News Releases

Owens Community College Literacy Committee Presents Free ‘Persepolis’ Film Screening and Discussion, Feb. 8 and 15

Posted on February 3rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses will celebrate and promote the importance of literacy by inviting area residents to explore life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution of the 1970s as part of a free screening and discussion of the award-winning film “Persepolis”, Feb. 8 and 15.

Presented by the Literacy Committee in conjunction with the academic institution’s college-wide read initiative of the book “Persepolis”, the film will be shown on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Community Education and Wellness Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Additionally, a screening of “Persepolis” will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. in College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus. Each screening will be followed by a brief discussion of the film and the literary memoir specific to growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Admission to the events is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay, while the Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi, the 96-minute film “Persepolis” details the life and times of a young Marjane “Marji” Satrapi during the 1970s and how her dreams were fulfilled with the hated Shah’s defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Satrapi grows up, she witnesses firsthand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own. With Satrapi dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents decide to send her abroad to Vienna to study and make a better life for herself. However, this change proves to be equally difficult for Satrapi as she finds herself in a different and troubling culture. After returning to her homeland, Satrapi discovers that both she and her country have changed too much and her family now must decide where she truly belongs.

Based on the book “Persepolis”, the film provides insight into the daily life of Iran and how home life and public life contradict each other as a result of repressive regimes. Satrapi’s firsthand accounts allow viewers to embark on a journey inside Iran during a time of political unrest and repression that included the dethroning of emperors and state-sanctioned whippings. Since it was released in 2007, “Persepolis” has garnered critically-acclaimed attention highlighted by an Oscar nomination as Best Animated Feature Film of the Year in 2008. Other honors include receiving the Sutherland Trophy from the British Film Institute in 2007 and a Golden Globe nomination as Best Foreign Language Film in 2008.

For more information about the film screenings, call (567) 661-2987 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2987.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 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. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s and Men’s Basketball Postpones Home Games Originally Scheduled For Feb. 2

Posted on February 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s and men’s basketball home games originally scheduled as part of a doubleheader for this Wednesday, Feb. 2 against Cuyahoga Community College at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. have been postponed. No make-up dates have been announced.

The next home games for the Express women’s and men’s basketball teams will take place on Sat., Feb. 12 against Cincinnati State Community College. The Express women’s basketball program will battle the Surge at 1 p.m., while Owens men’s basketball team will entertain Cincinnati State at 3 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 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. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Helps Students Achieve Academic Dreams With College Goal Sunday Event, Feb. 13

Posted on January 31st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in acquiring additional information about financial aid are encouraged to participate in a free workshop where financial aid representatives from colleges and universities throughout Northwest Ohio will provide insight on securing federal and state assistance to any academic institution of higher learning. The program, known as College Goal Sunday, will be held at the Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses on Sunday, Feb. 13.

Presented by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA), 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 begins at 2 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center on the Toledo-area Campus and in the Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Families should register prior to the event by accessing the College Goal Sunday website at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org.

“One of the biggest roadblocks students encounter when exploring their eligibility for financial aid is the financial aid form itself,” said Betsy Johnson, Owens Dean of Student Accounts. “Owens Community College and fellow academic institutions are inviting students and their parents to spend an afternoon going through the application process step-by-step with a financial aid representative during College Goal Sunday.”

Owens and other colleges and universities currently participate 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 at the various academic institutions.

Specific programs accessible to Owens students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, the Owens Community College Grant, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and Federal Work Study, among others.

For more information, contact (567) 661-7378 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7378.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents ‘From Girl to Woman: My Personal Truth’ Exhibit, Feb. 14 – March 25

Posted on January 31st, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus continues the 2010-11 arts season with the theme of self-portraits through various media by artist Lisa Wolph as the Library Gallery presents “From Girl to Woman: My Personal Truth” exhibit, Feb. 14 – March 25.

In addition, the College will host a reception and gallery for Wolph on Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 5-7 p.m. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College is excited to welcome multi-talented artist Lisa Wolph to the Library Gallery,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The words elemental, ephemeral and ethereal come to mind when looking into Lisa Wolph’s artwork. She reveals her personal history and personal truths through her artwork, creating unique images that seek to draw the viewer into the beauty of another world.”

Wolph’s artistic passion includes Polaroid emulsion transfer, image transfer and digitally-altered photography, as well as paintings and mixed-media collages. Her artistic expressions have been on display at various venues throughout the region, including the Fostoria Community Arts Council and Findlay’s Coffee Amici and the George House. Wolph has also exhibited her work in several of the Findlay Art League shows. Additionally, she has received several awards and honors highlighted by the Findlay Art League’s “Most Creative Use of Color and Medium” Award for her photo “Ode to Muybridge”.

The Fostoria resident received a bachelor’s degree in two-dimensional studies with a photography concentration from Bowling Green State University. Wolph also holds associate’s degrees in photography and in fine arts from Merced College. Utilizing her photographic experience which spans over 25 years, Wolph teaches photography classes through Millstream Career and Technology Center’s Adult Workforce Education in Findlay. Her community involvement includes of the Findlay Art League and the Visual Art Network in Lima.

Admission to the Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

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Owens Celebrates Black History Month With Events in February

Posted on January 28th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – 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 and educational awareness programs.

All events and activities, which are free and open to the public, will occur on the College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College is proud to celebrate Black History Month by honoring and recognizing the many achievements and contributions black Americans have made to shape and define our country,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “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:

Monday, Feb. 7

Black History and Culture Discussion With Ohio Sen. Edna BrownOhio Sen. Edna Brown will provide attendees with insight into the past, present and future of diversity in America based on her own personal accounts. Brown was elected to serve Toledo and Ohio’s 11th Senate District in November 2010. She comes from the Ohio House of Representatives, where she represented Ohio’s 48th House District. Since her arrival in the General Assembly, Brown has worked tirelessly on issues of voting rights, health, violence against women and economic development.
(10 a.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128)
(12 p.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center Room 111)

Tuesday, Feb. 8

“Ballou” Documentary Film Screening and Discussion
Area residents are invited to view a film screening of “Ballou”. The 86-minute documentary provides insight into the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from Washington, D.C. and their journey from band camp to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Ala. Throughout their journey, the marching band had to overcome many obstacles highlighted by a negative community environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to reach their goals. Undeterred by the negativity, the group, led by marching band director Darrell Watson, was able to uplift the community with their music and positive attitudes and eventually became an award-winning marching band. The film screening will be followed with an open discussion with marching band director Darrell Watson.
(2 p.m.) (Toledo-area Campus College Hall Room 100)

Wednesday, Feb. 9

“Ballou” Documentary Film Screening and Discussion
Area residents are invited to view a film screening of “Ballou”. The 86-minute documentary provides insight into the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from Washington, D.C. and their journey from band camp to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Ala. Throughout their journey, the marching band had to overcome many obstacles highlighted by a negative community environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to reach their goals. Undeterred by the negativity, the group, led by band director Darrell Watson, was able to uplift the community with their music and positive attitudes and eventually became an award-winning marching band. The film screening will be followed with an open discussion with marching band director Darrell Watson.
(10 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Conference Center Room 111)

Thursday, Feb. 10

“Achieving Success” Lecture Presentation With Toledo Mayor Michael Bell
Toledo Mayor Michael Bell will provide attendees with an inspirational message about overcoming obstacles and achieving success in pursuit of personal goals. During the presentation, Bell will share with the audience his own personal experiences and how they played a significant role in achieving his own success. Bell was elected Mayor of Toledo in January 2010. His career in public service began in 1980 when he joined the Toledo Department of Fire and Rescue as Firefighter and later became a certified Paramedic/EMT. In 1990, he was appointed as Chief of the Toledo and Rescue Department. Bell was the first African American as well as the youngest person ever to lead the organization. He remained in that position for over 16 years until he was appointed State Fire Marshal by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in 2007. Bell has served the Northwest Ohio community through countless civic organizations, volunteering his time and serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club, The American Red Cross, Bethany House and The American Liver Foundation, among many others. He is a member of the International Fire Chief’s Association and received the President’s Award for his efforts with diversity.
(11 a.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128)

Tuesday, Feb. 22

Jazz Performance and Historical Lecture With Galen Abdur-Razzaq
Jazz recording artist Galen Abdur-Razzaq will bring his masterful talents to Owens as part of a jazz performance and lecture. Abdur-Razzaq will be sharing insightful details about his musical background and the history of jazz, as well as a wide selection of his musical favorites. Abdur-Razzaq has performed and presented clinics at various venues, including college and university campuses, worldwide for over 30 years. He is a former student at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. An arranger, composer, music director and writer, Abdur-Razzaq has performed with such renowned artists as Billy Taylor, Sonny Phillips, Gwen Guthrie, Eddie Gladden and Clifford Adams, among many others. Abdur-Razzaq is also a regular speaker on jazz and its historical significance.
(10 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Education Center Room 111) (Lecture)
(11:30 a.m.) (Findlay-area Campus Commons) (Performance)

Thursday, Feb. 24

College Conjuring – Deception 101 Tour With Ran’D Shine
Awarding-winning performer, producer and educator of magic Ran’D Shine will provide attendees with an amazing display of his magical talents as well as share insight into his life as an artist, teacher and an African-American male. Nationally-acclaimed, Shine is a frequent performer at Monday Night Magic, which is regarded as New York City’s longest running Off-Broadway magic show, and has showcased his talents at Hollywood’s The Magic Castle. Additionally, he has produced several magic shows highlighted by the “Heart and Soul of Magic”, which was the first magic show to feature an all black American cast of magicians. Shine’s performance provides attendees with the opportunity expand their minds and view life from a different perspective specific to diversity.
(12 p.m.) (Toledo-area Campus Student Health and Activities Center)

In addition, Owens’ libraries on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will display a variety of African-American heritage information as well as feature a selection of books and audio/visual materials related to Black History Month in February.

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 and Tiffin University Announce New Dual Admission and Enrollment Program Partnership

Posted on January 27th, 2011

Tiffin University President Dr. Paul Marion (left) and Owens Community College President Dr. Larry McDougle pose for a photo following the signing ceremony for the new Dual Enrollment Program partnership on the College's Findlay-area Campus.

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College students with aspirations of pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University will now be able to continue their academic pursuits while attending both academic institutions as the two schools have finalized a unique Dual Enrollment Program partnership.

As a result of the new collaboration, Owens students will be afforded the opportunity to complete academic coursework while simultaneously enrolled at the two schools. Owens students can participate in the new program with the start of the upcoming Fall Semester.

“Owens Community College is proud to partner with Tiffin University and announce the establishment of a joint academic program which enhances learning opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Larry McDougle, President of Owens Community College. “Tiffin University is known for innovative partnerships and Owens Community College looks forward to working with them on additional educational initiatives to benefit even more area residents throughout the Northwest Ohio region.”

According to Dr. Paul Marion, President of Tiffin University, “we are very pleased to continue the excellent relationship that we have had with Owens Community College. This new partnership will benefit students for many years into the future.”

Owens students will have the opportunity to enroll in a maximum of three credit hours of coursework (four credit hours if a laboratory course) at Tiffin during the Fall and Spring semester for a maximum of four semesters as part of the new Dual Enrollment Program. Dual Enrollment Program students can enroll in an array of courses at Tiffin University including general education and major specific courses required at both academic institutions. Coursework successfully completed through the Dual Enrollment Program will transfer and be applied toward fulfilling degree requirements at both academic institutions.

In addition, the dual admission option provides Owens students with access to academic advising at Tiffin. Individuals will also be issued a Tiffin student ID, which will provide access to an array of Tiffin academic resources to include library privileges as well as campus events and activities to broaden their educational experience. Additionally, upon transferring to Tiffin, Owens students within the Dual Enrollment Program are eligible for a $2,500 per semester scholarship to utilize in their final semesters at Tiffin University.

Students enrolled in Tiffin classes as part of the Dual Enrollment Program will pay Owens’ tuition costs. Dual Enrollment Program classes will occur at Tiffin University in Tiffin and the academic institution’s campus location in Northwood.

The new Dual Enrollment Program partnership builds upon a longstanding articulation agreement between the respective institutions which enables Owens students to seamlessly transfer to Tiffin and pursue their bachelor’s degree, with junior standing, after completing their associate’s degree. For more information about the new Dual Enrollment Program, call (567) 661-7189 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7189, or 1-800-968-6446, Ext. 3301.

Founded in 1888, Tiffin University enrolls more than 4,900 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at the campus in Tiffin, Ohio, online, in four foreign countries, and at several locations in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Elyria, Fremont and Toledo. Graduate degrees include the Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Humanities and Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Undergraduate degrees include the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Business Administration, Associate of Criminal Justice and Associate of Arts. For more information, call 1-800-968-6446 or visit www.tiffin.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents Nationally Known Motivational Speaker Gary Barnes, Jan. 26

Posted on January 25th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area law enforcement professionals interested in gaining insight into overcoming obstacles, personal empowerment and achieving success are invited to attend a free lecture presentation by nationally recognized motivational speaker Gary Barnes at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Presented by the College’s Criminal Justice Organization student group, Barnes’ lecture will occur from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the College’s Community Education and Wellness Center Room 111 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.

Barnes serves as President of Barnes Consulting Group and is Founder of both MaxLife International and Gary Barnes International. He is Past President of the Denver Chapter for International Association for Financial Planning and the author of “Spend and Grow Rich: 7 Secrets to Unlocking the Goldmine of Your Checkbook” and the e-book manual “Financial Magic: The Common Sense Way”.

Barnes has garnered numerous industry and civic awards for his advocacy efforts and has spoken nationally and internationally on achieving success in life.

During his lecture presentation at Owens, Barnes will discuss with attendees about the importance of active listening and how communication skills are essential in assessing and defusing a hostile situation. As a former campus police officer, Barnes will also share stories about his own experiences and how they relate to the law enforcement profession. The presentation will conclude with an open dialogue session with those in attendance.

In addition to Barnes’ lecture, Owens Adjunct Instructor Andrea Adams-Miller will provide a presentation titled “Dispelling the Top 3 Myths of Leadership Effectiveness”. Adams-Miller previously served as a Corrections Officer for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and a Dispatcher for the Findlay Police Department. She currently serves as President of the Liberty Township Fire Department Auxiliary.

For additional information about the lecture presentation, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Community College Unveils Expanded Learning Center at The Source for Spring Semester, Jan. 24

Posted on January 21st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Students attending the Owens Community College Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo will begin the 2011 Spring Semester within a newly expanded and renovated educational facility as the academic institution begins its 14-week Spring Semester on Monday, Jan. 24.

In order to meet the needs of the Learning Center’s growing number of students, Owens is unveiling two new instructional classrooms and one open computer laboratory all with state-of-the-art technology and academic resources to enhance learning through hands-on instruction and exercises. Additionally, the Learning Center has relocated the state tested nursing assistant experiential learning classroom to expand educational opportunities for students.

“Owens Community College’s Learning Center at The Source continues to play an integral role in meeting the education and training needs of Toledo-area residents by providing access to academic resources and learning opportunities,” said Willie Williams, Owens Director of Learning Center at The Source. “The expansion of Owens’ Learning Center is an investment in the future of higher education in downtown Toledo and will help more students realize their career aspirations.”

The newly renovated and expanded 12,726 square-foot educational facility at The Source now features eight classrooms, three computer laboratories, two offices, one reception area and one experiential learning classroom for instruction and hands-on learning specific to the state tested nursing assistant curriculum. Academic learning areas are also equipped with innovative multimedia capability for educational instruction highlighted by dedicated instructor stations in which Owens faculty can utilize an Extron Control Panel system. Serving as the classroom’s focal point from a technological standpoint, the Extron Control Panel system features a dedicated computer, a digital document camera, a Blu-ray DVD Player, and audio amplifier and speakers.

The Source Learning Center provides an array of academic course options for students with aspirations of pursuing their associate’s degree or certificate from Owens. Academic courses available to students during the current Spring Semester include accounting, astronomy, business, early childhood education, English, first-year experience, geography, health science, history, information systems technology, mathematics, office administration, psychology, skilled trades, sociology, speech and student success, among others.

Since opening its doors in August 2007 to provide expanded access to higher educational opportunities within Lucas County, Owens’ Learning Center at The Source, Lucas County’s One-Stop Employment Center, has provided academic and support services to thousands of area residents. In four years, enrollment has grown to nearly 600 students choosing to attend the Learning Center during semester classes.

The renovation project was designed by the firms Stough and Stough Architects of Sylvania and MDA Engineering Inc. of Maumee, while Van Tassel Construction Corp. of Sylvania served as the general contractor.

The Source, Lucas County’s One-Stop Employment Center is committed to quality-driven workforce services that assist individuals in developing and enhancing a multitude of work skill sets to meet the current and future needs of local businesses while embracing local economic growth and individual prosperity. The organization is also dedicated to quality-driven services, meeting business needs, meeting job seeker needs, diversity, accessibility, respecting the internal and external customer, collaboration of community resources, economic development, innovative leadership, a seamless system of workforce development, lifelong and continuous learning, technology to enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction and continuous quality improvement.

Owens Dental Program Offers Free Dental Services for Children During Give Kids A Smile Day, Feb. 4

Posted on January 20th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Oral hygiene, X-rays and fillings will be the focus of free dental appointments at Owens Community College as more than 150 area elementary and high school students’ teeth are transformed to pearly whites during the nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day on Friday, Feb. 4.

Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children with limited or no access to care ages six months to 18 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. The clinic is located in Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Additionally, Toledo Dental Society dentists and Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary will provide restorative treatments such as fillings and extractions for patients on Feb. 11 from 1-3 p.m.

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

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

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

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, and appointments are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $25 fee.

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

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Showcases Rossford Resident’s Commercial Photography, Jan. 19 – Feb. 10

Posted on January 19th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to view the masterful commercial photography of Larry Linkous as Owens Community College’s Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery presents a new exhibit titled “The World of a Commercial Photographer”, Jan. 19 – Feb. 10.

“The World of a Commercial Photographer” is being showcased on the exterior exhibition wall of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, which is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, the College will host a reception for Linkous at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. Linkous’ reception is occurring in conjunction with a reception and lecture for nationally recognized artist Amanda Burnham. Her exhibition titled “Urban Signs” is currently on display inside the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

Linkous’ passion for photography began at a young age and led to his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in professional photography from the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif. After obtaining his degree in 1973, Linkous worked for several studios before taking a position as a Commercial Photographer for Toledo’s Owens Corning company in 1979.

Additionally, the Rossford resident has served as a Commercial Photographer for Eric Eggly’s PointSeven Studios and has worked with such companies as Owens-Illinois Inc., Dana Holding Corp., BP, La-Z-Boy Inc. and General Motors Co., among many others.

Linkous has garnered several awards throughout his career highlighted by two KODAK Gallery Awards for excellence in professional photography, specifically for outstanding industrial photography in Ohio. His background also includes a master of photography from the Professional Photographers of America.

Linkous began his teaching career at Owens as an Adjunct Instructor in Fine and Performing Arts in 2006. He currently provides instruction with the academic courses related to studio lighting and large format photography.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery on the Toledo-area Campus is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays. For additional information about the exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721 or (567) 661-2721.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host Community Blood Drive, Jan. 20

Posted on January 18th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – 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, Jan. 20.

The Blood Drive will occur from 12-5 p.m. in Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Roadin Findlay.

Qualified donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 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, be in general good health and have a picture ID (preferably a driver’s license). The Blood Drive is open to Owens employees and students, as well as area residents. Walk-ins are welcome.

The American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Region, which comprises Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, needs to collect approximately 85,000 pints of blood each day to serve patients in 23 area hospitals.

Donors will be provided snacks and drinks before and after their donation. For more information, call 1-800-828-1975. Interested parties are encouraged to make an appointment by registering on the website at www.redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code OWENSCCFINDLAY or calling the above number.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Internationally Known Author Helen Prejean, Jan. 25

Posted on January 13th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Internationally acclaimed Sister Helen Prejean, author of “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States”, will make an appearance in Northwest Ohio to discuss her experiences as an activist related to the death penalty process as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues” on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Prejean’s lecture presentation will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is honored welcome internationally known Sister Helen Prejean to Northwest Ohio for a very unique and insightful presentation titled ‘Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues’,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “For nearly three decades, Prejean has been educating the public about the death penalty. Her efforts certainly have not gone unnoticed as she has sparked national dialogue about capital punishment in our country.”

A Roman Catholic nun, Prejean joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille (now known as the Congregation of St. Joseph) in 1957 and received a bachelor’s degree in English and education from St. Mary’s Dominican College – New Orleans in 1962. In 1973, she earned a master’s degree in religious education from Saint Paul University. Prejean has served as the Religious Education Director at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in New Orleans, the Formation Director for her religious community and has taught junior and senior high school students.

Prejean began her prison ministry in 1981 when she dedicated her life to help those who are disadvantaged in New Orleans. While living in the St. Thomas housing project, she became pen pals with Patrick Sonnier, a convicted killer of two teenagers who was sentenced to die in the electric chair of Louisiana’s Angola State Prison.

Upon Sonnier’s request, Prejean repeatedly visited him as his spiritual advisor. In doing so, her eyes were opened to the Louisiana execution process. Prejean turned her experiences into a book that not only made the 1994 American Library Associates Notable Book List, but also was nominated for a 1993 Pulitzer Prize. “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States” earned the distinction of being ranked No. 1 on “The New York Times” Best Seller List for 31 weeks. The book also has become an international best seller and has been translated into 10 different languages.

In January 1996, Prejean’s literary work was developed into a major motion picture starring Susan Sarandon as Helen Prejean and Sean Penn as Patrick Sonnier. Produced by Polygram Pictures, the film was directed and written by Tim Robbins. The movie received many accolades including Oscar recognition and was the basis of an opera.

Prejean has provided her advocacy message to community groups around the globe. She has appeared on many notable television radio shows highlighted by “60 Minutes”, NBC’s “Today”, BBC World Service and NPR Weekend Saturday, among many others. She has also served as an active member of several prominent organizations, including the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Amnesty International and Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation. Additionally, Prejean is the founder of “Survive”, a victim’s advocacy group in New Orleans, and continues to counsel not only inmates on death row, but also the families of murder victims.

Tickets for the lecture presentation are $20 and all seats are reserved. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Owens Community College Unveils New Alternative Energy and Sustainable Systems Degree Program

Posted on January 13th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in careers in the installation and maintenance of alternative and renewable energy technology now have the opportunity to pursue their higher educational degree at Owens Community College as the academic institution’s School of Technology unveils a new alternative energy and sustainable systems technology associate degree program.

Beginning with Spring Semester 2011, the new academic program is being offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The two-year associate degree program recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents.

“Green technology is becoming more and more important in our energy-driven society,” said Randy Wharton, Owens Chair of Design Technologies and Co-Interim Dean of the School of Technology. “As the demand for existing and emerging technologies within alternative and renewable energy grows, the need for highly qualified technicians is a necessity.”

Wharton added, “Owens Community College’s new alternative energy and sustainable systems degree program will provide area residents with the opportunity to receive hands-on experiential learning at the highest level utilizing many of the College’s state-of-the-art academic resources specific to solar thermal power, wind power and photovoltaic power. Green technology is and will continue to play a crucial role in our global economy and Owens is committed to supporting alternative and renewable energy growth and development through innovative academic programming.”

Owens’ associate degree in alternative energy and sustainable systems technology will require approximately 65 credit hours of coursework, which includes technology in society, introduction to alternative energy, mechanical systems, power distribution, solar thermal power, wind power, LEEDS certified building, photovoltaic power, geothermal energy systems and biofuels, among other academic curriculum.

The new program is designed to prepare students to design, install, maintain and repair state-of-the-art alternative energy systems specific to solar power, wind power, photovoltaic power and geothermal power for residential and commercial utilization. Students will develop strong knowledge in the fundamentals of energy and how energy is produced, marketed, distributed and used, as well as how photovoltaic panels and wind turbines produce electricity and their cost/feasibility on different scales, including residential and utility scale. Individuals will also gain insight into how renewable energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal power and tidal power can be used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Additionally, alternative energy and sustainable systems technology students will receive instruction related to energy efficient design and the fundamentals of LEED, as well as the understanding about the challenges in producing a fuel to power vehicles such as biofuels and hydrogen. Students will have the opportunity to utilize leading-edge academic resources for experiential learning, including the College’s wind turbines, solar thermal panels and photovoltaic arrays.

For additional information about Owens’ alternative energy and sustainable systems technology program, call (567) 661-7457 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7457.

Owens Community College Hosts Auditions for Upcoming Theatre Production, Jan. 24-25

Posted on January 12th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in performing in the upcoming student production of “Tartuffe” are invited to open theatre auditions at Owens Community College, Jan. 24-25.

Auditions will take place Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 24 and 25, from 6-9 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. Callback auditions will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Each individual is encouraged to prepare a monologue as part of the audition or a monologue will be provided for them. The theatre production dates are April 8-9 and 15-17.

Written by Moliere, “Tartuffe” tells the story about how a pious imposter almost succeeds in his plot to jail a naÔve friend and his family and thereby cheat them out of their home. Internationally recognized as one of the classic comedies of the French theatre, the production mercilessly examines the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe.

Attendees are required to make an appointment prior to the audition dates. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (567) 661-2798 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2798.

Owens Community College Foundation Announces 2011-12 Scholarship Program Opportunities

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College Foundation is investing in Northwest Ohio’s educational future by making available thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities as part of the academic institution’s 2011-12 Scholarship Program.

Through the generosity of businesses and individuals within the surrounding communities, the Owens Foundation will offer current and future students the opportunity to apply for over 50 available scholarships for the upcoming 2011-12 academic year. Scholarship applicants must complete and return the application to the Oserve Office on either the Toledo-area or Findlay-area campus by Feb. 15. Scholarship award notification will begin in March and will continue until all awards have been made.

For scholarships based on financial need, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for the 2011-12 academic year must be on file in the College’s Oserve Office by Feb. 28. FAFSA and Foundation Scholarship Program forms are available in the College’s Oserve Office or can be downloaded by accessing the Owens website at www.owens.edu.

In addition, 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. Specific programs accessible to students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, the Owens Community College Grant, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and Federal Work Study, among others.

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.5 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

This past academic year, Owens provided more than $110 million in grants, scholarships, loans and federal work study to support the educational needs of students. For more information on the various scholarship opportunities, call (567) 661-7603 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7603.

Pinning Ceremony Honors Registered Nursing Program Students at Owens

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Over 110 Owens Community College students were recently bestowed honorary pins by the School of Nursing signifying their graduation from the registered nursing program during a ceremony on the Findlay-area Campus. The pinning ceremony is part of a traditional nursing practice, which honors students prior to beginning their careers within the health care community.

“Owens Community College is extremely is honored to recognize our students for their hard work and dedication toward achieving their educational aspirations,” said Ruth Ankele, Owens Chair of Nursing. “The registered nursing program graduates have exhibited academic excellence at the highest level and are very deserving of their honorary pins.”

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.

Nursing students receiving their honorary pins include Kelly Abbott of Genoa, Hanna Abunaw of Toledo, Kimberly Alonso of Carleton, Mich., Brittany Anderson of Bowling Green, Lisa Anderson of Toledo, Ellen Anello of Toledo, Andrea Baker of Oregon, Amy Baugher of Toledo, Bryna Benninghoff of Bellevue, Christopher Bohland of Toledo, Amanda Bolyard of Findlay, Hillary Brockway of Adrian, Mich., Amy Butler of Toledo, Lydia Butler of Toledo, Betsi Cancelliere of Lemoyne, Kevin Cassaubon of Perrysburg, Acqua Chatmon of Toledo, Hui-Ling Chen of Findlay, Marisa Coleman of Toledo, Christopher Cook of Oxford, Tracy Cortez-Avad of Oregon, Dawn Czerniejewski of Toledo, Kelsey Darbyshire of Columbus Grove, Cynthia DiMarco of Bowling Green, Emily Doster of Bowling Green, Jennifer Dowdy of Toledo, Katrina Drouillard of Toledo, Stephen Ehret of Toledo, William Eisenman of Risingsun, Aaron Etzkorn of Delphos, Christopher Fisher of Fremont, Candelaria Flores of Whitehouse, Valorie Frantz of Toledo, Brandy Fredritz of Upper Sandusky, LaTisha Garth of Toledo, Stephanie Geisel of Walbridge, Rachel Gray of Rossford, Alyssa Hall of Toledo, Steven Harvey of Toledo, Taryn Hernandez of Toledo, Drew Hertzfeld of Waterville, Stephanie Hoefflin of Oregon, Amy Holvey of Findlay, Mark Hostetler of Findlay, Marie Jablonski of Swanton, Tamara Jeffries of Toledo, Jayne Johnoff of Toledo, Susan Kau of Findlay, Kerri King of Toledo, Robin Kelly of Toledo, April Lajti of Toledo, Stefanie Lamb of Oregon, Monica Lee of Toledo, Kevin Lehsten of Pioneer, Grace Limson of Toledo, Kristyn Link of Tiffin, Julie Luginbill of Pandora, Denise Martinez of Martin, Maria Martinez of Toledo, Stephanie Matthews of Delta, Alisha McCreary of Toledo, Stephanie Mickens of Toledo, Camille Miller of Toledo, LaSonya Miller of Toledo, Sandra Mueller of Holland, Christopher Myers of Findlay, Anastasia Mysinger of Perrysburg, Kathleen Naylor of Toledo, Linda Nelson of Toledo, Angela Nichols of Rossford, Linda Odiari of Toledo, Amanda Ogle of Millbury, Adunola Ogunleye of Toledo, Millicent Olang-Johnson of Maumee and Amanda Owen of Findlay.

Nurse pinning recipients also include Jennifer Pelwecki of Toledo, Latoya Pettaway of Holland, Cody Price of Dola, Ryan Purcell of Findlay, Kimberly Quinn of Toledo, Cassandra Ray of Carey, Sara Reamsnyder of Perrysburg, Kelly Rice of Toledo, Tammi Richards of Oregon, Lisa Sabol-Rickert of Ottawa Lake, Mich., Heather Roe of Toledo, Nawal Sahi of Perrysburg, Melissa Schade of Kansas, Carly Semelka of Toledo, Michelle Siler of Maumee, Dawn Smith of Toledo, Mary Stein of Findlay, Heidi Streit of Sylvania, Whitney Taylor of Findlay, Ashley Thames of Kenton, Heather Thompson of Holland, Michelle Thrailkill of Perrysburg, Judith Townsend of Pittsford, Mich., Michelle Triggs of Northwood, Jamie Turney of Toledo, Tracy Vanderpool of Upper Sandusky, Kelly Wagner of Cygnet, Jill Walker of Toledo, Kimberly Walters of Northwood, Andrea Waters of Curtice, Helen Webb of Oregon, Mark Webner of Oregon, Amanda Westover of Toledo, Angela Wilburn of Toledo, Jennifer Wilson of Toledo, Kori Wolfram of Maumee, Wendell Young of Toledo, Peggy Zbinden of Grand Rapids and Tami Zunk of Oregon.

Owens’ registered nursing program was established in 1969 as one of first associate degree programs of its kind in Northwest Ohio. The academic program was later expanded to 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, and anatomy and physiology, among additional academic curriculum. 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 Findlay-area Campus to Host First-Ever Community Volunteer Fair, Jan. 18

Posted on January 10th, 2011

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are invited to learn about and explore the many available opportunities to give back to their local communities throughout Northwest Ohio as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus hosts its first-ever Community Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

The Community Volunteer Fair is being presented by the Office of Student Activities and will take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s 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 Community College’s Findlay-area Campus is proud to partner with the local community organizations and host an event which showcases the many opportunities available for individuals to volunteer their time and give back through community service,” said James Katzner, Owens Manager of Student Activities and Conduct.

Throughout the event, individuals can meet with local community outreach representatives and ask them questions about volunteer opportunities available through their organizations.

Area organizations in attendance will include the American Red Cross, City Mission of Findlay, Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County, Kan Du Studio of Blanchard Valley Center, Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, Read of L.I.F.E., Serenity Farm, Special Kids Therapy, Taylor House in Findlay, Wood County Park District and Findlay Family YMCA, among many others.

For more information about the Community Volunteer Fair, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Community College Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Jan. 17

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17 in honor of Dr. 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, Jan. 18.

Owens Community College to Host Baseball High School Prospect Camps, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players in high school the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts Express Baseball High School Prospect Camps in January and February.

The College’s two Express Baseball High School Prospect Camps will take place on Sundays, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. Owens’ baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions as part of each daylong Express Baseball High School Prospect Camp. The morning sessions will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon sessions will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The two camps will take place in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Youth in grades 9-12 will be divided into groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2010 season with a 35-20 overall record and in third place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (4-8 record). The Express lost to Vincennes University in the NJCAA Region XII Baseball Championships.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camps to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The camp fee for each session is $45 per player or $80 per player for individuals interested in attending two sessions, $110 per player for individuals interested in attending three sessions and $135 per player for individuals interested in attending four sessions. For more information, or to register, contact Head Coach Del Young at (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics.

Owens Community College to Host Business of Photography Workshop, Jan. 22

Posted on January 7th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into the strategies of owning and operating a professional photography business are invited to attend a daylong Business of Photography Workshop at Owens Community College on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Presented by the Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio and the Owens Photo Club student organization, the Business of Photography Workshop will take place from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-127 on the Toledo-area Campus. The event is open to the public.

“Owens Community College is honored to be able to assist the Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio, who have planned this terrific event to help people explore what it takes to make money from their photographic skills,” said Margaret Lockwood-Lass, Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts and Co-Advisor of the Owens Photo Club. “The professional photographers are leaders in the industry with valuable insights for photographers at any skill level.”

“The Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio organization is pleased to co-sponsor this workshop with the Owens Photo Club,” said Fred Eldridge, President of Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio and Owner of Eldridge Images. “The Business of Photography Workshop affords area professional photographers the opportunity to assist others who are considering taking their passion of photography to the next level as a career, as well as save them from the inevitable mistakes others have previously made when entering the photography industry.”

The Business of Photography Workshop will feature several leading professionals from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan within the photography industry, including Terry Irwin of TJ Irwin Photography and John Fenstemacher of INVU Portraits, among many others. Additionally, the educational workshop will include a panel discussion consisting of Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio board members and photography studio owners.

Highlighted workshop topics specific to starting a professional photography business will include financing, insurance, taxes, business record keeping and accounting practices, state and federal requirements, grant opportunities and incentives, photography supplies, pricing, networking, the current marketplace for photography, and the pros and cons of business ownership. The Business of Photography Workshop will also provide attendees with some insight into the importance of self promotion and marketing and the Internet as it relates to a professional career in the photography industry.

Professional Photographers of Northwest Ohio serves as the regional chapter of professional photographers from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan and is affiliated with the Professional Photographers of Ohio and Professional Photographers of America.

The Owens Photo Club was founded with the overall mission of providing personal and professional enrichment and educational opportunities for all Owens students, including students majoring in the College’s commercial photography technology and photography academic programs.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the Business of Photography Workshop prior to the date of the event. The cost of the event is $39 for adults and $19 for students, which includes lunch. For additional information about the upcoming workshop, call (419) 385-8083 or (419) 227-1801. Individuals can also access information online at www.owensphotoclub.org and www.ppno.org.

Owens Community College Announces Spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program, Feb. 2-23

Posted on January 7th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area youth ages 5 through 7 are invited to explore science, mathematics and creative thinking through the use of LEGO materials as Owens Community College’s Workforce and Community Services offers a spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program class, Feb. 2-23.

The spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program class will occur Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at Owens’ Workforce and Community Services, which is located at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee.

“Owens Community College’s LEGO Engineering Program continues to serve as one of the most popular continuing education programs among children and parents and we look forward to continuing to offer these and other academic classes, which promote science, mathematics and creative thinking in a fun, engaging environment,” said Rhonda Hogrefe, Owens Continuing Education and Community Service Account Representative.

Using advanced LEGO parts and pieces, Junior LEGO Engineering class attendees will learn to design and build models through the use of fixed and movable pulleys, gears, levers, wheels, axles, forces and belt drives. The experiential learning activities will use principles related to simple and complex machines as well as gearing and mechanical advantage techniques.

In addition, the class will use LEGO Educational Division materials and LEGO Technic elements as part of the academic learning process.

The registration cost for the spring Junior LEGO Engineering Program class is $89. For more information, or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Presents Nationally Recognized Comedy Hypnotist Frederick Winters, Jan. 13

Posted on January 5th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to embark on a journey into their imaginations through the use of hypnosis as Owens Community College welcomes nationally recognized comedy hypnotist Frederick Winters as part of a free lecture presentation on Thursday, Jan. 13.

Presented by the Office of Student Activities, the lecture presentation will occur from 12-1:30 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Winters is recognized nationally for his hypnotic performances, entertaining thousands of audiences ranging from colleges and universities to private companies. His interest in hypnosis began while attending Northwestern University and he trained under master hypnotherapist George Vaughn Lowther.

In addition to his performance schedule, Winters owns and operates a private hypnotherapy practice in Florida, where he is a certified clinical hypnotherapist. He is also a member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and has received several accolades throughout his career highlighted by the 2010 Best Male Performer and the 2006 College Entertainer of the Year awards from “Campus Activities Magazine”.

Besides entertaining audiences, Winters educates his crowds on hypnosis and its many misconceptions as well as how hypnotherapy is can be used to modify perceptions, behavior, sensations and emotions.

For additional information about the event, contact the Office of Student Activities at (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Welcomes Nationally Acclaimed Artist Amanda Burnham, Jan. 11 – Feb. 10

Posted on January 4th, 2011

Amanda Burnham's unique drawing installations similar to the mixed media artistic expression titled "Border" will be showcased as part of the College's "Urban Signs" art exhibition.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses invite area residents to visit the artistic world of nationally recognized artist Amanda Burnham through her paintings, drawings and wall paintings depicting the evolving urban built landscape as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery and the Library Gallery present a new exhibit titled “Urban Signs”, Jan. 11 – Feb. 10. The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township, while Owens’ Library Gallery is located on the Findlay-area Campus in Findlay.

In addition, the College’s Findlay-area Campus will host a reception and gallery talk for Burnham at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus will also serve as host to a lecture by guest artist Burnham at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20 in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111.

“Owens Community College is truly honored to showcase the artistic talents of Amanda Burnham,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “Burnham seeks to record, from as many vantage points as she can see and imagine, the hysteria, confusion and loneliness arising from the confrontation between individuals and the overwhelming, unknowable structures of cities. The artwork is extremely thought provoking and will certainly provide exhibit attendees with an extraordinary look into the urban landscape of America.”

Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus, added, “Owens’ Library Gallery and the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery are excited to offer art enthusiasts the unique opportunity to view the amazing talents of a young artist from Northwest Ohio who is developing a national reputation for her work. I encourage area residents to visit both the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses and the ‘Urban Signs’ exhibits.”

Burnham’s drawings and drawing installations are based on her explorations of and encounters within the evolving urban built landscapes. Often working on site, outside or in her car, Burnham reads the landscape for found segments of language and records the poetics of vacant lots, moveable type signs and billboards with ink and other water media on paper. The Toledo native often pieces fragments together in a cumulative manner, not unlike the way the urban landscape is collectively authored over time. Her drawing installations expand upon these explorations, layering and stitching together found visual elements of landscape in conversation with the site against which they have been displaced, using paint, artificial turf, concrete, sand and trash directly on the wall.

Owens' "Urban Signs" art exhibition will feature an array of Amanda Burnham's artwork, including an ink and gouache on paper drawing titled "Trespass".

Her works have been widely exhibited nationwide to include appearances at the Dorsch Gallery in Miami, the GV/AS Gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Harrington Arts in San Francisco, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Conn., and the Toledo Museum of Art. Burnham also has received several accolades throughout her career highlighted by the Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Emerging Educators and Administrators Awards and Fellowship from ThinkTank 4.

Burnham received a bachelor’s degree in visual and environmental studies from Harvard University and a master’s degree in painting and printmaking from Yale University. The Baltimore resident has served as an Assistant Professor and Foundations Coordinator in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education at Towson University since 2007.

Admission to the Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery is also free and open to the public. Gallery hours are from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fridays and from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, contact the Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Baseball Youth Camp, Jan. 17

Posted on January 4th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts a one-day Express Baseball Youth Camp on Monday, Jan. 17.

The Express baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions on Monday (Jan. 17). The morning session will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon session will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Both camp sessions will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Youth ages 7-13 will be divided by age groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The camp fee for each session is $45 per player or $80 per player for individuals interested in attending two sessions. For more information, or to register, contact Express Head Coach Del Young at (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics.

Owens Community College Student’s Photography Featured on National Hallmark Holiday Card

Posted on December 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents looking for that perfect greeting card this holiday season might be amazed to know that their choice selection may have a Northwest Ohio connection to Owens Community College commercial photography student Lois Bowlus. The Pemberville resident’s holiday photo depicting her granddaughter Amber Boyett of Perrysburg picking up a string of multi-colored Christmas lights has been chosen to be featured in Hallmark stores this holiday season.

Bowlus’ holiday card entry of her granddaughter with the title of “A Christmas Wish” was chosen as one of 19 contest winners within Hallmark’s Greeting Card “That Says Christmas” category to have their artistic expressions available for purchase as e-cards on the company’s website. From there, the 54-year-old’s photography earned the highest honor bestowed by Hallmark when it was selected to grace the holiday card section of Hallmark stores around the country.

“It’s really rewarding to see something you captured with a camera appear in a Hallmark card,” explained Bowlus. “What is even more exciting is that my family has had the opportunity to share in the experience because the photo is of my granddaughter was taken when my family was trimming the Bowlus Christmas tree. I think everyone in my family has purchased several “A Christmas Wish” holiday cards.”

Bowlus, who is a part-time Staff Attorney for the Sixth District Court of Appeals in Toledo, added, “The photo of Amber with the Christmas lights was one of first pictures I took with my first digital camera.”

In addition to the photo and greeting, the Hallmark contest required that each submission include a written caption to accompany the holiday card. Bowlus, who is married and the mother of five children and the grandmother of two children, chose the inspirational message “May the light of the world bring you peace this Christmas and always.”

The national recognition has not dulled Bowlus’ interest in photography and in some ways has transformed the hobby into a potential second career as a professional photographer in addition to her legal work.

“I would really like to make photography more than just a hobby,” stated Bowlus, who began her pursuit of a commercial photography certificate at Owens in January 2009. “I have learned a lot in my classes at Owens. It has been a great experience.”

Among the classes Bowlus has taken at Owens include black and white photography and large format, among others. She anticipates completing her certificate program in 2012.

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Owens Express Volleyball Pink-Themed Volley for the Cure Event Raises $760 for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research

Posted on December 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Pink volleyballs, pink T-shirts, pink bracelets and pink necklaces were appropriately abundant on a recent afternoon at Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center as the Express women’s volleyball team and the Raising Awareness Club raised funds to help support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the organization’s efforts in the fight against breast cancer. Both fans and student-athletes alike wore pink and purchased clothing items and participated in fundraising contests in honor of breast cancer awareness during the Express’ home match against Cuyahoga Community College.

In a little under two hours, the Owens volleyball team and the Raising Awareness Club collected over $760 through various “pink-themed” activities, which included a game ball raffle, T-shirt, necklace and bracelet sales, and a pink game worn Express volleyball jersey silent auction.

“Every dollar counts in helping to find a cure against breast cancer,” explained sophomore outside hitter and defensive specialist Jessica Knueve of Kalida, who also played in Volley for the Cure matches as a junior and senior at Kalida High School in Putnam County. “I want to thank everyone who helped support this year’s Volley for the Cure. Together, we can make a difference.”

In addition to contributions raised, the Express volleyball team won the match against Cuyahoga Community College in three consecutive games 25-11, 25-5 and 25-8.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. More than $1 billion has been raised to aid the fight against breast cancer in the world.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Sonny Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

In addition, Owens’ volleyball team advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished 11 among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. The Express also participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Express volleyball team members include Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Jessica Knueve of Kalida (Kalida H.S.), Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo (Start H.S.), Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Lauren Lind of Millbury (Lake H.S.), Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.), Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Alyssa Pelish of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Ellie Comes of Toledo (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Ashley Horak of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Julia Haupricht of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich. (Milan H.S.), Allison Seifker of Norwalk (Monroeville H.S.) and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

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Owens Community College Alumni Association Appoints Board of Directors to Leadership Positions

Posted on December 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College Alumni Association has named Andrea Gurcsik of Maumee, Manager of Human Resources for First Solar, as the new President of the Alumni Association. Gurcsik replaces David Seeger of Maumee, President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union Inc., who served as Alumni Association President for the previous three years.

In addition, the Alumni Association named Steven Cotner of Perrysburg, President of Corporate Intelligence Consultants as Vice President; Mark Carr of Perrysburg, Vice President of Mortgage Sales Manager for Genoa Bank, as Treasurer; and Christi Wagner of Deshler, Senior Global Security Specialist for Owens Corning, as Secretary. Each officer will serve a one-year term.

Five Directors were re-elected to their positions during the Alumni Association’s annual meeting and will serve three-year terms. Re-elected Directors include Mark Carr; Carolyn Chapman of Holland, Human Resource Specialist at The University of Toledo; Steven Cotner; Kaye Koevenig of Toledo, Senior Accountant at Owens Community College; and David Seeger.

“Our Alumni Association Directors are talented, dedicated individuals who are proud Owens alumni,” said Laura Moore, Owens Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events and Executive Director of the Alumni Association. “They are passionate about education and are actively engaged in supporting Owens Community College.”

The Owens Community College Alumni Association mission is to engage alumni and students in programs, events and services that energize interest, build loyalty and strengthen support of Owens Community College. Since opening its doors in 1965, Owens 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.

Owens Community College Students Inducted Into Fall Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society

Posted on December 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students were recently recognized for their academic excellence and leadership within the community, earning membership into the Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society.

The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society was founded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1989 in response to the increasing need to acknowledge the continuing successes of students within the academic institution’s academic development program. Recognizing that students who share similar experiences could serve as models for others, founder Dr. Elbert Saddler proposed a Greek letter honor society. In 2001, Chi Alpha Epsilon received official endorsement from the National Association for Developmental Education. Today, there are over 150 chapters of the national honor society.

The honor society promotes continued high academic standards, fosters communication among its members and encourages community service and participation in academic support programs where individuals may serve as role models to entering students.

“Owens Community College’s Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon is extremely honored and proud to recognize the academic achievements of students who enter college through non-traditional criteria,” said Sharon Badenhop, Owens Associate Professor of English and Co-Adviser of Chi Alpha Epsilon. “The inductees are outstanding young men and women, many of whom have defied the odds and overcome obstacles in pursuit of a college education. This honor society provides such a means to encourage, motivate and reward individuals for continuing to grow and develop into role models for fellow students.”

Selection criterion for acceptance into the honor society is based upon students achieving a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average for two consecutive full-time semesters or three-four part-time semesters. In addition, individuals must have taken at least one developmental education course at Owens. The College’s chapter was founded in April 2006. The Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society student inductees for the 2010 Fall Semester are:

Monica Adams of Toledo†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (office administration)

Rachel Asmus of Bowling Green † † † † † † † † † (multi-age education)

Kimberly Barnard of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † (pre-business administration)

Bethany Bitter of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (medical assistant)

Zachary Boris of Perrysburg † † † † † † † † † † † † †(business management)

Angela Broyles of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(emergency management and planning)

James Buford of Liberty Center † † † † † † † † † (electrical)

Antoirnette Burns of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † (criminal justice technology)

Tanya Cain of Liberty Center † † † † † † † † † † † † (e-business)

Michelle Campbell of Maumee † † † † † † † † † (CAD technology)

Betsi Cancelliere of Lemoyne † † † † † † † † † † †(licensed practical nursing/registered nursing progression)

Kimberly Cousino of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † †(registered nursing)

Angie Dutridge of Swanton † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(early childhood education)

Janet Fennell of Swanton † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(skilled trades)

Leland Foster of Swanton † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (architectural engineering technology)

Beatrice Garcia of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (pre-nursing)

Amy Gibson of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-business administration)

Brandy Hamblin of Maumee † † † † † † † † † † † †(middle childhood education)

Antoinette Hampton of Toledo † † † † † † † † (pre-dietetic technician)

Shaiem Hampton of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † †(psychology)

Andrew Hartke of Oregon † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(mathematics)

Jennifer Jagielski of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † (licensed practical nursing)

Christopher Kelsch of Perrysburg † † † † † †(accounting)

Alisha King of Toledo††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (criminal justice technology)

Stephanie Korcsog of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † (medical office support)

Casie Kosier of Swanton†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (pre-physical therapist assistant)

Lauren Kubasek of Oregon † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(occupational therapy assistant)

Norman Kujawa III of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † (multi-age education)

Rebekah Lahey of Bowling Green † † † † † † † †(occupational therapist assistant)

Danielle McCormick of Toledo † † † † † † † † †(network and systems security)

Dan McCormick of Findlay † † † † † † † † † † † † † (early childhood education)

Penelope McGowan of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † (pre-nursing)

Miata Kollie of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (social work)

Teri Minkowski of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-nursing)

Nicole Perry of Perrysburg † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (business management)

Alexia Proch of Perrysburg † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-nursing)

Jeff Randall of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(welding)

Toni Regutti of Carey†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (social work)

Hannah Ridgely of Elmore † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-dietetic technician)

Jaime Roberts of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-nursing)

Blanca Romero of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(medical office support)

Sherine Romero of Findlay † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(office coordinator)

James Ross of Tiffin † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(computer science)

Sabbrina Salazar of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(financial services sales)

Angela Sass of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(pre-dental hygiene)

Andrew Sickelbaugh of Perrysburg † † † † † †(pre-physical therapist assistant)

Bryan Smith of Sylvania † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(landscape and turfgrass management)

Christopher Smith of Sylvania † † † † † † † † † † †(business management)

Christen Souders of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (accounting)

Megan Stuck of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(accounting)

Kimberly Suttles of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †(commercial art)

Larry Taylor II of Toledo††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (criminal justice technology)

Jaclyn Wahrer of New Riegel †††††††††††††††††††††††††† (early childhood education)

Airiga Williams of Toledo††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††† (pre-nursing)

Audrey Williams of Toledo † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † (social work)

Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on December 17th, 2010

Brittany Egbert

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College recently honored its fall athletic programs for displaying outstanding excellence during intercollegiate competition. Express student-athletes participating in women’s volleyball and men’s soccer were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (pre-physical therapist assistant major) being named NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American in women’s volleyball.

This marks 13 out of 15 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Egbert’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year and several NJCAA All-Region XII awards. Egbert, a freshman middle blocker from Hopewell-Loudon High School, led the team with 520 kills, 161 blocks and 81 aces.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with an 11-10 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in third place in the final Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings. The Express lost to Ancilla College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Offensive Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Defensive Most Valuable Player – Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (13 kills, 942 digs, 13 assists and 43 aces) (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (2 kills, 272 digs, 5 assists and 24 aces) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.)
Coaches Award – Jessica Knueve of Kalida, outside hitter/defensive specialist (112 kills, 48 digs, 19 assists, 4 aces and 58 blocks) (Kalida H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Brittany Egbert

OCCAC Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Brittany Egbert; Ellie Comes; Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter/outside hitter (213 kills, 317 digs, 929 assists, 46 aces and 57 blocks) (Monroe H.S.); and Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (237 kills, 51 digs, 29 assists, 3 aces and 71 blocks) (Monroeville H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (362 kills, 162 digs, 8 assists, 73 aces and 81 blocks) (Bowling Green H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Brittany Egbert and Ellie Comes

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Brittany Egbert, Ellie Comes and Erin Schatzle

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

NJCAA All-Region XII Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

NJCAA All-American Division II Second Team – Brittany Egbert

Owens Express volleyball team members also included Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, outside hitter/setter (38 kills, 236 digs, 768 assists, 61 aces and 5 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo, defensive specialist (4 kills, 166 digs, 2 assists and 10 aces) (Start H.S.); Amanda Schuster of Sylvania, middle blocker/outside hitter (26 kills, 9 digs, 4 assists, 3 aces and 10 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Lauren Lind of Millbury, outside hitter (102 kills, 26 digs, 13 assists, 1 ace and 31 blocks) (Lake H.S.); Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville, defensive specialist (25 digs and 2 aces) (Eastwood H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter/middle blocker (251 kills, 34 digs, 11 assists, 9 aces and 97 blocks) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); and Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (251 kills, 63 digs, 10 assists, 2 aces and 94 blocks) (Milan H.S.).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Michael Hamouda of Liverpool, United Kingdom, midfielder (14 goals, 11 assists and 39 points) (Rainhill H.S.)

Offensive MVP – Glenroy Miller of Belleville, N.J., forward (16 goals, 5 assists and 37 points) (St. James H.S.)

Defensive MVP – Lamar Lemonius of Ilford, United Kingdom, defender (4 goals, 3 assists and 11 points) (Barking Abby School)

Most Improved Player – Kyle Whitmore of Toledo, midfielder (1 goal and 2 points) (Start H.S.)

Coaches Award – Travis Turner of Toledo, defender (1 goal and 2 points) (Springfield H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Michael Hamouda and Lamar Lemonius

OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Glenroy Miller and Rodcliff Hall of Boston, Mass., forward (11 goals, 2 assists and 24 points) (William Knibb Memorial H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Michael Hamouda

NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team – Lamar Lemonius

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included Cody Katschke of Martin, defender (2 goals and 4 points) (Genoa H.S.); Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg, midfielder (3 goals, 4 assists and 10 points) (St. Francis de Sales H.S.); Pavle Udovicic of Belgrade, Serbia, goalie (50 saves) (Sportska Gimnazija Belgrade); Dustin Lamon of Findlay, goalie (43 saves) (Liberty-Benton H.S.); Mikhail Weatherly of Montego Bay, Jamaica, forward (1 goal, 5 assists and 7 points) (Cornwall College); Sean McEneff of Baldoyle, Ireland, defender (2 assists and 2 points) (St. Paul’s College); Matthew Spence of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., forward (1 assist and 1 point) (Calabar H.S.); Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., midfielder (2 goals, 1 assist and 5 points) (Ypsilanti H.S.); Nikoy Wallace of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defender (3 assists and 3 points) (Anchovy H.S.); Sean Kaighin of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); Jerry Doekieh of Bristol, Pa., defender (Harry S. Truman H.S.); Brian Kirton of Bridgetown, Barbados, midfielder (Queens College); and Hugo Sierra of Toledo, midfielder (Rogers H.S.).

Owens Community College Closed During Holiday Season

Posted on December 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Friday-Sunday, Dec. 24 – Jan. 2, for the holiday season. Administrative offices will open again on Monday, Jan. 3.

Spring Semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 10.

Owens Community College Foundation Recognizes Students for Academic Excellence

Posted on December 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Foundation has awarded more than $165,300 in scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year to students for their outstanding achievements.

“The Owens Community College Foundation is delighted to recognize these outstanding scholarship recipients for their exemplary efforts while pursuing their goal of a college education,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and the Foundation. “It is the generous support of our donors that allows us to honor these students’ achievements. Each donor’s support of Foundation scholarships helps to provide enhanced opportunities for students to achieve academic success.”

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.4 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

James A. Adams Memorial Scholarship: Nicole Slawinski of Toledo and Fanell Williams of Toledo each received a $700 scholarship. Recipients of this award must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

AEP Ohio Scholarship: Jarred Collins of Bloomville, Danee Currie of Findlay, Lisa Depinet of Republic, Stephen Dorsey of Fostoria, Lindsey Farias of Findlay, Debbie Flores of Hamler, Cindy Girard of Findlay, Jill Gooding of Fostoria, Dawan Jones of Fostoria, Belinda King of Findlay, Michael King of Carey, Ronald Laware of Bloomdale, Barbie Miller of Mount Blanchard, Michael Reinhart of Alvada, Kenneth Schaade of Tiffin, Denise Shisler of Findlay and Nathaniel Weller of Fostoria each received a $1,500 scholarship. Recipients must be AEP Ohio customers enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

George D. Allesee Memorial Scholarship: David Baker of Sylvania received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business majors and students who are 22 years of age or older.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship: Miles Hinkle of Findlay received a $2,500 scholarship and Elizabeth Celley of Perrysburg and Angelia Huffman of Toledo each received a $1,425 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of the Owens Alumni Association.

American Society for Industrial Security International, Toledo Chapter, Fred C. Heck Scholarship: Jakob Sigler of Findlay received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a second-year student. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

The Andersons Scholarship: Eric Eberly of Bowling Green and Mark Jones of Toledo each received a $750 scholarship. †Recipients must have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in academic programs within the School of Business and Information Systems, the School of Technology, the School of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or the natural sciences area.

The Rudy Aschenbrener Memorial Scholarship: Christopher Gribble of Lambertville, Mich. received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least six credit hours at Owens, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be majoring in the auto body program.

The Don Brondes Memorial Scholarship: Joseph Bella of Perrysburg received a $425 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 16 credit hours at Owens, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester and be majoring in automotive technology.

The Bill Buck Memorial Scholarship: Cameron Seidl of Sylvania received a $395 scholarship and Samantha Albert of Toledo and Julie Stahl of Toledo each received a $225 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, be working toward an associate’s degree, have a disability and be registered with the College’s Disability Services Office.

Central West Area Council Scholarship: Brandon Slomski of Toledo received a $1,100 scholarship. Recipients must reside in the Central West area of Toledo, be pursuing an associate’s degree and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to part-time students.

The Charles Carr Rotary Club of Maumee Scholarship: Jennifer Brasel of Toledo received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in fire science technology.

Christo Scholarship: Christopher Salazar of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student who is a fine and performing arts major.

Cristoforo Colombo Lodge #772 Scholarship: Karen DiNardo of Toledo and Rose DiNardo of Toledo each received a $380 scholarship. Recipients must be an incoming freshman who has graduated from a Northwest Ohio high school, be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students of Italian descent.

Detective Keith Dressel Memorial Scholarship: Jakob Sigler of Findlay received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum six credits hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 12 credit hours at Owens. Preference is given to criminal justice technology majors.

Findlay Leadership Scholarship: Karin Long of Fostoria received a $600 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester. Preference is given to Findlay-area Campus students.

Ford Scholarship: Amy Ashley of Oak Harbor, Cobin Hedrick of Continental, Maureen Kurtz of Tiffin, Nicole Stegman of Toledo and Chelsea Turner of Monroe, Mich. each received a $750 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester. This award is designated for women and minorities and preference is given to Ford employees and their spouses and children.

Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Rachel Arnold of Alvada, Nicole Kelbley of Fostoria and Jacob West of Rudolph each received a $200 scholarship. Recipients must be a member of the Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative or live on the Hancock-Wood Cooperative lines. In addition, individuals must have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Rich Harmon Memorial Scholarship: Donna Hoffman of Dunbridge received a $580 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and exhibit a strong desire to pursue a quality assurance career in manufacturing.

Chuck Holsclaw Memorial Scholarship: Geraldine Davis of Toledo received a $1,000 scholarship and Barbara Bertonaschi of Bowling Green received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students who are 22 years of age or older.

Jones-Hamilton Co. Scholarship: Kyle Simok of Northwood received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a resident of Lake Township, Perrysburg Township, Rossford or Northwood.

John and Margaret Kurfess Scholarship: Leanne Schild of Monroeville received a $580 scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least 16 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a health sciences major.

Donald Leonhardt Welding Scholarship: Joseph Artino of Toledo received a $580 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in welding.

Margaret “Margy” Matthews Scholarship: Kayley Macfarlane of Toledo received a $425 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student majoring in early childhood education.

Mary’s Scholarship: Hui-Ling Chen of Findlay, Jennifer Clark of Bowling Green, Aaron Etzkorn of Delphos, Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa, Susan Kau of Findlay, Adunola Ogunleye of Toledo, Tina Sneed of Toledo, Janette Tamesis of Holland and Nicole VanNess of Woodville each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to employees of Little Sisters of the Poor or the College’s nursing majors.

Maumee Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Avant’e Lewis of Toledo and Nathan Miller of Toledo each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be graduating seniors of Penta Career Center who are participating in the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) program.

The Officer William Miscannon Memorial Scholarship: Jakob Sigler of Findlay received a $1,500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in criminal justice who plan to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Owens Community College Bookstore Scholarship: Mark Jakubec of Whitehouse and Tracy Siefker of Ottawa each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business management or marketing and sales majors.

Owens Community College Foundation Scholarship: Rebekah Birkholz of Clyde, Emily Dillon of McComb, Jeffrey Giesige of Holgate, Corey Hodgson of Curtice, Kayley Macfarlane of Toledo, Tara Rettig of Forest, Kristine Shaffer of Continental, Andrew Sickelbaugh of Perrysburg and Alyssa Stombaugh of Findlay each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Owens Community College Foundation Diamante Latino Scholarship: Tabitha Mixon of Toledo received a $1,530 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Owens Community College Foundation Honors Scholarship: Breanna Beck of Genoa and Nicole Buchanan of Genoa each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be a member of the Owens Community College Honors Program.
Owens Corning Diamante Latino Scholarship: Belinda King of Findlay received a $620 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Owens Community College Marketing and Sales Scholarship: Chelsea Turner of Monroe, Mich. received a $300 scholarship. Recipients must have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in marketing and sales, retailing management or financial services sales and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Perrysburg Rotary STRIVE Scholarship: Joshua Jacobs of Maumee, Mallory Myers of Whitehouse and Dustin Swarthout of Grand Rapids each received a $1,000 scholarship and Natasha Verschoor of Bradner received a $2,000 scholarship. Recipients must be graduating seniors of Penta Career Center who are participating in the Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE) program.

PNC/National City Diamante Latino Scholarship: Lindsey Farias of Findlay received a $650 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be of Latino heritage.

Post-Secondary Option Book Scholarship: Ashley Achten of Rawson, Adalene Berfield of Perrysburg, Meghan Brewer of Rossford, William Brown of Rossford, Emily Burghardt of Maumee, Kailee Cajka of Bowling Green, Erica Chambers of Maumee, Amanda Chernota of Toledo, Kayleigh Church of Whitehouse, Amber Dimasso of Perrysburg, Karen DiNardo of Toledo, Rose Dinardo of Toledo, Jacob Flores of North Baltimore, Gabrielle Griffin of Toledo, Kate Hubbard of Holland, Audrey Inniger of Jenera, Krysta Jones of Liberty Center, Stephanie Jones of Findlay, Nicholas Linthicum of Rossford, Keri Lutz of Bowling Green, Eric Magrum of Luckey, Aaron Matesz of Swanton, Kylee Pierce of Maumee, Kathleen Richardson of Stryker, Jorden Sancrant of Toledo, Jakob Sigler of Findlay, Mary Ellen Stine of Findlay, Elisha Swindler of Forest, Dionisia Vasquez of Swanton, Abigail Walter of Mount Blanchard, Brittany Whitmore of Northwood and Samantha Young of Swanton each received $400 scholarships. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Individuals must be former Post-Secondary Option students who are continuing their education at Owens following their high school graduation.

President Daniel H. Brown Scholarship: Cynthia Hoenig of Maumee, Anne Malin of Northwood, Judy Moore of Toledo, Deborah Thomasson of Walbridge and Christine Drath of Toledo each received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to health science students.

Private Industry Collaborative Scholarship: Mark Barbour of Haskins and Jody Swain of Toledo each received a $900 scholarship. Recipients must be a non-traditional student who is a dislocated or soon-to-be dislocated worker.

Edward and Linda Reiter Scholarship: Laura Galliger of Bowling Green received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a technology-specific associate’s degree program.

Pauline Schmidt Memorial Scholarship: Natasha Hall of Toledo received a $325 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the dental hygiene program.

Seeger Consulting Service Scholarship: Kenneth Mann of Wyandotte, Mich. received a $250 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to business majors.

The Scott Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Kevin Krasa of Oregon received an $800 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled a minimum of 12 credit hours and have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in criminal justice technology or who are a member of the Owens Community College basketball team.

The Art and Connie Smith Honors Scholarship: Darlene Grey of Toledo received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have been accepted into the Owens Community College Honors Program.

Spanish American Organization Scholarship: Maite Barrios of Toledo and Tabitha Mixon of Toledo each received a $650 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, be of Latino heritage and reside in Lucas or Wood counties.

Tall Timbers Foundation Scholarship: Emily Molyet of Fostoria received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Individuals must be a Findlay-area Campus student who is an employee or child of an employee at the Tall Timbers Industrial Center of Findlay.

Toledo Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship: Benjamin Adkins of Shelby, Joseph Bella of Perrysburg and Joshua Jankowski of Maumee each received a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.4 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in the diesel or automotive technology program.

Toledo Community Foundation – Marsh Family Fund Scholarship: Rachel Arnold of Alvada, Diana Leemaster of Bradner, Heidi Smith of New Riegel, Danielle Thomas of Toledo, Louis Vermillion of Findlay and Cassie Wolfe of Columbus Grove each received a $400 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Toledo Community Foundation – George and Luella Shoemaker Fund: Crystal Barnt of Maumee, Angelica Breeding of Maumee, Amber Brossia of Northwood, Jamie Burgy of Toledo, Kathleen Dillon of Toledo, Emily Dubuc of Toledo, Beatrice Garcia of Toledo, Natasha Hall of Toledo, Renee Hires of Northwood, Quincy Mathews of Toledo, Suzanne Pinson of Perrysburg, Mary Puterbaugh of Toledo, Tanesha Reed of Toledo, Debbie Rosebrock of Toledo, Wendy Rudd of Maumee, Cameron Seidl of Sylvania, John Sellers of Maumee, Jennifer Vasko of Toledo and Elizabeth Watkins of Toledo each received $500 scholarships. Recipients must reside in the Greater Toledo area of Lucas County and contiguous communities, have completed 12 credit hours at Owens, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a technology-specific program.

Toledo Mobile Radio Association Scholarship: Janet Dzienny of Millbury received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in electrical/electronics engineering technology or skilled trades technology electrical major.

UPS Scholarship: Maite Barrios of Toledo, Lynette Glorioso of Perrysburg, Katie Ink of New Riegel, Tanya Luth-Hall of Grand Rapids, Yuai Marshall of Toledo, Barbie Miller of Mount Blanchard, Mitchell Scholten of Holland, Michigan, Tracy Siefker of Ottawa, Toni Smith of Maumee and Renae VanBrackel of Defiance each received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must have completed 12 credit hours, be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA.

Bud Weaver Memorial Scholarship: Tanesha Reed of Toledo received a $440 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester and have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to a student who is a criminal justice technology major.

Matthew D. Winckowski Memorial Scholarship: Jenna Spetz of Oregon received a $500 scholarship. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, have achieved a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be a graduating senior from Clay High School. Preference is given to a student who is a commercial art technology major.

Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. †With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. †Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 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. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

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

Posted on December 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – 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 for the Fall Semester. 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 proud to recognize these new inductees for their outstanding dedication and commitment to higher education,” said Rick Clever, Owens Technical Director of Fine and Performing Arts and Co-Advisor. “Selection to Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is certainly an honor that can only be achieved as a result of hard work and determination. Each and every student is very deserving and should be commended for their 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.

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2010 Fall Semester are:

Muse Ali of Toledo (international business)
Maria Baboun of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)
Jennifer Baker of Bowling Green (diagnostic medical sonography)
Shelby Baker of Sylvania (business management)
Leila Barakat of Toledo (pre-radiography)
Albin Bauer III of Northwood (automotive technology)
Sara Baum of Swanton (international studies)
Diana Baum of Toledo (early childhood education)
Amanda Billegas of Toledo (psychology)
Michelle Blevins of Toledo (associate of arts, general concentration)
Christopher Bohland of Toledo (registered nursing)
Chad Born of Walbridge (middle childhood education)
Amanda Borton of Toledo (early childhood education)
Elizabeth Bowlus of Fremont (pre-medical imaging technologies)
Cynthia Butler of Toledo (commercial art technology)
Scott Campbell of Holland (social work)
Elizabeth Celley of Perrysburg (middle childhood education)
Amanda Chernota of Walbridge (associate of arts, general concentration)
Megan Childers of Northwood (pre-nursing)
Caren Cole of Perrysburg (middle childhood education)
Donald Cole of West Unity (welding)
Susan Colon of Perrysburg (pre-medical assistant)
Sunday Crandall of Toledo (pre-occupational therapy assistant)
Douglas Crowley of Toledo (business management)
Gabrielle Cutino of Oregon (social work)
Telia Dargartz of Findlay (adolescence education)
Nathan Daulbaugh of Toledo (commercial art technology)
Myron Draime of Northwood (electrical)
Kimberly Erdman of Toledo (pre-business administration)
Kayla Fackler of McClure (adolescence education)
Nancy Fleishman of Toledo (CPA qualifying)
Jordan Floyd of Waterville (undecided)
Christopher Fofrich of Toledo (psychology)
Karen Fowler of Toledo (e-business)
Timothy Frank of Toledo (international business)
Dana Frederick of Toledo (sociology)
Nicholas Fry of Edgerton (accounting)
Whitney Geis of Monclova (pre-medical imaging technologies)
Jordan Glass of Oak Harbor (pre-radiography)
James Good of Toledo (CAD technology)
Susanna Graham of Toledo (pre-occupational therapy assistant)
Jacob Green of Bowling Green (welding)
Marisol Halligan of Perrysburg (accounting)
Andrew Hartke of Oregon (mathematics)
Edward Hawk of Lima (business management)
Heather Haws of Bradner (occupational therapy assistant)
Ashley Hileman of Toledo (fine art)
Renee Hires of Northwood (health information technology)
Benjamin Hobbs of Berkey (marketing and sales)
Julia Huguelet of Toledo (dental hygiene)
Skylar Jackson of Toledo (pre-nursing)
Matthew Johnson of Perrysburg (radiography)
Tracy Johnson of Piqua (emergency management and planning)
Bradley Kiepert of Wauseon (pre-nursing)
Kenneth Korn of Bowling Green (operations management)
Ruth Kuohn of Toledo (medical office support)
Pamela Lambert of Toledo (social work)
Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (biology)
Maria Lay of Toledo (culinary arts)
Terri Leary of Pemberville (associate of arts, general concentration)
Diana Leemaster of Bradner (operations management)
Grace Lomeli of Leipsic (dental hygiene)
Joseph Mackey of Curtice (business management)
Elizabeth McGlynn of Toledo (information systems)
Saige Meyer of Deshler (pre-business administration)
Danielle Morris of Whitehouse (pre-nursing)
Lauren Murtaugh of Graytown (pre-dental hygiene)
Melody Mylek of Waterville (associate of arts, general concentration)
Dennis Oehlers of Toledo (journalism)
Alan Onest of Perrysburg (undecided)
Ashley Perez of Holland (pre-dental hygiene)
Jacqueline Ray of Toledo (associate of arts, general concentration)
Thomas Reed of Rossford (undecided)
Laura Roesti-Green of Ottawa Hills (pre-nursing)
Christine Sarantou of Toledo (pre-business administration)
Jennifer Schmidt of Waterville (business management)
Stephanie Schnapp of Toledo (associate of arts, general concentration)
Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (pre-occupational therapy assistant)
Hilary Scott of Toledo (networking and information systems support)
Delores Searight of Erie, Mich. (physical therapist assistant)
Tonya Shank of Perrysburg (registered nursing)
Rebecca Sheehy of Genoa (English literature)
Lyndsey Shufeldt of Toledo (financial services sales)
Elvis Shuneh of Toledo (networking and information systems support)
Robin Smith of Toledo (safety coordinator)
Benjamin Stansfield of Perrysburg (English literature)
Eva Swatek of Toledo (pre-nursing)
Beth Szmania of Monclova (pre-dietetic)
Geremy Taylor of Fostoria (computer programming)
Benjamin Timmons of Burgoon (undecided)
Cory Vail of Perrysburg (fine art)
Rebecca Velandra of Ottawa Lake, Mich. (culinary arts)
Maxwell Walborn of Perrysburg (psychology)
Robert Walden Jr. of Toledo (web design)
Ebony Walker of Toledo (sociology)
John Wannemacher of Toledo (undecided)
Emily West of Haskins (small business management option)
Jacob Whitta of Fostoria (pre-professional engineering)
Airiga Williams of Toledo (pre-nursing)
Darcy Williams of Toledo (e-business)
Emily Wineland of Toledo (biology)
Nathan Wisniewski of Sylvania (history)
Cory Wobser of Castalia (pre-physical therapist assistant)
Logan Wolph of Fostoria (associate of science, general concentration)
Edelmira Ysasi of Fremont (occupational therapy assistant)

Owens Findlay-area Campus Nursing Students Brighten Hospital Children’s Smiles During Holiday Season

Posted on December 9th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Happiness and cheer was readily noticeable within area hospitals recently thanks to the humanitarian efforts of Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus’ Student Nursing Association. More than 90 toys ranging from puzzles and stuffed animals to coloring books and board games, collected as part of a community wide drive, were given to smiling children forced to spend the holiday season in local hospitals.

“The nursing profession is about helping people and the holidays are about giving,” explained Amanda Bolyard of Findlay, an Owens registered nursing student and a member of the Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association. “No one really likes to spend time in the hospital, especially children. The Owens Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association thought there was no better way to brighten the hospital children’s spirits than with a toy.”

Among the hospitals where Owens students and faculty personally hand-delivered the charitable gifts included Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay, Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, Mercy Hospital of Tiffin in Tiffin, Fremont Memorial Hospital in Fremont and Fostoria Community Hospital in Fostoria. Over 455 toys have been donated to area hospital children the last six years.

“The toy drive was once again a huge success,” said Kristyn Link of Tiffin, an Owens registered nursing student and Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association member. “This event would not be possible without the help and support of the Owens campus community and the local community. We are extremely thankful for their donations, which allowed us to bring smiles to so many children.”

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.

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Owens Community College Unveils Northwest Ohio’s First Baking and Pastry Certificate Program

Posted on December 7th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents with aspirations of becoming a professional baker or pastry chef will now have the opportunity to begin their educational journey at Owens Community College as the academic institution’s Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality unveils a new baking and pastry certificate program. Beginning Spring Semester 2011, the new academic program will be offered on the Toledo-area Campus.

“Owens Community College’s Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality is excited to expand our academic curriculum specific to the culinary arts concentration area and offer this region’s first baking and pastry certificate program,” said Tekla Madaras, Owens Chair of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality. “The popularity of the hospitality industry has grown immensely within the last decade as result of extremely popular cooking shows and celebrity chefs that can be found on such television networks as the Food Network and the Travel Channel. The new baking and pastry certificate program provides a higher educational opportunity for individuals to follow their passion and career aspirations within this growing field.”

Owens’ certificate in baking and pastry will require 28 credit hours of coursework, which includes quantity food preparation, recipe management, basic nutrition, baking and pastry, essentials of supervision, and purchasing and cost control, among other academic curriculum.

The new program is designed to prepare students for various employment opportunities within the hospitality industry. Students will develop strong knowledge and array of proficiencies specific to baking and p‚tisserie skills including bread production, classic pastry production, design and creation of chocolate and sugar showpieces, creative cake decorating and fine p‚tisserie. Upon program completion, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in establishments such as retail bakeries, fine dining restaurants and hotels, upscale pastry and bake shops, commercial baking and entrepreneurships, among other opportunities.

In addition to the new baking and pastry certificate, the Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality offers associate’s degrees and certificates in culinary arts and hospitality management.

For additional information about Owens’ new baking and pastry certificate program, call (567) 661-7214 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7214.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Nursing Students Deliver Toys to Area Hospital Children, Dec. 8

Posted on December 6th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – The Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association is working to spread happiness and cheer throughout the surrounding communities by brightening the lives of children forced to spend the holiday season in local hospitals. Toys ranging from dolls to miniature trucks, collected within the last few weeks, will soon find their way to a smiling child’s arms as the Student Nursing Association presents the donated gifts to area hospitals on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the Owens Student Nursing Association will wrap the various toys in an array of colorful paper in the Findlay-area Campus’ Nursing Lab. At 10:45 a.m., the members will divide up into groups and depart for six area hospitals to personally hand deliver the charitable gifts. Among the hospitals where Owens students will make visits are Lima Memorial Hospital at 11:15 p.m. (1001 Bellefontaine Ave.) in Lima, Wood County Hospital at 11:30 a.m. (950 W. Wooster St.) in Bowling Green, Blanchard Valley Health System at 12:15 p.m. (145 W. Wallace St.) in Findlay, Fremont Memorial Hospital at 12:30 p.m. (715 S. Taft Ave.) in Fremont, Fostoria Community Hospital at 1 p.m. (501 Van Buren St.) in Fostoria and Mercy Hospital of Tiffin at 2 p.m. (485 W. Market St.) in Tiffin. Over 365 toys were donated to area hospital children the last five years.

Four Owens Community College Student-Athletes Named NJCAA Academic All-Americans

Posted on December 2nd, 2010

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PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Four Owens Community College student-athletes have been selected to the 2009-10 Academic All-American Team by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Jahvan Russell of Montego Bay, Jamaica (men’s soccer) Distinguished Academic All-American, Jon Moore of Toledo (men’s soccer) Distinguished Academic All-American, Calvin Edwards of Delaware (men’s basketball) Academic All-American and Lorenzo Carrion-Bistolfi of Medell”n, Colombia (men’s soccer) Academic All-American are among only 55 student-athletes since 1994 to receive the award at Owens.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our four Academic All-Americans for their hard work and dedication exhibited within the classroom,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Their success as scholars is a positive reflection on the College’s athletic programs and commitment shown toward educational values.”

Russell, a sophomore midfielder (accounting) from Cornwall College, was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and achieved a 3.91 grade point average for the academic year. Last season, he totaled one goal, four assists and six points for the Express men’s soccer program, which finished with a 12-7-1 overall record and a 3-3 mark (second place) in the OCCAC. Additionally, Russell was an OCCAC All-Conference Second Team selection.

A sophomore defender from Toledo Christian Schools, Moore (pre-business administration) earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and received the team’s Coaches Award. He recorded two goals, six assists and 10 points for the 12-win Express men’s soccer program. Moore also earned OCCAC All-Conference Second Team honors and achieved a 3.88 grade point average during the academic year.

Edwards (business management) is a freshman guard/forward from Rutherford B. Hayes High School. His postseason accomplishments included OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Edwards helped the program finish fourth in the OCCAC (8-6 record) with a 15-16 overall record by averaging 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds. He achieved a 3.75 grade point average during the academic year.

A sophomore defender from Centro Educacional Conquistadores, Carrion-Bistolfi (international business) earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was an NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and an OCCAC All-Conference First Team selection. Also named team Defensive MVP and OCCAC Defensive Player of the Year, he achieved a 3.74 grade point average during the academic year and totaled one assist and one point as a defender for the Express men’s soccer program. Last year, Carrion-Bistolfi was named NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American.

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving between 3.60-3.79 grade point average for NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American honors and 3.80-4.0 grade point average for NJCAA Academic All-American status.

Owens Delivers Backpacks and Supplies to Northwest Ohio Elementary School Children

Posted on December 1st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million, two Walt Churchill’s Market locations, three Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches recently brightened many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future”. Over 410 backpacks and more than 8,700 school supply items collected throughout the summer months were donated to 22 area elementary schools.

Local schools receiving donations included Lake Local Schools’ Walbridge Elementary School, Northview Primary School in Findlay and Toledo Public Schools’ Birmingham Elementary School, Reynolds Elementary School and Glenwood Elementary School. Additionally, elementary school children through the Community Learning Center of Wood County, serving sites at Glenwood Elementary School (Rossford), Lark Elementary School (Northwood), Grand Rapids Elementary School (Otsego), Powell Elementary School (North Baltimore), Luckey Elementary School (Eastwood), Kenwood Elementary School (Bowling Green), Brunner Elementary School (Genoa), Woodmore Elementary School (Woodmore), Crim Elementary School (Bowling Green), Olney Elementary School (Northwood) and Conneaut Elementary School (Bowling Green), received school supplies from Owens and partnering organizations.

“Owens Community College’s ‘Backpack to the Future’ supply drive was once again a huge success thanks to the support of area residents and local businesses,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens Alumni Association Community Service Chair. “Our goal is to help students succeed. All children should have the opportunity to begin their school year with new educational resources and Owens Community College is proud to play a small role in making sure that happens.”

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

“These donated backpacks and school supplies are wonderful and will go directly into the classroom to benefit students and teachers,” said Dolores Swineford, Principal of Walbridge Elementary School. “I want to thank Owens Community College for this generous donation and their help and support in the student learning process.”

Warren Fauver, Director of the Community Learning Centers of the Wood County Educational Service Center added, “Owens Community College’s continued advocacy and support of Wood County children through the backpack and school supply program is commendable. They are making a difference by providing educational materials for those students with limited resources, which helps build their excitement about learning.”

“I know what it’s like to go without and it warms my heart to see people who care so much about students,” said Elizabeth Bethany, Principal of Reynolds Elementary School. “These supplies make a big difference in the children’s self esteem. It’s a positive start for them.”

In addition to the donated supplies, the program collected over $1,130 from community members. The charitable donations go toward the purchase of even more school supplies.

“School is fun,” said five-year-old Nate Ryan, a kindergartener at Northview Primary School, during the donation ceremony. “My favorite color is orange and I like to put folders and my lunch box in my Batman backpack.”

Jordan Rosales, a proud five-year-old kindergartener from Rossford’s Eagle Point Elementary School added, “I have a pink princess on my backpack and I like school.”

The Owens Alumni Association established “Backpack to the Future” supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given over 1,930 backpacks and more than 34,410 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio. Since opening its doors in 1965, Owens 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.

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Owens Community College Foundation Appoints Board of Directors to Leadership Positions

Posted on November 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Thomas Pounds of Toledo, President and Publisher for the “Toledo Free Press”, to serve as the new Chairman for the Owens Foundation. Pounds replaces Arthur H. Smith of Maumee, retired Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Libbey Inc., who served as Foundation Chairman for the previous two years.

In addition, the College’s Foundation Board of Directors elected Daniel Kimmet of Toledo, retired Chief Operating Officer for Dillin Corp., as Vice Chairman; David Seeger of Maumee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union as Secretary; and James Geers of Findlay, retired Vice President of Global Human Resources at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, as Treasurer. Each officer will serve a one-year term.

Seven Directors were re-elected to their positions during the annual meeting and will serve three-year terms. Re-elected Directors include James Baehren of Sylvania, Senior Vice President-Strategic Planning and General Counsel for Owens Illinois; Timothy Coleman of Monclova, Senior Vice President – Market Executive, Private Client Group for PNC Bank; Daniel Kimmet; Alan Sattler of Rossford, President of Flower Hospital; Arthur Smith; Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Toledo, retired Educator and Chair of the Owens Community College Board of Trustees; and John Zajac of Perrysburg, Senior Vice President and CFO of Signature Bank.

“The Owens Community College Foundation has assembled a talented and dedicated group of community leaders who understand the importance of a quality college education and value the many benefits of lifelong learning,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and Foundation President. “Through their professional and life experiences, each officer brings a wealth of knowledge to their position and each will play a significant role in assisting the Foundation in our efforts to enhance programs and services for current and future students.”

Owens Findlay-area Campus Lends Helping Hand to Needy Local Residents With Clothing Drive, Dec. 1-7

Posted on November 30th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – The Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Office of Student Activities, Student Government and the Child Care Center are reaching out to area residents in need of help by partnering with Findlay’s Salvation Army and hosting a clothing supply drive, Dec. 1-7.

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1, the Findlay-area Campus will accept a variety of new and gently used winter clothing items, including gloves/mittens, hats and coats, among other clothing. The donation drive will run through Dec. 7. All collected donations will then be delivered to Findlay’s Salvation Army and given to needy families as part of the organization’s outreach efforts.

“There many people throughout the surrounding region who are in need of assistance, whether the help comes in the form of a coat or hat,” said James Katzner, Owens Manager of Student Activities and Conduct on the Findlay-area Campus. “I encourage area residents and Owens employees and students to lend a helping hand and brighten a family’s holiday season by making a donation.”

Donations can be dropped off on the College’s Findlay-area Campus, which is located on Bright Road in Findlay, at collection points in the Library, the Child Care Center or the Commons area.

For more information on the Owens Findlay-area Campus clothing drive, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre’ Production, Dec. 10

Posted on November 29th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to take a journey back to the 1940s and the Golden Age of Radio as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents an authentic “live radio broadcast” of Frank Capra’s beloved film “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Friday, Dec. 10.

Titled “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre”, the production will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to present a theatre production that will rekindle memories of a time when families gathered around the radio for entertainment,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “‘It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre’ brings to life a bygone era when radio played a unique entertainment role in our country. Attendees are in for a theatrical experience unlike any other, which begins when the ‘On-Air’ sign lights up and actors and actresses tell the story of the heartwarming holiday classic ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ from the studios of WVL Radio.”

Produced by the North Carolina State Company and Immediate Theatre Project, “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre” retells the uplifting and bittersweet tale of George Bailey’s close call with death on Christmas Eve and the profound impact it has on those around him. More than 30 characters and numerous locations of Frank Capra’s timeless classic film will be showcased in the form of live radio drama. Popular in the 1940s, the live studio radio broadcast will feature a small group of actors and actresses as well as old-fashioned radio sound effects to bring the town of Bedford Falls to life.

Since 2006, the North Carolina State Company and Immediate Theatre Project have produced the radio play version of “It’s A Wonderful Life” for audiences initially in Asheville, N.C. The production, which was adapted for the stage by W.V.R. Repoley, can now be seen at theatrical venues throughout the country.

Tickets for “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre” performance are $23 and all seats are reserved. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

Lake High School Basketball Teams Open Seasons at Owens Community College Express Home Court

Posted on November 23rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – High school boys and girls basketball is coming to Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) as the home court for the Express will also serve as the home athletic venue for the Lake High School Flyers’ boys and girls basketball teams during the upcoming 2010-11 season.

The Lake girls junior varsity and varsity basketball teams will begin their 2010-11 campaign in the SHAC with a season-opening home contest against the Rossford Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 27. The junior varsity game will begin at 6 p.m. The Flyers’ boys basketball program tips off the season with a home game against Rossford on Saturday, Dec. 4. The first game of the tripleheader will feature the freshmen boys basketball team and start at 4:30 p.m. The boys junior varsity and varsity games will follow the freshmen contest. The College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) is located on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is honored to assist the Lake High School boys and girls basketball teams and welcome them to the Student Health and Activities Center,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “The Student Health and Activities Center, or better known as the SHAC, has been a tough place for visiting college teams to play basketball since the facility opened in 2000. I expect the Flyers to have a very similar home court advantage as the Express basketball teams. On behalf of the Owens Athletics Department, I wish the Flyers all the best during their upcoming seasons.”

Additional boys freshmen, junior varsity and varsity home games taking place at the SHAC are Dec. 18 (freshman) against Toledo Christian Schools at 4:30 p.m. and (junior varsity and varsity) against Lakota H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 21 against Northwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 28 against Bettsville H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 7 against Woodmore H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 18 against Eastwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 21 against Genoa H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 27 against Elmwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 4 against Otsego H.S. at 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 15 against Gibsonburg H.S. at 4:30 p.m.

Lake girls junior varsity and varsity home games at Owens will also include Dec. 3 against Elmwood H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 7 against Anthony Wayne H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 14 against Otsego H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 22 against Clay H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 27 against Whitmer H.S. at 6 p.m., Jan. 6 against Gibsonburg H.S. at 6 p.m., Jan. 14 against Genoa H.S. at 6 p.m., Feb. 3 against Woodmore H.S. at 6 p.m. and Feb. 11 against Eastwood H.S. at 6 p.m.

In June, Owens and Lake Local Schools entered into a new partnership that provides the school district with a temporary home for Lake High School staff and students as a result of their educational facilities being damaged or destroyed by tornados that devastated the Northwest Ohio region. Since August, over 430 Lake High School students in grades 9-12 have received their classroom instruction at the College’s Center for Development and Training building, which is located on Tracy Road in Northwood.

Lake High School students are receiving their regular comprehensive academic curriculum at the College’s Center for Development and Training building to include such course offering as art, business, computer technology, family and consumer science, music, physical education and health, and science, among other opportunities.

Owens’ 53,500 square-foot Center for Development and Training building, which housed some Workforce and Community Services and Skilled Trades Technologies educational courses, among other areas, features 10 classrooms, three computer laboratories, 34 offices, two reception areas and 12 experiential learning laboratories, all with state-of-the-art technology and academic resources to meet the needs of the Lake High School’s staff and students. In an effort to accommodate Lake High School’s educational needs, Owens relocated academic courses housed within the Center for Development and Training building to other campus locations.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Nursing Students Reach Out to Area Hospital Children With Toy Drive, Nov. 22 – Dec. 7

Posted on November 19th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – The Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association is once again working to spread holiday cheer throughout the surrounding communities by hosting its sixth annual Toy Drive benefiting children staying in local hospitals. The organization is currently accepting donations of toys, Nov. 22 – Dec. 7.

“The Owens Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association is proud to once again help in bringing smiles to those children who must spend their holiday in the hospital by coordinating our annual toy drive,” said Kristyn Link of Tiffin, Owens registered nursing student and Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association member. “Something as simple as a toy can really make a difference for a child in the hospital. I encourage individuals to give back during the holiday season by donating a toy to help a child.”

Donations can be dropped off on the College’s Findlay-area Campus, which is located on Bright Road in Findlay, at collection points in the Nursing Lab or the Commons area. On Dec. 8, the Student Nursing Association will wrap the donated toys and distribute them as gifts to children in the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center, Wood County Hospital, Mercy Hospital of Tiffin, Lima Memorial Hospital, Fremont Memorial Hospital and Fostoria Community Hospital. Over 365 toys were donated to area hospital children the last five years.

For more information on the Owens Student Nursing Association Toy Drive, call (567) 429-3518 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3518.

Owens Black Student Union Raises Diabetes Awareness During Third Annual Red Carpet Fashion Show, Dec. 3

Posted on November 18th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to experience the latest in glamour, fashion, dance and music in support of diabetes awareness and research as Owens Community College’s Black Student Union presents its third annual Red Carpet Fashion Show on Friday, Dec. 3. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the American Diabetes Association.

The Black Student Union’s Red Carpet Fashion Show will occur from 6-9:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College’s Black Student Union is excited to once again present an evening of glitz, glamour and fashion to benefit diabetes awareness and research,” said Shawanda Johnson, Owens Black Student Union Advisor. “Nearly 24 million children and adults in this country are afflicted with diabetes, which is way too many. Our goal is to help in the fight against diabetes by raising funds for research and awareness.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to view an array of clothing during the Red Carpet Fashion Show. Themed fashion scenes taking place throughout the evening will include fall, priceless designz, hip hop/urban, children, wedding, retro style and red alert in recognition of diabetes awareness. Featured Red Carpet Fashion Show models will be students attending Owens, Toledo Public Schools and Winterfield Venture Charter Academy, as well as community members.

Entertainment will be provided by the Owens Dance Express team, Scott High School dance team, rap artist Ebony Smith, R & B singer Tracy and House of Adonis, among many others. Nationally-known DJ One Tyme will serve as the event DJ and host. Additionally, the Red Carpet Fashion Show will be welcoming a special guest host as part of the evening entertainment.

Tickets for the “Red Carpet Fashion Show” are $8 for the general public and $5 for Owens students. To purchase tickets, contact the College’s Student Activities Office at (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Art Exhibition Highlights Student Work at Owens’ Findlay-area Campus, Nov. 29 – Dec. 10

Posted on November 17th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College students will have the opportunity to showcase their many artistic talents as the Findlay-area Campus hosts its annual Fall Student Art Exhibition titled “Our Best Yet” in the Library Gallery, Nov. 29 – Dec. 10.

Additionally, the College will host a free community event, featuring Owens students, titled “An Evening of the Arts at Owens” on Monday, Nov. 29. Owens student artists will share insight about their artistic expressions, while student writers within the College’s “Beginning Creative Writing” class will provide attendees with readings of original poetry. The reception will occur from 5-7 p.m. in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is delighted to once again showcase the many talents of our students,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “The artistic expressions are extremely individualized and reflect the unique creative abilities and inspirations of each student artist. I encourage area residents to visit the Library Gallery and view their unique work.”

The Fall Student Art Exhibition features numerous pieces of artwork from paintings to drawings created by student artists enrolled in the College’s “Fundamentals of Drawing” course, which is instructed by Erika Clark, Owens Adjunct Instructor. In this course, students obtain experiential learning within various areas, including the study of object drawing, form organization, value, perspective, proportion and texture.

In addition, student artists enrolled in the College’s “Foundations in 2D Design” course, also instructed by Clark, will present their artistic expressions within the Library Gallery. In this course, students develop an understanding of basic studio art principles, critical skills and media manipulation, covering the topics of color theory and the use of two-dimensional space.

Students from the College’s “Black and White Photography I” course instructed by Melissa Harding, Owens Adjunct Instructor, will showcase their artistic work as part of the exhibit. The class focuses on photography both as a fine art and for commercial means. Students learn about the development of skills related to visual literacy, film exposure, making prints and preparing prints for exhibition, among many other areas.

Owens student artists enrolled in the College’s “Foundations in 3D Design” course, instructed by Owens Adjunct Instructor Rhonda Grubbs, will present their artistic expressions within the Library Gallery. In this course, students develop the ability to analyze form and space relationships while being introduced to basic three-dimensional processes and materials, including cardboard and clay.

Students within the College’s “Digital Photography I” course will also showcase their talents as part of the exhibition. Instructed by Owens Adjunct Instructor Jeremy Wadsworth, the course provides students with a hands-on introduction to digital imaging technologies and techniques related to photography.

Finally, students enrolled in the “Beginning Creative Writing” course, instructed by Owens Adjunct Instructor Megan Clements, will share their original poems in conjunction with the Library Gallery art exhibition. In this course, students are provided basic techniques and approaches for creative expression in writing of poetry and fiction, with emphasis on recognition and use of figurative language, exploration and development of personal viewpoint, and vocabulary style and application of creative strategies, techniques and devices.

Students whose work will be displayed are Angelique Curtis of Bowling Green, Deziree Green of Findlay, Jasmine Heflinger of Findlay, Ammie Henthorne of Fostoria, Stacey Hobbs of Deshler, Maimie Jarrett of Fostoria, Samantha Kessler of Kenton, Jon McCullough of Ada, Dana Schnipke of Pandora, Gabrielle Stutz of Oviedo, Fla., Landon Watkins of Van Buren, Syndle Wiggins of Findlay, Linda Brandeberry of Fostoria, Thomas Flechtner of Tiffin, Alyssa Gonzales of Findlay, Lynda Hicks of Findlay, Trish Rigdon of Rockford, Zach Steinman of Findlay, Christina Ward of Bloomville, Courtney Weaver of Mount Blanchard, Samantha Sauber of Tiffin, Caitlyn Payne of Fostoria, Emily Gossard of Findlay, Pam Rowan of Arlington, LeeAnn Ludwig of Findlay, Shelley Grimes of Findlay, Jayme Laubis of Kenton, Leslie Chapin of Bowling Green, Nikki Almond of Findlay, Heather Greeno of North Baltimore, Bobbi Pash of Findlay, Chantel Hoover of Findlay, Magen Hughes of Findlay, Sandra Fitzgerald of Findlay, Nii Tawiah of Findlay, Elaine Gaietto of Tiffin, Jerri Overmyer of Tiffin and Britany Waldman of Findlay.

Owens students sharing their original poetry as part of “An Evening of the Arts at Owens” event are Jennifer McCoy of Findlay, Jason Thomas of Findlay and Kristen Essinger of Findlay.

Owens’ Community Terrace View CafÈ Announces Garde Manger Grazing Stations Buffet, Dec. 1

Posted on November 17th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to experience an array of amazing foods in the form of garnishes, hors d’oeuvres and appetizers at the Owens Community College Terrace View CafÈ as students within the culinary arts program’s Garde Manger classes present the art and craft of the cold kitchen during a grazing station feature buffet on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Garde Manger classes will open the College’s student-run Terrace View CafÈ to the public as attendees will have the opportunity to partake of sausages, smoked foods, cheeses, p‚tÈs, vegetable and fruit carvings, chutneys, crackers and canapÈs from an array of buffet themed platters as part of their dining experience, including a Fall Harvest, Asian Cuisine, A Summer Day and Renaissance Tuscan.

The Garde Manger Grazing Stations Buffet will take place from 12-1 p.m. in the College’s Terrace View CafÈ, which is located in College Hall Room 148 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ restaurant is coordinated by the Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Department.

The Owens culinary arts program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the rapidly growing culinary arts industry. Both the associate’s degree and certificate prepares students for food preparation positions in restaurants, hotels, health care facilities, resorts and country clubs. The Garde Manger class is designed to provide students with experiential learning related to the art and craft of the cold kitchen. Classroom instruction includes the preparation of garnishes, hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, sausages and tureens, sauces and soups, and salads and sandwiches. Additionally, buffet presentation is highlighted as part of the academic curriculum.

The cost per lunch, which includes unlimited trips to the grazing stations, is only $7.50 and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling (567) 661-7359 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7359. Individuals can also make a reservation by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/terrace.

Owens Community College Hosts Third Annual Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage, Nov. 19

Posted on November 16th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twelve high school varsity girls basketball teams will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best high schools from around the region as part of the third annual Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage hosted by Owens Community College on Friday, Nov. 19.

The basketball mega scrimmage will occur from 4:30-9:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Varsity girls basketball teams competing in the Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage include Perrysburg High School, Bedford High School, Bellevue High School, Archbold High School, Otsego High School, Scott High School, Tiffin Calvert High School, Margaretta High School, Clay High School, Toledo Central Catholic High School, Delphos Jefferson High School and North Baltimore High School. Each high school varsity team will compete in several games throughout the scrimmage.

The Express women’s basketball program is led by Head Coach Mike Llanas. Early in the 2010-11 campaign, the Express’ overall record stands at 5-0 after five games. Owens is currently ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Owens Express women’s basketball program. For more information, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Area Students to Learn About Information Technology Careers As Part of Statewide Program at Owens, Nov. 19

Posted on November 16th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Over 230 girls in grades 8-10 from Northwest Ohio will have the opportunity to learn about and explore the various career options available within information technology as Owens Community College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses host a “We Are IT” professional conference on Friday, Nov. 19.

Owens’ “We Are IT” professional conference, which is being held in conjunction with the Ohio IT Business Advisory Network and the Office of Career-Technical and Adult Education of the Ohio Department of Education, is part of a statewide initiative involving 22 college and university campuses working together for the purpose of providing female students with a broad-based introduction to information technology applications and career opportunities. The “We Are IT” professional conferences occurring throughout Ohio are expected to reach over 2,700 girls.

The “We Are IT” event will occur from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center, Heritage Hall and Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building on the Toledo-area Campus and in the Community Education and Wellness Center, Education Center and Conference Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the College’s Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

Between 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the Toledo-area Campus and 9:50-11:30 a.m. and 12-12:30 p.m. on the Findlay-area Campus, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several breakout sessions. Students will explore a wide variety of career paths and vocations in information technology, including 3-D animation using the ALICE programming language (Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses), Java programming (Toledo-area Campus), steganography and watermarking (Toledo-area Campus), computer diagnostics (Toledo-area Campus), social networking (Findlay-area Campus), open source computing (Findlay-area Campus) and Skype technology (Toledo-area Campus), among other topics.

In addition to the lecture portion of each session, students will be given a project to complete in order to further learn the concepts being taught. Sessions will be taught by various members of Owens’ information technology, fine and performing arts, manufacturing and industrial operations, and electrical/electronics engineering faculty, staff and students, among others. Additionally, Penta Career Center representatives will be on hand to teach several of the breakout sessions.

Students will also have time during lunch to meet individuals from local businesses and ask them questions concerning their professions. Additionally, they will receive information on how to go about choosing a career within information technology after completing their education and participate in a panel discussion with representatives from Owens, Oakland University and Cisco Systems Inc., as well as hear a presentation from an official at Smart Sites Imaging.

Other academic institutions participating in the statewide initiative include Edison State Community College, University of Akron, Columbus State Community College, Hocking College, Lakeland Community College, North Central State College, Northwest State Community College, Sinclair Community College and Youngstown State University, among others.

Owens offers a wide variety of academic programs within information technology through the College’s School of Business and Information Systems, and past graduates have gone on to high paying careers as computer programmers, systems analysts, Internet support specialists, network support specialists and information systems managers throughout Northwest Ohio. Information technology-specific programs offered at Owens include Computer Programming, E-Business, Information Systems, Networking and Information Systems Support, Systems Security and Information Assurance, and Information Technology.

Students from several area schools are expected to be in attendance, including Macomb Middle and High School, Continental Middle School, Carey High School, Leverette Junior High School (Toledo Public Schools), Scott High School, Gesu School, Swanton Middle School, Bowsher High School and Woodward High School.

Owens Community College Closed Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted on November 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 24-28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no classes and the College will be closed.

Additionally, there will be no classes on Tuesday, Nov. 23. However, administrative offices will be open throughout the day.

Classes will resume and administrative offices will open again on Monday, Nov. 29.

Owens Men’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 12-13

Posted on November 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team will take an overall 2-0 record into this weekend as they host their annual Express Tip-Off Classic tournament, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, the host Express will face Marygrove College JVs, while Kellogg Community College will take on Lourdes College JVs at 9 p.m.

On Saturday (Nov. 13), Owens will play against Kellogg at 1 p.m.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Program Advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament, Nov. 18-20

Posted on November 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s volleyball program is one step away from being crowned national champions after winning its respective regional (District D) tournament. As a result of their postseason success, the Express women’s volleyball team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 18-20. The tournament will take place in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

This marks Owens’ second trip to the NJCAA Division II national championship tournament. Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

“We knew coming into this year we had a good recruiting class and the team as a collective group worked hard throughout the year to get to this point,” said Owens Express Head Coach Sonny Lewis. “This has been a goal, making it to nationals. A lot of our matches were close and the team did what they needed to do to win matches.”

The Express earned their trip to the nationals by winning in the NJCAA Region XII Championships at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Owens defeated Oakland Community College (23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17) in the championship match to advance to the national tournament.

The volleyball program’s overall record now stands at 41-7 and the team has not lost since Sept. 25 when fellow national tournament qualifier Kirkwood Community College defeated the Express in four games at the Parkland Invitational.

Additionally this year, the Express women’s volleyball team captured the OCCAC regular season championship with a victory over Cuyahoga Community College (25-11, 25-5, 25-8) on Oct. 30. Owens has won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 11-1 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. The Express also is currently on a 26-match winning streak.

Owens’ will play Illinois Central College in their first match of the double elimination consolation national tournament at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Johnson County Community College/Hagerstown Community College at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The championship match will occur at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The 16 teams competing in the national tournament include Iowa Lakes Community College (37-7), Johnson County Community College (27-5), Cowley County Community College (31-3), East Central College (36-7), Parkland College (39-10), Kishwaukee College (40-10), Illinois Central College (31-8), Grand Rapids Community College (35-2), Pasco-Hernando Community College (32-7), Owens Community College (41-7), North Platte Community College (31-9), Glendale Community College (22-14), Kirkwood Community College (30-11), Moraine Valley Community College (34-6), Hagerstown Community College (26-7) and Genesee Community College (38-8).

The Express went 3-4 against six teams that qualified for the national tournament during the regular season. They defeated Moraine Valley and Parkland College, split with Kirkwood and lost to Kishwaukee, Grand Rapids and Illinois Central.

Owens played one invitational tournament at the national tournament site in mid-October and went 7-0 including wins against Moraine Valley and Kirkwood.

“We play a tough schedule every year. Our schedule has a lot of teams that are listed in the Top 20,” Lewis said. “It only makes our team better at the end of the year.”

Express volleyball team members include Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, outside hitter/setter (35 kills, 218 digs, 716 assists, 57 aces and 5 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Jessica Knueve of Kalida, outside hitter/defensive specialist (104 kills, 41 digs, 18 assists, 4 aces and 50 blocks) (Kalida H.S.); Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo, defensive specialist (3 kills, 162 digs, 2 assists and 8 aces) (Start H.S.); Amanda Schuster of Sylvania, middle blocker/outside hitter (23 kills, 7 digs, 5 assists, 3 aces and 10 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Lauren Lind of Millbury, outside hitter (101 kills, 40 digs, 13 assists, 1 ace and 32 blocks) (Lake H.S.); Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville, defensive specialist (50 digs and 2 aces) (Eastwood H.S.); Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter/outside hitter (191 kills, 294 digs, 876 assists, 45 aces and 51 blocks) (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (2 kills, 234 digs, 5 assists and 22 aces) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (13 kills, 839 digs, 13 assists and 41 aces) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (336 kills, 149 digs, 8 assists, 66 aces and 76 blocks) (Bowling Green H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter/middle blocker (245 kills, 34 digs, 11 assists, 9 aces and 92 blocks) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (239 kills, 56 digs, 9 assists, 4 aces and 92 blocks) (Milan H.S.); Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (228 kills, 49 digs, 28 assists, 3 aces and 67 blocks) (Monroeville H.S.): and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker (479 kills, 266 digs, 39 assists, 80 aces and 148 blocks) (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

Owens Women’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 13-14

Posted on November 10th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team will take an overall 2-0 record into this weekend as they host their annual Express Tip-Off Classic tournament, Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 13-14.

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the host Express will face Ohio State University Club, while Kirtland Community College will take on Cleveland State University Club at 5:30 p.m.

On Sunday (Nov. 14), Cleveland State will battle Ohio State at 1 p.m. The Tip-Off Classic will conclude with Owens facing Kirtland at 3 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is currently ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens Presents The Black Jew Dialogues Performance, Nov. 16

Posted on November 10th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to gain insight into prejudices and racism prevalent within today’s society with a comedic twist as Owens Community College presents the internationally acclaimed comedy act The Black Jew Dialogues on the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Presented by the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Office of Student Activities, The Black Jew Dialogues performance was created with the overall goal of examining prejudice and multiculturalism by combining sketch comedy, improvisation, interactive video and audience participation. Admission to the performances on both the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The Black Jew Dialogues’ performance will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. in the Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus, while the two-person group will appear from 2-3:30 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay and the Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Written and performed by Larry Jay Tish and Emmy Award-winning Ron Jones, the comedy performance takes the audience on a hysterical and poignant ride through three days the two actors spent together in a cheap hotel room discussing their own experiences, the history of blacks and Jews and why there has been a growing dissention between the two groups since the early 1970s. Through their dialogue, audience attendees gain insight into the true nature of prejudice and how society’s own inability to face biases separate people in ways that are unimaginable. The comic journey begins in the Egypt of the Pharaohs and travels through Africa and Colonial times to present-day America.

The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in August 2006. Since that time, both Tish and Jones have entertained and educated audiences about racism and prejudices at colleges and universities, high schools, synagogues and theatres throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. In September 2007, Tish and Jones earned the honor of being selected as the only American production to perform at the Leeds Jewish Performing Arts Festival in England.

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

Owens Community College Names New Executive Vice President and Provost

Posted on November 9th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Dr. Renay Scott as the academic institution’s new Executive Vice President and Provost. Scott has been serving as the College’s Interim Executive Vice President and Provost since January of this year.

Her responsibilities include overseeing the areas of Student Services, Academic Services and Workforce and Community Services. Additionally, Scott provides leadership for all aspects related to the coordination and development of initiatives related to enhancing educational opportunities and resources for current and future students as the College’s Chief Academic Officer.

“Owens Community College is honored to have Dr. Renay Scott serving as the academic institution’s new Executive Vice President and Provost,” said Dr. Larry McDougle, President of Owens Community College. “Dr. Scott is passionate about advancing Owens Community College’s higher educational mission and vision through excellence, innovation and collaboration. Her unwavering commitment and desire to impacting the lives of others has been instrumental in opening new doors to many innovative academic learning opportunities for our students. I look forward to her continued leadership as Owens Community College strengthens and advances higher education to meet the ever-changing needs of this region.”

“I am excited and honored to represent the faculty, staff and administration as their academic leader,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College.

Scott joined the College in June 2006 as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. In that position, her responsibilities included overseeing all instructional programs and activities within the School. Scott also supervised the development and implementation of new academic curricula, directed the on-going evaluation of the School’s courses and collaborated with the fellow academic deans to enhance opportunities and resources for current and future students. She currently serves as Owens’ Chairperson of the Student Learning Assessment Committee and is a member of the College’s Board of Trustees Community Partnership Standing Committee and the Foundations of Excellence Steering Committee.

In September 2009, Scott was named the College’s Vice Provost and responsible for assisting with all aspects related to the supervision and administrative leadership of the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Health Sciences and the Library on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Additionally, Scott administered the College’s program review and assessment system and oversaw Owens’ faculty professional development plan, the Honors Program and service learning.

Since her arrival at Owens, Scott has been instrumental in leading the expansion of many technological advances and academic curriculum opportunities within the School of Arts and Sciences as well as assisting in the acquisition of millions of dollars in both private and public grants for educational programs and resources. In addition, she helped lead efforts in expanding higher education to the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and unveiling newly renovated Founders Hall and Heritage Hall buildings at the former Penta Career Center as part of the College’s ongoing campus expansion initiative. Also under Scott’s leadership, Owens is in the midst of refurbishing a new Welding Center, which will feature the latest in technological and academic resources specific to welding for several degree and certificate programs.

Other initiatives include the opening of a new Faculty Development Center on Toledo-area Campus and further enhancing educational services for students through the creation of an OServe area. In addition, a new Academic Achievement Scholarship Program was unveiled earlier this year as well as several new associate degree programs, including systems security and information assurance and commercial photography technology, under her direction and guidance.

Scott also has led a thorough analysis of the registered nursing program, as well as with all other academic programs, to ensure that a situation involving the loss of accreditation with an academic program does not happen again. A new review process is now in place for all academic programs. Additionally, the School of Nursing is currently working diligently on regaining NLNAC registered nursing program accreditation with the overall goal of becoming an elite school for nursing in Ohio and beyond.

Prior to working at Owens, Scott served as the Chair for the Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development at Central Michigan University for three years. 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.

Her professional and community involvement includes membership with the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and the International Reading Association. Additionally, she is a Leadership Toledo Board member, an Ohio Board of Regents Transfer and Advisory Committee member, a Lourdes College Teacher Education Advisory Board member, a Bowling Green State University National Science Foundation Grant Internal Advisory Committee member and currently is serving as an Assessment Academy Reviewer for The Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association. 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. In 2009, she was honored with the College’s Exemplary Administrator Award.

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 Toledo resident holds a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from Wayne State University.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts and Students Present ‘Almost, Maine,’ Nov. 18-21

Posted on November 9th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Romance with a comedic twist in a mythical town will serve as the theatrical focus in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre as Owens Community College presents the student production of “Almost, Maine,” Nov. 18-21.

The first of several performances will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 in the College’s Mainstage Theatre. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts is excited to present such a heartwarming theatrical production, featuring the talents of so many Owens students,” said Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “‘Almost, Maine’ will tug at the heartstrings of both the young and old theatergoers as the production takes an insightful look at life and love in a small, mythical town in northern Maine. Attendees of all ages will truly enjoy the down-to-earth performance, which is full of humorous moments and surprises.”

Written by John Cariani, “Almost, Maine” tells the story about a cold, moonless night in the middle of winter and how all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Hearts will be broken, but bruises will heal in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

The cast of “Almost, Maine” is comprised of students and alumni from Owens, as well as community residents, and theatrical production is directed by Owens Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts Jeremy Meier. Owens student Anthony Hunter of Sylvania will serve as assistant director, while Owens’ Evan Koontz of Lincoln, Neb., and Diane Schroeder of Sylvania will hold the positions of stage manager and assistant stage manager, respectively.

Students involved in the production as cast members include Jeremy Wilkes of Oregon, Megan Wasserman of Clyde, Gabriel Barber of Toledo, Deidra Gehr of Toledo, Matthew Johnston of Maumee, Emily Pheils of Rossford, Silvester Rodriguez IV of Archbold, Liana Toth of Maumee, Zackery Doane of Bowling Green, Jordan Jarvis of Perrysburg, Michael Kilcorse of Sylvania, Mallory Myers of Whitehouse, Derek Shikwana of Holland, Andy Sweney of Perrysburg and John Toth of Toledo. Owens alumna Kari Duffy-Shrader of Toledo and community member Chelsea Rogers of Sylvania are also participating in the production as cast members.

“Almost, Maine” will be performed Nov. 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will also occur on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for the general public and $8 for Owens students and employees. All seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu 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 Celebrates International Education Week, Nov. 15-18

Posted on November 8th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will celebrate International Education Week with a series of events and activities highlighting multinational experiences, Nov. 15-18. All events are free and open to public.

The week’s events will kick off on Monday, Nov. 15, with a community celebration focused on the importance of international education from a global perspective. The celebration will commence with remarks from Owens President Dr. Larry McDougle and Owens Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Renay Scott. Additionally, Owens international students will share their higher education experience from an international student perspective as part of the event. The International Education Week kick-off event will begin at 9 a.m. and occur in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Room 125 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

From 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Math/Science Center hallway that same day, International Education Week attendees will have the opportunity to visit several international student displays and experience different cultures and nationalities as part of an “Around the World” fair. The “Around the World” fair will also take place on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Math/Science Center hallway. In addition to the “Around the World” fair, attendees will have the chance to participate in an international quiz contest to test their knowledge about world geography. The activity will occur from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Math/Science Center hallway.

Individuals can also “Speed Date a World Language” as Owens representatives provide an interactive language lesson from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Math/Science Center hallway. Languages in which attendees can try include Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Russian, among many others. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to view episodes of the award-winning television show “Globe Trekker”. Episodes will air continuously from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the College’s Math/Science Center hallway.

International Education Week activities will continue on Tuesday, Nov. 16, with attendees having the opportunity to view the international documentary film “Babies” in the College’s Fireside Grill Conference Room. The documentary simultaneously follows four babies from around the globe and details their every move, including first breath and first steps. “Babies” will appear at 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. That same day, individuals will have the chance to view the international film “To Live” in College Hall Room 110 at 11:30 a.m. “To Live” tells the story about Fugui and Jiazhen and how they had to endure tumultuous events in China as their personal fortunes moved from wealthy landownership to peasantry. International Education Week attendees can also participate in a television show-like “Amazing Race” challenge contest in the College Hall Atrium at 12 p.m. and attend a Black Jew Dialogues presentation about the nature of prejudices in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128 at 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, Nov. 17, area residents will be able to view and purchase an array of handcrafts from around the world presented by 10,000 Villages, an organization that promotes international fair trade by marketing products from diverse cultures made by artisans. The display will be located in the Math/Science Center hallway from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The 10,000 Villages will also make their handcrafts available for purchase in the same location from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. Also on Wednesday, an international cafÈ will be available for individuals to sample delectable delights from around the globe from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in conjunction with an art contest from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and water drinking test from 12-1 p.m. The international cafÈ, art contest and water drinking test activities will take place in the Math/Science Center hallway.

That same day, individuals will have the opportunity to gain insight into the rising economic power of India as well as learn about the country’s ancient culture during a lecture titled “The Economy of India”. Owens School of Business and Information Systems faculty and staff members Mazhar Anik, Sivagnanam Sakthivel, Ramadevi Kannan and Andrew Timothy will present from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in College Hall Room 160. Owens representatives Beth Tronolone, Miriam Armstrong and Deborah Gavlik will provide a second lecture on the topic of “Service Learning in Chimbote, Peru” in College Hall Room 165 from 2-3 p.m.

International Education Week activities will conclude on Thursday, Nov. 18, as Owens faculty member Dr. Mohammed Elnahal will provide details specific to the Egyptian history and culture as part of a lecture presentation titled “Insights into Egypt”. The presentation will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in College Hall Room 102. Starting at 4 p.m., Owens students from Brazil, South Africa, Turkey and Egypt will share a variety of stories about their native countries during an international lecture presentation. The event will occur in College Hall Room 167.

International Education Week was established as part of a joint initiative with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to support programs dedicated to preparing Americans for a global environment and to attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

Owens continues to serve as a leader in providing higher education to international students. Over 100 students from 25 countries are pursuing a higher education at Owens during the fall term. Countries represented in Owens’ international student enrollment are Kenya, Egypt, China, Korea, India, Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, Serbia and Turkey, among others.

For additional information about Owens’ International Education Week activities, call (567) 661-2773 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2773.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts to Host Free Wright State Woodwind Quintet Concert, Nov. 17

Posted on November 8th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Rich, multi-faceted songs and musical styles from differing historical periods will reverberate throughout the Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts as the academic institution welcomes the Wright State University Faculty Woodwind Quintet in concert on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Presented by the College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the Wright State University Faculty Woodwind Quintet will perform in the College’s Studio Theatre Room 111 at 11 a.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The performance is free and open to the public.

The Wright State Faculty Woodwind Quintet, also known as The Wright Winds, has been an active performing ensemble since 1985. With a focus on developing chamber music programs at Wright State and community outreach, the group features an active repertoire ranging from standard quintet literature to music by new composers. This cross section of styles is a reflection of the eclectic membership of the quintet and their varying experiences and musical tastes.

Since 1989, the group has performed and presented clinics at three Ohio Music Education Association conferences and has toured the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, China. Additionally, the Wright State Faculty Woodwind Quintet regularly visits schools throughout Ohio and presents educational concerts that explore concepts ranging from the introduction of woodwind instruments to the challenges of playing in a chamber ensemble. Group members include Dr. Christopher Chaffee (flute), Katherine deGruchy (oboe), Dr. Randall Paul (clarinet), Bill Jobert (bassoon) and Sean Vore (horn).

For more information about the concert, call (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

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Owens Presents ‘Creative Noises Live’ Third Annual Fall Artist Series, Nov. 8 – Dec. 5

Posted on November 5th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents with a passion and an enjoyment of music and theatre are encouraged to join in celebrating the culmination of an academic semester’s worth of Fine and Performing Arts education as Owens Community College presents its third annual “Creative Noises Live” Fall Artist Series, Nov. 8 – Dec. 5.

The Fall Artist Series will showcase the accomplishments of Owens students and faculty in a number of performances ranging from music to vocal.

“‘Creative Noises Live’ is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the tremendous accomplishments of our Owens Community College Fine and Performing Arts students and faculty,” said Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “I encourage area residents to attend one of the many upcoming free recitals, ensembles and performances in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts.”

All events will occur in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus, unless otherwise noted. Owens is located in Perrysburg Township. The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, November 8
Owens Classical Percussion Ensemble
Attendees are in for an afternoon of masterful sounds courtesy of the College’s percussion ensemble class. The group will showcase their creative percussion skills during a performance that will highlight an array of unique rhythmic sounds.
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda)

Monday, November 15
Owens Guitar Ensemble
Students from the Owens guitar ensemble class will perform some of their favorite music, showcasing the skills they have acquired through the use of this classic instrument.
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda)

Wednesday, November 17
Owens Jazz Express
Owens student performers from the Jazz Express group will showcase their many talents through numerous crowd-pleasing musical favorites that highlight many diverse styles of jazz.
(2 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda)

Tuesday, November 30
Owens and Friends Musical Performance
Attendees will have the opportunity to be amazed by the musical talents of Owens’ Zachary Kreutz (drums), Alex McIntosh (guitar), Dave Tippett (trumpet) and Kyle Turner (bass), among many other faculty and friends, as they perform an array of original works during the live event.
(7:30 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Friday, December 3
Owens Choir Concert
The College’s student choir class will feature a sundry of holiday music, as well as Mozart selections, that feature their vocal talents and abilities.
(7 p.m.) (Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Toledo)

Sunday, December 5
Owens Concert Band Holiday Concert
Attendees are in for an afternoon of masterful holiday sounds courtesy of Owens’ concert band class. The concert will feature a wide range of musical selections to usher in the holiday season.
(2:30 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

Owens Voice Recital
Area residents are invited to enjoy the amazing sounds of the College’s vocal students during as part of an evening voice recital. The event will feature a wide range of music from Broadway hits to many of today’s popular chart-topping songs.
(7 p.m.) (Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre)

All the performances are free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information about the “Creative Noises Live” Fall Artist Series, contact the College’s Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Community College Students to Host First-Ever Community Volunteer Fair, Nov. 8

Posted on November 3rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to learn about and explore the many available opportunities to give back to their local communities throughout Northwest Ohio as the Owens Community College Raising Awareness Club hosts its first-ever Community Volunteer Fair on Monday, Nov. 8.

The Community Volunteer Fair is being presented in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities and will take place from 11 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 in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College is proud to collaborate with the local community organizations and help in making a difference in the lives of others,” said Nicole Lance, Owens Raising Awareness Club Advisor and student. “The Community Volunteer Fair is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about ways that they can volunteer their time and lend a helping hand through selfless acts of kindness.”

Lance added, “During these difficult times there are many individuals who are in need of help. The Raising Awareness Club decided to create this event as a way to connect individuals with community outreach organizations and volunteer opportunities.”

Throughout the event, individuals can meet with local community outreach representatives and ask them questions about volunteer opportunities available through their organizations.

Area organizations in attendance will include the Anne Grady Center, Wood County Park District, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, United Way of Greater Toledo, Owens Community College Raising Awareness Club, Luther Home of Mercy, Mobile Meals of Toledo, Camp Courageous, Board of Developmental Disabilities, Habitat for Humanity of Wood County, YWCA of Greater Toledo, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio, The Victory Center, Metroparks of Toledo Area, Serenity Farm, Wood Lane, Toledo Area Ministries, Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio, Food For Thought and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, among many others.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for the acceptance of cultural differences, global unity, disability awareness and various needs that impact the surrounding communities.

For more information about the Community Volunteer Fair, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Basketball Opens Season Against Indiana Tech, Nov. 4

Posted on November 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s basketball will begin its 2010-11 campaign with a season-opening home contest against Indiana Tech on Thursday, Nov. 4. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.

All home games are free and held at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens men’s basketball program is led by fourth-year Head Coach Kevin Skaggs. His Assistant Coaches are Travis Lewis and Allen Drake. Owens finished the 2009-10 season with a 15-16 overall record and an 8-6 mark (fourth place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. The Express lost to Sinclair Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“We really have a great group of student-athletes who want to get better and are putting forth the time and effort to build a championship-caliber club,” explained Skaggs. “Our preseason schedule will once again be challenging and the conference will be very competitive. This team is truly a joy to work with. We have four veteran players who are leading by example and setting the pace for the incoming first-year student-athletes. I expect our team to be in the mix for a conference title.”

Owens has four returning players, including Derrick Sanderfer Jr. of Toledo (Rogers H.S.) and Calvin Edwards of Delaware (Rutherford B. Hayes H.S.). During the 2009-10 season, Sanderfer Jr. earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Most Improved Player. The sophomore guard/forward averaged 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds for the Express. Edwards, a sophomore guard/forward, averaged 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds during the season. Additionally, he was named to the NJCAA Academic All-American team and earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors.

Also returning to the men’s basketball program are Tommy Kralovic Jr. of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Craig Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.). In 2009-10, Kralovic Jr., a sophomore guard, earned the team’s Coaches Award. He averaged 5.2 points and 1.1 rebounds for the Express. Short is a sophomore forward/center and averaged 3.3 points and 5.2 rebounds for Owens last year.

First-year players are Taronta Cole Jr. of Gulfport, Miss., guard (Gulfport H.S.); Andrew Scarton of Flat Rock, Mich., guard (Flat Rock Community H.S.); Kesean Kerkulah of Toledo, guard (Rogers H.S.); Greg Garrett of Sandusky, guard (Sandusky H.S.); Jerron Jamerson of South Bend, Ind., guard/forward (Washington H.S.); Kendall Frank of Chicago, guard/forward (Plainfield North H.S.); John Jacobs of Cleveland, forward (Garfield Heights H.S.); James Wimberly of Akron, forward/center (Firestone H.S.); Michael Williamson of Toledo, guard (Start H.S.); and Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., forward/center (Ypsilanti H.S.).

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Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Nov. 5-7

Posted on November 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball team will look to advance to their seventh national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday-Sunday, Nov. 5-7.

Coached by Sonny Lewis, the Express will take a 37-7 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play against Mott Community College (10-13) at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5 in quarterfinal action. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Macomb Community College (21-16)/St. Clair County Community College (22-18) match at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 in the semifinals. The championship match will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Columbus State Community College (23-6), Henry Ford Community College (5-19), Schoolcraft College (20-13) and Oakland Community College (32-5).

On Saturday (Oct. 30), the Express women’s volleyball team captured the OCCAC regular season championship with a victory over Cuyahoga Community College (25-11, 25-5, 25-8). Owens has won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 11-1 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 11 in the latest NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. Additionally, the Express is currently on a 22-match winning streak.

The NJCAA Division II National Championship will be held Nov. 18-20 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Opens Season Against Indiana Tech, Nov. 4

Posted on November 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball will look build on last year’s successful season as the Express open its 2010-11 campaign against Indiana Tech JVs on Thursday, Nov. 4. The season opener will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is led by seventh-year Head Coach Michael Llanas. During his sixth year at the helm, Llanas led the Express to a 27-6 overall record and a second-place finish in the OCCAC (11-3 record). Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships last year. Llanas’ Assistant Coaches are Stephen Perry and Jessica Lewis.

All home games are free and occur at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“I am very optimistic about the upcoming season,” Llanas stated. “We did lose some key players to graduation, however, I really believe the first-year student-athletes will be able to step in and perform at a very high level for this year’s team. We also have some great veteran leadership and expectations remain extremely high with the goal of continuing the tradition of Express basketball excellence.”

In addition, the Owens women’s basketball program has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the No. 1 ranking.

The Express have five players returning from last year’s team, including Jasmine Blanton of Toledo (Notre Dame Academy) and Saige Meyer of Deshler (Patrick Henry H.S.). In 2009-10, Blanton earned NJCAA All-Region XII Team and OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors. The sophomore guard also was named OCCAC Newcomer of the Year and the team’s Co-MVP. She led the team with a 15.8 points per game average. Additionally, Blanton averaged five rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals during the season. Meyer, a sophomore guard, averaged 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists for the Express. She was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and earned team Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Also returning to Llanas’ squad are Jordan Floyd of Waterville (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Nasumbi Beard of Mansfield (Ontario H.S.) and Karrah Windau of Carey (Carey H.S.). During the 2009-10 season, Floyd, a sophomore guard/forward, earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Coaches Award recipient. She averaged 1.8 points for the Express. Beard is a sophomore point guard and averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals for the women’s basketball program last year. Windau was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. The sophomore forward averaged 2.8 points, two rebounds and one assist for the Express.

First-year players to the Express women’s basketball program are Kieona Foster of Lima, guard (Lima Shawnee H.S.); Dana Mathews of Struthers, guard (Struthers H.S.); Brittany Morris of Sandusky, forward (Margaretta H.S.); Joi Jennings of Detroit, guard (Waterford Christian Academy); Aja Hall of Fostoria, forward (Fostoria H.S.); Hailey Galvan of Archbold, center (Archbold H.S.); and Megan Miller of Tiffin, center (Tiffin Columbian H.S.).

Eighth Annual Faculty Art Showcase on Display at Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery, Nov. 2 – Dec. 10

Posted on November 1st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Community members will have the opportunity to view the diverse and vibrant work of some of Northwest Ohio’s finest artists as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts hosts the eighth annual Faculty Art Showcase, Nov. 2 – Dec. 10. The exhibition will be on display in the College’s Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

“Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to once again showcase the artistic talents of our outstanding faculty members,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The Faculty Art Showcase will provide area residents and students with the chance to view various artistic expressions and celebrate the talent and diversity that the faculty exemplifies.”

The art showcase features artwork created by many notable and highly acclaimed Owens faculty members, including Kelly Averill-Savino of Toledo, Michelle Carlson of Toledo, Mania Dajnak of Perrysburg, Jim Fultz of Findlay, Philip Hazard of Toledo, Barbara Johnson of Toledo, Nancy Light of Waterville, Larry Linkous of Rossford, Margaret Lockwood-Lass of Toledo, Mark Pechlivanos of Toledo, Julie Schnell-Madden of Temperance, Mich., John Waltz of Waterville, Steven Lark of Toledo, Diane Roy of Toledo, Emily Stokes of Ann Arbor, Mich., Michael Yager of Perrysburg, David Cantor of Toledo, Ruth Foote of Toledo, Carey Marten of Toledo, Kevin Schroeder of Toledo and Sally Welch of Perrysburg. A wide range of visual media will be featured, including works of art in the areas of painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, graphic design, glass and sculpture.

To celebrate the opening of the faculty showcase, a free reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 19 from 6-8 p.m. in the College’s Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays. For additional information about the exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2721 or (567) 661-2721.

Owens Community College Dedicates New South Campus Featuring Newly Renovated Founders Hall and Heritage Hall

Posted on November 1st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College representatives recently joined community leaders and elected officials in celebrating the academic institution’s historical beginnings as Penta County Technical Institute and future by officially dedicating the new south campus featuring renovated $2.6 million Founders Hall and $2.9 million Heritage Hall.

“This is truly a monumental moment in the history of Owens Community College as we remember our beginning as Penta County Technical Institute and celebrate our academic programs, technology and facilities of today,” said Dr. Larry G. McDougle, President of Owens Community College. “The new southern portion of the Toledo-area Campus, which previously served as home to Penta Career Center, has enabled Owens Community College to expand both academic programs and resources. Both Founders Hall and Heritage Hall are magnificent buildings and offer the latest in innovative learning opportunities for our students and the surrounding Northwest Ohio region.”

The 29,045 square-foot Founders Hall and 38,304 square-foot Heritage Hall buildings are both situated at the south end of the Toledo-area Campus, which formerly served as home to the Penta Career Center. Owens’ signature red and black logo welcomes individuals upon entering the two educational facilities.

Founders Hall features eight instructional classrooms, two instructional computer classrooms and one open computer laboratory, while Heritage Hall includes six designated experiential learning classrooms for instruction and hands-on laboratory learning.

Owens’ Founders Hall (formerly known as the Penta Career Center Administration Building) serves as the new home to the College’s Departments of English, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Communications, Humanities and Languages, as well as the Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences. Heritage Hall (formerly known as the Penta Career Center Skill Center) features the College’s School of Business and Information Systems and the School of Nursing.

The Founders Hall building also features 65 offices, four conference rooms, an expansive employee lounge, and men’s and women’s restroom facilities. In addition, the educational center includes three interactive learning labs where students can meet one-on-one or in a small group setting with their fellow peers, tutors and/or instructors in a comfortable educational environment designed to enhance academic learning and success.

Designed by the firm Poggemeyer Design Group Inc. of Bowling Green, the exterior Founders Hall features tan brick faÁade, while the color red is present atop the building’s entrances. Mosser Construction Inc. of Fremont served as the general contractor, while Mondo Mechanical Co. of Toledo, Helm and Associates Inc. of Maumee, Northwest Electrical Contractor of Holland and Absolute Fire Protection Inc. of Perrysburg oversaw the plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection contracts, respectively.

Three experiential learning classrooms within Heritage Hall are being utilized by the School of Business and Information Systems with an academic emphasis in office administration, information security and networking, among other academic areas. The office administration experiential learning classroom area is designed to simulate a modern office setting highlighted by state-of-the-art computers, adjustable keyboards, phone systems and scanners, while students within the information security and networking programs have the opportunity to design, create and maintain a secure computer network by utilizing leading edge technology in their respective learning laboratories.

The School of Nursing is also housed within Heritage Hall and features three experiential learning classrooms all designed to simulate a hospital and/or health care setting. The registered nursing area features a centralized nurse’s station as well as rooms/wings that surround the station for instructional classroom and hands-on learning. Owens’ educational laboratory mirrors a hospital setting in that it features a 2 West, a 2 East, an ICU, a Peds/OB Unit and a Nurse’s Station. Other academic resources within the registered nursing experiential learning area include a state-of-the-art IV simulation computer program, a med room to prep medications, a classroom, two glass-enclosed skill testing rooms that simulate double occupancy rooms found in hospitals and two student/instructor conference rooms. Additionally, Owens’ School of Nursing features experiential learning classrooms for practical nursing and the College’s human patient simulator technology.

The firms The Collaborative Inc. of Toledo and MDA Engineering Inc. in Maumee designed Heritage Hall.† The exterior of the building features tan brick faÁade, while the color red is present at the building’s north entrance. Comte Construction Co. of Toledo served as the general contractor, while Warner Mechanical Corp. of Fremont, VM Systems Inc. of Toledo and Lake Erie Electric of Toledo oversaw the plumbing and fire protection, mechanical and electrical contracts, respectively.

Additional features to both Founders Hall and Heritage Hall include innovative multimedia capability for educational instruction highlighted by dedicated instructor stations in which Owens faculty can utilize an Extron Control Panel system. Serving as the classroom’s focal point from a technological standpoint, the Extron Control Panel system features a dedicated computer, a digital document camera, a Blu-ray DVD Player, and audio amplifier and speakers. Designated academic areas also house ceiling mounted digital/analog and high definition capable projectors and screens for instructional purposes and features the latest in computing resources, including an array of software applications and programming languages as well as network and high-speed Internet access.

Designed with energy efficiency and conservation in mind, each room’s bank of lights within Founders Hall and Heritage Hall automatically power down after a period of time without detected movement. Glass windows are abundant within each building to reduce the necessity for some electric lighting and to allow more natural light into the complex. In addition, both facilities include building automation heating and air conditioning as well as wireless Internet access. Infrastructure was also added to the existing buildings for future looping and sharing of district heating.

In 2008, Owens marked a milestone in the academic institution’s history by purchasing the former Penta Career Center, which was adjacent to the College’s Toledo-area Campus, for $6 million. The purchase included 56.38 acres of land, as well as approximately 325,530 square feet of classrooms, offices, educational laboratories and parking lots.

In September 1965, Owens opened its doors as Penta County Technical Institute, the first technical institute in Ohio, with over 200 students enrolled. Seven years later, the College officially adopted the name of The Michael J. Owens Technical College (now Owens Community College).

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Owens Community College Announces Plans for New $1.1 Million Welding Center

Posted on October 29th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is expanding access to higher educational opportunities within Northwest Ohio by announcing plans for a new $1.1 million Welding Center on the Toledo-area Campus. The new state-of-the-art educational center, which previously held Penta Career Center’s Welding and Automotive Collision Repair Labs, will feature the latest in technological and academic resources specific to welding for several degree and certificate programs.

The addition of a newly renovated Welding Center is a continuation of the College’s ongoing campus expansion initiative on the new south campus, which formerly was the home to Penta Career Center. Owens began the 2010-11 academic year by unveiling a $2.9 million Heritage Hall building. The 38,304 square-foot Heritage Hall (former Penta Career Center Skill Center) renovation project was preceded by the opening of a refurbished 29,045 square-foot Founders Hall (former Penta Career Center Administration Building) in January 2010. Both Heritage Hall and the $2.6 million Founders Hall are located on the new southern portion of campus. The new Welding Center is expected to open in January 2011.

“Owens Community College’s new Welding Center will provide students with leading edge resources unlike any other academic institution in the region,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College. “The newly renovated building will become an integral part of the new south campus as we look to expand educational opportunities for students and provide them with the ‘Owens Experience’ in order to achieve their academic and career goals.”

The renovated 14,512 square-foot Welding Center will be is situated south of Founders Hall and Heritage Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ new educational facility will feature two dedicated instructional classrooms and two expansive experiential learning classroom areas for instruction and hands-on learning. The complex will also include three offices, a locker room area, and men’s and women’s restroom facilities.

Owens’ two expansive experiential learning classrooms will house 56 welding booths, 12 cutting booths and eight grinding stations all with leading edge technology for students to receive hands-on training specific to stick, gas, MIG and TIG welding processes. Thirty-six booths will have the capability of utilizing argon and carbon dioxide for welding purposes, while oxygen and acetylene will be featured in 12 cutting booths. The Welding Center will also include a 1,813 square-foot storage complex for welding materials, which will be located adjacent to the educational facility.

Additionally, 68 stations will feature an innovative welding fume extraction system. The state-of-the-art technology is designed to extract metalworking particulate in a controlled direction, filter the particulate through a self-cleaning unit and re-circulate the filtered air throughout the new Welding Center. The recirculation of filtered air instead of exhausting non-filtered air to the outside will enable the College to enhance energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling costs.

Owens’ Welding Center will be utilized by students pursuing an associate’s degree in welding as well as GMAW welding, GTAW welding, SMAW welding and welding pre-certification certificates. Additional programs planning to incorporate the Welding Center’s technology into their academic curriculum include automotive technology, advanced integrated manufacturing systems technologies, Caterpillar dealer service technician, diesel technology, John Deere technician and skilled trades technologies. Welding-specific academic specialty courses featured within the Welding Center will include artistic welding, welding fabrication and advanced welding.

Experiential learning areas will also be equipped with innovative multimedia capability for educational instruction highlighted by dedicated instructor stations in which Owens faculty can utilize an Extron Control Panel system. Serving as the classroom’s focal point from a technological standpoint, the Extron Control Panel system features a dedicated computer, a digital document camera, a Blu-ray DVD Player, and audio amplifier and speakers. Each academic area will also house ceiling mounted digital/analog and high definition capable projectors and screens for instructional purposes and feature the latest in computing resources, including an array of software applications and programming languages as well as network and high-speed Internet access.

Designed with energy efficiency and conservation in mind, each room’s bank of lights automatically power down after a period of time without detected movement. The entire facility includes building automation heating and air conditioning.

Owens’ new Welding Center is designed by the firms Stough and Stough Architects of Sylvania and MDA Engineering Inc. in Maumee.

The newly renovated educational facility will replace Owens’ 24 combined welding, cutting and grinding stations, which are located within the College’s Transportation Technologies Center.

Owens Express Men’s Soccer Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Oct. 27-31

Posted on October 25th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s soccer team will look to advance to their first national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Soccer Championship, Oct. 27-31.

Coached by Art Johnson, the Express will take an 11-9 overall record into the six-team single elimination tournament where they will play Ancilla College (6-9-1) at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The first round match will take place at the College’s Soccer Field in Perrysburg Township.

If they would advance, the Express will play Schoolcraft College (16-3-1) at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 in the semifinals. The championship game will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. The semifinal and championship matches will take place at Delta College in University Center, Mich.

Teams participating in the regional tournament include Owens Community College, Ancilla College, Schoolcraft College, Cincinnati State Community College (17-2), Lakeland Community College (10-6-1) and Delta College (7-8-2).

If they should win, the Express will host the NJCAA Region XX champion for the District North Central title and right to advance on to the NJCAA Division I national tournament. The championship match would occur on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Johnson’s team finished in third place in the final Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings.

The NJCAA Division I National Championship will be held, Nov. 18-21 in Trenton, N.J.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Core Ensemble’s ‘Tres Vidas’ Performance, Oct. 28

Posted on October 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents will have the opportunity to experience a unique artistic performance developed by Core Ensemble that features a theatrical narrative to chamber music as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “Tres Vidas” on Thursday, Oct. 28.

Core Ensemble’s performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to welcome internationally-acclaimed Core Ensemble to Northwest Ohio,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Core Ensemble’s chamber music theatre presentation of ‘Tres Vida’ combines both the theatrical narrative and chamber music in a unique artistic expression that celebrates theatre, music and Latin American history. Attendees will be amazed by the group’s talents and compelling performance.”

Core Ensemble’s presentation of “Tres Vidas” will feature an actress performing in both Spanish and English that portrays three legendary Latin American women, including renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Argentinean poet Alfonsina Storni and Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya, all while interacting onstage with a musical cello, percussion and piano trio. With a script written by Chilean poet and writer Marjorie Agosin, “Tres Vidas” will highlight powerful portrayals of each woman and includes the singing of traditional Mexican folk songs, as well as Argentinean popular and tango songs made famous by Mercedes Sosa and Carlos Gardel. “Tres Vidas” premiered in March 2001 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is now touring around the globe.

Since its inception in 1993, Core Ensemble has garnered international acclaim for its unique chamber music theatre work. Touring venues and events worldwide, the group has made appearances at Harvard University, the Guggenheim Museum and the Moscow Autumn Festival, among many other locations. Additionally, the ensemble was named the recipient of the 2000 Eugene McDermott Award for Excellence in the Arts by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has received support from the State of Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, New England Foundation for the Arts and Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

Tickets for Core Ensemble’s “Tres Vidas” performance are $18 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

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Owens Students Assist Local Residents With Children’s Clothing Swap Outreach Event, Oct. 27

Posted on October 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students are reaching out to those families in the surrounding communities with a limited clothing budget by hosting the academic institution’s first clothing swap for infants, children and pregnant women titled “Drop, Swap and Roll!” on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

The clothing swap will take place from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Room 125 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The daylong event is free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College is proud to host an event that benefits families in our communities who have a limited clothing budget and helps reduce over-consumption by recycling clothes from one family to another,” said Krysta Waterfield of Bowling Green, Owens student and co-coordinator of the clothing swap event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used, folded clothing of all sizes for infants, children and pregnant women to the community outreach event. Items being accepted as part of the “Drop, Swap and Roll!” initiative are T-shirts, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, pajamas, pants, jeans, shorts, skirts, dresses, collared shirts, buttoned shirts, costumes, jackets, coats, snowsuits, shoes and boots, among other items. The clothing swap is not accepting clothing with visible stains, holes, broken zippers and missing buttons.

A point system will be established to determine the value of each clothing item donated by attendees. Individuals will then be given a tabulated voucher sheet to use when selecting the number of items from the already donated clothing selection. Participants are not limited to the number of items they may donate to the clothing swap event.

“People can select any clothing size or gender specific item when swapping,” explained Owens student and clothing swap event co-coordinator Allison Freeman of Bowling Green. “Individuals can also use their tabulated voucher sheet at any time during the event as selection will vary throughout the day dependent upon what people bring and take home.”

Any items not claimed during the clothing swap event will be donated to Polly Fox Academy in Toledo.

The “Drop, Swap and Roll!” event is being coordinated by Owens students Krysta Waterfield and Allison Freeman as part of their community activism project in the College’s Service Learning Capstone class. The class combines community service with academic instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and personal and civic responsibility.

For more information about the clothing swap event, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Unveils Northwest Ohio’s Only Private Armed Security Training Academy

Posted on October 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in a career as a private security officer will now have the opportunity to pursue their educational training at Owens Community College as the academic institution announces the establishment of a new Private Armed Security Training Academy. Owens’ Private Armed Security Training Academy will take place Jan. 24 – March 9.

The new Private Armed Security Training Academy classes will occur at the College’s Center for Emergency Preparedness, which is located on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. The initial academy will take place Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“The need for highly skilled private security officers is greater than ever before as more and more businesses are relying on private security to ensure that their organizations are safe and secure. Also, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that the armed private security force will play a vital role in the future protection of our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Michael Cornell, Owens Director of the Center for Emergency Preparedness. “Owens Community College is proud to offer the region’s only Private Armed Security Training Academy and help in preparing area residents for careers within the growing field of private security.”

During the seven-week program, Owens private armed security academy students will take courses in the role of private security personnel, overview of the legal system, criminal law, search and seizure, crisis situations, unarmed self defense, armed response, report writing, first aid/CPR, personnel security, crime prevention, patrol techniques and crowd control, among other curriculum. Participants will receive expert instruction from Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) approved law enforcement officials.

Upon completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate from Owens. Private Armed Security Training Academy graduates also become eligible for certification as an Ohio private security officer. Curriculum is approved by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and supported by American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International.

All requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission must be met for certification. Applications for the new academy should be completed and returned to the College by Nov. 12. For more information, or to obtain an application packet, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Express Volleyball to Host ‘Volley for the Cure’ During Match Against Cuyahoga Community College, Oct. 30

Posted on October 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College volleyball program and the Raising Awareness Club are encouraging area residents to help in supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the organization’s efforts in the fight against breast cancer by making a donation during the Express’ home match against Cuyahoga Community College on Saturday, Oct. 30. The match begins at 12 p.m.

Owens representatives will be accepting donations inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance with all the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure initiative. Additionally, each attendee making a donation will receive a ticket, which will serve as a raffle ticket for the chance to win a pink game ball signed by the current Express volleyball team. The match will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

In addition to the admission donation, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraisers throughout the event, which will be located at several tables inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance. The Express volleyball team will be wearing pink jersey uniforms during the match, as well as hosting a bake sale and a silent auction to win a pink game worn Express volleyball jersey. Breast cancer awareness T-shirts and bracelets will also be available for purchase during the “Volley for the Cure” event. All money raised by the team will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 33-7 overall record and currently is in first place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 7-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for animal rights, the acceptance of cultural differences and adoption, as well as against suicide, cancer and sexual slave trade, among many other issues.

Since the initial fundraising event in 2008, the Owens volleyball program has collected over $2,300 through various “pink-themed” activities. For more information about the “Volley for the Cure” event, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Nationally Acclaimed Artist Arturo Rodriguez Showcases Artwork at Owens Findlay-area Campus, Oct. 27 – Nov. 19

Posted on October 19th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus invites area residents to visit the brilliantly artistic world of nationally acclaimed artist Arturo Rodriguez through his emotionally vivid paintings, prints and mixed media works as the Library Gallery presents a new exhibit titled “Marielito”, Oct. 27 – Nov. 19.

In addition, the College will host a reception and gallery talk for Rodriguez on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery is honored to exhibit the works of such a widely accomplished artist as Arturo Rodriguez,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “Rodriguez’s paintings, prints and mixed media works combine images from paintings that one might find on the walls of an average American home and images from some of his earliest visual memories as a young Cuban immigrant to the United States in the 1980s – cartoons. By uniting these seemingly disparate images Rodriguez’s work constitutes an accurate metaphor for Cuban aesthetics and culture, which historically has undergone a process of appropriation. Exhibit attendees will truly enjoy the vivid, colorful artistic expressions, which have captivated audiences nationwide.”

Rodriguez was born in Cuba. He left the island at a very young age with his mother during the Mariel boatlift in 1980. Rodriguez has since lived in the United States for over 20 years, however, he has not forgotten about his native country, which is often intertwined within his artistic expressions.

His works have been widely exhibited nationwide to include appearances in the University of Missouri-Kansas City National Print Exhibition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition at Bradley University, the Prints U.S.A 2005 National Juried Group Exhibition at the Springfield Art Museum and the Sense of Place National Juried Group Exhibition at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, among others. Rodriguez also has received several accolades throughout his career highlighted by the Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Excellence Award Grant and the Thomas Hart Benton Merit Scholarship.

Rodriguez received a bachelor’s degree in painting/printmaking from the Kansas City Art Institute and a master’s degree in printmaking from Indiana University. He has served as an Associate Professor of Art/Printmaking at the University of Toledo for the past nine years. Rodriguez previously was a Professor of Foundations/Printmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design from 1997-2001.

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Owens Community College’s Student Government Offers Free ‘Halloween Alternative’ for Area Children, Oct. 29

Posted on October 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Friendly ghosts, skeletons and witches will abound as Owens Community College hosts a variety of free games and activities as part of its fifth annual “Halloween Alternative” for children ages 12 and under on Friday, Oct. 29.

Sponsored by the College’s Student Government, the child-friendly haunted evening will take place from 5-8 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. All activities are free and area residents are welcome to attend with their children.

“Owens Community College’s ‘Halloween Alternative’ is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy an evening full of fun and entertainment in a safe, warm, indoor setting,” said John Byers, Owens Manager of Student Activities. “Halloween is considered a very special day by many children. The College’s Student Government is proud to provide an event for the Northwest Ohio community that captures the Halloween spirit and excitement.”

Children attending Owens’ “Halloween Alternative” will be able to participate in a variety of arts and crafts during their visit, highlighted by coloring festive Halloween pictures, creating their own puppets and drawing on keepsake pumpkins. Attendees also will be given a trick-or-treat bag to decorate with their favorite colors and unique Halloween designs. Throughout their haunted adventure, children can trick-or-treat for candy from Owens students and travel through a haunted house.

Additionally, “Halloween Alternative” will include various refreshments and snacks for all attendees.

The College’s Student Government is comprised of individuals who serve as the student body’s 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, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Students to Host Community Blood Drive, Oct. 26

Posted on October 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents can help in saving the lives of their neighbors as Owens Community College and the American Red Cross host a community Blood Drive on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

The Blood Drive will occur from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The Blood Drive will be staffed by Owens surgical technologist students.

“Owens Community College is extremely pleased to continue its involvement in such a beneficial endeavor with the American Red Cross and assist in their efforts of saving lives,” said Kris Flickinger, Owens Chair of Surgical Technologies.

Donors will be provided snacks and drinks before and after their donation. For more information, contact the College’s School of Health Sciences at (567) 661-7206 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7206. Interested parties are encouraged to make an appointment by registering on the website at www.givelife.org and entering the sponsor code OWENSCCPERRYSBURG or calling the above number.

Owens Community College Foundation Appoints New Board of Directors

Posted on October 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College Foundation has appointed six community leaders to seats on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

New Directors include Michael Duffey of Sylvania, Director of Federal Programs of SSOE Group; Thomas Hosler of Sylvania, Superintendent of Perrysburg City Schools; Ron Matter of Maumee, Superintendent of Penta Career Center; Matthew Mishler of Lambertville, Mich., National Account Manager of Buckeye Telesystem; Phil Rudolph Jr. of Perrysburg, Vice President of Business Development of Rudolph Libbe Companies; and Dave Seeger of Maumee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union Inc. Each individual will serve a three-year term on the Foundation Board.

“The Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors is an outstanding group of leaders who value the importance of a quality college education and the many benefits of lifelong learning,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of Fund Development and Foundation President. “These new directors represent organizations with whom Owens Community College has established longstanding partnerships as it strives to fulfill its mission of serving our students and our communities. Their experience and knowledge will play a significant role in the Foundation’s ability to enhance programs and services for both current and future students.”

The Owens Foundation was incorporated in April 2002 and has over $2.3 million in assets. The Foundation Board of Directors currently is comprised of 29 community leaders from Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties. The mission of the Owens Foundation and its Board of Directors is developing and providing resources to advance the College’s overall mission of serving students and the surrounding communities. The Foundation is also dedicated to removing barriers to education by providing student scholarships and supporting growth and innovation at Owens.

Owens Community College Accepting Applications for Spring Police Academy Program

Posted on October 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Students considering a career in law enforcement can pursue such an opportunity by enrolling in the Basic Peace Officer Academy Training Program at the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus.

During the seven-month program, Owens police academy students will take courses in patrol operations, firearms, defensive tactics, criminal investigation, constitutional law and physical conditioning using modern, high-tech police equipment. Participants will receive expert instruction from local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers, as well as state and federal agents. 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 have been employed include the 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, Toledo Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

Upon completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate from Owens. Curriculum for the College’s police academy is approved by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

All requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission must be met for certification. Applications for academy classes should be completed and returned to the College by Nov. 12. Police Academy Program classes begin in January.

For more information, or to obtain an application packet, call (567) 661-7439 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7439.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Accepting Applications for Spring Police Academy Program

Posted on October 13th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Students considering a career in law enforcement can pursue such an opportunity by enrolling in the Basic Peace Officer Academy Training Program at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus.

Local law enforcement agencies where Owens graduates have been employed include the Findlay Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Hardin County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Department and Fostoria Police Department.

Upon completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate from Owens. Curriculum for the College’s police academy is approved by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

For more information, or to obtain an application packet, call (567) 661-7439 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7439.

Owens Alumni Association Golf Outing Raises Over $24,185 in Support of Scholarships

Posted on October 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – One hundred twelve area residents recently enjoyed a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni scholarship programs as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association held its eighth annual Golf Classic. The 28-team event netted over $24,185 to benefit scholarship endeavors.

Since its inception, the Owens event has netted over $235,180 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 Laura Moore, Owens Alumni Association Executive Director and Event Chair. “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, grazing dinner and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsors were Hylant Group and Hylant Administrative Services and Hylant Group CEO Mike Hylant is served as the event’s Honorary Chair. In addition, Metzgers Printing + Mailing was the print sponsor.

The championship team of the four-person scramble was sponsored by Plante & Moran. Team members included Robb Rose, John McDermott, Greg Taylor and Tom Nemeth.

Since opening its doors in 1965, Owens 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.

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Owens Presents Nationally Recognized Motivational Speaker Sean Stephenson, Oct. 21

Posted on October 13th, 2010

Sean Stephenson

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to hear the inspirational words of nationally recognized motivational speaker Sean Stephenson as he takes attendees on a personal journey through human potential, using emotional stories from his life, in a presentation titled “Time to Stand!” at Owens Community College on Thursday, Oct. 21.

Presented by Student Government and the Raising Awareness Club in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities, the “Time to Stand!” lecture will initially occur from 10-11 a.m. and a second time from 2-3 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Expected to die at birth because of a rare bone disorder that stunted his growth and caused his bones to become extremely fragile, Stephenson has faced many obstacles and deterrents throughout his life that may have resulted in the embracement of self pity. Among his lifelong adversities include suffering more than 200 bone fractures by age 18, reaching a height of only three feet and being confined to a wheelchair.

Despite the setbacks, Stephenson has accomplished many things that others only dream about such as touring the world with the purpose of sharing an inspirational message full hope and energy to individuals living with or without physical challenges. Additionally, he has authored four books and has served as a Legislative Affairs Support Staff member for U.S. Congressman William O. Lipinski and as a Presidential Liaison in the White House for the Office of Cabinet Affairs under U.S. President Bill Clinton.

He also has started his own professional speaking company that travels the world motivating individuals in schools, companies, hospitals and federal agencies. In addition, Stephenson has been featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “The CBS Evening News”, CNN, Discovery Health and in “The New York Times”. In 2009, Stephenson released his critically-acclaimed book titled “Get Off Your ‘But’: How to End Self-Sabotage and Stand Up for Yourself”.

A DePaul University graduate with High Honors, Stephenson holds board certification in clinical psychotherapy from the Association of Integrative Psychology, is a certified trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and currently is receiving his doctorate from American Pacific University.

For additional information about the “Time to Stand!” event, contact the Office of Student Activities at (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.

Owens Community College Hosts Health Career Expo, Oct. 21

Posted on October 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents and students with career aspirations in a health-related field are invited to learn about and explore various employment opportunities available throughout the region as Owens Community College hosts its annual Health Career Expo on Thursday, Oct. 21.

Sponsored by Owens’ Career Services Office, the Owens Health Career Expo will run from 2-4:30 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-127 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Throughout the event, individuals can meet with local health care representatives and ask them questions about their professions or how to go about choosing a career path in the health field. 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 include Mercy Health Partners, ProMedica Health System, Bittersweet Inc., HCR ManorCare, A to Z Health Care Inc., Swanton Health Care and Retirement Center, Kingston Care Center of Sylvania, ABC Health Care Inc., St. Luke’s Hospital, Anne Grady Services and Wood Haven Health Care, among others.

In addition, Owens will have information available for those individuals interested in pursuing a college education. Owens offers a wide variety of academic programs through the College’s School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing, and past graduates from these academic program have gone on to become dental hygienists, dietetic technicians, chefs, hotel and restaurant managers, occupational therapy assistants, health information technicians, nurses, radiographers and ultrasound technologists throughout Northwest Ohio.

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

Owens to Host Free Care Fair for Health, Oct. 20

Posted on October 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents and high school students are invited to learn about ways to make their lives more enjoyable through healthy living as Owens Community College hosts Care Fair for Health 2010 on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

The annual health event 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 in Perrysburg Township. All activities are free and the public is encouraged to attend. The care fair is presented by the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing.

“Owens Community College is excited to once again serve as host to a free community event in which individuals can take advantage of the various health services and advice being offered by Northwest Ohio’s premiere health care community,” said Jennifer Irelan, Owens Director of Enrollment Services and Care Fair for Health Committee Co-Chair.

Attendees will have the opportunity to gain practical health information from more than 60 displays outlining a diverse array of topics, including CPR, cancer information and care, organ and tissue donation, nutrition and culinary arts, diabetes information, mental health, substance abuse, heart health and prevention, HIV awareness, sports care and stress management. Additionally, individuals will be able to test their personal health through free screenings and tests, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

In addition, Owens faculty and students will be on hand to provide free bone density tests and scans. Flu shots and blood sugar screenings will also be available from ProMedica Health Systems. The flu shots are $25 and receipts will be distributed for use as documentation for insurance reimbursement.

Organizations on hand from the health care community will include the American Red Cross, ProMedica Health System, Mobile Meals of Toledo, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, the University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Dental Center of Northwest Ohio, Meijer Pharmacy and The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio, among others.

Additionally, the Student Nurses Association will be holding a bake sale and Owens representatives will offer information on the Heimlich maneuver and CPR through a “Choking Charlie” demonstration.

Owens will have information available for those individuals interested in pursuing a college education. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs through the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing, and past graduates from these academic programs have gone on to become dental hygienists, dietetic technicians, chefs, hotel and restaurant managers, occupational therapy assistants, nurses, health information technicians, radiographers and ultrasound technologists throughout Northwest Ohio.

Local high schools attending the event will include Four County Career Center, Onsted High School, Penta Career Center, Port Clinton High School, Sentinel Career Center, Scott High School, Vanguard Career Center, Whitmer High School and Woodward High School.

For more information about the event, call (567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421.

Anxiety Disorder Expert Dr. Deborah Beidel To Provide Free Talk at Owens Community College, Oct. 19

Posted on October 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into the psychopathology and treatment of social phobia in children and adolescents are invited to a free lecture featuring nationally-known anxiety disorder expert Dr. Deborah Beidel at Owens Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Sponsored by the College’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Beidel’s lecture presentation will occur at 12 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. In addition, a reception for Beidel will take place prior to her lecture presentation at 11 a.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda.

“Owens Community College’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences is excited to welcome one of the country’s top researchers in the area of social phobia and anxiety†in children to Northwest Ohio,” said Denise Shuster, Owens Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “Dr. Deborah Beidel is a leader within her profession and will provide the campus and community audience with extremely helpful information about a disorder that many children struggle with on a daily basis.”

Beidel joined the faculty at the University of Central Florida in 2007 as Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She received her doctorate in 1986 from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her internship and post-doctoral clinical research fellowship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining Central Florida, Beidel was a member of the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Maryland and Penn State College of Medicine.

Her honors include being named the 1990 recipient of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy’s New Researcher Award, the 1995 recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award from the Association of Medical School Psychologists and the 2007 recipient of the APA Division 12 Samuel M. Turner Clinical Research Award. Additionally, Beidel holds the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) Diplomate in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and a past-President of the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology.

Beidel is also past Chair of the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Accreditation and serves on the editorial board of a number of scientific journals. Her academic, research and clinical interests focus on child and adult anxiety disorders, including their etiology, psychopathology and behavioral treatment. She is the recipient of NIMH grants addressing the development and efficacy of behavioral interventions for adults and children with anxiety disorders.

The University of Central Florida’s Anxiety Disorders Clinic is known internationally for its study and treatment of anxiety disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Part of the Department of Psychology at Central Florida, the Anxiety Disorders Clinic specializes in behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders† including social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobia, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Currently, the clinic is engaged in collaborative efforts with researchers in Brazil, Norway and Spain.

For additional information about the lecture presentation, call (567) 661-7180 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7180.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Theatre Production, Oct. 15

Posted on October 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to witness one of William Shakespeare’s most revered comedies as the National Players, America’s longest running classical touring company, presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Friday, Oct. 15.

The performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is occurring in conjunction with Owens serving as host to the 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference, Oct. 14-16.

“Owens Community College is proud to present ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, arguably one of William Shakespeare’s most popular theatrical productions,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “National Players offers a fresh twist on the classic ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ as they make it relevant within today’s society. The performance will spin a fanciful and fantastical tale of love, complete with nymphs, fairies and misguided humans.”

The National Players was founded in 1949 with the overall commitment to supporting young theatrical talent and celebrating the experience of theatergoing by presenting the world’s greatest dramatic literature. Comprised of young professional actors, the company annually travels throughout the country performing two plays in repertory, which includes a Shakespearean play and dramatic classic. Throughout the years, the touring group has showcased their talents to thousands of individuals around the global highlighted by an appearance in the East Wind of the White House and in the Middle East for American military. National Players has also performed in Europe, Asia and throughout 40 states.

National Players’ productions are known for adhering to strict traditions of touring theatre that includes company members not only performing multiple roles, but also technical assignments ranging from lighting to set-up. The theatre group will provide a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production to mirror today’s fast moving electronic media saturated world. A glowing woods and fairies dancing to electronica will set the scene for wacky things to happen when a man loves a woman who loves a man who loves another man in a lover’s quarrel of titanic proportions.

Prior to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production on Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to hear the rich colorful blend of the harp and acoustic guitar as part of TAPESTRY’s live performance featuring Owens Adjunct Faculty member Denise Grupp-Verbon and Michael Grupp-Verbon. The two professional musicians will perform an array of Renaissance music at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda.

Tickets for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performance are $15 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

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Owens Express Volleyball to Retire Stephanie Champine’s No. 11 During Edison State CC Match, Oct. 13

Posted on October 8th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College volleyball will honor arguably one of the greatest student-athletes in the program’s history as the Express retire the No. 11 jersey of former standout Stephanie Champine on Wednesday, Oct. 13. The jersey retirement ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. after the second set of the Owens volleyball match against Edison State Community College.

The match will begin at 6 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to home matches is free.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 24-7 overall record and currently is in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 6-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 16 in the NJCAA Division II poll. Edison State enters the match with an overall record of 13-4 and a 6-0 mark (first place) in the OCCAC.

Champine was a member of the highly successful Express volleyball program from 2006-07. During those two years, Owens captured back-to-back OCCAC titles and accumulated an overall record of 69-23. A 2006 graduate of Bedford High School, Champine holds several Owens volleyball records, including kills for a season (595) and career (1,129) and hitting efficiency for a season (.360) and career (.330). The former Owens outside hitter also holds the record of 35 kills in a match, which was set against Mott Community College on Oct. 3, 2006.

Additionally, the Lambertville, Mich., resident was named NJCAA Division II Second Team and Honorable Mention All-American in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Champine’s other honors included OCCAC Player of the Year, OCCAC All-Conference First Team, NJCAA All-Region XII Team, NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team and team MVP in 2006 and 2007.

Champine continued her collegiate career at Austin Peay State University where she was a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honorable Mention All-American in 2008 and 2009. She also was named to the AVCA’s Midwest All-Region First Team for two consecutive years. Champine is the only Austin Peay player to receive AVCA national and regional recognition in program history.

The Austin Peay outside hitter also was named the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year in 2009 and was a two-time All-OVC First Team selection, becoming the third student-athlete to receive back-to-back first-team honors.

Champine is the second student-athlete to have their jersey retired in Owens intercollegiate athletics’ history, joining former men’s basketball standout Jeff Massey who played for the Express from 1991-93. His No. 30 was retired in 1995. Champine currently serves as a Girls Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach at Monroe High School in Monroe, Mich.

Owens Community College to Host 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference, Oct. 14-16

Posted on October 7th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The influence of “the Bard” is still alive and well and will serve as the focus to a three-day Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference at Owens Community College, Oct. 14-16. The theme of this year’s annual statewide conference is “Shakespeare’s ‘Loose Ends'” and will examine the gaps, lacunae, indeterminacies and silences in the work of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

The 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference will feature various seminars and workshops occurring in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to keynote addresses (plenary sessions) is free and open to the public. Individuals interested in the seminars and workshops are encouraged to register for the conference.

“Owens Community College is honored to once again serve as host to the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference,” said Dr. Russell Bodi, Owens Professor of English and Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference Coordinator. “The nationally-recognized conference will allow both students and the local community to learn alongside humanities scholars about a variety of issues related to arts, literature and theatrical performance, and how it relates to the study of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries.”

Bodi added, “This event will not be confined to a narrow scholarly audience and we welcome the public, professionals and students to attend the insightful sessions.”

Daily sessions will provide an opportunity for students and scholars from around the world to view and present research, participate in panel discussions and attend workshops to gain insight into cultural, dramaturgical, cinematic, theoretical and editorial issues specific to Shakespeare and his literary work. Areas of specific interest will include the role of actors, directors and editors related to the inevitable gap between players and performers and how bias and the historical treatment of Shakespeare reflect and affect appreciation, among other topics.

Attendees will also have the chance to learn about Shakespeare in performance, including how to stage combat scenes. Additionally, there will be two plenary sessions occurring throughout the three-day event in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111.

Serving as the conference’s keynote speakers are nationally recognized literary scholars Dr. Matthew Wikander and Dr. Katharine Maus. Wikander serves as Professor of English at the University of Toledo, while Maus holds the position of James Branch Cabell Professor of Renaissance Literature at the University of Virginia. The topic of Wikander’s keynote address is “‘This is not the man’: Falstaff and Martrydom” and will occur at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 15. Maus will address conference attendees at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16. Her lecture topic is titled “The Properties of Friendship in ‘The Merchant of Venice'”.

The Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference will commence at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, with the first two Shakespeare seminars titled “Sexual Indeterminacies” and “Inwardness and Character”. Presentation topics within the two seminar sessions will include “Hermaphroditism vs. Androgyny: The Function of Cross-dressing in Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It'”, “Mixing Metaphors: Horses, Riders and Hermaphrodites in ‘The Taming of the Shrew'”, “‘Twelfth Night’: A Close Reading of the Plato-Ovidian Characters”, “Othello’s Other Visage”, “The Fair Black Woman: The Politics of Beauty in Shakespeare’s Sonnets” and “Emelia: lago’s Marionette or Fellow Puppeteer”. Other seminars taking place on Thursday are titled “Staging and Editing” and “Interiority and Landscape” and will begin at 3:30 p.m.

On Friday, Oct. 15, seminar session topics will include “He Never Blotted Out a Line!” and “A Scholarly Conversation Concerning the Composition of the Shakespearean Corpus: Twentieth Century Theatrical Practice Versus Conventional Literary Assumptions” at 8:30 a.m.; “Omissions and Potentialities” and “Gaps and Indeterminacies” at 10 a.m.; “Identity”, “Loose Ends and Film Adaptations” and “Key Roles” at 2 p.m.; and “History and the Histories”, “Music and Other Ornaments” and “Refiguring Comedy” at 3:30 p.m.

The final day of the conference will feature Shakespeare seminar sessions titled “Gaps and Authority”, “Gender Issues” and “Reconsidering Gender Roles” at 8:30 a.m.; “Edition” and “Staging the Unusual” at 10 a.m.; and “Comedy in Theory” and “Gender and Interiority” at 1:30 p.m.

Among the colleges and universities participating in the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference are the University of Windsor, University of Southern Indiana, University of the West Indies at Mona, Owens Community College, The Ohio State University, National Changhua University of Education, University of Cincinnati, Marietta College, Oberlin College, Ashland University, University of Nebraska Kearney, Kent State University, Shepherd University, Keystone College, Urbana University, Michigan State University, University of California Santa Cruz, Northern Kentucky University, Bowling Green State University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Akron, Chang Gung University, Southern Utah University, West Virginia University, University of Michigan, Wright State University, Mary Baldwin College, Concord University, Muskingum University, Cincinnati State Community College, Ohio University, Penn State University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Montreal, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and University of Akron.

In addition to the seminar sessions and workshops, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre and Owens will present a theatre staged reading titled “A Merry Regiment of Women” by J. Rae Shirley on Thursday, Oct. 14. The staged reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre. The theatrical comedy tells the story of five women being called to a meeting by a sixth female to discuss the availability and quality of their roles in William Shakespeare plays. During the meeting, three of Shakespeare’s men arrive, each with their own perspective on the situation.

On Friday, Oct. 15, attendees will have the opportunity to witness one of William Shakespeare’s most revered comedies as the National Players, America’s longest running classical touring company, presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre. The theatrical production will begin at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets for “A Merry Regiment of Women” or “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performances, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about the productions, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787. For more information on the 2010 Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference, call (567) 661-7524 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7524, or access the conference website at www.marietta.edu/departments/English/OVSC/index.html.

Owens Community College Student Groups Present Free ‘The Anatomy of Hate’ Film Screening and Lecture, Oct. 11

Posted on October 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore why people hate and how society can overcome such individual and collective views as Owens Community College’s Office of Student Activities presents a free screening and discussion of the award-winning documentary film “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue for Hope” on Monday, Oct. 11.

Presented by the Raising Awareness and Gay Straight Alliance student clubs, the film will be shown at 2 p.m. followed by a discussion with director Mike Ramsdell in Owens’ College Hall Room 100 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Produced and directed by Ramsdell, the 90-minute documentary film “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” provides insight into arguably some of most venomous individual and collective ideologies of hate in recent time, which includes the white supremacist movement, Muslim extremism, Palestinian Intifada, Israeli settlers and soldiers, and U.S. forces in Iraq. Additionally, the documentary features interviews with leading sociological, psychological and neurological experts, as well as personal accounts and stories of individuals who were once “combatants”. The film also reveals both the emotional and biological mechanisms which can make people susceptible to hatred as well as how these same traits can enable individuals to overcome the negative views.

Since it was released in 2008, “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” has garnered critically-acclaimed attention highlighted by being named “Best Political Documentary” at the 2009 Philadelphia Independent Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award recipient at the 2009 Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (DocuFest Atlanta). Other honors include receiving official selection at the Boston International Film Festival, the Sarasota Fringe Festival and the Cinema City Film Festival. The executive producer of “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” is Redwood Palms Pictures.

Ramsdell is a graduate from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After attending college, the Flint, Mich., native founded Under the Hood Productions with the goal of creating films that inform and advance the collective conscience of society. “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue of Hope” is Ramsdell’s second feature film. His first was the award-winning narrative “Montclair”. Ramsdell is currently in development of the cable series “War Photographers”.

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

Owens Express Volleyball to Host ‘Get Your Heart In The Game’ During Quadrangular Against Grand Rapids, Oakland and Jackson, Oct. 10

Posted on October 4th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College volleyball program and the Raising Awareness Club are encouraging area residents to help in supporting the American Heart Association and the organization’s efforts in the fight against cardiovascular disease by making a donation during the Express’ home quadrangular against Grand Rapids Community College, Oakland Community College and Jackson Community College on Sunday, Oct. 10. The quadrangular begins at 12 p.m.

Owens representatives will be accepting donations inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance with all the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. Additionally, each attendee making a donation to the American Heart Association will receive a ticket, which will serve as a raffle ticket for the chance to win a red game ball signed by the current Express volleyball team. The quadrangular will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Beginning at 12 p.m., the host Express will face Jackson (4-14), while Grand Rapids (19-2) will take on Oakland (23-2). The second set of matches will begin at 1:45 p.m. with Owens squaring off against Grand Rapids. The other match will feature Jackson against Oakland.

In addition to the admission donation, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraisers throughout the quadrangular, which will be located at several tables inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance. The Express volleyball team will be wearing red jersey uniforms during the match as well as hosting a heart healthy bake sale and a silent auction to win a red game worn Express volleyball jersey. Cardiovascular disease literature will also be available during the “Get Your Heart In The Game” event. All money raised by the event will go directly to the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association was founded with the overall mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke and is an advocate for improvements to cardiovascular disease prevention, care and research at the local, state and national levels.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 23-7 overall record and currently is in second place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 5-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 17 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for animal rights, the acceptance of cultural differences and adoption, as well as against suicide, cancer and sexual slave trade, among many other issues.

For more information about the “Get Your Heart In the Game” event, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents ‘What Was I Thinking?’ Art Exhibit, Oct. 5-22

Posted on October 4th, 2010

Jim Fultz's watercolor painting titled "Out to Lunch" is among the many works of art on display as part of the "What Was I Thinking?" exhibit at the Owens Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery.

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus continues the 2010-11 arts season with an artistic array of masterful interactive paintings by Findlay resident Jim Fultz as the Library Gallery presents “What Was I Thinking” art exhibit, Oct. 5-22.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Findlay-area Library Gallery is pleased to showcase the work of Jim Fultz, a visionary and conceptual painter whose work explores the interaction between viewer and artwork,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “Viewers who stand before the work see their physical reflection in its surfaces and may then grapple with a mental reflection. ‘What was Fultz thinking when he created this? What am I thinking as I see myself inside his work?'”

Fultz’s passion for art as expressed in his paintings has been shaped and influenced by a variety experiences throughout his career, which included serving as a Gallery Guide at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum from 2005-07 and a Gallery Attendant at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from 2003-04. He also was an Art Teacher at Public School 17 in Bronx, N.Y., for two years.

Many of Fultz’s works have been exhibited publicly in shows throughout the United States to include appearances at the Toledo Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the New Jersey Center for the Visual Arts and the Grace Albrecht Gallery. He was also featured in the “70th Annual National Juried Show” at the Cooperstown Art Association.

Fultz currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Owens Community College and Bluffton University where he teaches classes in art history, fundamentals of drawing and art appreciation, among other academic concentrations. He holds a master’s degree in painting from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in studio art from the University of Akron.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Presents ‘Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera’, Oct. 10

Posted on October 1st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – High-energy song and dance will be showcased at Owens Community College as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents “Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera” on Sunday, Oct. 10.

The performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 3 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to present the talents of The Magik Theatre and their own unique version and interpretation of the timeless classic children’s book ‘Alice in Wonderland’,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “The performance is sure to delight attendees of all ages as Alice and her cast of characters bring theatre, dance and music to life in what can best be described as a rock concert.”

“Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera” is presented by the national touring company The Magik Theatre. Based in San Antonio, The Magik Theatre was founded in 1994 with the overall mission of providing extraordinary and affordable professional theatre and educational experiences for children and adults, as well as promoting an interest and understanding of theatre and literature. Since the first curtain rose over 16 years ago, the organization has performed to over 1.3 million people.

In addition to theatrical productions, The Magik Theatre’s arts education outreach programs include the Acting and Creativity Academy, AccessAbility, X-celerated Theatre and Shakespeare Speaks, which are free in-school workshops that culminate with the organization’s annual Shakespeare in the Park festival at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The touring group also regularly shares their talents with audiences of all ages at theatrical venues and schools, as well as at colleges and universities throughout the country.

Presented in the style of The Who’s Broadway musical “Tommy”, “Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera” will feature author Lewis Carroll’s most memorable characters and their adventures from the timeless literary classic, including the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and Alice.

Tickets for the “Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera” performance are $15 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

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Owens Community College Students Host Third Annual Quiz Bowl Invitational, Oct. 9

Posted on September 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Colleges and universities throughout the Midwest will converge in Perrysburg Township to test their mental capacity and intellectual skills as Owens Community College serves as host to the third annual academic Quiz Bowl Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Presented by the College’s Office of Student Activities and the Owens Trivia Club, the competition will occur from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Founders Hall. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Competing quiz bowl programs will include Owens, Bowling Green State University, Miami University, Ohio State University, College of Wooster and the University of Pittsburgh. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Teams, comprising three to six students, will compete against each other in a round-robin format invitational. At the conclusion of round-robin matches, each† group will compete in two additional quiz bowl playoff matches to determine the Owens Quiz Bowl Invitational champion. Owens Trivia Club members include Justin Miller of Walbridge, Anthony French of Perrysburg, George Henshaw of Maumee and Nicholas Halm of Walbridge.

As part of the competition, each team will have the opportunity to correctly answer as many questions as possible in the 25-minute timed matches. Correct answers will result in 10 or 15 points being earned per team followed by a bonus question worth a maximum of 30 points.

All questions, which will be verbally communicated to teams via moderator, will focus on academic areas consistent with curriculum taught at the collegiate level. Among the categories are science, fine arts, geography, literature and history, as well as a few select questions related to popular culture and sports. In order to answer a question, participants must attempt to buzz in prior to their competition.

Owens Quiz Bowl Invitational questions are sanctioned by National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) LLC, which organizes high school and collegiate national quiz bowl championships throughout North America. Over 60 colleges and universities are affiliated with the national organization.

For more information about the upcoming Owens Quiz Bowl Invitational, call (567) 661-2075 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext 2075.

Owens to Serve as Regional Sites During Annual Ohio Solar Tour, Oct. 2-3

Posted on September 27th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area “green” enthusiasts interested in expanding their knowledge about green energy are invited to participate in Green Energy Ohio’s eighth annual Ohio Solar Tour, Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 2-3. “Solar Tours” in hundreds of locations throughout Ohio will showcase solar, wind, biomass and energy efficiency working for homes, businesses, farms, public buildings and utilities.

Presented by Green Energy Ohio, open house tours will be held in the Northeast, Northwest, Central, Southwest and Southeast regions of Ohio. Open house tours in the Northwest Ohio region are self-guided and guided and will take place at 22 designated sites in Findlay, Maumee, Toledo, Port Clinton, Tiffin, Sylvania, Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Upper Sandusky and Ottawa, among many other locations. Site owners and Green Energy Ohio members will conduct the open houses and several guided tours. All tours, which will occur at various specified times, are free and open to the public.

Northwest Ohio’s 22 open house sites will feature photovoltaic, wind, energy efficiency, energy star, solar thermal and geothermal, among other alternative energy technology. Among the regional sites are Arnold Residence (2810 Provincetown, Toledo) (solar thermal) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Bintz Residence (7103 Secluded Pines Dr., Maumee) (energy efficient, geothermal, energy star and photovoltaic) on Oct. 2-3 from 1-4 p.m.; Brennan Residence (17647 Euler Rd., Bowling Green) (energy efficient, energy star, geothermal and wind) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Compaan Residence (9135 W. Bancroft St., Holland) (energy efficient, energy star, photovoltaic and electric vehicle) on Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m.; Crown Battery Renewable Energy Center in Lake Erie Business Park (5335 W. Lakeshore Dr. Building 460, Port Clinton) (photovoltaic and wind) on Oct. 3 from 1-4 p.m.; Decker Horse Stables (1935 Erie Rd., Lambertville, Mich.) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 2-3 from 1-4 p.m.; Doepker Residence (4253 S. Township Rd. 151, Tiffin) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m.; Duff Warehouses Inc. Solar Barn Roof (6851 Clum Rd., Harrod) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m.; Friesenhengst Residence (13911 Kneisel Rd., Vermilion) (wind) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Green by Design (19551 N. Dixie Highway, Bowling Green) (energy efficient, geothermal, photovoltaic and wind) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Open house sites also include Haney Residence (2112 River Rd., Maumee) (photovoltaic and solar thermal) on Oct. 3 from 1-4 p.m.; Morog Residence (13020 Green Rd., Wakeman) (wind) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (2280 state Route 540, Bellefontaine) (photovoltaic and solar thermal) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus (3200 Bright Rd., Findlay) (photovoltaic and wind) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus (30335 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg) (photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and on Oct. 3 from 1-4 p.m.; Powerhouse Electric Supply (823 N. Locust St., Ottawa) (photovoltaic and energy efficient) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sylvania United Church of Christ (7240 Erie St., Sylvania) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 3 from 1-4 p.m.; Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe St., Toledo) (photovoltaic and microturbines) on Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m.; University of Findlay (1000 N. Main St., Findlay) (energy conservation, energy efficient and passive solar) on Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m.; University of Toledo Scott Park Campus (200 W. Scott Park Dr., Toledo) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Oct. 3 from 1-4 p.m.; Veterans’ Glass City Skyway Bridge (Interstate Highway 280 Greenbelt Highway, Toledo) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Wyandot Solar Farm (10692 County Highway 44, Upper Sandusky) (photovoltaic) on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Additionally, two guided tours will take place within the Northwest Ohio region on Saturday, Oct. 2. The Findlay-area tour will occur from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and feature stops at Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus (11 a.m.), the Wyandot Solar Farm (12:30 p.m.), the Doepker Residence (1:30 p.m.) and the University of Findlay (2:30 p.m.). The tour will begin and end on the Owens’ Findlay-area Campus. Attendees are encouraged to park in Lot H and meet at the College’s solar array and wind turbine, which are adjacent to the Community Education and Wellness Center. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

The other guided tour will highlight locations throughout the Toledo area and take place from 12-5 p.m. Featured stops will include the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus (12 p.m.), the Haney Residence (1 p.m.), the Bintz Residence (2 p.m.), the Compaan Residence (3:15 p.m.) and the University of Toledo Scott Park Campus (4:15 p.m.). The Toledo-area tour will begin and end on Owens’ Toledo-area Campus. Ohio Solar Tour participants should park in Lot H and meet at the College’s wind turbines, which are adjacent to the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

In addition to Green Energy Ohio, Ohio Solar Tour sponsors are American Solar Energy Society, The Ohio Department of Development, American Electric Power, The University of Findlay, The Gund Foundation, AstrumSolar, Ameridian, Dovetial Solar and Wind, Extreme Solar, Third Sun Solar and The American Solar Energy Society.

Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. The organization is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society and also sponsors conferences, workshops, workforce training and assesses potential for wind turbines sites across the state.

The Northwest Ohio site is being coordinated by Owens Community College. For additional information about the Ohio Solar Tour, call (614) 985-6131, or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7163 or (567) 661-7163. Individual can also find details about the specific sites by accessing Green Energy Ohio’s website at www.greenenergyohio.org.

Owens Presents American Indian Education Center Powwow and Lecture Events, Sept. 29-30

Posted on September 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore the American Indian traditions and culture as Owens Community College welcomes the American Indian Education Center to the Findlay-area and Toledo-area campuses Wednesday-Thursday, Sept. 29-30.

Sponsored by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Office of Student Activities, the American Indian Education Center will provide both an interactive powwow and lecture presentation events as part of their visit to Northwest Ohio. Admission to all events is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Owens Community College is honored to welcome the American Indian Education Center to Northwest Ohio and assist in raising awareness about the culture, history and traditions of the American Indians,” said Denise Shuster, Owens Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “Both the powwow and lecture presentation are extremely engaging, which make for a unique experience for attendees.”

The American Indian Education Center will visit the Findlay-area Campus on Wednesday, Sept. 29. The interactive powwow will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Community Education and Wellness Center Multipurpose Center, while the lecture will occur from 2-3 p.m. in the Community Education and Wellness Center Room 111. Owens Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

On Thursday, Sept. 30, the American Indian Center will appear on the Toledo-area Campus. The group’s interactive powwow will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. followed by the lecture from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Both events will take place in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

American Indian Education Center’s interactive powwow will provide attendees with insight into the dancing, spirituality, culture and history of the Mohawk Indians. Individuals will have the opportunity to participate in the powwow, which will include dancers, drums and chants. The lecture presentation will highlight details specific to the Two Spirit customs and traditions and the role they play in Indian society.

The American Indian Education Center was founded in 1992 as an agency devoted to the cultural, educational and socioeconomic enhancement of American Indians through the provision of programs and services that empower all indigenous cultures represented in Ohio, with the holistic goal of developing self-sufficiency, self-determination and self-esteem among all community members.

For more information about the American Indian Education Center events, call (567) 661-7180 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7180.

Owens Community College Offers Fall ACT Preparation Class, Sept. 27 – Oct. 18

Posted on September 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents preparing to take the national ACT test are encouraged to bring a pencil, paper and a calculator to Owens Community College as the academic institution offers a program titled “Building Confidence with ACT Prep” in September and October. The class is coordinated through the College’s Workforce and Community Services.

The ACT preparation class will occur Monday evenings, Sept. 27 – Oct. 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee.

During each of the four sessions, students will be tutored in all five sections of the ACT test. The actual ACT is comprised of one test in each of the following areas: English, math, reading, science reasoning and writing. In addition to being tutored in these areas through one-on-one teaching, students will learn traditional testing strategies such as how to take a timed test and how to find the elusive answer to a difficult question.

In addition to offering the ACT preparation class, Owens serves as a host site for the national ACT test. The next testing date after the ACT preparation class is in October. Prior registration through the ACT organization is required.

Limited seating is available and early registration is recommended. For more information, or to register for the class, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens’ Community Terrace View CafÈ Announces Fall Semester Menu, Sept. 28 – Nov. 18

Posted on September 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore the diverse world of international cuisine and regional food discoveries during a unique dining experience at Owens Community College as the hospitality management and culinary arts programs unveil fall menu selections in the community Terrace View CafÈ.

The student-run Terrace View CafÈ is open to the public during the academic year. Owens’ restaurant, which is coordinated by the Food, Nutrition and Hospitality department, is located in College Hall Room 148 on the Toledo-area Campus. The Terrace View CafÈ will be open to area residents for lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Seating is limited and available until 12:15 p.m. and take out meals will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. The cost per lunch is only $7.50 and reservations are required.

The Terrace View CafÈ will be available to guests starting Tuesday, Sept. 28 with Memphis-style pulled pork sliders on fresh baked buns as the entrÈe. Regional food discoveries will be the featured selection on Tuesdays, while Thursday’s culinary focus is international influences.

Upcoming Fall Semester dates and entrÈe listings include Oct. 5 (tilapia, shrimp, fresh vegetable and potatoes with citrus-herb butter baked in parchment), Oct. 7 (braised beef short ribs ), Oct. 12 (red snapper tacos with mango salsa and avocado), Oct. 14 (slow simmered chicken and Chorizo sausage with saffron-seasoned rice and vegetables), Oct. 19 (mushroom-stuffed meatloaf), Oct. 21 (Italian menu TBA), Oct. 26 (Yankee pot roast), Nov. 9 (pork scalloppini served over homemade fettuccini ), Nov. 11 (lamb and feta cheese dolmades), Nov. 16 (made-to-order omelets) and Nov. 18 (Mongolian barbeque). Additionally, attendees have the opportunity to choose either a lacto-ovo vegetarian entrÈe or a Terrace chicken burger with the planned side dishes if desired. A complete listing of dishes is available at www.owens.edu/terrace. Bakery items also will be available for purchase during the luncheons.

Owens culinary arts program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the rapidly growing culinary arts industry. Both the associate’s degree and certificate prepares students for food preparation positions in restaurants, hotels, health care facilities, resorts and country clubs.

In addition to culinary arts, the College offers an associate’s degree in hospitality management. As part of the program, students are provided with the skills and educational curriculum for a successful career in the diverse areas of hospitality management. Owens’ hospitality management program prepares students for management and supervisory positions in hotels, restaurants, resorts and institutions.

Reservations must be made by 3 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the Tuesday luncheon and 3 p.m. on Thursday prior to the Thursday luncheon. For additional information about Owens’ Terrace View CafÈ fall lunch menu, call (567) 661-7359 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7359. Individuals can also make a reservation by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/terrace.

Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery Welcomes Nationally Acclaimed Artist Arturo Rodriguez, Sept. 28 – Oct. 23

Posted on September 21st, 2010

Owens' "Marielito" exhibit will feature an array of artistic expressions by Arturo Rodriguez including the printmaking-based work titled "Dias sin Inocencia".

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College invites area residents to visit the brilliantly artistic world of nationally acclaimed artist Arturo Rodriguez through his emotionally vivid paintings, prints and mixed media works as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery presents a new exhibit titled “Marielito”, Sept. 28 – Oct. 23. The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, Owens will serve as host to a lecture by guest artist Arturo Rodriguez on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. A free exhibit reception will immediately follow the lecture in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

“Owens Community College is excited to showcase the works of such a widely accomplished artist as Arturo Rodriguez in the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “Rodriguez’s paintings, prints and mixed media works combine images from paintings that one might find on the walls of an average American home and images from some of his earliest visual memories as a young Cuban immigrant to the United States in the 1980s – cartoons. By uniting these seemingly disparate images Rodriguez’s work constitutes an accurate metaphor for Cuban aesthetics and culture, which historically has undergone a process of appropriation. Exhibit attendees will truly enjoy the vivid, colorful artistic expressions, which have captivated audiences nationwide.”

Arturo Rodriguez's painting titled "The Lonesome West" is among the many works of art on display as part of the "Marielito" exhibit at the Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery.

In addition to its appearance on the Toledo-area Campus, the “Marielito” exhibit will be showcased in the Library Gallery on the Findlay-area Campus, Oct. 27 – Nov. 19.

Musical Composer, Author Dr. David Cutler to Speak at Owens, Sept. 27

Posted on September 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in gaining insight into how to become a successful professional musician are invited to attend several free lecture presentations featuring noted musical composer and author Dr. David Cutler at Owens Community College on Monday, Sept. 27.

Presented by the Owens’ Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Cutler’s lecture presentations are titled “Average Student, Savvy Student” and “Marketing is Everything!” and will take place in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111 on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

“Average Student, Savvy Student” presentations will occur at 9 and 10 a.m., while the lecture titled “Marketing is Everything!” will take place at 12:30 p.m. Both lecture presentations will examine critical elements to a professional career as a musician, such as entrepreneurship, product development, branding, marketing, networking, the recording paradigm, personal finance, funding, relevance and legacy. Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Cutler balances a varied career as a jazz and classical composer, pianist, educator, arranger, author, speaker and entrepreneur. In all these pursuits, he is well-known for pushing the musical and performance boundaries while aiming to connect with new audiences.

His musical interest began at the age of six when he started playing jazz and classical piano. Cutler studied piano at the University of Miami, composition at the Hochschule fur Musik, jazz arranging and composition at the Eastman School of Music and composition at Indiana University. He was Chair of the Composition Program at the Brevard Summer Music Festival from 2000-04 and currently serves on the faculty at Duquesne University, where he teaches musicianship, composition and jazz.

Cutler’s concert compositions have thrilled audiences throughout North America, Europe and Asia and have been commissioned and performed by ensembles and artists such as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Classical Orchestra of Milan, Korean Chamber Ensemble, harpist Jung and saxophonists Joe Lulloff and Jim Houlik. His jazz compositions and arrangements have been presented by Nancy Wilson, Benny Golson, the Airmen of Note Air Force Big Band and the Eastman Studio Orchestra, as well as among many college jazz ensembles.

Recent accolades include the Sammy Nestico Award, the Millennium Arts Society’s International Competition for Composers and awards from Friends and Enemies of New Music and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In 2006, he served composition residencies at the Visby International Centre for Composition in Gotland, Sweden and the Asian Pacific Performance Exchange in Los Angeles. His music has often interfaced with dance, film, actors, costumes, stage design and visual artists.

In addition to composing and arranging, Cutler is active as a pianist, conductor, writer and educator. His style of jazz piano playing is as wide ranging as his compositions, spanning such styles as stride and bebop to elements far beyond the traditional jazz vocabulary. As a classical pianist he has focused his efforts on the music of contemporary and American composers. Always an advocate of new music, he has conducted many large and chamber ensembles, including over 20 premiers. In 2002, he became a contributing author to “Jazz Styles”, the top selling jazz history textbook in the country. Cutler’s most recent book “The Savvy Musician” was created to help musicians in their pursuit of a successful career.

For additional information about the free lecture presentations, call (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7081.

Owens Community College Hosts DECA Fall Frenzy, Sept. 24

Posted on September 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Students from eight area high schools will showcase their knowledge and skills in marketing, merchandising, management and entrepreneurship as they compete in the DECA Fall Frenzy as part of a collaborative effort between Owens Community College and Penta Career Center. The event will take place at Owens on Friday, Sept. 24.

DECA Fall Frenzy will occur from 8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is excited to once again partner with Penta Career Center and host an event dedicated to enhancing student skills related to careers within the business field,” said Jennifer Irelan, Owens Director of Enrollment Services.

DECA, which stands for “Distributive Education Clubs of America”, is a national organization dedicated to enhancing educational and career opportunities for high school and college students within the areas of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 1946, DECA has remained on the cutting edge of educational innovation, working with the business community to integrate academic achievement with career and technical skills. Each year the organization’s scholarship program awards over $250,000 in financial assistance to students, which are generated from more than 50 corporations.

Throughout the day, students will be faced with various real-world business scenarios in which they will have to provide explanations on how to effectively manage the situation. Such role-play scenarios will include apparel and accessories, business services, food marketing, marketing management, full-serve restaurant, quick-serve restaurant, retail merchandising, and vehicles and petroleum. In addition, participants will make presentations in the areas of hospitality, finance, sports, travel and e-commerce. Students will also take a written examination and participate in activities that will test their interview skills.

The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center. The top five individuals will be honored based on judging of the team and series competitions.

Local high schools competing in the fall DECA competition include Anthony Wayne High School, Bowling Green High School, Springfield High School, Maumee High School, Penta Career Center, Oak Harbor High School, Perrysburg High School and Rossford High School.

Owens’ School of Business and Information Systems provides educational opportunities in a variety of associate degree and certificate programs, preparing students for careers in such areas as accounting, international business, marketing and sales, information systems, and office administration, among other career fields.

Owens Presents Yet-to-be Written, Cast and Rehearsed Plays As Part of 24-Hour ‘Theatre Express’ Event, Sept. 25

Posted on September 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students and faculty as well as community members will have the unique opportunity to write, cast, rehearse and perform seven different plays in a 24-hour time period as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts hosts its third annual fall “Theatre Express” production, Sept. 24-25. The 24-hour theatre event will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 25, with participants premiering their seven masterful plays in the Studio Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Area residents are invited to attend the Saturday evening performance as the “Theatre Express” production is free and open to the public. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Attendees are encouraged to arrive around 7 p.m. due to limited seating in the Studio Theatre.

“Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts is proud to once again present a unique theatrical experience where the productions are written, cast, rehearsed and performed in the span of 24 hours,” said Jeremy Meier, Owens Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts. “Attendees will be amazed by the creative talents of all those involved in the collaborative process, which is unlike any other. I encourage area residents to experience theatre of the unknown.”

The 24-hour marathon begins in the afternoon on Friday (Sept. 24) when each actor and actress arrives at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts wearing a unique costume put together from their own wardrobe. Attendees will also bring an item that reflects their character’s personality. Each performer’s photo will then be taken for playwright selection purposes.

Beginning that same evening, seven teams of writers and directors representing Owens Community College faculty will begin the arduous process of writing and staging a play based on a yet-to-be-determined theme and topic involving the assigned 3-5 actors and actresses. Caffeinated beverages will be the drink of choice as writers frantically craft five- to 10-minute plays throughout the evening hours.

Actors and actresses will meet with the directors at 9 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 25) in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts to rehearse and memorize lines of the recently-written plays. Final rehearsals will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the actors and actresses will showcase theatrical talents during the live performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre. In addition, the playwrights will see their plays staged for the first time with the audience.

For additional information about the “Theatre Express” production, contact (567) 661-2798 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2798.

Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club Hosts Annual Fall Plant Sale, Sept. 28-29

Posted on September 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents seeking to add new life and color to their gardens and yards this fall are encouraged to attend the Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club’s annual Fall Plant Sale at Owens Community College, Sept. 28-29.

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

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

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

Shrubs on hand will include the Purple Beauty Berry, Dwarf Burning Bush, Blue False Spirea, Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea, Fine Wine Weigela and a wide assortment of many others. Additionally, over 30 different varieties of trees and evergreens will be available at the fall plant sale such as the Japanese Stripped-bark Maple, the Ohio Buckeye and the Colorado Spruce. The Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club will also sell an array of perennials, including select hostas and ornamental grasses. A complete listing of the available plants with their prices is available online at www.owens.edu/direct/plantsale.pdf.

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

For more information about the Owens Landscape and Turfgrass Crew Club plant sale, call (567) 661-7623 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7623.

Owens Community College Hosts Auditions for Upcoming Theatre Production, Sept. 27-28

Posted on September 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in performing in the upcoming student production of the “Almost, Maine” are invited to open theatre auditions at Owens Community College, Sept. 27-28.

Auditions will take place Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 27 and 28, from 6-9 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Studio Theatre Room 111. Callback auditions will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 29. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Each individual is encouraged to prepare a monologue as part of the audition or a monologue will be provided for them. The theatre production dates are Nov. 18-21.

Attendees are required to make an appointment prior to the audition dates. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (567) 661-2798 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2798.

Owens Students Assist Wood County Library with Educational Resource Supply Drive, Sept. 16-30

Posted on September 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College students are raising the awareness about the many benefits of the nation’s public libraries, as well as collecting various educational resources to further advance the mission of the Wood County District Public Library, as the Raising Awareness and Environmental clubs host an Educational Resource Supply Drive, Sept. 16-30.

The Educational Resource Supply Drive is being coordinated by the College’s Raising Awareness and Environmental clubs and will take place in conjunction with September serving as Library Card Sign-Up Month.

“Owens Community College is proud to celebrate public libraries and raise awareness about the significant role they play in inspiring lifelong learning within our communities,” said Nicole Lance, Owens Raising Awareness Club Advisor and student. “At the same time, public libraries throughout the country are in need of our help and support. I encourage area residents to make a difference and donate to the Educational Resource Supply Drive. Every little bit helps in advancing enriching learning opportunities for individuals.”

Items being collected as part of the Educational Resource Supply Drive include new or gently-used books, DVDs, VHS tapes and books on tape. Additional educational resources being collected are new and gently-used children’s books, DVDs and VHS tapes, among other supplies.

Owens has set up a variety of collection points around the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. Area residents can drop off their charitable donations at the Library in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center, the College Hall Bookstore and the Office of Student Activities in the Student Health and Activities Center.

At the conclusion of the supply drive, all supply drive items will be donated to the Wood County District Public Library in Bowling Green.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for animal rights, the acceptance of cultural differences and adoption, as well as against suicide, cancer and sexual slave trade, among many other issues.

The Owens Environmental Club is comprised of active students who are dedicated to addressing a multitude of environmental issues on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The student organization has successfully implemented numerous recycling programs, while bringing more awareness to environmental concerns. Within the community, the Owens Environmental Club regularly helps in community clean-ups and preserve restorations, participates in charity events, and supports various environmental causes with a yearly Human-I-Tees fundraiser.

For more information, or to make a donation, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Celebrates Constitution Day With Voter Registration Events, Sept. 16-17

Posted on September 10th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Student Government is inviting their fellow students, as well as area residents, to join in celebrating Constitution Day by bringing awareness to the importance of the voting process Thursday-Friday, Sept. 16-17.

Owens student representatives will make available voter registration forms to individuals from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 16) and from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday (Sept. 17) in the Commons Atrium on the Findlay-area Campus. †Additionally, voter registration forms will be available for visitors from 12-4 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 17) in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Community College is proud to celebrate the signing of our country’s U.S. Constitution and its importance to preserving American freedom and democracy,” said John Byers, Owens Manager of Student Activities. “Each person’s vote can make a difference in the democratic process and I encourage those qualified individuals to consider registering on Constitution Day.”

Qualifications to register to vote in Ohio include holding United States citizenship status, being at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the general election and being a resident of Ohio for at least 30 consecutive days immediately before the election in which the individual intends to vote, among other areas.

In addition to voter registration, attendees will have the opportunity to receive a free U.S. Constitution pocket booklet titled “U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It” on both the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

Established in 2004, Constitution Day celebrates the significant moment in U.S. history when 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document that defined and separated powers of the federal government on Sept. 17, 1787.

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

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 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. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Announces Free Fall ‘QuickStart to College’ Program, Sept. 28 – Dec. 9

Posted on September 10th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are invited to explore career options and gain advice on making the first steps toward a college education as the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus presents a free “QuickStart to College” program, Sept. 28 – Dec. 9.

The free ten-week program, which is designed for first generation college attendees, low wage workers, underemployed and undereducated adults in mind, will take place from 12-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 021 on the Findlay-area Campus, which is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

Owens’ free “QuickStart to College” comprehensive program features an array of educational initiatives, including academic preparation, coaching and embracing the expectations of college-level studies. Additionally, students will participate in activities designed to promote enhanced learning and develop necessary study and life skills for college success. Individuals will also learn and obtain an in-depth understanding of the language, culture and resources of Owens through the program, as well as receive information specific to the financial aid process and academic placement testing. Free math, reading and writing tutorials are also offered to program participants.

In addition, each student will receive three college credit hours toward an Owens education upon course completion.

Funding for Owens’ academic initiative is being made possible through a three-year $522,200 grant from the Lumina Foundation for Education, which is an Indianapolis-based private foundation dedicated to expanding access to and success in education beyond high school. Owens is one of only three academic institutions statewide to receive funding in 2008 for the program. The other two colleges are Rhodes State College in Lima and Zane State College in Zanesville.

In order to be eligible for the free “QuickStart to Success” program, individuals must have obtained their high school Diploma or GED. A mandatory orientation will take place in conjunction with the first day of class on Sept. 28. For more information about the “QuickStart to College” program, call (567) 429-3509 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3509.

Owens Community College Presents Eighth Annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble, Sept. 26

Posted on September 9th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf to benefit golf student-athletes and the intercollegiate program as Owens Community College presents its eighth annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. The event will occur on Sunday, Sept. 26.

Organized by Owens’ Department of Athletics, the golf outing will be held at Tamaron Country Club Golf Course in Toledo. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch and an awards program.

The four-person golf scramble competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. Owens’ event will conclude with participants recalling their golfing experience during a short awards program, which will recognize the top foursome, as well as the longest drive and closest to the pin contests.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble by entering a team. The entry fee is only $60 per player and all proceeds from the event will benefit the intercollegiate athletic golf program.

Led by Head Coach Gilbert Guerrero, the Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 333-307 (640) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed seventh in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

Individuals must register prior to the date of the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. For more information, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Nationally-Acclaimed Country Group Buffalo Rome, Sept. 17

Posted on September 9th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Nationally-acclaimed Buffalo Rome will bring their trademark country music blend of acoustic roots with intricate harmonies to Northwest Ohio as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents the Nashville-based group in concert on Friday, Sept. 17.

Buffalo Rome’s performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to welcome widely recognized musical group Buffalo Rome to the Mainstage Theatre,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Buffalo Rome’s unique style brings music reminiscent of the 1970s western country rock to life, which will certainly leave a lasting impression on concert attendees.”

Buffalo Rome is nationally known for bringing vinyl vibe to the digital age. The three-person group blends acoustic roots with intricate harmonies to create a unique sound through the use of guitar, banjo, harmonica and mandolin that has entertained audiences nationwide.

The country music group has graced the stage of such musical venues as the Grand Ole Opry and performed with artists ranging from Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Loggins to Michael Bolton and Elton John. Group members include Michael Visconti, Billy McCorvey and Kevin Douglas.

Buffalo Rome’s accomplishments include appearing on television’s Great American Country and within the pages of “Country Weekly” magazine. The group has released 19 songs, which includes the highly popular “Big Sky” and “Ocean In Montana”.

Tickets for the Buffalo Rome performance are $18 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office. For more information about this event, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787.

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Owens Community College Student Government Observes 9/11 Tragedy With Community Events, Sept. 9-11

Posted on September 7th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Student Government is inviting their fellow students and employees, as well as area residents, to join them on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses and pay tribute to those victims and heroes that lost their lives in the Sept. 11 tragedy nine years ago by participating in a series of free community events Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 9-11.

“Owens Community College students are proud to remember and honor those individuals who lost their lives on that Sept. 11 morning nine years ago,” said John Byers, Owens Manager of Student Activities. “In addition, we are using this time to recognize the brave men and women who risk their lives to keep our country safe on a daily basis.”

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, individuals will have the opportunity to view a memorial display in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda on the Toledo-area Campus commemorating the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attack.

The memorial display will include an elaborate floral arrangement as well as newspaper clippings and photos from the tragic event. In an effort to fully honor and remember every victim of that day, a complete name listing of those that perished will be on display. Visitors will also have the chance to leave their own inspirational message and pick up a carnation to present at the memorial as part of an interactive exhibit titled “Where Were You”. Additionally, literature detailing the new National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center will be available to individuals at the memorial display. Owens’ memorial display activities will conclude at 5 p.m.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the film “102 Minutes That Changed America” in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. The 102-minute documentary film depicts in virtually real time the New York-based events of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks primarily using raw video footage from mostly amateur citizen journalists. Produced by the History (channel), the documentary premiered in 2008. “102 Minutes That Changed America” will air continuously from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In addition, Myrta Gschaar of Maumee will once again share the story about losing her husband, Robert, as a result of the terrorist attacks on the second tower at the World Trade Center in New York City. Gschaar will display an array of artifacts from Sept. 11, including a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site that an artist masterfully handcrafted and sent to each victim’s family. She will be sharing her message at the memorial display throughout the day.

On Friday, Sept. 10, Owens Findlay-area Campus employees and students, as well as members of the community, will gather outside the Education Center at the flagpole to observe a moment of silence in honor of the victims at 9 a.m.

In addition, area residents are invited to gather for a remembrance ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 8:30 a.m. near the flagpoles adjacent to Administration Hall on the Toledo-area Campus. At that time, Owens students and community members will ring hand bells, which will be followed by the ringing of the Health Technologies Hall’s bells. A moment of silence will conclude the remembrance ceremony.

Owens Delivers Backpacks and Supplies to Area Elementary School Children, Sept. 8-14

Posted on September 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million, two Walt Churchill’s Market locations, three Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches are brightening many children’s lives through a unique community service endeavor titled “Backpack to the Future”. Over 410 backpacks and more than 8,700 school supply items collected throughout the summer months are being donated to 22 area elementary schools during the month of September.

Beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 8, Owens representatives will deliver backpacks and supplies to Northview Primary School at 11:30 a.m. in Findlay (133 Lexington Ave.). On Thursday, Sept. 9, Owens will donate backpacks and school supplies to Toledo Public Schools’ Birmingham Elementary School (355 Dearborn Ave.) at 10 a.m. and to Rossford’s Glenwood Elementary School (8950 Avenue Rd.) at 3:45 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 10, College officials will make a backpack and school supply donations to Toledo Public Schools’ Reynolds Elementary School (5000 Norwich Rd.) at 10:30 a.m. and Lake Local Schools’ Walbridge Elementary School at 2 p.m. in Walbridge (200 E. Union St.). The following week, Owens representatives will make their final stop on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Toledo Public Schools’ Glenwood Elementary School (2860 Glenwood Ave.) at 10 a.m.

“The impressive response area residents and businesses continue to make to the ‘Backpack to the Future’ supply drive is outstanding,” said Kaye Koevenig, Owens Alumni Association Community Service Chair. “There are many 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.”

The drive also collected over $1,130 from community members. The charitable donations will go toward the purchase of school supplies.

Owens Alumni Association Presents Annual Golf Classic, Sept. 27

Posted on September 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf and entertainment in support of alumni programs and scholarships as Owens Community College’s Alumni Association holds its eighth annual Golf Classic on Monday, Sept. 27.

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, grazing dinner and an awards program. The Golf Classic event sponsors are the Hylant Group and Hylant Administrative Services and Hylant Group CEO Mike Hylant is serving as the event’s Honorary Chair. In addition, Metzgers Printing + Mailing is the print sponsor.

“Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is proud to host a community-wide event, benefitting students in pursuit of a college education,” said Laura Moore, Owens Alumni Association Executive Director and Event Chair. “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 been strong 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 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., followed by a short golf demonstration at 1 p.m. The day will conclude with participants reminiscing about their golfing experience over a grazing dinner 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).

The Belmont Country Club is located on Bates Road in Perrysburg. The tournament is limited to the first 30 foursome teams. For more information, or to register a team, contact the Owens Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876.

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts Welcomes Internationally-Known Muslim Speaker Zohra Sarwari, Sept. 13

Posted on September 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will raise the curtain on its 2010-11 presenting arts season as the Center for Fine and Performing Arts welcomes internationally-known Muslim speaker and author Zohra Sarwari on Monday, Sept. 13.

Sarwari will provide attendees within an insightful talk about the stereotypes that Muslims face on a daily basis in a lecture presentation titled “No, I Am Not a Terrorist!”. Her performance will take place in the College’s Mainstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is proud to kick off the 2010-11 presenting arts season by welcoming the highly acclaimed Zohra Sarwari to Northwest Ohio,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “Ms. Sarwari is an extremely talented individual and is known internationally for her speaking and literary work. Her engaging discussion will mix enthusiasm, humor and passion into several inspirational stories that encourage individuals to enhance their understanding of terrorism, Islam and Muslims for the betterment of humanity.”

Sarwari came to America from Afghanistan at the age of six. Her varied background includes being raised in New York City, then moving to the suburbs of Virginia, finishing high school in California and currently residing in Indiana. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in business administration and is currently working toward a second bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies.

She has faced many challenges as a result of her Orthodox Muslim background and is committed to advocating for tolerance toward people of all races, religions and backgrounds. Sarwari is the author of nine books that focus on helping people achieve their goals and resolving specific challenges facing them in their lives. Among the literary works to her credit include “9 Steps To Achieve Your Destiny”, “Become a Professional Speaker Today”, “Time Management For Success”, “Are Muslim Women Oppressed?”, “Imagine that Today is Your Last Day” and “No! I Am Not a Terrorist!”.

Additionally, Sarwari has provided her inspirational message to colleges and universities, as well as to Muslim and non-Muslim community groups around the globe. She has appeared in such international publications as “Azizah Magazine” and on several international television networks that include Payme Afghan TV and Noor TV.

In addition to the evening performance, Sarwari will be proving a lecture presentation for Owens students on Monday (Sept. 13) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Room 125. The lecture presentation is being presented by the College’s Student Government, the Office of Student Activities, the International Student Union, the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Muslim Student Association and the Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

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

Owens Employees and Students Spend Day Helping Others As Part of United Way’s ‘Day of Caring’, Sept. 8

Posted on September 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Over 20 Owens Community College employees and students will spend a morning and early afternoon at the Toledo Botanical Garden in Toledo (5403 Elmer Rd.) volunteering their time on garden redevelopment projects as the academic institution joins with several hundred volunteers throughout the region in the United Way’s annual “Day of Caring” initiative on Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The Owens volunteer team is among a number of organizations, matched with area non-profit groups, who are working on various outreach initiatives and projects designed to strengthen the surrounding communities through the efforts of the United Way of Greater Toledo.

Beginning at 9 a.m., Owens volunteers will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty by participating in a variety of projects including relocating plants, weeding and helping with beautification activities within the greenhouse. Owens representatives will conclude their volunteer efforts around 2 p.m. that same day.

The College will kick off its own Community Giving Campaign in October. Monies raised as a result of the campaign will impact over 200 community, health, support, environmental and educational non-profit agencies throughout Northwest Ohio. Last year’s campaign raised over $18,500 for area organizations.

The United Way of Greater Toledo is a collaboration of community volunteers, health and human-service providers and donors throughout Lucas, Wood and Ottawa counties who committed to changing lives. United Way assists citizen leaders to develop an agenda to strengthen community life in areas the community most cares about and needs. The organization facilities and supports a wide range of community-based efforts to make a measurable impact in those areas.

Through sites in Lucas, Wood and Ottawa counties, United Way services are provided to people who need help, want to volunteer, need assistance from organized labor or want to donate. By maintaining offices in all three counties, United Way encourages and facilities increased community involvement.

Owens Community College Announces Free Fall ‘QuickStart to College’ Program, Sept. 27 – Dec. 8

Posted on September 1st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to explore career options and gain advice on making the first steps toward a college education as Owens Community College presents a free “QuickStart to College” program, Sept. 27 – Dec. 8.

The free ten-week program, which is designed for first generation college attendees, low wage workers, underemployed and undereducated adults in mind, will take place Mondays and Wednesdays (Sept. 27 – Dec. 8) from 9-11 a.m. in College Hall Room 204 and Tuesdays (Sept. 28 – Dec. 7) from 12-4 p.m. in College Hall Room 200. The two separate class offerings will occur on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, Owens will make available the “QuickStart to College” program on Wednesdays (Sept. 29 – Dec. 8) from 11:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. in Room 107 at the College’s Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo.

In order to be eligible for the free “QuickStart to College” program, individuals must have obtained their High School Diploma or GED. A mandatory orientation is required for students on their first day of class. For more information about the “QuickStart to College” program, call (567) 661-2990 for the Toledo-area Campus classes or (567) 661-2732 for the Learning Center at The Source classes.

International, National and Local Performers Scheduled at Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts in 2010-11

Posted on August 31st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts will raise the curtain with an array of events scheduled throughout the 2010-11 presenting arts season. Music, dance and theatre artists from around the world, including several local, national and international standouts, will perform a variety of shows and concerts at Owens this upcoming year.

“Owens Community College is proud to once again celebrate the performing arts with an impressive array of talent ranging from music to theatre,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens Director of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “The 2010-11 season is designed to appeal to just about everyone as it offers entertainment for all ages and tastes. Owens is pleased to once again connect artists and audiences through performances that reach out to the campus and our surrounding communities.”

Internationally-recognized speaker Zohra Sarwari and her lecture presentation titled No, I Am Not a Terrorist! will serve as the kickoff event for the 2010-11 season on Monday, Sept. 13. An established author of nine books and a public speaker, Sarwari will provide attendees with an insightful talk about the stereotypes that Muslims face on daily basis.

Buffalo Rome will bring vinyl vibe of the 1970s western country rock scene to the digital age on Friday, Sept. 17 at Owens. Nationwide audiences have heralded the three-person group’s talents for blending acoustic roots with intricate harmonies to create a unique sound through the use of guitar, banjo, harmonica and mandolin.

The College presenting arts season will once again feature several family-oriented Sunday performances designed to provide fun and entertainment to individuals of all ages. National touring company The Magik Theatre will simultaneously bring rock and roll and the classic children’s book “Alice in Wonderland” to life in a high-energy song and dance performance titled “Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera” on Oct. 10. Following “Alice and Wonderland, A Rock Opera”, the classic tale of a young orphan girl whose dauntless spirit transforms her adoptive family will be showcased in ArtsPower National Touring Theatre’s production of “Anne of Green Gables” on March 20.

Owens will also offer community members the opportunity to witness one of William Shakespeare’s most revered comedies as the National Players, America’s longest running classical touring company, presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Oct. 15. Individuals will have the chance to experience a unique artistic performance developed by Core Ensemble that features a theatrical narrative to chamber music titled “Tres Vidas” on Oct. 28.

Additionally, “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio” will take attendees to the 1940s for an authentic “live broadcast” of Frank Capra’s beloved film “It’s A Wonderful Life” as it would have been presented during the Golden Age of Radio on Dec. 10. On March 11, Celtic Blaze featuring Stephanie Cadman will bring their high energy talents to Owens for a performance that explores Canadian heritage through music and dance, with a creative contemporary edge.

The 2010-11 presenting arts season will also feature speaking engagements of two nationally prominent authors. On Jan. 25, Sister Helen Prejean, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated book “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States”, will provide a vivid account of her experiences as an activist related to the execution process in a lecture presentation titled Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues. Insight into the PostSecret Project with author Frank Warren will follow Prejean’s performance on March 23 in the Student Health and Activities Center. Warren is the creator of the blog phenomenon titled the PostSecret Project, a collection of highly personal and artfully decorated postcards mailed anonymously from around the world, that display the soulful secrets people never voice to others.

Local community arts events will highlight the 2010-11 season as Owens collaborates with the Toledo School for the Arts to present the musicals “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Zombie Prom” Nov. 4-7, a Winter Musicfest Concert on Jan. 20 and Dance Showcase on Feb. 3. The Toledo Repertoire will also make two appearances at Owens and present the theatre staged reading “A Merry Regiment of Women” on Oct. 14 and an Edgy Rep Reading “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” on March 5. Community performances also include the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra presenting their annual Halloween Concert and Young Artists/Side-by-Side Spring Concert on Oct. 30 and May 7, respectively, and Pride of Toledo Chorus Sweet Adeline International presenting an array of harmonious selections as part of their Annual Performance Concert on Oct. 2.

In addition, Owens fine and performing arts students will also put their acting skills on display as part of the College’s annual student theatrical productions. John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine” will occur Nov. 18-21, while “Tartuffe” by Moliere will take place April 8-9 and 15-17. Owens students and faculty as well as community members will have the unique opportunity to write, cast, rehearse and perform seven different playwrights in a 24-hour period and present the finished theatre product to the public as part of the third annual fall “Theatre Express” production on Sept. 25.

All performing arts events will occur in Owens’ Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus unless noted otherwise. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. For additional information about the College’s 2010-11 presenting arts season schedule, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2787 or (567) 661-2787.

Owens Community College Closed for Labor Day Weekend

Posted on August 31st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses will be closed Saturday through Monday, Sept. 4-6 for the Labor Day holiday. There will be no classes and the College offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and College offices will open again on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Internationally-Recognized Tibetan Monks to Perform At Owens Findlay-area Campus, Sept. 2

Posted on August 31st, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents are invited to explore the ancient Tibetan traditions and culture as Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus’ Office of Student Activities welcomes the Tibetan Monks of the internationally-recognized Gaden Shartse Monastery on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Sponsored by the Gaden Shartse Cultural Foundation, the Tibetan Monks will provide music and a chanting presentation as part of the group’s Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Tour from 9:30-11 a.m. in the College’s Conference Center Room 111 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.

The Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Tour has been visiting the United States since 1989 with the overall mission of helping to spread peace, harmony, compassion and tolerance through cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue and Buddhist teachings. For more than two decades, the Southern Indian group has shared the culture of the Tibetan people through lectures, workshops and performances at various venues throughout the country, including Harvard University, The National Music Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Boston Museum of Fine Arts, among many others.

Ancient Tibetan multiphonic chanting is a rare and unique experience created by monks singing a chord containing two or three tones simultaneously. The unique sound is not only a song, but also a sacred offering. The deep, resonate, vibrant chords, representing the essence of the secret tantric teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, are known to fill the room and transform both the environment and audience attendees through the moving performance.

The presentation combines both the rich sounds of Tibetan chanting with their ancient temple instruments to create an offering of melodious sounds.

For more information about the music and chanting presentation, call (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.

Owens Express Women’s Soccer Club Team Opens First-Ever Season Against Lorain County CC, Sept. 1

Posted on August 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The new Owens Community College women’s soccer club team will make its season and program debut as the Express hosts Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 1. The season opener will start at 4 p.m.

All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

“This is a very exciting day for Owens Community College and collegiate women’s soccer in Northwest Ohio,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Owens women’s soccer has received a lot of interest from students since the announcement was made to expand the College’s intercollegiate athletic programs. We have a very talented group of students comprising the new women’s soccer club team and I expect them to be very competitive during the inaugural fall season.”

First-year players to the Express women’s soccer club team are Sarah Weaver of Margaretta (Margaretta H.S.), Alexia Proch of Perrysburg (St. Ursula Academy), Marissa Szabo of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Erica Lankey of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools), Amalia Diaz of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Alyvia Lieber of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Brittany Jarouche of Toledo (Start H.S.), Aleha Almester of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Heather Majewski of Ida, Mich. (Ida H.S.), Jillian Whitlow of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools), Alecia Zaper of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Shara Williams of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Shelly Smith of Toledo (Start H.S.), Lauren McFellin of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Sara Ruiz of Swanton (Swanton H.S.), Amanda Roumaya of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Jessica Kuhn of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Malaysia Wright of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.) and Shelby Ramirez of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.).

Earlier this month, Owens announced the expansion of its intercollegiate athletic programs with the creation of a new women’s soccer team. The Express program will officially begin NJCAA competition during the 2011 fall season and serve as a club sport during the 2010 fall semester.

Owens new women’s soccer club team is currently under the leadership of Art Johnson, the veteran Head Coach of the intercollegiate men’s soccer team, and his Assistant Coaches Jeremiah McNutt and Keith Closson. During his tenure at Owens, Johnson-led teams have compiled a 128-100-15 overall record. Express men’s soccer finished with a 12-7-1 overall record during the 2009 fall campaign.

The Express women’s soccer program becomes the eighth intercollegiate athletic program offered at Owens. The seven other sports include men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s golf, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

21 Owens Students Begin Educational Journey Through National Project DEgree Student Success Program, Aug. 30

Posted on August 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twenty-one Owens Community College students will begin their academic journey toward a college education, with the support of national student success program, as they have been selected to participate in the Project DEgree initiative.

Owens’ Project DEgree program begins on Monday, Aug. 30 with an orientation for the participating students in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128. The orientation will begin with opening remarks and an icebreaker activity from 9-9:30 a.m. Attendees will also receive a Project DEgree program overview, as well as hear from Owens faculty and staff throughout the daylong activities. Math and reading assessment testing will take place from 9:30-10:25 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Teambuilding activities will commence from 10:35-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. The orientation will conclude with a review of class schedules, a self-evaluation, the introduction of Owens staff and a campus tour from 2:10-3:30 p.m.

Earlier this year, Owens was selected by Gateway to College National Network to participate in a national pilot of Project DEgree to help students achieve success in their pursuit of a college education. Owens is receiving a $250,000 grant as part of the prestigious Project DEgree initiative. Over 100 students are expected to participate in the initial two-year pilot phase of the educational program.

Project DEgree is designed for 18-26 year olds who have earned a high school diploma or GED, but who still require further developmental education in order to be ready for college-level coursework. The program provides students with intensive individualized academic and social supports, offers an engaging project-based curriculum within a learning community, and helps students structure their lives so they can build and maintain the momentum necessary to complete their educational goals.

Once admitted to the program, Owens students become members of a learning community with 20 to 25 other Project DEgree participants. Together, they will take developmental coursework in reading and writing, a college survival and success course, and receive supplemental tutoring in math. After completing their initial courses, students will progress as a learning community. The group will participate in the next sequence of reading, writing and math classes, as well as a study skills course.

The second year of the Project DEgree initiative will see Owens students transition into college-level coursework and progress toward the certificate or degree of their choice. Students will be encouraged to take 12 credit hours of coursework each semester. Additionally, each individual will be supported by a completion advisor who works in collaboration with other advising staff, providing advising and connecting students to college resources and support services.

Gateway to College National Network is a national nonprofit organization that is tackling the dropout crisis and catalyzing change across developmental education in college. Organizational strategies include creating and replicating innovative programs, building partnerships, influencing systems, conducting research and sharing what they know, helping effect policy and regulatory changes, and providing customized consulting services. The National Network also offers training, technical assistance, and professional development opportunities to Gateway to College and Project DEgree programs across the country.

Owens Findlay-area Campus to Host Community Blood Drive, Sept. 9

Posted on August 27th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – 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, Sept. 9.

The Blood Drive will occur from 12-5 p.m. in Conference Center Room 111 on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

Owens Community College Express Soccer Opens Season at Delta College Invitational, Aug. 28-29

Posted on August 27th, 2010

.PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s soccer will look to contend for its first-ever conference title by opening the 2010 schedule at the Delta College Invitational in University Center, Mich., Aug. 28-29. The Express will take on Delta College on Saturday (Aug. 28) and Ancilla College on Sunday (Aug. 29). The Delta College match will begin at 3 p.m., while the Ancilla College match will start at 1 p.m.

The Express will open its home season against Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The home opener will start at 4 p.m. All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Owens men’s soccer program is led by Head Coach Art Johnson. Johnson’s Assistant Coaches are Jeremiah McNutt and Keith Closson. The Express completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program in 2009. Owens finished with a 12-7-1 overall record and in second place in the final OCCAC (3-3 record) standings.

“We have an extremely talented team that is committed to working hard and getting better each and every day on the soccer field,” stated Johnson. “I am really counting on our veterans to provide strong leadership for the first-year players, which will be critical to our success. Several of the first-year players will also be expected to step in and play at a very high level. Our team certainly has the potential of competing for the program’s first conference title.”

The Express has eight players returning from last year’s team. Among the second-year players on Johnson’s squad are Michael Hamouda of Liverpool, United Kingdom (Rainhill H.S.) and Rodcliff Hall of Boston, Mass. (William Knibb Memorial H.S.). In 2009, Hamouda was named team MVP and was a NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team selection. The sophomore midfielder led the team with 13 assists and totaled six goals and 24 points. Hall is a sophomore forward and earned NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors. He was the team leader with 24 goals and 52 points.

Also returning to the Express program are Cody Katschke of Martin (Genoa H.S.), Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg (St. Francis de Sales H.S.) and Pavle Udovicic of Belgrade, Serbia (Sportska Gimnazija Belgrade). Last year, Katschke, a sophomore defender, recorded two goals and four points. In 2009, Aliakbar earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. The sophomore midfielder recorded two goals, three assists and seven points. Udovicic is a sophomore goalie and recorded 39 saves and posted six shutouts for men’s soccer during the 2009 season.

Other returning student-athletes include Dustin Lamon of Findlay (Liberty-Benton H.S.) and Mikhail Weatherly of Montego Bay, Jamaica (Cornwall College). In 2009, Lamon, a sophomore goalie, recorded 12 saves and posted three shutouts for the Express. Weatherly is a sophomore forward and totaled four goals, three assists and 11 points for Owens last season.

First-year players to the Express men’s soccer program are Sean McEneff of Baldoyle, Ireland, defender (St. Paul’s College); Kyle Whitmore of Toledo, midfielder (Start H.S.); Lamar Lemonius of Ilford, United Kingdom, defender (Barking Abby School); Travis Turner of Toledo, defender (Springfield H.S.); Matthew Spence of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., forward (Calabar H.S.); Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., midfielder (Ypsilanti H.S.); Glenroy Miller of Belleville, N.J., forward (St. James H.S.); Nikoy Wallace of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defender (Anchovy H.S.); Sean Kaighin of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); Samuel Swen of Levittown, Pa., defender (Harry S. Truman H.S.); Idris Avci of Istanbul, Turkey, midfielder (Inonu Endustri Meslek Lisesi School), and Grantham Maclean of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, midfielder (Otto Du Plessis H.S.).

Owens Community College Foundation and AEP Ohio Announce New $25,000 Scholarship Program

Posted on August 26th, 2010

Owens and AEP Ohio officials pose for a photo following the announcement of the new workforce development scholarship initiative.

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College has been chosen as one of nine Ohio two-year community and technical colleges by AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power, to participate in a new $225,000 workforce development scholarship initiative designed to help low income Ohioans compete for jobs in an evolving economy.

The Owens Community College Foundation has received a $25,000 scholarship grant from AEP Ohio for the new program. Other academic institutions participating in the scholarship initiative are Shawnee State University, Zane State College, Eastern Gateway Community College, Belmont Technical College, Washington State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Rio Grande Community College and Stark State College.

“In times like these, AEP Ohio along with other businesses and government must work together to help Ohio families compete for jobs,” said Joseph Hamrock, AEP Ohio President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are pleased to be able to offer these scholarships to Ohioans in need of help to upgrade their skills.”

“The Owens Community College Foundation is delighted to work with AEP Ohio in extending this new scholarship opportunity to our students,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and the Owens Foundation. “This timely scholarship program mirrors the College’s mission of serving our students and our communities, and will help students return to school to upgrade their skills, beginning in the 2010-11 academic year.”

Eligible recipients must be AEP Ohio customers at or below 200 percent of the 2009-10 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are seeking to upgrade their skills, particularly in utility industry careers.

AEP Ohio’s Partnership with Ohio (PWO) Fund is a three-year $15 million shareholder-funded program that provides additional help to Ohio’s needy families. The programs are designed to include families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, a segment of the population that often does not qualify for state and federal aid.

Since 2009, the company has provided through the PWO Fund $6.25 million to support regional food banks and United Way agencies, workforce development initiatives, direct bill payment assistance and weatherization efforts for low income customers. AEP Ohio also has used the funding to support the company’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, a program designed to help low-income customers struggling to pay their electric bill. Other PWO contributions will be announced throughout the year.

AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers of major AEP subsidiaries Columbus Southern Power Company and Ohio Power Company in Ohio, and Wheeling Power Company in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power.

American Electric power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765-kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP’s transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP’s utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Presents Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker’ Exhibit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 17

Posted on August 25th, 2010

Owens' "Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker" exhibit will feature an array of photography by Marianna Hofer including an artistic expression titled "Birdcage".

FINDLAY, OH – Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus opens the 2010-11 arts season with an artistic array of masterful black and white photography by Findlay resident Marianna Hofer as the Library Gallery presents “Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker” exhibit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 17.

In addition, the College will host a reception and gallery talk for Hofer on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5-7 p.m. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Findlay-area Campus Library. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

“Owens Findlay-area Library Gallery is pleased to showcase the work of such a talented artist as Marianna Hofer,” said Gail McCain, Owens Library Manager for the Findlay-area Campus. “Marianna looks at the edges of life through her photography, which certainly provides a unique perspective on things that are often overlooked in our society. Exhibit attendees will certainly enjoy the transient beauty of her artistic expressions.”

Hofer’s interest in photography dates back to her youth, however, her work as an acclaimed photographer did not begin until more recently. Her passion for artistic expression, as seen through a lens, has grown into a rather large portfolio of landscape photographs, which have been featured in juried shows throughout Northwest Ohio, including the Wassenburg Art Center in Van Wert, Art Space in Lima and the Findlay Art League in Findlay. Hofer’s photographs can also be viewed in Studio 13 in Findlay’s Jones Building and in various eateries around town.

In addition to her photography, Hofer has also led an accomplished career as a writer. She has published poems, stories, essays and reviews in many notable literary magazines, including “Barrelhouse”, “Epitome”, “Freshwater” and “Ohioana Quarterly”. In 2008, Hofer released a published book of poetry titled “A Memento Sent by the World: Poems”. She also was named the recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist’s Grant in Poetry and held residency at the renowned Ragdale Artist Colony.

Hofer, an Associate Professor of English at the University of Findlay, holds master’s degrees from Miami University and Bowling Green State University and a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University.

Marianna Hofer's "Glass 2" is among the many works on display as part of the "Small Beauty and Potential Heartbreaker" exhibit at the Owens Findlay-area Campus.

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. 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. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Northwood Woman, Findlay Man Win Tuition is Right’ Contest at Owens Community College

Posted on August 25th, 2010

Tuition Is Right Winner Kalen Marion with Pyke and Rick

Owens Toledo-area Campus "Tuition is Right" winner Kalen Marion of Northwood (center) poses with Pyke (left to right) and Rick at the event's conclusion.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Kalen Marion of Northwood and Andy Ward of Findlay each will attend Owens Community College for free in 2010-11 after winning the “Tuition is Right” free tuition contest hosted by Owens and Clear Channel Radio’s 92.5 Kiss FM, 104.7 WIOT, 101.5 The River and 103.7 CKY.

Olivia Welch of Perrysburg and Tiffany Snowden of Fostoria finished as runners-up in the contest and won a semester of free tuition each.

At the Toledo-area Campus finals, Marion, 20, won the reverse raffle from among 136 qualifiers in attendance. The 2008 Lake High School graduate plans to enroll in the physical therapist assistant program after attending Barry University in Miami, Fla., last year.

“I decided to come back home and attend Owens,” she said. “I worked at Cedar Point full time this summer to save money to go to school. I saved about $2,000 and had financial aid too. I’ve never won anything before. I’m speechless.”

Welch, 19, just completed her first year in the early childhood education program at Owens. She is a 2009 Eastwood graduate.

“I’m excited. A free semester is better than having to pay for it,” said Welch, who started her week by getting engaged.

Tuition Is Right winner Andy Ward with Johny D

Posing for a photo following the Findlay-area Campus "Tuition is Right" contest is winner Andy Ward of Findlay (right) and Johny D.

Marion and Welch were presented their checks from Pyke from 104.7 WIOT and Rick from101.5 The River.

At the Findlay-area Campus finals, Ward won the reverse raffle from 97 qualifiers in attendance. The 24-year-old previously attended Owens, but stopped attending college to take care of his grandparents after Spring Semester 2008.

“It’s a relief to win. I can go back to school again and finish my major,” said Ward, who studies networking and information systems. He works full time as a State Tested Nurse Assistant at St. Francis of Tiffin.

“I like Owens. Now I’m going to be able to go to school full time. I’m still going to work full time and I’ll finish my degree,” he said.

Snowden, 25, is a single mom who decided to enroll at Owens before winning the tuition prize. The lifelong Fostoria resident plans to major in business management.

“I was about half asleep” when her number was called, due to being up all night with her 19-month-old daughter. “My mom had to hit me and tell me I won.”

The Findlay winners received their oversized checks from emcee Johny D from 103.7 CKY.

Overall, 735 qualifiers were eligible to attend the finals. Since 2003, Owens Community College has partnered with Northwest Ohio media nine times, including eight with Clear Channel Radio, and offered a free tuition contest.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Opens Season at Grand Rapids Invitational, Aug. 27-28

Posted on August 23rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball program will open its 2010 season with a tournament, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 27-28 at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Owens volleyball program is led by ten-year Head Coach Sonny Lewis. During his ninth season as the Head Volleyball Coach at Owens, Lewis led the Express to 32 wins. Lewis’ Assistant Coaches are Denny Caldwell and Alison Mugler.

The Express will open its home campaign by hosting the Owens Express Invitational, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5. All home matches are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

Last season, the Express women’s volleyball program completed their season with a 32-20 overall record. Owens finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-3 record). The team’s season concluded with a loss to St. Clair County Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“I am really looking forward to the start of the upcoming season,” Lewis stated. “This year’s team has really worked hard and put forth the effort in the preseason. The potential is there for this group to be mentioned among the great teams in the program’s long and storied history. However, we have to get better each and every day to achieve our goals.”

The Express have six players returning from last season’s team, including OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selection Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). In 2009, the sophomore outside hitter and setter recorded 238 kills, 195 assists, 242 digs and 67 blocks for the Express. Her postseason accolades also included being named the team’s Most Improved Player and OCCAC Academic All-Conference.

Lewis’ squad also returns Jessica Knueve of Kalida (Kalida H.S.), Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo (Start H.S.) and Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). Knueve, a sophomore outside hitter and defensive specialist, played in 151 games and recorded 116 kills, 16 aces and 268 digs. Additionally, Knueve was named the recipient of the Coaches Award. Wielfaert is a sophomore defensive specialist and recorded 287 digs and 26 aces in 170 games last season for the Express. Schuster is a sophomore middle blocker and outside hitter. She played in 149 games and recorded 196 kills and 80 blocks. Schuster also earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors.

Additionally, Owens Express returners include Lauren Lind of Millbury (Lake H.S.) and Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.). Lind is a sophomore outside hitter and recorded 135 kills, 44 digs and 16 blocks in 66 games last season for Owens. LaVoy, a sophomore defensive specialist, played in 21 games and recorded 19 digs. Additionally, she was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection.

First-year players to the women’s volleyball program are Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter and outside hitter (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (Bowling Green H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter and middle blocker (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (Milan H.S.); Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (Monroeville H.S.), and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

Owens Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery Presents ‘Ohio Designer Craftsmen’ Opening Season Exhibit, Aug. 23 – Sept. 16

Posted on August 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will open the 2010-11 Arts Exhibition Season with an array of craft media created by established and emerging Ohio Designer Craftsmen artists as the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery presents the exhibit titled “Ohio Designer Craftsmen: Best of 2010”, Aug. 23 – Sept. 16. The Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is located in Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

In addition to the exhibit, Owens’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts will serve as host to a lecture by nationally-known metalsmith and Ohio Designer Craftsmen and Bowling Green State University faculty member Tom Muir on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Room 111.

“Owens Community College is proud to open the current exhibition season with such a unique exhibit that showcases some of the finest craft works of art in Ohio,” said Wynn Perry, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery. “The ‘Ohio Designer Craftsmen: Best of 2010′ exhibit brings to life various artistic expressions ranging from ceramics to glass, which will certainly captivate attendees’ imagination. Owens’ Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is honored to showcase the Ohio Designer Craftsmen artistic talents.”

Founded in 1963, Ohio Designer Craftsmen is a not-for-profit organization with over 2,100 members, which includes craft artists, educators, students and other individuals who appreciate fine art. The overall mission of the organization is to promote the fine crafts aesthetic by establishing a standard of excellence, encouraging creative growth, providing professional support to craft artists and building public awareness, appreciation and collection of fine art. Additionally, the Ohio Designer Craftsmen offers a wide range of exhibitions, publications, programs and artist services.

Exhibitions are presented at the Ohio Craft Museum, founded by Ohio Designer Craftsmen in 1993. Located in Columbus, the complex is the only museum in the Midwest exclusively devoted to exhibiting and collecting fine art. Five to six exhibitions of contemporary craft by artists from Ohio and across the United States are presented each year. Public programs include artist lectures, hands-on workshops for children and adults, and a summer craft day camp for children.

Over 60 works of art will be showcased as part of the “Ohio Designer Craftsmen: Best of 2010” exhibit at Owens, including an array of functional, sculptural or decorative and contemporary approaches in clay, fiber, wood, glass, enamel, leather, metal and jewelry. This marks the 27th year in which the Ohio Designer Craftsmen have presented their juried members’ competition.

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Owens Community College Students to Host Community Blood Drive, Aug. 24

Posted on August 18th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents can help in saving the lives of their neighbors as Owens Community College and the American Red Cross host a community Blood Drive on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

The Blood Drive will occur from 12-6 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 125-128 on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The Blood Drive will be staffed by Owens surgical technologist students.

Donors will be provided snacks and drinks before and after their donation. For more information, contact the College’s School of Health Sciences at (567) 661-7206 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7206. Interested parties are encouraged to make an appointment by registering on the website at www.redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code OWENSCCPERRYSBURG or calling the above number.

Owens Awarded $96,000 Renewable Energy Grant to Support Alternative and Renewable Energy Initiatives

Posted on August 18th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has been selected to receive a $96,000 Renewable Energy Grant from the Ohio Department of Development for the purposes of advancing alternative and renewable energy initiatives on the Toledo-area Campus.

“Owens Community College is extremely appreciative to the Ohio Department of Development for their commitment and support to the continued development of alternative and renewable energy within the Northwest Ohio region,” said Ralph Semrock, Owens Associate Professor of Design Technologies.

The $96,000 Renewable Energy Grant will specifically be used to offset the installation costs of the College’s 120-foot EW50 wind turbine. In October 2009, Owens expanded its educational opportunities within the area of alternative and renewable energy by installing the academic institution’s second wind turbine. Located adjacent to the College’s Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building, the new EW50 wind turbine is a fully integrated, utility-connected wind generator designed specifically for large commercial businesses, farms, communities, schools, municipal facilities, electric cooperatives and remote locations.

Owens’ EW50 wind turbine is currently being used for educational training within Workforce and Community Services’ Wind Installation Program and will be incorporated into future academic curriculum programming in the School of Technology. The College also features a 33-foot Skystream 3.7 wind turbine, which is utilized for experiential learning purposes on the Toledo-area Campus.

In addition to its instructional utilization, the 50-kilowatt wind turbine generator is used to convert wind power into electricity for regular operational purposes within the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building.

Pilot Construction Services LLC based in Kent oversaw the process of installing the wind turbine on the Toledo-area Campus.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Showcases New Renewable Energy Technology

Posted on August 17th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents recently received a firsthand look at Owens Community College’s new renewable energy technology on the Findlay-area Campus as the academic institution officially unveiled a new solar array and wind turbine during a Community Dedication in partnership with GreaterFindlayInc.

“Owens Community College is committed to providing area residents leading-edge academic resources and programming within the growing field of alternative and renewable energy,” said Dr. Michael Bankey, Owens Vice President of Workforce and Community Services. “The new wind turbine and solar array on the Findlay-area Campus will play an important role in affording our students the chance to receive hands-on, experiential learning at the highest level. The use of renewable energy is growing nationwide as it is becoming a more viable option for commercial business and residential home consumption. Owens Community College is proud to promote the continued development of wind and solar power through community outreach advocacy and educational opportunities.”

Both the solar array and wind turbine, which are located adjacent to the Community Education and Wellness Center on the Findlay-area Campus, will be used for educational training within Workforce and Community Services’ Photovoltaic Installation Program and Wind Installation Program as well as for future academic curriculum programming in the School of Technology.

Additionally, Owens students received the unique opportunity to place themselves in the shoes of a professional photovoltaic installer as they assisted in the installation of the College’s new solar array. Sixteen students participating in the College’s Renewable Energy Program received experiential learning specific to the actual mounting and wiring of each panel to the structure’s framework.

For Owens student Doug Woolard of Toledo, the chance to make a lasting impact on the Findlay-area Campus’ future related to alternative energy was an experience of a lifetime.

“Alternative energy is the wave of the future worldwide,” he stated. “This new technology is a great addition to the Findlay-area Campus and I am honored to have assisted in the installation process.”

Owens student and Toledo resident George Cowdrey added, “I see alternative energy as an area for job growth and educational classes such as Owens’ Renewable Energy Program are preparing me for employment opportunities within the wind and solar industry.”

The 1.7-kilowat solar array features eight panels and will be used for hands-on learning as well as to convert sunlight into electricity for regular operational purposes within the Community Education and Wellness Center. Photovoltaic cells within each panel will absorb the sun’s rays and create a current of power which will be directed to an inverter. The inverter will then convert the DC voltage, produced by the panels, to AC voltage.

Owens’ new solar array on the Findlay-area Campus is different than the alternative energy technology located on the Toledo-area Campus in order to showcase different renewable energy equipment and installation techniques for students. The Findlay-area Campus solar array features a small inverter for each solar module, while the solar array design on Toledo-area Campus uses a single inverter for an entire group of solar panels.

Individuals attending Owens’ Photovoltaic Installation Program on the Findlay-area Campus will receive instruction within the areas of electricity and photovoltaic systems and theory. Course content includes system sizing and construction, codes and standards, interconnection safety, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Installation practices related to project management, adapting mechanical and electrical design, and system commissioning are also highlighted.

In addition, the hands-on course will include the design and installation of a grid-tied photovoltaic system and maintenance on the new solar array system at the College’s Findlay-area Campus. Various inverters, photovoltaic modules, batteries and data information systems will also be installed and operated as part of the class.

Students successfully completing the Photovoltaic Installation Program will qualify to test for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge program. With additional work experience students will qualify to take the national certification test as a photovoltaic system installer.

The College’s 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine generator will be used to convert wind power into electricity for regular operational purposes within the Community Education and Wellness Center. The 33-foot Skystream 3.7 wind turbine is a fully integrated, utility-connected wind generator designed specifically for residential and small commercial businesses.

Individuals attending Owens’ Wind Installation Program will receive instruction within the areas of installation, operation and maintenance of wind turbines. Course content includes training in wind measurement, system terminology and connection to a power grid, among other areas. Installation practices related to installation safety, basics of electricity, interconnection with the utility, siting, battery metering, and load management and energy efficiency are also highlighted.

Additionally, the hands-on applications will include studying the design and installation of the College’s new 33-foot Skystream 3.7 wind turbine on the Findlay-area Campus.

Owens’ Workforce and Community Services is planning to offer its initial classes within the Photovoltaic Installation Program and the Wind Installation Program on Findlay-area Campus to area residents in the near future.

Superior Energy Solutions LLC in Ottawa oversaw the process of installing both the College’s solar array and wind turbine on the Findlay-area Campus.

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Owens Community College Opens New $2.9 Million Renovated Heritage Hall for Fall Semester, Aug. 16

Posted on August 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will begin the 2010-11 academic year by unveiling a newly renovated $2.9 million Heritage Hall building featuring the latest in educational resources as the academic institution begins its Fall Semester on Monday, Aug. 16.

In addition to providing educational opportunities to thousands of students, Heritage Hall (formerly known as the Penta Career Center Skill Center) will serve as the new home to the College’s School of Business and Information Systems and the School of Nursing.

“Owens Community College’s newly refurbished Heritage Hall is a welcome addition to the Northwest Ohio region,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College. “This educational facility was designed with the goal of providing students with innovative academic resources at the highest level. Owens Community College is a leader within higher education and the opening of Heritage Hall represents this academic institution’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.”

The College’s newly renovated 38,304 square-foot Heritage Hall building is situated at the south end of the Toledo-area Campus, which formerly served as home to the Penta Career Center. Owens’ signature red and black logo welcomes individuals upon entering the two-story educational center. Once through the north entrance to the educational building, individuals will also notice an expansive array of glass windows, which allows for a noticeable amount of sunlight into Heritage Hall, as well as a view of the College’s north campus. Located at the center of Heritage Hall near the north entrance is a commons area where students will have the opportunity to relax, study or access the Internet between classes.

In addition, Heritage Hall features six designated experiential learning classrooms for instruction and hands-on laboratory learning, all with state-of-the-art technology and academic resources to provide expanded educational choices and options that meet the current and future needs of students.

Three experiential learning classrooms will be utilized by the School of Business and Information Systems with an academic emphasis in office administration, information security and networking, among other academic areas. The office administration experiential learning classroom area is designed to simulate a modern office setting highlighted by state-of-the-art computers, adjustable keyboards, phone systems and scanners, while students within the information security and networking programs will have the opportunity to design, create and maintain a secure computer network by utilizing leading edge technology in their respective learning laboratories.

The School of Nursing will house three experiential learning classrooms all designed to simulate a hospital and/or health care setting. The registered nursing area features a centralized nurse’s station as well as rooms/wings that surround the station for instructional classroom and hands-on learning. Owens’ educational laboratory mirrors a hospital setting in that it features a 2 West, a 2 East, an ICU, a Peds/OB Unit and a Nurse’s Station. Other academic resources within the registered nursing experiential learning area include a state-of-the-art IV simulation computer program, a med room to prep medications, a classroom, two glass-enclosed skill testing rooms that simulate double occupancy rooms found in hospitals and two student/instructor conference rooms. Additionally, Owens’ School of Nursing will feature experiential learning classrooms for practical nursing and the College’s human patient simulator technology.

Experiential learning areas are also equipped with innovative multimedia capability for educational instruction highlighted by dedicated instructor stations in which Owens faculty can utilize an Extron Control Panel system. Serving as the classroom’s focal point from a technological standpoint, the Extron Control Panel system features a dedicated computer, a digital document camera, a Blu-ray DVD Player, and audio amplifier and speakers. Each academic area also houses ceiling mounted digital/analog and high definition capable projectors and screens for instructional purposes and features the latest in computing resources, including an array of software applications and programming languages as well as network and high-speed Internet access.

The educational center also features 65 offices, one conference room, an employee lounge, and men’s and women’s restroom facilities. In addition, Heritage Hall includes an expansive student lounge where individuals can meet one-on-one or in a small group setting with their fellow peers, tutors and/or instructors in a comfortable environment designed to enhance academic learning and success.

Designed with energy efficiency and conservation in mind, each room’s bank of lights automatically power down after a period of time without detected movement. Glass windows are abundant within the main atrium entrance to reduce the necessity for some electric lighting and to allow more natural light into the complex. The entire facility includes building automation heating and air conditioning as well as wireless Internet access. Infrastructure was also added to the existing building for future looping and sharing of district heating.

Designed by the firms The Collaborative Inc. of Toledo and MDA Engineering Inc. in Maumee, the exterior of the building features tan brick faÁade, while the color red is present at the building’s north entrance. Comte Construction Co. of Toledo served as the general contractor, while Warner Mechanical Corp. of Fremont, VM Systems Inc. of Toledo and Lake Erie Electric of Toledo oversaw the plumbing and fire protection, mechanical and electrical contracts, respectively.

In addition to the recently completed Heritage Hall renovation project, the College unveiled a refurbished 29,045 square-foot Founders Hall at the former Penta Career Center in January 2010 as part of Owens’ ongoing campus expansion initiative. The $2.6 million Founders Hall building serves as the new home to the College’s Departments of English, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Communications, Humanities and Languages, as well as the Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences.

Owens Community College Welcomes Back Thousands of Students for Fall Semester, Aug. 16

Posted on August 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Opening its doors for the first day of Fall Semester classes, Owens Community College will once again welcome thousands of students to the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as to the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and the Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo in the coming weeks.

On Monday, Aug. 16, Owens students will be locating their classrooms, talking with academic advisors, purchasing books and registering for classes on the College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses to kick off the new fall term. The first day of classes for the Arrowhead Park Learning Center and the Learning Center at The Source is on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Owens is once again expanding educational opportunities for area residents by announcing the creation of enhanced curriculum for the new academic year. For Fall Semester 2010, the College will offer a new associate’s degree within the area of systems security and information assurance through the School of Business and Information Systems, as well as an associate’s degree in commercial photography technology through the School of Arts and Sciences.

The College is also continuing to expand its extremely popular eOwens distance learning education by introducing additional academic courses online. To date, Owens offers more than 200 e-Learning courses in such academic areas as accounting, art, business, English, psychology and speech, among other course selections.

In addition to the many e-Learning opportunities, Owens continues to increase its academic and support services by making available an array of higher education choices through the Weekend College, as well as at The Source, Lucas County’s One-Stop Employment Center, in downtown Toledo and at the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee.

Owens will also welcome hundreds of students participating in the College Foundation’s expanded Success Program, which now includes Lake High School and all graduating high school students from public schools in Hancock County, to the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses for Fall Semester classes. Other Success Program partnering high schools include Whitmer High School and all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district. The Success Program is designed to assist students, who receive only partial state and federal financial aid, attend college and bridges the gap between the grant aid a student receives and the cost of an Owens education.

Additionally, area graduating high school students achieving academic excellence at the highest level now have the opportunity to pursue a free college education at Owens as the academic institution in March announced the establishment of a new Academic Achievement Scholarship Program. The new scholarship initiative is offered to qualifying students graduating from public and private high schools as well as career centers within the College’s legal district, which encompasses Lucas, Wood and Hancock counties and parts of Ottawa and Sandusky counties.

The College is also enhancing its student services and resources by unveiling a new Oserve location. Students will now have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information specific to records, registration and financial aid all within a designated area on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as at the Learning Center at The Source and at the Arrowhead Park Learning Center. Previously, such services were handled by three separate offices which included the offices of Student Accounts, Registrar and Financial Aid.

Continuing to expand educational opportunities for students, Owens will begin the 2010-11 academic year by unveiling a newly renovated $2.9 million Heritage Hall building featuring the latest in academic resources. Heritage Hall (formerly known as the Penta Career Center Skill Center) will serve as the new home to the College’s School of Business and Information Systems and the School of Nursing. The College’s newly renovated 38,304 square-foot Heritage Hall building is situated at the south end of the Toledo-area Campus, which formerly served as home to the Penta Career Center.

In addition to the recently completed Heritage Hall renovation project, the College unveiled a refurbished 29,045 square-foot Founders Hall at the former Penta Career Center in January 2010 as part of Owens’ ongoing campus expansion initiative. The $2.6 million Founders Hall building serves as the new home to the College’s departments of English, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Communications, Humanities and Languages, as well as the Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences.

Also in the past 11 months, Owens broadened access to higher education opportunities for police, fire and emergency services personnel, as well as the military, by opening a new $3.2 million Emergency Preparedness Training and Operations Center. In January 2010, Owens unveiled a new Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee to open new doors to a college education in Western Lucas County.

In the Hancock County area, Owens opened a new $4.2 million Findlay-area Campus Community Education and Wellness Center in 2007 to complement the new $17.7 million Findlay-area Campus, which opened in 2005.

To accommodate the needs of students, the College, within the last seven years, also opened an $11 million Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus. In 2007, Owens unveiled a new $20.5 million Center for Emergency Preparedness. The Center is the only state-of-the-art facility of this magnitude within the Midwest.

Owens Community College Provides Lake High School Students Access to Higher Education Through New Success Program Partnership

Posted on August 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College and Lake Local Schools continue to expand their partnership to enhance student success as the two educational neighbors announce a new collaboration that will give all graduating Lake High School students in financial need the opportunity to pursue a free college education through the College’s Success Program initiative.

The 2010 Lake High School graduating class will serve as the initial recipients of the educational program, which is designed to assist students, who receive only partial federal financial aid in the form of a Pell Grant, attend college. The Success Program will bridge the gap between the federal grant aid a student receives and the cost of an Owens education.

“Owens Community College is proud to once again collaborate with Lake Local Schools and help their students realize their goals of a college education,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and the Owens Foundation. “The goal of the Success Program is to ensure that a college education is a viable and realistic option for all students throughout the region. Financial barriers should not be the reason that a student cannot attend college and Owens Community College is committed to providing such access to a higher education.”

Savage added, “Tornados may have destroyed the Lake High School, but it did not destroy the will and determination of its staff and students. Lake Local Schools is committed to a tradition of academic excellence that prepares, motivates and challenges all students to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to a diverse global society. Owens Community College is dedicated to helping Lake Local Schools achieve their educational mission.”

“The Lake Local School District is appreciative of yet another gesture of neighborly support from the Owens Community College family,” said Jim Witt, Superintendent of Lake Local Schools.

Last week, Owens, in partnership with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, announced the expansion of the academic institution’s Success Program initiative to include all graduating high school students from public schools in Hancock County in financial need. Among the schools benefiting from the expanded Success Program in Hancock County are Arcadia High School, Arlington High School, Cory-Rawson High School, Liberty Benton High School, McComb High School, Van Buren High School and Vanlue High School. Findlay City Schools is already a partner in the Success Program initiative.

Twenty-three high schools are now involved in the Owens Success Program. In May 2009, the College expanded the Success Program to include the Washington Local School District. Prior to the May announcement, the Success Program was extended to all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district in October 2008. Both Toledo Public Schools’ Woodward High School and Findlay City Schools became the first and second educational institutions in 2008 to partner with the College’s Foundation and extend this opportunity to its students.

Two hundred forty-seven graduates in 2009 from Whitmer High School, Findlay High School and all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district in financial need are receiving a free college education to Owens as part of the College Foundation’s expanded Success Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. During the previous academic year, 87 Woodward and Findlay high school students chose to continue their education at Owens through the Success Program.

In the first year of the Success Program, fall enrollment from the College’s two pilot schools grew substantially as recent Woodward High School graduates increased 92 percent from the previous five-year average, and enrollment for recent Findlay High School graduates increased 43 percent.

The following year, the Success Program was expanded to include Findlay High School, Whitmer High School and all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district. Average fall enrollment for recent graduates from these schools increased 30 percent over a five-year historical average.

In order to be eligible, students must graduate from high school, be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours each semester at Owens and complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid and receive some federal Pell grant funding. Recipients must enroll at Owens during the first Fall Semester or Spring Semester following graduation and will have three years to complete their associate’s degree through the Success Program initiative.

In June, Owens and Lake Local Schools entered into a new partnership that provides the school district with a temporary home for Lake High School staff and students as a result of their educational facilities being damaged or destroyed by tornados that devastated the Northwest Ohio region. Beginning in August, over 430 Lake High School students in grades 9-12 will receive their classroom instruction at the College’s Center for Development and Training building, which is located on Tracy Road in Northwood.

Lake High School students will receive their regular comprehensive academic curriculum at the College’s Center for Development and Training building to include such course offering as art, business, computer technology, family and consumer science, music, physical education and health, and science, among other opportunities.

In addition to the temporary high school building location, Owens’ Student Health and Activities Center will serve as home court to the Lake Flyers boys and girls basketball teams.

Located in northern Wood County, Lake Local Schools encompasses the villages of Walbridge, Millbury and Lake Township. The main campus, which houses grades 2-12, is located near the middle of the district and easily accessible from all communities, while grades K-1 are located in nearby Walbridge. The school district enrolls approximately 1,700 students.

For more information about the Success Program, call (567) 661- 3515 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3515.

Owens and Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Announce New Hancock County Success Program Expansion

Posted on August 6th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – All graduating high school students from public schools in Hancock County in financial need, starting with the 2010 graduating classes, will now have the opportunity to pursue a free college education as Owens Community College and the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation announce the expansion of the academic institution’s Success Program initiative.

The expansion of the Success Program to all Hancock County students is being made possible as a result of a generous $15,000 challenge grant by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to establish a new Success Program Fund in February. The Owens Community College Foundation has since raised $15,000 to match the grant from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, enabling the two organizations to make available the Success Program to all Hancock County students.

“Owens Community College and the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation are dedicated to eliminating financial barriers for students to pursue their educational and career goals,” said Ann Savage, Owens Executive Director of College Development and Owens Foundation President. “We deeply appreciate the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s commitment to higher education. This partnership not only strengthens the existing Success Program we have established with Findlay City Schools, but also allows Owens to expand the program to all residents throughout Hancock County.”

Savage added, “Students within the graduating class of 2010 are eligible for the Success Program and I encourage them to contact Owens Community College if there is an interest in pursuing a college education for the upcoming Fall Semester as classes begin on August 16.”

“Supporting access to post high school training and education opportunities is one of the Community Foundation’s focus areas. Statistics show that the better educated a community is, the more prosperous it becomes,” said Katherine Kreuchauf, President of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. “People who continue their education beyond high school have a better chance of getting and holding on to jobs during economic down turns. Not only are we helping the individual students, we are helping the entire community become more successful.”

Among the schools benefiting from the expanded Success Program in Hancock County are Arcadia High School, Arlington High School, Cory-Rawson High School, Liberty Benton High School, McComb High School, Van Buren High School and Vanlue High School. The 2010 graduating classes from the seven schools will serve as the initial recipients of this unique program, which is designed to assist students, who receive only partial federal financial aid in the form of a Pell Grant, attend college. The Success Program will bridge the gap between the federal grant aid a student receives and the cost of an Owens education. Findlay City Schools is already a partner in the Success Program initiative.

Twenty-two high schools are currently involved in the Owens Success Program. Most recently in May 2009, the College expanded the Success Program to include the Washington Local School District. Prior to the May announcement, the Success Program was extended to all high schools within the Toledo Public Schools district in October 2008. Both Toledo Public Schools’ Woodward High School and Findlay City Schools became the first and second educational institutions in 2008 to partner with the College’s Foundation and extend this opportunity to its students.

In order to be eligible, students must graduate from high school, be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours each semester at Owens and complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid and receive some federal grant funding. Recipients must enroll at Owens during the first Fall Semester or Spring Semester following graduation and will have three years to complete their associate’s degree through the Success Program initiative.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Hancock County area through collaborative leadership, responsible grantmaking, and the development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney, the Community Foundation has granted more than $20 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.

For more information about the Success Program, call (567) 429-3141 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3141.

Owens Community College Introduces Northwest Ohio’s First Systems Security and Information Assurance Degree Program

Posted on August 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents interested in an information security career will now have the opportunity to pursue their higher educational degree at Owens Community College as the academic institution’s School of Business and Information Systems unveils a new systems security and information assurance associate degree program. Beginning Fall Semester 2010, the new academic program will be offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

The two-year associate degree program recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents and is the only systems security and information assurance academic program in Northwest Ohio.

“The need for highly skilled information security specialists is greater than ever before as more and more businesses are relying on information technology. Maintaining and securing these systems is vital to an organization to ensure that security threats ranging from damaging computer viruses to online credit card fraud and identity theft do not occur,” said Mazhar Anik, Owens Chair of Information Systems. “Owens Community College’s Department of Information Systems is proud to offer the region’s first systems security and information assurance degree program and help in preparing area residents for careers of today and tomorrow in the ever-changing global economy.”

Endorsed by the International Cyber Security in Education Coalition (IC-SEC) and the Center for System Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA), Owens’ associate degree in systems security and information assurance will require approximately 65 credit hours of coursework, which includes computer concepts and applications, networking technologies, cyber crime and information security, introduction to network security, internet security administration and introduction to criminal justice, among other academic curriculum.

The new program is designed to prepare students for various employment opportunities within the information security industry. Students will develop strong knowledge in securing and maintaining computer networks, as well as identifying and responding to various security threats and vulnerabilities. Upon program completion, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in entry-level or higher employment positions as network support analysts, entry or junior security analysts, network specialists, system security specialists and information security specialists, among other opportunities.

Owens’ new program has met the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals as set forth by the Committee on National Security Systems and The National Security Agency. In addition to the new systems security and information assurance associate degree, the Department of Information Systems offers a certificate in network and systems security.

For additional information about Owens’ systems security and information assurance program, call (567) 661-7280 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7280.

41 Students to Graduate From Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academies, Aug. 9

Posted on August 4th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Forty-one 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 Monday, Aug. 9.

The special ceremonies will occur at 7 p.m. in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. 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 an education for thousands of area residents pursuing a career in law enforcement,” said Robert Albright, Owens Coordinator of Public Service Training Program. “These graduates are outstanding young men and women and it is an honor to recognize them for their dedication and commitment to 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 Commission. 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 have been employed include the 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, Toledo 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:

Tyler J. Corbitt of Ottawa

Jacob A. Diebert of Perrysburg

Adam S. Eilerts of Toledo

Brandon A. Gardull of Oregon (sponsored by Lucas County Sheriff’s Office)

Travis P. Grime of Maumee

Dale R. Hardin-Wallace of Maumee

Mitchell A. Huner of Wauseon (sponsored by Wauseon Police Department)

Robert R. Kott of Holland

Douglas J. Krouse of Toledo

Kevin P. Osborne of Fostoria

Shane T. Parton of Monclova

Jason R. Rice of Rockwood, Mich.

David A. Sims of Millbury

Danielle L. Smigelski of Maumee

Daniel M. Stuber of Monclova

Jason P. Tate of Toledo

Bradley R. Tristan of Walbridge

Steve L. Wilhelm of Custar (sponsored by Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

Katrina S. Wilson of Toledo

Toledo-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Night Academy:

Shane R. Baumgartner of Northwood

Jonathan D. Bryant of Bowling Green

Peter J. D’Amore of Toledo

Charles E. Kessinger Jr. of Toledo

Kyle S. McClanahan of Waterville (sponsored by Wayne Police Department)

Nicholas O. Migliori of Woodville

Matthew D. Moreland of Toledo

Admir Muminovic of Oregon

Thomas R. Pitzen of Toledo

Jeremy E. Sheeks of Bowling Green (sponsored by Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

Findlay-area Campus Basic Peace Officer Academy:

Nicolas M. Barth of Upper Sandusky

Penny L. Colburn of Findlay

Brooks R. Deidrick of Findlay

Brandon A. Fant of Fostoria

Trey E. Farabee of Wayne

Justin S. Kottenbrock of Ottawa

Jared A. Lucas of Upper Sandusky

David C. Schultz of Findlay

Benjamin J. Stoner of Findlay

William L. Squire Jr. of Fostoria

Kimberly C. Torman of Cloverdale

Drew M. Zink of Upper Sandusky

Owens Community College Faculty Member Receives Distinguished Teaching Excellence Award

Posted on August 4th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Professor of Information Systems Denise Pheils of Perrysburg has been chosen by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Region 4 to receive the distinguished Teaching Excellence Award for exemplary contributions and dedication to the teaching profession.

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

“Denise is an exceptional teacher, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Mazhar Anik, Owens Chair of Information Systems. “She is committed to her students and certainly goes the extra mile to help them through such outreach efforts as advising and remediation, as well as by identifying ways to improve the curriculum and enhance the college experience for her students. Denise is very deserving of this recognition and honor.”

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

Founded in 1988, ACBSP is the premier accreditation association of business programs at the associate degree through graduate levels. Consisting of 729 membership academic institutions worldwide, 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.

Pheils joined Owens’ full-time faculty in 2001 and is responsible for teaching academic courses in E-business, programming, web development, networking and information security.

An avid proponent for the continued advancement of information systems security within academic curriculum, Pheils played an integral role in the College securing three grants totaling over $50,000 from the Center for System Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA) for the development of Owens’ systems security and information assurance degree program.

Pheils also was a member of the Ohio Department of Education Steering Committee for the transferability of computer network courses between Ohio academic institutions. In addition, she is involved in the College’s annual “We Are IT” conference, which is designed to provide young women with a broad-based introduction to information technology applications and rapidly-growing career opportunities.

Her accomplishments include being chosen as an honorary inductee into the Phi Theta Kappa International and Kappa Beta Delta honor societies at Owens. Pheils’ campus, professional and community involvement includes membership with the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the Information Systems Security Association, the Center for System Security and Information Assurance, the Wood County Committee on Aging and Owens’ Alternative Learning Committee. She currently serves as Director of the Northwest Ohio Chapter of InfraGard and a High School Program Reviewer for the Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium.

Additionally, Pheils was instrumental in the founding of the Owens Community College Computer Club (OC4), which is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, share information and to help the surrounding communities through service learning projects.

Pheils earned an associate’s degree in business management from Davis College, a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in information system management from the University of Toledo. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in online training and teaching from Capella University. Additionally, Pheils is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and a Project Management Professional.

Owens Community College Announces New Express Women’s Soccer Intercollegiate Athletic Program

Posted on August 3rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is expanding its intercollegiate athletic programs by announcing the creation of a new women’s soccer team. The Express program will officially begin NJCAA competition during the 2011 fall season and serve as a club sport this upcoming 2010 fall semester.

The recommendation for the new women’s soccer program was officially approved during the regularly scheduled Owens Board of Trustees meeting.

“Owens Community College intercollegiate athletics and our student-athletes are committed to excellence both within the classroom and on the athletic playing field,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “The Northwest Ohio region is known statewide and beyond for its exceptional soccer programs both at the high school and college levels. Owens is proud to build upon that tradition with the establishment of a new intercollegiate women’s soccer program. Our ultimate goal for women’s soccer is to become one of the elite programs in the country.”

The Express women’s soccer program will become a Division II member of the NJCAA. Owens will primarily compete against other colleges and universities from Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, including Cincinnati State Community College, Lorain County Community College, Jackson Community College, Schoolcraft College, Delta College and Ohio Northern University and Mercyhurst North East, among others. Owens’ Soccer Complex will serve as the home venue for the new intercollegiate program and matches will be scheduled from late August through October.

According to Rickard, Owens plans to begin a search for a permanent Head Coach to lead the new women’s soccer program in the near future.

Owens Community College Names New Chair of Nursing

Posted on August 3rd, 2010

Ruth Ankele

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Ruth Ankele as the new Chair of Nursing. Her responsibilities will include providing administrative leadership and oversight specific to the College’s Department of Nursing academic programs in the School of Nursing on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

In addition, her new position will entail supervising the development and implementation of new academic curricula, directing on-going program review and evaluation of the department’s academic nursing coursework, providing leadership for program accreditation and collaborating with the School of Nursing Dean on budget planning and management as well as articulation and transfer agreements specific to the Department of Nursing. Ankele will also spearhead efforts related to the enhancement of educational opportunities and resources for current and future students by furthering collaboration among educational and health care partners.

Among the academic programs under Ankele’s leadership are registered nursing, licensed practical nursing, licensed practical nursing to registered nursing, international nursing certificate and paramedic to registered nursing bridge programs.

“Owens Community College has a long and proud history of academic excellence within the Department of Nursing, which is a credit to the outstanding faculty, students and alumni,” said Dr. Renay Scott, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost of Owens Community College. “It is imperative that the Department of Nursing continue forward in their pursuit of becoming the elite school for nursing in Ohio and beyond. Ruth Ankele brings to Owens an extensive and distinguishable career both in higher education and the nursing profession that will be invaluable in leading the Department of Nursing to new heights of academic excellence.”

Since August 1988, Ankele has served as the Coordinator of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program at The University of Toledo. While at The University of Toledo, she was responsible for the strategic direction and overall development and coordination of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program. Her responsibilities also included providing leadership for all activities associated with the program’s academic area of instruction, budgeting, hiring and communication with credentialing organizations that included the Ohio Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Ankele also oversaw the program’s Systematic Plan of Evaluation and served as an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing.

In addition, Ankele served in various nursing capacities for Mercy Health Care Partners in Toledo from 1981-88 and 1990-2004 and as an NCLEX RN Reviewer for Educational Resources Inc. from 2001-04.

Her professional and community involvement includes membership with the Ohio Council of Associate Degree Nursing Educator Administrators, The University of Toledo’s Executive Council of the Faculty Senate, The University of Toledo’s College Representative to the Ohio initiative Nursing 2015 and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Additionally, Ankele has been invited on many occasions to make presentations at state, regional and national conferences on various health-related topics and was honored as the 1995 Outstanding Full-time Faculty of the Year at The University of Toledo Community and Technical College.

The Oregon resident holds a master’s degree in medical surgical nursing from the Medical College of Ohio (now The University of Toledo Medical Center) and bachelor’s degrees in nursing and psychology from the University of Texas and Valparaiso University, respectively. In addition, Ankele holds licensure as a registered nurse in Ohio.

Owens Names New Findlay-area Campus Vice President

Posted on August 3rd, 2010

Dr. Melissa Green

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Dr. Melissa Green as the new Vice President of the Findlay-area Campus. Her responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects related to the administrative leadership, coordination and development of initiatives related to enhancing educational opportunities and resources for current and future students on the Findlay-area Campus.

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

“Owens Community College is proud to welcome Dr. Melissa Green as the new Vice President of the Findlay-area Campus,” said Dr. Larry McDougle, President of Owens Community College. “The Findlay-area Campus plays an integral role in meeting the education and training needs of Northwest Ohio’s citizens and preparing them for career opportunities within today’s competitive workforce. Dr. Green is well-known as an educational leader and visionary among community colleges statewide and within the University System of Ohio. Her passion and advocacy for student access and success mirrors Owens Community College’s mission and vision and will be invaluable as the Findlay-area Campus looks to open new doors to innovative learning opportunities and resources for our students.”

“I am very excited to be joining the team at Owens Community College,” said Dr. Melissa Green, Vice President of the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus. “There are many wonderful opportunities ahead. I look forward to connecting the mission and values of the institution with the needs of the students and the surrounding communities.”

Since 1995, Green has served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Rhodes State College in Lima. In addition to having over 15 years as a senior administrator at the academic institution, she has dedicated her career as an education leader within the community college and university system. Her passion for student access and success also includes nearly 18 years of adjunct teaching in the business, communication and student development areas at Rhodes State College, Bluffton University and the University of Toledo. Previously, she served as Assistant to the President at Rhodes State for three years and as Assistant Director of The Ohio State University at Lima Campus for seven years.

Green’s collaborative efforts are visible on the Rhodes State campus, throughout the community as well as at the state and national levels. She has been instrumental in the creation of various student support areas, such as, advising, disability services, off-site services and a learning assistance program. Through her leadership, Rhodes State has experienced continuous increased enrollments and two successful major gift campaigns of more than five million. Her collaborative and marketing involvement has encompassed local projects including the Rhodes/UAW/Ford Training Center, the YMCA building campaign, the early college Lima Senior MI Ready Program and many educational initiatives through the Chamber Education Committee.

Additionally, Green has extended her involvement to include board and advisory participation as President of the National Council for Student Development, President of the Ohio Student Affairs Council, Co-Chair of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges Marketing Committee and the American Association of Community Colleges Council for Inclusion and Academic Student Success. Recently, she was appointed to the State and Local Action Advisory Group for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

The Lima resident earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Ohio University. Green also holds a master’s degree in executive management from Ashland University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Ohio Northern University.

Owens Cross Country Club Program to Hold Information Meeting, Aug. 9

Posted on August 2nd, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Prospective Owens Community College students interested in participating in the men’s and women’s cross country club team are invited to an informational meeting on Monday, Aug. 9.

The informational meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the College’s Community Education and Wellness Center on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

The first official practice of the fall season will occur on Monday, Aug. 16. Owens’ Findlay-area Campus will serve as the home practice venue for the club program. Teams in which Owens will compete against in the upcoming season include Defiance College, Tiffin University, Bluffton University, Adrian College and Bowling Green State University, among others.

Established in 2007, the cross country club team is led by Owens Professor of Math Michael Senour. Senour is an avid runner and ran intercollegiate cross country and track at Tri-State University and Miami University. Additionally, he regularly competes in marathons and is an ultra runner.

For more information about the upcoming meeting, call (567) 429-3629 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3629.

Owens Express Soccer to Hold Open Tryouts, July 31

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s soccer at Owens Community College are invited to open tryouts on Saturday, July 31.

The open tryouts begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, this past year completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 12-7-1 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in second place in the final OCCAC (3-3 record) standings.

Scholarships are still available and prospective Owens Express student-athletes must be high school graduates. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-7938 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7938.

Owens and Community Partners Assist Area Children With School Supply Drive, July 26 – Aug. 18

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million Inc., two Walt Churchill’s Market locations, three Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches are reaching out to area children in need of school supplies by holding a month-long “Backpack to the Future” School Supply Drive beginning on Monday, July 26. Collected items will benefit low-income kindergarten-age school children throughout Northwest Ohio.

The “Backpack to the Future” School Supply Drive will occur at the Books-A-Million bookstore (2105 Levis Commons Blvd.) located in The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg; three Great Lakes Credit Union branches (5823 Monroe St.) in Sylvania, (580 Craig Dr.) in Perrysburg and (1890 N. Wilkenson Way) at the O-I Plaza in Perrysburg; two Walt Churchill’s Market locations (3320 Briarfield Blvd.) in Maumee and (26625 Dixie Hwy.) in Perrysburg; and five Genoa Bank branches (801 Main St.) in Genoa, (3201 Navarre Ave.) in Oregon, (703 Conant St.) in Maumee, (24950 W. State Route 51) in Millbury and (9920 Old U.S. 20) in Rossford. The 10 community locations expand the College’s educational initiative for individuals to drop off their donations. Among the charitable items that will be accepted as part of the school supply drive are gently-used or new backpacks, crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

According to Kaye Koevenig, Owens Alumni Association Community Service Chair, the Northwest Ohio community’s initial response toward the “Backpack to the Future” Supply Drive has been very positive.

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

Since establishing the program in 2004, the Owens Alumni Association has given over 1,520 backpacks and over 25,710 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.

In addition to the new community supply drive locations, area residents can bring their charitable donations to the College’s Office of Alumni Relations on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. For more information about the school supply drive, or to make a donation, contact the Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876 or alumni@owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Participate In National Project DEgree Student Success Program

Posted on July 21st, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has been selected by Gateway to College National Network to participate in a national pilot of Project DEgree to help students achieve success in their pursuit of a college education.

Owens will receive a $250,000 grant as part of the prestigious Project DEgree initiative. Over 100 students are expected to participate in the initial two-year pilot phase of the educational program, which begins this upcoming Fall Semester.

“Owens Community College is honored to be chosen by Gateway to College National Network and serve as a nationwide leader in the Project DEgree educational initiative,” said Tamara Williams, Owens Interim Vice Provost. “A college education opens doors to endless possibilities and this grant will allow us to provide an innovative holistic approach to breaking down barriers for students who are need of enhanced academic and support resources. Our faculty and staff are committed to advancing learning and student success and Project DEgree will enable Owens to further its mission of providing a superior educational experience through excellence, innovation and collaboration.”

Once admitted to the program, Owens students will become members of a learning community with 20 to 25 other Project DEgree participants. Together, they will take developmental coursework in reading and writing, a college survival and success course, and receive supplemental tutoring in math. After completing their initial courses, students will progress as a learning community. The group will participate in the next sequence of reading, writing and math classes, as well as a study skills course.

Owens Community College to Host Northwest Ohio Green Industry Summer Session, Aug. 4

Posted on July 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents and business professionals within the landscape, garden center, tree care and turf industry interested in expanding their knowledge about horticulture are invited to attend the 2010 Northwest Ohio Green Industry Summer Session at Owens Community College on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

Presented by Owens Community College in conjunction with The Ohio State University Extension/ABE Center in Bowling Green, the workshop will occur from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The event is open to the public.

The regional workshop will feature various presentations on insects and pesticides, tree and plant care, turf and landscape topics by industry professionals from The Ohio State Extension, the Toledo Botanical Garden, Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District and Owens Community College.

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive details about “green” alternatives to managing landscape insect and wildlife species problems, the negative impact of invasive plants on landscapes, the benefits of native plants to the landscape setting, and choosing the best design and plants for a water-wise landscape.

Other workshop sessions will include the installation practices for an edible landscape, learning how to identify plant problems specific to common diseases and insects, the design and maintenance of water and storm water re-use practices for rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels, the role soil types play in storm water management and local ecology, and watershed management.

In addition, The Ohio State University Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center representative Dr. Dan Herms will serve as the Northwest Ohio Green Industry Summer Session keynote speaker and provide attendees with a presentation on climate change and its impact on the surrounding region.

The pre-registration cost for the workshop is $15. Individuals can also register the day of the event for $25. For additional information or to register, call (419) 354-6916.

Owens Workforce and Community Services Announces New Big Green Machine Program, July 26-29

Posted on July 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area youth ages 10 through 14 will explore science, mathematics, nature and engineering in a unique academic setting as Owens Community College announces a new summer Big Green Machine Program, July 26-29.

The Big Green Machine Program will be offered through Owens’ Workforce and Community Services, which is located at the College’s Arrowhead Park Learning Center on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. The class will take place Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“Owens’ Workforce and Community Services is excited to expand its continuing education programming and offer a hands-on science workshop, which focuses on using and conserving the earth’s environmental resources,” said Rhonda Hogrefe, Owens Continuing Education and Community Service Account Representative.”The Big Green Machine Program allows attendees to think creatively and explore math, science, nature and engineering within a unique experiential learning environment.”

The College’s alternative science technology camp will feature four days of themed activities to include “Human Fingerprints Left on the Greenhouse”, “Life with a Little Solar Flare”, “A Big Gust of Wind” and “Let’s Get Un-Plugged”.

Big Green Machine Program attendees will learn about the causes of global warming, climate change and the greenhouse effect, as well as how the earth’s ionosphere depends on the rainforests, wetlands and seasonal changes to help regulate greenhouse gases. Students will also build their own biome and experiment with the effects of pollution and refrigeration.

Other activities will feature harnessing the sun’s energy through science projects that measure heat, solar power and electricity. Additionally, individuals will conduct experiments that collect, store and transport electrical energy from the sun and use those experiments to build and construct a solar hot water heater and a solar oven. Students will be able to test their inventions by cooking their own version of green eggs and ham (biscuits, bacon, fried eggs and green tea).

Finally, the alternative science technology camp will explore the energy provided by the ocean’s salt water and potential energy sources within fruits and vegetables. Students will have the opportunity to test their creative thinking skills by building a potato-powered clock and a LEGO automobile, which generates electricity through the use of a lemon-powered battery.

For more information about future classes, call (567) 661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.

Owens Community College Presents Express Golf Clinic, July 21

Posted on July 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area high school golf players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as the men’s golf program hosts an Express Golf Clinic on Wednesday, July 21.

The Owens clinic will take place from 9-11 a.m. for boys and girls in grades 9-12 at Heather Downs Country Club in Toledo.

Clinic instructors will include the Owens Express men’s golf coaching staff and current and former collegiate players. Each clinic participant will receive individual instruction on golf skills that include full swing on woods and irons, chipping, putting, sand play, rules and etiquette. In addition, attendees will receive a swing evaluation to enhance their playing ability.

The clinic fee is $20 per player. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Community College Hosts Success Fest Week, July 26-31

Posted on July 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents, businesses and students interested in taking college classes or starting a new career this summer are invited to attend Success Fest Week at Owens Community College, July 26-31. Fall Semester classes begin Aug. 16.

For added convenience, the College’s Toledo-area Campus will be open extra hours for Success Fest Week from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday, July 26-29. Additionally, students may register from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, July 30, and from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Additionally, the College will host Success Fest Week at the Learning Center at The Source, July 26-30. Owens’ Learning Center at The Source is located on Monroe Street in downtown Toledo. The Learning Center will be open for Success Fest Week from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, July 26-29. Students may also register from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, July 30.

Owens’ Arrowhead Park Learning Center will also serve as host to Success Fest Week, July 26-30. The Arrowhead Park Learning is on Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. Owens will be open extra hours for Success Fest Week from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday-Thursday, July 26-29. In addition, individuals may register from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, July 30.

Individuals attending Success Fest 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 offers personal attention and small classes throughout the day, evening and online. For more registration information or to obtain a schedule of courses for the fall term, call (567) 661-7777 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7777, or access the College’s website at www.owens.edu.

Life and Times of People with Disabilities Featured During Historical Exhibit at Owens, July 27 – Aug. 22

Posted on July 15th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by serving as host to an exhibit which brings to the forefront the life and times of people with disabilities titled “From Institutions to Independence: A History of People with Disabilities in Northwest Ohio”, July 27 – Aug. 22.

Presented by Owens Library Services and the Office of Disability Services, the exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will be on display in the Toledo-area Campus Library. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The exhibit will feature an array of historical photographs that look at the lives of those with mental illness, vision and hearing impairment, physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. Other topics highlighted in the exhibit include the impact of the polio epidemics of the 1940s and 50s on Northwest Ohio, how the region sought to provide vocational rehabilitation and employment to the disabled. Additionally, the historical display will examine the impact of the eugenics movement on the disabled, as well as the disability rights movement and how organizations and services changed to provide more independence for the disabled.

A portion of the “From Institutions to Independence: A History of People with Disabilities in Northwest Ohio” has been graciously loaned to Owens by the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections from the University of Toledo Libraries. The Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Projects, working with the university’s Disability Studies Program, spearheaded efforts several years ago to document the life and times of people with disabilities as part of the Regional Disability History Archive Project. The unique collection is one of a select few national archival repositories of disability history.

“Owens Community College is honored to collaborate with the University of Toledo and bring to the forefront disability awareness from a historical perspective,” said Sue Emerine, Owens Director of Disability Services. “‘From Institutions to Independence: A History of People with Disabilities in Northwest Ohio’ tells the story of those whose lives were overlooked and hidden from society years ago. Exhibit attendees will have the opportunity to place themselves in the shoes of these individuals through historical photographs.”

Owens’ Office of Disability Services is dedicated to supporting the College and its students by ensuring that each individual has access to the academic institution’s many programs and services. The office also assists students with disabilities by providing an array of support services, information and guidance. Active in the surrounding communities, the Office of Disability Services regularly makes presentations at high schools to students with disabilities and participates with local agencies in disability awareness events, transition activities and parent programs.

The Owens Toledo-area Campus Library is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information about the exhibit, contact the College’s Library Services at (567) 661-7221 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7221.

Owens Findlay-area Campus Hosts Success Fest Week, July 26-31

Posted on July 15th, 2010

FINDLAY, OH – Area residents, businesses and students interested in taking college classes or starting a new career this fall are invited to attend Success Fest Week at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus, July 26-31. Fall Semester classes begin Aug. 16.

For added convenience, the College will be open extra hours for Success Fest Week from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday, July 26-29. Additionally, students may register from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, July 30, and from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. The Owens Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

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

Owens Community College Unveils Northwest Ohio’s First Commercial Photography Technology Degree Program

Posted on July 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is enhancing its educational opportunities within the School of Arts and Sciences by announcing the creation of a new commercial photography technology associate degree program. Beginning Fall Semester 2010, the new academic program will be offered on the Toledo-area Campus.

The two-year associate degree program recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents and is the only commercial photography technology academic program in Northwest Ohio.

“Owens Community College is extremely excited to expand our fine and performing arts educational opportunities and offer the region’s first commercial photography technology degree program to students and the surrounding communities,” said Doug Mead, Owens Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “The Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ photography programs have experienced phenomenal enrollment growth and popularity among students during the past several years. In a one-year span, the enrollment in photography increased by nearly 60 percent and the department anticipates even greater growth with this new academic program. The creation of the commercial photography technology degree program will open new doors for students and help support the continued growth and development of the photography industry.”

Owens’ associate degree in commercial photography technology will require approximately 70 credit hours of coursework, which includes contemporary business, black and white photography, introduction to visual communication, color photography, digital photography, studio photography, introduction to small business, and history and theory of photography, among other academic curriculum.

The new program is designed to prepare students for employment in the photographic industry. Students will develop strong knowledge in both traditional and digital photographic techniques, as well as learn darkroom skills for black and white and color processing and printing. Additionally, Owens students will acquire skills specific to digital image manipulation, enhancement and color management, and technical and creative control of studio lighting and all camera formats.

Owens commercial photography technology students will also have the opportunity to utilize the latest in innovative academic resources as the Department of Fine and Performing Arts unveils a new digital photography computer laboratory and a new photography large portrait and commercial studio for experiential learning this upcoming fall term. The new laboratory and studio will feature the latest in state-of-art technology and resources for enhancing teaching and learning highlighted by large and medium format professional printers, Wacom interactive pen display tablets, PocketWizard transreceiver/relay radio slave units, Apple MacBook laptops, and film and flatbed professional scanners, among academic resources.

Upon program completion, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in entry-level or higher employment positions as photographers, photographer’s assistant or photo technician in areas that include wedding, portrait, advertising, corporate and editorial/stock photography. Commercial photography career opportunities also include working as employees of other photographers as studio/location personnel specializing in digital imagining applications or in their own business as freelance photographers.

In addition to the new commercial photography technology associate degree program, the Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers an associate’s degree in photography for those with an interest in photography who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in fine art photography, as well as a certificate in commercial photography technology.

For additional information about Owens’ commercial photography technology program, call (567) 661-7081 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext 7081.

Owens Community College Announces Spring Academic Honors

Posted on July 13th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – More than 3,000 students were named to the Academic Honors List at Owens Community College for Spring Semester 2010. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for academic honors. Owens uses a 4.0 scale in grading.

To view a listing of the students achieving academic excellence during 2010 Spring term click on the following link. 2010 Spring Academic Honors. Owens Community College is extremely proud of our students for their dedication and commitment to higher education.

Owens Express Student-Athletes Named OCCAC 2009-10 Academic All-Conference

Posted on July 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twenty-four 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 2009-10 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 Michael Rickard, Owens Director of 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 since 1987. The other member schools comprising the OCCAC are Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Edison State Community College, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College and Sinclair Community College.

Student-athletes receiving OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors include:
ï Garrett Busch of Toledo (pre-business administration), a Start H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.56 grade point average.
ï Michael Romano of Oregon (biomedical electronics), a Clay H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
ï Brooks Gradner of Bowling Green (pre-business administration), a Bowling Green H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.67 grade point average.
ï Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant), a Whitmer H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.82 grade point average.
ï Calvin Edwards of Delaware (business management), a Rutherford B. Hayes H.S. graduate (men’s basketball) with a 3.75 grade point average.
ï Derrick Sanderfer Jr. of Toledo (accounting), a Rogers H.S. graduate (men’s basketball) with a 3.51 grade point average.
ï Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg (psychology), a St. Francis de Sales H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.35 grade point average.
ï Jahvan Russell of Montego Bay, Jamaica (accounting), a Cornwall College graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.91 grade point average.
ï Jon Moore of Toledo (pre-business administration), a Toledo Christian Schools graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.88 grade point average.
ï Lorenzo Carrion-Bistolfi of Montevideo, Uruguay (international business), a Centro Educacional Conquistadores graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.74 grade point average.
ï Magan Gerding of Perrysburg (architectural engineering technology), a Northview H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.50 grade point average.
ï Keri Seel of Fostoria (pre-business administration), a Fostoria H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (middle childhood education), a Central Catholic H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.84 grade point average.
ï Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue (pre-medical imaging technologies), a Bellevue H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Amanda Drew of Maumee (biology), a Springfield H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
ï Maureen Kurtz of Tiffin (pre-business administration), a Mohawk H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.84 grade point average.
ï Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (biology), an Eastwood H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (pre-occupational therapy assistant), a Southview H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.77 grade point average.
ï Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (pre-nursing), a Southview H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.36 grade point average.
ï Renee Bidlack of Payne (communication studies), a Wayne Trace H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.31 grade point average.
ï Kaila Corrothers of Detroit, Mich. (pre-occupational therapy assistant), a Detroit Consortium H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
ï Jordan Floyd of Waterville (undecided), an Anthony Wayne H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Saige Meyer of Deshler (journalism), a Patrick Henry H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Karrah Windau of Carey (pre-dental hygiene), a Carey H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.63 grade point average.

Owens Community College to Host Mitchell-Jackson Youth Basketball Camp, July 19-22

Posted on July 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area youth will have the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of basketball and life lessons as basketball stars Todd Mitchell and Jim Jackson host their annual basketball camp at Owens Community College, Monday-Thursday, July 19-22. This marks the fourth year that the annual basketball camp is being held at Owens Community College.

The four-day youth basketball camp runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College appreciates the opportunity to once again play an active role in supporting a longstanding community outreach program dedicated to enriching the lives of area youth through education and the sport of basketball,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Todd Mitchell and Jim Jackson are both leaders on and off the basketball court and Owens is proud to collaborate on such a worthwhile initiative effecting area youth throughout Northwest Ohio.”

Camp instructors for the four-day event will include college and professional basketball standouts Mitchell and Jackson, as well as area high school coaches and current and former collegiate basketball players. Boys and girls entering grades 5-12 will receive instruction on various basketball skills, highlighted by ball handling, passing, shooting, defense and rebounding.

Additionally, participants will learn about teamwork, eating healthy and making the right decisions in life. Attendees will also be evaluated on their skill level and compete in games and a variety of contests.

The camp registration fee is $100 per participant and space is limited. Lunch is provided daily. For more information, call (419) 491-0704 or (419) 340-1303.

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

Posted on July 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – 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 for the Spring Semester. Owens’ chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is one of the largest in Ohio.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our inductees for their dedication and commitment to higher education,” said Dr. Chuck Bohleke, Owens Chair of Business Technologies and Co-Advisor. “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.”

The Alpha Omega Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society student inductees for the 2010 Spring Semester are:

Anthony Ackerman of Toledo (wide-area networking technology)

Jeffrey Agan of Bowling Green (middle childhood education)

David Baker of Sylvania (business management)

Bodie Bankey of Bowling Green (technical studies)

Matthew Beaty of Findlay (associate of arts, general concentration)

Ollie Belcher of Toledo (pre-medical imaging technologies)

Nancy Black of Defiance (physical therapist assistant)

Allison Busdeker of Bradner (psychology)

McKenzie Carter of Bowling Green†(photography)

Sarah Clark of Genoa (dental hygiene)

Rhonda Clayton of Perrysburg†(pre-nursing)

Ashley Decker of Toledo (associate of arts, general concentration)

Sierra Degroff of Blissfield, Mich. (biology)

Heather Delaney of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Rachelle Dennis of McComb (business management)

Charlotte Deri of Perrysburg (office support)

Richard Dickson of Toledo (adolescence education)

Kathleen Dillon of Toledo (information systems)

Ethan Easterwood of Oak Harbor (journalism)

David Eoff of Elmore (pre-business administration)

Jessica Frymire of Bowling Green (registered nursing)

Laura Galliger of Bowling Green (biology)

Sarah Gedert of Perrysburg (pre-nursing)

Cynthia Gregg of Tiffin (dental hygiene)

Brandi Hampton of Toledo (pre-business administration)

Cheryl Harris of Toledo (international studies)

Miles Hinkle of Findlay (associate of arts, general concentration)

Sarah Holsinger of Wauseon (pre-nursing)

Danielle Holtgrieve of Sylvania (pre-medical imaging technologies)

Qiaolu Hou of Perrysburg (pre-business administration)

Karen Jackson of Toledo (pre-surgical)

Corey Jones of Toledo (pre-business administration)

Mark Jones of Toledo (electrical/electronics engineering technology)

Tana Junge of Napoleon (early childhood education)

Jon Kammeyer of Findlay (licensed practical nursing)

Chad Kelly of Findlay (history)

Alisha King of Toledo (corrections)

Joshua Kizer of Perrysburg (fine art)

Lauren Kleman of Fort Jennings (pre-medical imaging technologies)

Christopher Kopf of Toledo (business management)

Kati Kreais of Toledo (pre-radiography)

Lydiarose Kwapich of Waterville (associate of arts, general concentration)

Donald Laskey of Findlay (history)

Kevin Lemay of Toledo (accounting)

Christine Lemke of Toledo (business management)

Sara-Brittany Martin of Findlay (criminal justice technology)

Tiffany Mattys of Toledo (registered nursing)

Peggy McKnight of Toledo (environmental management technology)

Jeanene Melquist of Bowling Green (psychology)

Debra Mettie of Northwood (psychology)

Laura Mielcarek of Toledo (emergency medical management)

Sherry Miller of Toledo (accounting)

Alycia Nichols of McComb (medical office support)

Michelle Nofziger of Montpelier (radiography)

Bryan O’Neill of Toledo (registered nursing)

Sharron Pappas of Toledo (nursing)

Allyson Parker of Bowling Green (pre-medical imaging technologies)

Russell Patterson of Perrysburg†(computer programming)

Amanda Pauff of Weston (pre-business administration)

Christy Perry of Waterville (accounting)

Melissa Powell of Toledo (pre-nursing)

Emily Putnam of Perrysburg (dental hygiene)

Jessica Rainey of Bowling Green (small business management)

Toni Regutti of Carey (social work)

Charles Robinson of Toledo (radiography)

Ashley Rohen of Toledo (medical office support)

James Ross of Findlay (computer science)

Brooke Savory of Sylvania (adolescence education)

Chelsea Schimming of Martin (radiography)

Kristen Schmenk of Fostoria (pre-nursing)

Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (physical therapist assistant)

Benjamin Sewell of Toledo (hospitality management)

Brittany Silveira of Perrysburg (registered nursing)

Irina Simonds of Bowling Green (accounting software applications)

Kathleen Snodgrass of Walbridge (multi-age education)

Elizabeth Sopkovich of Perrysburg (pre-dental hygiene)

Barbara Stengle of Toledo (commercial art)

Amy Tammerine of Temperance, Mich. (registered nursing)

Justin Theisen of Bowling Green (associate of science, general concentration)

Donna Thiel of Findlay (undecided)

Kimberly Thompson of Toledo (business management)

Beth Tillman of Toledo (psychology)

Melissa Trombly of Perrysburg (radiography)

Casey Vaughn of Carey (marketing and sales)

Robert Vidra of Maumee (CAD technolog)

Rebekah Vogelpohl of Curtice (pre-nursing)

Laura Walbolt of Wauseon (pre-hospitality management)

Kaitlyn Wentz of Findlay (associate of arts, general concentration)

Mike West of Toledo (registered nursing)

Dawn Williamson of Benton Ridge (accounting)

Cassie Wolfe of Columbus Grove (associate of arts, general concentration)

Rosalie Zanardelli of Toledo (early childhood education)

Owens Community College to Host Free Japanese Anime Convention, July 17-18

Posted on July 8th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to experience one of the region’s largest Japanese animation and cultural gatherings around as Owens Community College serves as host to the second annual GarasuNoShiCon (Glass City Convention), July 17-18.

Presented by Owens’ Anime Convention and Gamers United clubs, GarasuNoShiCon will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center, Student Health and Activities Center, Math/Science Center and Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The event will feature an array of activities highlighted anime screenings, video gaming, an electronic music dance, a cosplay competition, a fire show and entertainment panel discussions, as well as a number of vendors and featured artists.

Owens’ anime convention will commence with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center. Following welcome remarks, convention attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several video, card-based and tabletop gaming activities to include a PokÈwalker Meet-Up, Living Forgotten Realm Adventure, Pathfinder Society Adventures and Dungeon Delve.

In addition, individuals will have the chance to experience life as a video game character by participating in an interactive game in the Cosplay Arena. A video game room will also be available for those interested in competing in array of unique Japanese and domestic games.

The convention will also provide three screening rooms in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center for attendees to view various anime feature presentations throughout the two-day event. Additionally, special screen presentations of “Slayers Revolution”, “Fist of the North Star TV” and “Slayers Evolution” will occur during GarasuNoShiCon.

Featured guests at the Owens convention will include voice actor Robert Axelrod, voice actress Cassandra Hodges, voice actress Julie Jensen, musical performer Gavin Goszka, independent comic artist Alex Heberling, the musical tribute group The Salad Time Soldiers, kimono specialist Kerry Porter, actress Cindy Chu and independent video game developer Galloping Ghost Productions.

Axelrod is best known as the voice of Lord Zedd and Finster from the “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” series. He has also lent his voice to a number of anime features such as “Digimon”, “Robotech” and “Akira”. Hodges performs in a number of different media, but anime enthusiasts may recognize her voice from several FUNimation productions including “School Rumble” and “Glass Fleet”. Ohio native Jensen has provided voicing for a number of Disney animations such as “Phineas and Ferb” and feature films.

Returning to GarasuNoShiCon for its second year is acoustic soloist Goszka. A fan of anime and Japanese music, Goszka’s latest project has him working on a CD with Vocaloid Megurine Luka. Also making a return for the convention’s second year is featured local artist Heberling who is known for crafting original web comics, including “Garanos”, and is responsible for most of GarasuNoShiCon’s original art and mascot designs. The musical group The Salad Time Soldiers will also make a return to Owens. While the Ohio-based musical group won’t perform on stage, band members will be showcasing their handmade cosplay outfits and hosting informational panel discussions during the event.

Porter, who was exposed to the kimono and Japanese culture as a child, will be offering a large collection of kimonos for viewing and attendees will be able to interact with select kimonos during workshops. Chu has worked as a wardrobe assistant and featured extra in “Whip It”. Her next big-screen appearances will be as an alternatively giggling and screaming Chinese clerk in the remake of “Red Dawn” and a graduate student who analyzes blood in “Salvation Boulevard”.

Galloping Ghost Studios is located in the Chicago area and will join the GarasuNoShiCon guest list as the video gaming guest of honor. Galloping Ghost is an independent video games developer currently in production of its first arcade release “Dark Presence”. The studio is also opening its first public arcade later this year and will be showcasing some of its video game production equipment for convention attendees.

In addition, over 25 regional and national venders and artists will be on hand for individuals to purchase DVDs, anime figures, jewelry, prints, bookmarks, posters, T-shirts, manga, kimonos and other merchandise and accessories.

For more information about the event, call (567) 661-2586 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2586, or access the website at www.glasscitycon.com ( http://www.glasscitycon.com/ ).