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AKRON E-MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2016 ISSUE

akron-eMag-mast

Class notes

McAnallen2_1966 McAnallen1_1966Delmont “Bud” E. McAnallen Jr., BA ’66, enjoyed a successful career with IBM marked by 33 different jobs and five relocations, including two years in Europe. These days, McAnallen continues to travel and demonstrate why age is only a number. In May, he completed a one-day, rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon (24 miles with 11,000 feet of elevation changes), and in July he summited both Mount Democrat (14,155 feet) and Mount Elbert (14,433 feet) – the highest of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

 

William W. Pinsky photoWilliam W. Pinsky, MD, BS ’69, was named president and CEO of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), effective July 1. Pinsky also will serve as board chair of ECFMG’s Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research.

Martha J. Cook photoMartha J. Cook, EdD ’79, a teacher for seven decades, recently celebrated a long life – and a lifetime devoted to educating students in Stark County, Ohio. A party on May 14 marked her 90th birthday and celebrated her many years in the classroom. Cook continues to teach English as a second language to students online. On June 5, she and her husband, Marvin, celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

 

Raymond E. LeslieRaymond E. Leslie, BSIM ’78, was named vice president of finance for Aleut Management Services, effective April 2016. He is responsible for day-to-day finance activities and participates as a member of the senior leadership team in setting company strategy.

 

Susan Marie (Lynch) Taylor, BSN ’75, MSN ’85, was the keynote speaker at the Memorial Day program held at Ohio Western Reserve National Ceremony on May 29. Taylor, a former captain in the Army Nursing Corp, is an associate professor at Malone University.

Steven A. Dimengo photoSteven A. Dimengo, BSA ’83, MBA ’86, MT ’86, JD ’86, represented Congressman Jim Renacci in one of his latest wins before the Ohio Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of Renacci regarding a tax appeal.

 

Cherylanne Graham photoCherylanne Graham, MM ’80, former band director of Ohio’s New Philadelphia High School, directed the alumni band and served as grand marshal of the recent First Town Days Festival Parade. Graham had a 42-year career with New Philadelphia City Schools.

 

David A. Pfaff photoDavid A. Pfaff, BSA ’86, became the finance director for the city of Shaker Heights, Ohio, effective July 12. Pfaff joins Shaker from the city of Beachwood, Ohio, where he had served as finance director since 1999.

 

Joyce E. Russell photoJoyce E. Russell, MA ’81, PhD ’83, will be appointed by Villanova University as The Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business, effective August 1.

 

Scot A. Stevenson photoScot A. Stevenson, BA ’89, JD ’92, became a judge on the Summit County Common Pleas Court on June 15 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich.

 

Shrinivas “Shri” P. Thanedar photoShrinivas “Shri” P. Thanedar, PhD ’83, was named a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition. Winners were chosen in eight categories, including software, financial services, retail and consumer products, health care, and tech-enabled services. Thanedar is the owner, chief executive, and chief scientist at Ann Arbor, Mich.,-based Avomeen Analytical Services. He previously was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 and 2007.

April Anderson photoApril Anderson, MA ’93, sang June 12 at a benefit concert for Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Concert proceeds will help support the church’s efforts to restore its landmark steeple.

 

Stanley W. “Will” Armentrout photoStanley W. “Will” Armentrout, BSA ’95, joined Hickory Harvest Foods with more than 20 years of accounting management experience in manufacturing. In his role at Hickory Harvest, he is responsible for overseeing the accounting department and assisting in production analysis and process improvement initiatives.

 

David S. Bienemann photoDavid S. Bienemann, BS ’95, was interviewed by the Hamilton, Ohio, Journal-News regarding his plans to protect and maintain valuable city resources. Bienemann was hired by Hamilton’s utilities operations to help trim its problems with trees that knock down power lines, causing electric outages. But Bienemann, a tree lover, also will help residents and the city with tree issues, recommending wise choices of what to plant and where.

 

Jeffrey A. Fickes photoJeffrey A. Fickes, BSA ’90, practices corporate law with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP and is a partner in the firm’s Cleveland and Akron offices, as well as a member of its corporate group. Fickes has decades of experience in business and advises company owners, boards, and senior executives on organization, finance, governance, acquisition and disposition of businesses, and general business and contract matters.

 

Daniel G. Findley photoDaniel G. Findley, MT ’97, JD ’97, joined Helsell Fetterman and will practice in the firm’s Business, Estate Planning & Probate, Tax, Real Estate and Intellectual Property groups. Findley brings nearly 20 years of experience advising individuals, family-owned businesses and closely held corporations on business, tax, real estate, and intellectual property matters.

 

Ann C. Gilbert photoAnn C. Gilbert, PhD ’94, an accomplished bassist, performed “Bass Extravaganza” on May 24 at the Westlake Porter Public Library in Westlake, Ohio. Gilbert, whose resume resembles a “Who’s Who” of bass studies, presented a unique program that explored different ways in which the bass can soar.

 

Imran Jooma photoImran Jooma, MBA ’97, was appointed to the board of the Dwyer Group. Jooma is executive vice president of Omnichannel Strategy and divisional president of Finish Line Inc., based in Indianapolis.

 

Theresa A. Lash-Ritter photoTheresa A. Lash-Ritter, MD, BS ’92, was named associate chief experience officer, effective June 27, by Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Lash-Ritter is a board-certified family medicine physician who previously served as the medical director for Cleveland Clinic’s Urgent and Express Care Clinics, the Chagrin Falls Family Health Center, and the Madison Medical Office Building. As Lash-Ritter assumes her new role, she also will move her clinical practice to the Akron hospital’s Center for Family Medicine.

 

Sharon Rae North photoSharon Rae North, MA ’94, is a seasoned vocalist who has performed on national stages, and her music has received international airplay and stellar reviews. North’s newly released CD, “Sincerely Yours,” dropped in July.

 

John A. Ross photoJohn A. Ross, BSBA ’91, was appointed regional director for Village Title Agency, a newly acquired entity of Title Alliance, Ltd, of Media, Pa.

 

Matthew J. Rubino photoMatthew J. Rubino, BSBA ’94, MPA ’97, was named finance director for the city of Solon, Ohio.

 

Sherri L. Schultz photoSherri L. Schultz, BSED ’97, was named senior account executive of Cleveland Gold Accounts for Event Source. Schultz has experience working with top event hosts and vendors at the Ritz Carlton, for Levy Restaurants at Cleveland Browns, and most recently for Bon Appetit’s event services at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

 

Brett A. Tipton photoBrett A. Tipton, MA ’97, published his latest book, “How Could a Loving God Allow Dad to Get Cancer?” Available at Amazon.com.

Cara E. Adams photoCara E. Adams, BA ’02, BS ’02, contributed to a panel discussion at the Bridgestone Invitational Executive Women’s Day. Adams gave a uniquely local spin to the conversation in that the Akron native always loved racing and worked her way into a male-dominated world of car building right in her hometown. Adams is a senior project engineer, race tire development, at Bridgestone Americas/Firestone Racing.

 

Jennifer L. Call, MM ’08, conducted a performance of the Canterra Musica on June 5 at Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Canterra Musica is the most advanced treble choir of the Oberlin Choristers. Call is the artistic director and Canterra Musica conductor.

 

Kathryn B. “Kate” Finley photoKathryn B. “Kate” Finley, BA ’09, is a 2016 Top Women in PR and Forty Under 40 Class of 2016 winner. She is the founder and CEO of Columbus-based Belle Communications, a digital PR agency that provides results-centric public relations and social media strategy and implementation, specializing in restaurant, food and beverage, lifestyle, and nonprofit brand marketing.

 

Jessica A. Hall photoJessica A. Hall, BS ’08, spoke May 19 at the monthly Galion Safety Council meeting in Galion, Ohio, to promote diabetes awareness. Hall served in the Army National Guard and Air Force Reserve and now works with Avita Health Systems. Hall focused her remarks on diabetes and its effects on adult employees.

 

Joy G. Harvell photoJoy G. Harvell, MA ’02, joined San Francisco-based Jhana Education, which provides performance support content for managers at technology companies, helping them develop skills to thrive in today’s fast-changing workplace.

 

LauraAnn T. Moore, BA ’04, was presented with the “25 Under 35” Award, which acknowledges young alumnae from Saint Joseph Academy who have gone above and beyond in both personal and professional endeavors since graduation. Moore’s compassionate leadership, service in a global society, overall achievements, and spirituality have singled her out as a woman deserving of the special recognition.

 

Rita A. Perez photoRita A. Perez, JD ’04, was interviewed by About Stark County on being a recipient of Twenty under 40! The award recognizes young professionals in business, civic, government, arts, education and non-profits. One of her nominators said: “Perez is forging a blazing path for many young professions to follow. Her dedication to assisting local veterans is inspiring to those who feel underappreciated for defending our country. The fruit of her endeavors are being passed around all of Stark County.”

 

Moline Prak Pandiyan photoMoline Prak Pandiyan, BS ’08, was presented with the “25 Under 35” Award, which acknowledges young alumnae from Saint Joseph Academy who have gone above and beyond in both personal and professional endeavors since graduation. Prak Pandiyan has exemplified passion and dedication in her chosen career and in her community. Her enthusiasm and persistence have shown she is deserving of this special recognition.

 

Neena M. Sharier photoNeena M. Sharier, MSW ’04, was interviewed by About Stark County on being a recipient of Twenty under 40! The award recognizes young professionals in business, civic, government, arts, education and non-profits. One of her nominators said: “Neena has given her professional life to helping others fight their addictions, specifically chemical dependency. She has excelled both professionally and academically, and she has made considerable contributions to Stark County’s ongoing fight against addition.”

Jamila Alhaib, BA ’13, curated an exhibit at the Summit Artspace titled “The Other Face.” The exhibit featured the work of 100 international artists and was on display May 5-7.

 

Katherine R. Basch photoKatherine R. Basch, JD ’12, joined Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC, a boutique labor and employment law firm representing management exclusively. Basch’s practice primarily focuses on wage and hour compliance, conducting internal audits, and litigating.

 

Linda S. Hale photoLinda S. Hale, BS ’15, is spearheading the Microbusiness Center for the Akron-Summit County Public Library. With her broad array of entrepreneur and computer experience, she hopes to develop the center into a place that is fundamental for new business owners and developers.

 

Ellen G. Hockenberry photoEllen G. Hockenberry, BSN ’10, is a nurse practitioner who helps to provide health care to low-income residents of Wayne County at the Viola Starzman Clinic in Wooster.

 

Karly B. Johnson photoKarly B. Johnson, JD ’16, joined Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC, a boutique labor and employment law firm representing management exclusively. Her practice will focus on defending employers in a wide array of employment litigation matters. She also will proactively counsel clients on the development of human resources policies and practices that help protect them from potential legal liability.

 

Jason C. Miller, AAS ’11, BA’13, a College Now adviser who specializes in working with adults in Summit County to remove barriers and help them pursue higher education, was named one of four Akron-area BMe Leaders and received the 2016 BMe Leadership Award. BMe Leaders are chosen as a result of their exemplary commitment, authenticity, leadership, and ability to inspire. Each BMe Leader receives a $10,000 grant to apply to their efforts to strengthen the community.

 

Kealey Rae Moore, BSA ’15, joined the Wooster office of Rea & Associates, a regional accounting and business consulting firm, as a staff accountant.

 

Marcus H. Pryor, II, MBA ’15, JD ’15, who argued his own case before the Ohio Supreme Court just months after taking the bar exam, has scored a victory. On May 11, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in Pryor’s favor in Pryor v. Director, 2016-Ohio-2907, a case concerning the power of lower courts to hear administrative appeals.

 

Harpal Singh, PhD ’16, collaborated with researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory to create a coating that extends the life of wind turbines.

 

Brett A. Tuttle photoBrett A. Tuttle, BSED ’14, joined Hickory Harvest Foods as material planner. Tuttle works daily with supplies to ensure timely delivery of ingredients and manufacturing needs and manages inventory levels via continuous communication to understand the current production needs and future sales needs.

 

Farewells

Joseph W. Allen, BAED '52, April 25, 2016
Alfred L. Anderson, retired professor, Music, June 17, 2016
Barbara S. Beamer, BS '01, former student assistant, May 25, 2016
Nancy E. Blumenthaler, BSE '68, May 29, 2016
Jeffrey Bowdle, BSBA '02, April 27, 2016
Stanley L. Boyd, BAED '63, former research assistant, Education, May 20, 2016
Sandra S. Braden BA '74, JD '78, June 3, 2016
Stanley Buda Jr., AASSM '70, April 30, 2016
Christopher A. Butowicz, former director, Athletics, BSED '65, MA '75, May 13, 2016
David R. Chandler, MBA '73, July 10, 2015
John R. Chester, BSCE '50, May 22, 2016
Thomas R. Connell, retired professor emeritus, Engineering and Science Technology, MSEE '65, June 3, 2016
Jeanette, R. Cooper, BS '42, Feb. 12, 2015
Kimyata D. Cooper Jr., former student assistant, AA '14, BASW '16, May 18, 2016
James A. Crook, MBA '70, June 12, 2016
John Dakoski III, former graduate assistant, History, MA '02, June 11, 2016
Ralph T. Dean, BS '76, April 28, 2016
Kellie A. Dickey, BA '11, June 3, 2016
Alex G. Dompkowski, BSIM '73, MBA '76, Sept. 5, 2015
Mary Ellen Douglas, BSED '59, June 8, 2016
Mary E. Flanders, BA '37, May 1, 2016
Michael H. Freibert, BA '79, May 10, 2016
Joseph J. Frient, BAGSP '73, Sept. 12, 2015
Krimhild Hart, BS '81, April 30, 2016
J. Thomas Henretta, former lecturer, Law BA '68, JD '75, April 29, 2016
Barry M. Hertz, MS '73, November 3, 2015
Goran Ilievski, BS '15, June 3, 2016
Margaret M. Kainec, MSN '96, March 25, 2016
Karen L. Kilbourne, BA '62, BAE '68, MS '68, June 8, 2016
Heather Knepper, BSN '97, May 1, 2016
Margaret B. Knepper, former graduate assistant, Music, BA '05, May 8, 2016
Ronald L. Koby, BSIM '67, April 25, 2016
Walter Lehrman, retired associate professor emeritus, English, May 26, 2016
Ned J. Lindsley, PHD '99, June 3, 2016
Joseph C. Line, AAS '74, May 4, 2016
Michael P. Litka, retired professor emeritus, Finance, April 29, 2016
Shirley A. Lowrey, BSE '67, May 24, 2016
Marvin B. Luke, BSME '41, May 30, 2016

Barbara E. Mell, MSED '69, June 5, 2016
Jimmy D. Moles, BSCE '62, May 30, 2016
Orpheus Nurches, BA '41, MAED '47, May 11, 2016
Carol Olson, retired associate professor, Law, Dec. 27, 2015
Robert J. Otterman, former lecturer, Supervising Teachers, BAED '59, MAED '65, May 6, 2016
Gary L. Petersen, BSBA '70, May 5, 2016
Carole G. Pletzer, BSE '87, Jan. 4, 2016
Dreama S. Powell, BFA '77, June 6, 2016
Reba Price-Swartz, BSBA '93, April 11, 2016
Lana Rahe, BSE '79, April 22, 2016
Richard H. Rennick, BSIM '53, Dec. 7, 2016
Marilyn H. Roberts, MBA '73, April 12, 2016
John W. Salter, MSED '67, June 15, 2016
Richard L. Sapronetti, BSED '57, April 27, 2016
Rudolph J. Scavuzzo, retired professor emeritus, Polymer Dean’s Office, April 24, 2016
Jeffrey S. Schiopota, BSIM '85, June 10, 2016
Cecil B. Shepherd, BSME '48, June 18, 2016
David R. Spessard, BSED '70, May 5, 2016
Alexander G. Thomas, JD '73, June 1, 2016
Mary Ann Traina, BSBA '63, May 9, 2016
David M. Turney, AAS '82, April 16, 2016
Neal D. Verity, JD '71, April 30, 2016
Alan N. Waxman, BA '77, May 12, 2016
Frances Wilkerson, BSED '58, June 11, 2016
David F. Williams, JD '60, June 5, 2016
Ethel R. Williams, AA '79, AAS '80, BA '81, May 25, 2016
Doris A. Wilson, BSN '55, April 19, 2016
Theodore J. Wilson, BSA '67, April 28, 2016
Michael D. Witwer, BS '95, MS '98, June 6, 2016
Patricia L. Yost, AAS '74, May 9, 2016
Jeffrey A. Youngberg, AAS '73, May 27, 2016
David G. Youngdahl, BA '69, BS '69, MA '74, May 9, 2016

 

Zips on Walkabout

SpinnerJD and Katy - GOBA ride 2016

University of Akron Development Director J.D. Spinner and his daughter, Katy, show off their Zips pride in the midst of “GOBA 2016,” a weeklong bike ride in Ohio. The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure is a 250-mile loop held annually in June that attracts approximately 3,000 riders. This year’s event was held in Southwest Ohio, beginning and ending at the Butler County Fairgrounds near Cincinnati with stops in Hamilton, Oxford, Eaton, Miamisburg, and Brookville. OF NOTE: Katy’s identical twin sister, Margie, also participated but a minor accident prevented her from completing the ride.

Show us your Zips Pride!

Send photos of yourself in Zips gear – or your adventures with Zippy – to alumni@uakron.edu. Then, watch for the pictures in upcoming issues of Akron e-Magazine.

The Akron Magazine Fall 2022 issue of The University of Akron

Fall 2022 (PDF) | Previous issue


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Class Notes & Farewells

Alumni Association

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