Muskingum University
Muskingum University hosted various alumni and experts during the 2024 spring semester to share their after-college experiences with students.
The Otto and Fran Walter Humanitarian Fellows welcomed Dr. Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira, who discussed the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Campus Connections program featured Emmy-winning producer Linda Karn ’76, who spoke about careers in theatre and film, and Jim Jackson ’88, EVP & CMO of Hewlett Packard Enterprises, who discussed marketing careers and AI in academia.
The Impact Center organized a speed networking event, connecting students with professionals like Zanesville City Law Director David Tarbert ’90, Muskingum County Judge Maria Kalis ’95, and others.
These events aimed to broaden students' understanding of peace, justice, arts, business and professional development.
Read the full article to learn more.
Oberlin College
During her time at Oberlin College, Evelyne White ’04 discovered the Ashby Business Scholars program, exposing her to various career paths and inspiring her professional journey.
After earning an MBA from Harvard Business School and working in private equity, White co-founded SixPlus, a startup for booking private event spaces.
At Oberlin, she balanced music, politics and business interests, ultimately pivoting from a potential career in Washington, D.C., to entrepreneurship. The Ashby Business Scholars program connected her with mentors like Chris Wofford and Béla Szigethy, who played pivotal roles in her career.
To read the full story, click here.
Ohio Dominican University
Public Relations and Marketing Communications students from Ohio Dominican University (ODU) placed third in the EdVenture Partners and Department of Homeland Security’s “Invent2Prevent” spring 2024 competition.
The team, consisting of Brynn Mullet, Makenna Riley, Katelyn Woodley and Elizabeth Zerby, developed "Shelve the Hate," an initiative aimed at preventing online radicalization and targeted gun violence through resources for libraries. Guided by Associate Professor Natalie Kompa, the students competed against 25 collegiate teams and presented their project in Washington, D.C., winning $3,000.
The funds will benefit ODU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter, with plans to expand the initiative nationwide.
click here to read the full story.
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University’s Jennifer Pullen, Ph.D., has authored the first collegiate-level textbook on fantasy fiction writing, titled “Fantasy Fiction: A Writer’s Guide and Anthology,” published by Bloomsbury Publishing.
Pullen aims to expand the literary canon to include the culturally relevant but often overlooked genre of fantasy fiction. She highlights the historical marginalization of fantasy and science fiction and advocates for their inclusion in academic curricula.
Inspired by her own love of fantasy fiction, which began with Grimms’ fairy tales and “The Last Unicorn,” Pullen emphasizes the genre's unique ability to process human emotions through impossible worlds. The textbook offers genre history, writing strategies and an anthology of contemporary stories. Pullen hopes it will validate and equip aspiring fantasy writers and educators, making fantasy fiction a respected field of study.
The book has been well-received by English colleagues nationwide, reflecting a growing appreciation for the genre.
To read the full story, click here.
Ohio Wesleyan University
Ohio Wesleyan University students Ellie Dodds '25, Frankie Nuss '27, Lily Bechina '26 and Auzlynd Katterhenrich '25, attended the 7th International Soil Classification Congress in Hokkaido, Japan.
Accompanied by professors Craig Jackson and Kristin Crosby, the students explored soil profiles and engaged with global soil classification experts. They met international soil scientists, gained hands on experiences and learned the importance of communication within the field.
The students plan to share their experiences at OWU and promote soil classification awareness through presentations and possibly starting a soil classification club on campus.
To learn more, click here.
Otterbein University
Certified Master Life Coach Kyra Crook, is dedicated to helping Otterbein University students navigate college life as a Success Coach.
She supports students by listening to their challenges, providing resources and acting as their cheerleader. Crook’s role includes assisting first-generation college students with tasks such as ordering books, handling class issues and managing new relationships.
Drawing on her own experience as a first-generation student, Crook aims to offer the guidance and support she once needed. Her impact is evident through students like Jo Rauk, who credits Crook with her motivation and success at Otterbein.
“She has made me a better student in so many ways and has held me accountable,” Rauk said.
Crook's ultimate goal is for her students to achieve their academic goals and feel supported.
Click here to read the full story.
Tiffin University
Tiffin University has partnered with MST Sauce Company to launch Tiffin University Dipped in Gold: Golden Glaze Sauce, a new sauce flavor created by TU alumnus Chris Chase.
This collaboration not only enhances culinary experiences but also funds scholarships at TU. MST Sauce Co., born from the success of Madison Street Tavern, now offers nine sauce varieties, with Dipped in Gold being the latest. Profits from its sales will support scholarships for deserving TU students.
Chris Chase expressed excitement about contributing to TU's educational mission through this partnership.
“We love working with such a great institution that molds future entrepreneurs and showcases the power of collaboration within the community,” he said.
Ursuline College
Associate Professor Mary Kovach, PhD, MBA, LSSBB, PSM, has achieved rapid success with her latest book, "Build a ROCKSTAR Business: From Ideation to Inception in 120 Minutes."
The entrepreneurial playbook quickly soared to the top 50 Best Seller Rank in Amazon's Strategy & Competition category and top 100 in Market Research Books.
As director of Ursuline College’s MBA program, Dr. Kovach brings extensive experience from both Corporate America and academia. Her prior publications, including business books and scholarly works, have garnered significant global readership and downloads. Dr. Kovach's latest book serves as a practical guide, featuring over a dozen exercises aimed at refining creative ideas, applying business strategies and developing actionable plans for launching a business.
Click here to read the full article.
Walsh University
The Blouin Scholars Class of 2026 embarked on a transformative summer trip exploring Detroit, Ontario, Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
Students were able to deeply engage with community responses to neighborhood development, visiting educational institutions and organizations like the University of Michigan-Detroit Center, King's University, The Working Centre and the Manchester Bidwell Corporation. In Buffalo, they attended Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, fostering connections with locals.
Audrey Dornish, a finance major, reflected on the experience as pivotal for personal growth and proactive thinking amid challenging topics.
“The experience opened my mind and heart to learn, hear and absorb information, experiences and feelings from everyone we met,” she said.
Wilmington College
Wilmington College junior Hope Florea has recently been accepted as a summer intern at Asian Rural Institute in Japan. The Asian Rural Institute is a space for students all around the world to share ideas for a sustainable and peaceful life, according to the article. Florea said she is excited to experience and learn about different cultures.
To learn more about the Asian Rural Institute and Florea, click here.
Wilmington College
Sophomore at Wilmington College Olive Iragena, co-founded TWEENS (Together We Educationally Empower Non-privileged Students) to support refugee students in Zimbabwe.
Raised in Tongogara Refugee Camp, she overcame limited resources and cultural barriers to pursue education.
TWEENS provides essential resources, tutoring and exam preparation, impacting over 1,000 students and enabling scholarships for higher education. Iragena, also a Dean’s List student and active campus leader, aims to raise $10,000 during World Refugee Week to expand TWEENS' impact. Her advocacy reflects a commitment to empowering refugees through education, offering hope and opportunities for a brighter future despite adversity.
Click here to read the full story.
Wittenberg University
Assistant professor of art at Wittenberg University Gypsy Schindler, is revitalizing the campus by transforming a loading dock into a vibrant mural near the Benham-Pence Student Center. Commissioned by President Michael Frandsen, the mural aims to beautify a frequently used area and showcase Wittenberg landmarks like Myers Hall and the Kissing Bridge.
Inspired by traditional and contemporary painting styles, Schindler's project integrates seasonal Ohio landscapes, influenced by a painting from President Frandsen's home. This initiative not only enhances campus aesthetics but also provides valuable real-world experience for students Hanna Haddix and Molly Kirkpatrick, two art majors working alongside Schindler on this project.
Scheduled for completion by July, the mural underscores the growing popularity and career potential of mural painting, offering students an immersive introduction into this demanding yet rewarding field.
Click here to read the full story.
The College of Wooster
Biology major at Wooster College Andrew Armile ’24, pursued scholarly research on spinal muscular atrophy during his time in college, taking the opportunity to expand his knowledge about the disorder.
Mentored by professors Seth Kelly and Laura Sirot, Armile studied gene effects in motor neurons of fruit flies, aiming to contribute to SMA cure research.
Reflecting on his Wooster experience, including football and academic achievements, Armile credits the college's supportive environment for his growth. His Independent Study (I.S.) project equipped him with research, lab and communication skills, bolstering his confidence to pursue medical school and a career as a physician.
Click here to read the full story.