of Genoa, Laura Kimple of Perrysburg, Nanette Kinn of Fostoria, Korrin Knerr of Toledo, Dawn Kracht of Leipsic, Jeannette Kunisch of Toledo, Shannon LaCourse of Luckey and Cynthia Lavender of Perrysburg.

Registered nursing program graduates also are: Andrea Mahoney of Perrysburg, Anita Maier of Whitehouse, Amanda Mandell of Rossford, Marilyn Martin of Toledo, Diane McLaughlin of Toledo, Dean Meek of Perrysburg, Tiffany Menkhoff of Fremont, Amanda Mermer of Oregon, Delaney Miller of Columbus Grove, Leah Miller of Findlay, Suzanne Miller of Toledo, Kory Munch of Bowling Green, April Neville of Toledo, Mary O’Brien of Toledo, Sadonna Odom of Toledo, Angela Olvera of Toledo, Elizabeth Pawlowicz of Whitehouse, Amy Pillarelli of Toledo, Catherine Punches of Toledo, Mary Reeves of Findlay, Angela Richards of Findlay, Pamela Richards of Bowling Green, Susan Riley of Perrysburg, Larry Rosenberger of Rossford, Denise Rutledge of Holland, Rosalinda Sanchez of Fremont, Veronica Savage of Monroe, Mich., Elizabeth Schroeder of McComb, Jeanette Schumacker of Findlay, Diane Scribner of Toledo, Diana Shanly of Toledo, Sarah Sharp of Swanton, Rhonda Shryock of Sylvania, Bess Slachta of Swanton, Chyenne Smith of Swanton, Kathryn Smura of Deshler, Debra Stahl of Curtice, John Stephens of Toledo, Stefanie Torres of Bowling Green, Carrie Triggs of Northwood, Heather Ulch of Maumee, Emily Ulrey of Bluffton, Alicia Van Camp of Toledo, Debra Vance of Leipsic, Jolene Welker of Lambertville, Mich., Andrea Wetherill of Monroeville, Ashley White of Toledo, Marilyn Williams of Carey, Regina Woodson of Toledo and Laura Youngblood of Defiance.

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. 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.