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AKRON E-MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE

Class notes

Maureen M. Anderson, BA ’68, is the author of “Lambs in the Wilderness,” which has raised more than $1,000 for Street Ransom Ministries, an organization that helps children who have been rescued from human sex trafficking.

 

Larry G. Poulos photoLarry G. Poulos, BA ’69, JD ’73, received the prestigious Professionalism Award from the Akron Bar Association on October 19. The award is given to an attorney who goes above and beyond to uphold the standards of the profession, while demonstrating integrity and humanitarian concern in the community.

 

Barbara L. Singhaus photoBarbara L. Singhaus, BS ’79, was a 2016 finalist for Crain’s CFO of the Year in the nonprofit category. She is CFO of Planned Parenthood for Greater Ohio.

 

Mark A. Gamble photoMark A. Gamble, BS ’81, was a 2016 finalist for Crain’s CFO of the Year in the private/large company category. He has 24 years of experience as a chief financial officer in a variety of industries, including startup, growth-oriented and turn-around companies, and currently is CFO for Hudson, Ohio-based Ramco Specialties Inc.

 

Maria E. Pada photoMaria E. Pada, BS ’81, MA ’83, MA ’95, was the sixth recipient of the prestigious Shirley Aceto Award at the College of William & Mary. The award is reserved for people who reach out to the rest of the university to get involved, engaged, and be part of the greater community. Pada, who has worked at the Williamsburg, Va., college since 1994, has been director of the Multimedia Computing Center in the modern languages and literatures department and coordinator of Academic Information Services. She currently is coordinator of special projects for Information Technology.

 

Michele M. Pilon photoIn October, Michele M. Pilon, BSN ’81, was named president and chief nursing officer at Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, N.C. Previously, she was the chief nursing officer at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, Va.

 

Kathleen S. Shell photoKathleen S. Shell, BS ’83, received the Excellence in Leadership Award at the International Society of Automation’s Annual Gala in September. The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the industry and/or profession to advance automation. Shell, who is CEO of aeSolutions in Greenville, S.C., received the award for significantly impacting the United States’ ability to secure its critical infrastructure through Cyber Shield 2016 and for leading and advancing the vision to enhance Industrial Control System Cybersecurity awareness, education, and training.

 

Laura K. Thompson photoLaura K. Thompson, BSA ’87, MBA ’92, CFO for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, was interviewed about her career and balancing her home and work life by Sara Shookman of WKYC in Cleveland. Thompson discussed her start at Goodyear and the support she has always felt by Goodyear “family” as she moved up the ladder. Watch the interview here.

James R. Ahern, BA ’92, MA ’95, works as a lieutenant for both an Army Reserve Careers Division in Alabama and at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Ahern graduated from U.S. Naval War College in 2015 and is working toward a post master’s certificate.

 

Fannie Lee Brown photoFannie Lee Brown, MS ’91, PhD ’95, shared her life story with students at the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math on September 30. Her address was part of the 7th annual HistoryMakers program, the nation’s largest African-American video/oral history archive. Brown, who grew up in a poor farming community, earned her doctorate from UA and was executive director of the Coming Together Project USA.

 

Amy S. Davidson photoIn October, Amy S. Davidson, BA ’97, MSW ’02, was appointed deputy executive director of social services at Summit County Children Services in Akron. A 19-year veteran of the agency, Davidson has served in many roles, including protective services caseworker, protective services supervisor and interim family team meeting supervisor. She also has been involved with several workgroups and initiatives throughout the agency, including differential response, team decision making, human trafficking, family interaction, and continuous quality improvement.

 

Patricia A. Hubbard photoMentor, Ohio-based Avery Dennison named Patricia A. Hubbard, PhD ’96, vice president of research and development for its Materials Group North America in September. In her new role, she will lead the business in new product development for growth and material re-engineering, drive innovation through a globally connected R&D agenda, oversee the R&D lab, and pilot assets for both the Label and Packaging Materials and Graphics Solutions businesses. Hubbard previously was vice president of corporate technology at PolyOne.

 

Lisa S. Kelsay photoThe American College Personnel Association named Lisa S. Kelsay, BS ’95, to its 2017 Diamond Honoree Program, which is both a recognition and a fundraising activity. Nominees are recognized for their outstanding and sustained contributions to higher education and student affairs. Kelsay has had a successful career in higher education, having worked in admissions, academic advising, and career services. She has been the assistant dean of Liberal Arts/director of Academic Arts at Moraine Valley Community College for seven years.

 

Dawn M. Lissy photo Christopher J. Lissy photoDawn M. and Christopher J. Lissy are co-founders of Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Empirical, a family of biomedical device companies that includes Empirical Testing Corp., Empirical Consulting, and Empirical Machine. Dawn, MS ’98, who is president and CEO, is a biomedical engineer, an entrepreneur, and an innovator who has brought groundbreaking medical devices to market for more than 20 years. She recently was selected for the FDA’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program, which invites top professionals from the medical device industry to work with the FDA to streamline and improve the approval process for devices. Co-CEO Christopher, BS ’01, guides the Empirical team to bring client devices to market in the shortest possible time and with the greatest possible value.

 

Marcy R. Ritzert photoMarcy R. Ritzert, BA ’93, MA ’99, played a crucial role in planning the National Association for College Admission Counseling's 72nd national conference, which was held in Columbus in September. The organization is comprised of more than 15,000 professionals who are dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. Ritzert is associate director of admission at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio.

 

Steven H. Schloenbach photoSteven H. Schloenbach, BSBA ’90, was a 2016 finalist for Crain’s CFO of the Year in the nonprofit category. He is vice president and CFO for Akron Community Foundation, responsible for maintaining the integrity of its financial and accounting systems. Previously, he worked in FirstMerit Bank’s trust audit and compliance department.

Artist, designer, and alumnus of UA’s Mary Schiller Myers School of Art, Daniel S. Coffield, BFA ’10, MA ’12, teamed with students from Firestone High School to lead a UA Art Bomb Brigade that designed and painted a unique, eco-inspired mural on the Akron Sustainer, a shipping-container-turned-educational-hub that promotes sustainability and green living.

 

Courtney A. Gras photoIn August, Courtney A. Gras, AS’ 07, BS ’13, was named interim executive director of Akron-based Launch League, a community of entrepreneurs, founders, and interested individuals creating a grassroots network of startup support in Akron. The nonprofit is hosting Flight 2016, a startup and tech conference in Akron on Dec. 1-2.

 

Kimberly D. Liddell photoEarlier this year, the American Association for Women in Community College named Kimberly D. Liddell, MBA ’05, to its inaugural 40 under 40 Class. The honor pays tribute to the talent of up-and-coming leaders in community colleges. Liddell is a student financial assistance adviser at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland.

 

Matthew M. Newhouse photoMatthew M. Newhouse, BSBA ’05, MS ’06, was hired as UA’s associate athletic director, marketing and promotions. He previously worked with the University of Georgia and several private companies.

 

Joshua R. Quillen photoHighly accomplished all-around percussionist, expert steel drum performer, and composer Joshua R. Quillen, BM ’03, is on the faculty in the department of music and performing arts professions at New York University, where he directs the Steel Band and has been a member of the acclaimed ensemble, So Percussion, since 2006. Quillen has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Lincoln Center Festival, Stanford Lively Arts, and dozens of other venues in the United States. In that time, So Percussion toured Russia, Spain, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Scotland. Quillen’s work was featured in Akron in October as part of the Tuesday Musical Association’s 2016-2017 Fuze Season.

 

Thomas V. Vo photoThomas V. Vo, BS ’08, MS ’14, chief technology officer for Design Flux Technologies, was honored with Midwest Energy News’ 40 Under 40 Award. Vo is leading a team of three university students in the development of products and holds multiple patents himself. Prior to his current position, he worked for nearly a decade in a variety of engineering positions with NASA, startups, and as an engineering consultant.

Theron E. Brown photoTheron E. Brown, BM ’13, performed as part of the Theron Brown Trio plus Special Guests at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall in October. Brown has performed with many and various musicians and at events and venues in the United States, Canada, and Japan. He also was cast as young Herbie Hancock in the 2015 film “Miles Ahead,” directed by and starring Don Cheadle.

 

Daniel J. Hampu photoDaniel J. Hampu, MBA ’14, JD ’14, is a project manager for The University of Akron Research Foundation, where he focuses on technology commercialization and due diligence and provides assistance to various startup companies through financial and marketing analysis. He was a featured speaker at Startup Scaleup 2016, an annual community event that helps Northeast Ohio innovators achieve their entrepreneurial goals. Hampu also co-manages UA’s National Science Foundation I-Corps Sites program; manages deal flow and participates as a deal flow committee member for the ARCHAngels Investor Network; is vice president, secretary and board member for Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund; and is an adjunct faculty member in entrepreneurship at the University of Mount Union.

 

Andrew J. Heidenreich photo Emmanuel S. Pitia photoIn October, Andrew J. Heidenreich, PhD ’12, and Emmanuel S. Pitia, PhD ’12, spoke on adhesives and coating technology at the International Elastomer Conference, hosted in Pittsburgh by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society. Both Heidenreich and Pitia are senior-level scientists with LORD Corporation in Erie, Pa.

 

Hari P. Kasula, MAP ’14, was quoted in an Associated Press article about the presidential election and politics in the United States. Kasula served as deputy director of UA’s new International Campaign Fellows program, hosted by the Bliss Institute, which allowed students from around the world to participate in the U.S. presidential campaign process.

 

Jordan E. Knabb photoJordan E. Knabb, BA ’12, JD ’15, was named an assistant prosecutor for the city of Akron and praised UA’s School of Law for aiding his success. According to Knabb, he was drawn to The University of Akron for its “big picture” focus and excellent career services for its students.

 

Farewells

Astrida L. Apse, BA '67, Aug. 30, 2016
Stephen H. Arshinkoff, BSE '72, Oct. 20, 2016
David L. Bartlett Jr., BS '93, former research assistant, Mathematics, Sept. 2, 2016
Joseph D. Belair, BA '81, Aug. 31, 2016
Joseph G. Benes, BA '83, photographic lab technician, Art, Oct. 24, 2016
Beverly Bertka, BSE '72, Sept. 4, 2016
Mary K. Booth, BA '46, Sept. 6, 2016
Gertrude Braig, BSN '69, Sept. 13, 2016
Loretta M. Brown, AAB '01, former student assistant, Sept. 21, 2016
Steven T. Buchanan, BFA '79, Sept. 6, 2016
Beverly L. Burkholder, BAED '65, Aug. 9, 2016
James E. Burns Jr., BSA '49, May 27, 2016
Charlotte L. Burrell, EDD '04, retired assistant to the dean, College of Applied Science and Technology, Aug. 17, 2016
Carl J. Christensen, BA '54, Sept. 23, 2016
Robert L. Clark, AAS '79, Sept. 28, 2016
Jerry M. Cleland, BSBA '72, Sept. 3, 2016
Elsie J. Cobb, BSED '48, Sept. 1, 2015
Kenneth R. Colling, BSEE '56, Sept. 14, 2016
Glenn R. Conley, BAED '65, June 12, 2016
Andrew J. Cornell, JD '03, Sept. 19, 2016
Douglas A. Cummings, AAB '87, BSA '92, Sept. 21, 2016
Jeffrey N Daily, BSA '64, Oct. 19, 2016
James H. Daly, MBA '72, MSM '72, Sept. 17, 2106
Robert W. Daniels, MSED '68, former lecturer, Supervising Teachers, Sept. 19, 2016
Melvin T. Davisson, BSCE '54, Sept. 9, 2016
Damian A. De Santo, MS '94, Sept. 9, 2016
Carroll V. Dean, BSBA '51, May 14, 2016
Roger R. Dodd, BSMDT '84, Oct. 6, 2016
Alois Falkenstein Jr., BS '69, July 4, 2015
John F. Freeman, BSME '48, January 11, 2016
Robert M. Gaffga, MSED '65, March 4, 2016
Donald R. Gallegly, BSBA '85,Oct. 10, 2016
Garnold D. Green, BAED '61, Dec. 15, 2015
Dan J. Grill, BAE '71, BSBA '71, Oct. 23, 2016
Justin J. Guidi, MBA '76, Sept. 3, 2016
Kyle J. Hamblin, BS '11, Oct. 5, 2016
Lloyd R. Haynes, BSBA '58, former student assistant, Oct. 24, 2016
John G. Hedrick, retired assistant professor emeritus, Associate Studies, Oct. 9, 2016
John F. Henry, BSBA '63, Aug. 25, 2016
Harlene M. Hicks, BA '65, Oct. 19, 2016
Edward M. Hofle, BAED '68, Aug. 21, 2016

Chris A Kerechanin, AAS '75, July 21, 2016
Alan T. LaMonica, BSBA '00, March 28, 2015
Paul A. Lang, MSM, '70, JD '76, Sept. 20, 2016
Donald D. Leonard, BS '52, Feb. 2, 2016
William F. Lilley, LLB '60, JD '68, Sept. 23, 2016
Norma Marsh, AAS '81, Sept. 13, 2016
Janis M. Marshall, BSED '68, MST '72, Oct. 12, 2015
Carol Ann Maxson, BSED '51, Sept. 16, 2016
Mary V. McDevitt, BA '93, BFA '93, Oct. 11, 2016
Jack C. McElhiney, BSBA '52, Oct. 29, 2015
Allen D. Miller, BAED '71, Sept. 6, 2016
Nancy E. Miller, MSE '85, Sept. 27, 2016
Eugene E. Mooney, MS '56, Oct. 22, 2016
Thomas P. Murphy, BSED '61, Sept. 12, 2016
David L. Nienhius, BS '76, Oct. 13, 2016
Irving J. Olson, Hon. LDH ’13, Oct. 1, 2016
Michael B. O'Neil, PHD '73, Sept. 25, 2016
Roland R. Paolucci, MA '85, retired professor emeritus, Music, Sept. 16, 2016
Linda C. Peterson-Ota, BSE '85, April 8, 2015
Delwin G. Pitts, BSME '49, Oct. 2, 2016
Joan P. Roberts, BSED '51, Sept. 23, 2016
Mary Helen Ruman, BSBA '47, Sept. 21, 2016
Dale A. Sablotny, BSIM '81, JD '92, May 7, 2015
Janet Scott, MAED '68, former lecturer, Curricular and Instructional Studies, Sept. 4, 2016
Charles E. Seeney, MS '74, Sept. 23, 2016
Dilek K. Shama, BSN '85, May 20, 2016
Michael F. Shields Jr., BSBA '57, Sept. 6, 2016
Ronald D. Simon, BSED '56, MSED '70, Oct. 6, 2016
Dennis M. Smith, BSIM '72, Oct. 23, 2016
Robert J. Snyder, BSBA '75, Sept. 16, 2016
Joan Staehle, BAE '74, Oct. 13, 2016
Robert A. Staehle, AAS '79, former officer, University Police Department, Oct. 12, 2016
Julia T. Stell, BSBA '40, Oct. 4, 2016
Margaret D. Sterling, BA '45, Aug. 30, 2016
Mary Jane Stone, BA '61, Sept. 23, 2016
Dennis M. Stump, BSA '78, MBA '82, Sept. 3, 2016
Kimberly A. Tucker, BSE '95, MAE '02, Oct. 5, 2016
James A. Wagner, JD '74, Sept. 2, 2016
Norbert A. Weisend Jr., BS '49, Oct. 16, 2016
Emery A. White, BSEE '47, Aug. 31, 2016
Lloyd A. Wilson, MAED '70, May 19, 2016
John G. Wyler, MAE '73, Sept. 11, 2016
Gary L. Yoder, MSED '70, April 6, 2016

The Akron Magazine Fall 2022 issue of The University of Akron

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Class Notes & Farewells

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