Coleman Common at sunset

AKRON MAGAZINE
June 2019

 

 

Farewells

Marguerite Abbott BSED '58 April 30, 2019
Marilyn K. Albertson BSBA '83 March 2, 2019
Adrienne J. Archacki BSA '90 Nov. 17, 2018
David A. Arnold BSBA '84 Dec. 17, 2018
James W. Barnett BSBA '54 former dean, CBA April 4, 2019
Julie L. Bathori AAS '77 March 8, 2019
Paul E. Bauer MSED '69 May 8, 2019
Arthur G. Beall, Jr. BS '79 April 25, 2019 
David C. Behner MSE '73, EDD '79 Feb. 23, 2019
David H. Blough BSIM '69, AAS '77 Aux lecturer, Wayne College May 6, 2019
Carol E. Brenneman MSE '89 March 5, 2019
Betty Brodbeck MAED '69 March 4, 2019
Stephanie A. Burns AA '04, BA '06 May 1, 2019
Samuel J. Bursac BAE '74 March 6, 2019
Eugene J. Burton MAED '72 March 6, 2019
James R. Bussman JD '72 May 9, 2019
Demetrius T. Butler AAS '05, BS '07, AAS '11 April 11, 2019
Mark D. Carlson BSA '81 Feb. 1, 2019
James A. Chisman BSEE '58 March 25, 2019
Joseph W. Collins BA '90 Feb. 21, 2019
Eber L. Cox BSEE '50 March 9, 2019
Mary A. Culver BSE '55 Feb. 12, 2019
Edward S. Czekansky AAS '79 May 12, 2019
C. Carl Dangel BS '61 April 3, 2019
Andrew C. Daniels BS '70, MA '72, MBA '77 Feb. 3, 2019
Robert J. Daymut BSA '76 Feb. 25, 2019
Dennis D. Dodson AAB '84, AAB '85 May 8, 2019
Jo Ellen Eberhart MST '73 Lecturer II March 14, 2019
Donna Ebright MAE '75 March 30, 2019
Albert F. Ernes PHD '80 Lecturer IV March 1, 2019
Matilde Fairbanks AAB '11 May 4, 2019
Linda S. Fath BSA '99 April 9, 2019
Larry D. Fisher BSE '76 Aug. 31, 2018
Christine Fodor BA '71   April 18, 2019
Patricia A. Fowler-Smith MSN '91 Feb. 16, 2019
Charles H. Frobose MSE '79 April 16, 2019
Thomas L. Fuhrman BA '66 Feb. 19, 2019
Gary J. Gillespie BBA '18 May 6, 2019
Marjorie H. Good BS '42, BSBA '42 Stenographer 1 March 12, 2019
Gary E. Gosser AAB '89 March 17, 2019
Dorothy T. Greener BAED '70, MAED '71, MAE '72 Jan. 26, 2017
George W. Grieves Jr. BSBA '51  May 5, 2019
Gordon A. Haggard BSED '72, AAS '86, BS '91 March 26, 2019
Terry L. Hallett Senior lecturer, Speech Lang.Pathology April 23, 2019
Olivia C. Hamey BA '12 April 11, 2019
James H. Harlan BSBA '74 June 29, 2017
Jean A. Haspeslagh BSN '69, MSE '74 Assoc. Prof., Nursing Jan. 2, 2017
Jeffrey E. Haynam BS '88 April 8, 2019
John B. Henderson Visiting Asst. Prof., History April 25, 2019
William A. Hilkert BSME '43 March 14, 2019
Frank A. Jeglic Adjunct Prof. Mech. Eng. March 15, 2019
Charles P. Johnson Jr. BSED '56  May 12, 2019
David F. Johnson BA '59 March 13, 2019
Kenneth J. Judge BSED '54, MSED '71 April 17, 2019
Katherine H. Kapelka BSN '85 June 23, 2018
Julia Kaufman BA '38 Feb. 14, 2019
Albert A. Kauslick BSIM '67 March 4, 2019
Helen L. Kicken MAE '85 April 13, 2019
Fred D. Kidder BSA '48 May 18, 2018
Donald L. Kinzel BAE '73 Feb.13, 2019
Michael J. Konet AAS '75, BST '75 UAPD Sergeant Feb. 16, 2019
Robert E. Korhan JD '60 Oct. 22, 2018
James D. Kraus MAE '88 April 16, 2019

Arkady I. Leonov Prof. Polymer Engineering March 2, 2019
Hugo Lijeron Prof. emeritus, Modern Languages March 31, 2019
Richard B. Linn BSA '70 March 31, 2019
Zachary A. Lohr BBA '11 March 17, 2019
Reita L. Louis MM '85, BS '93 Feb. 28, 2019
Louis A. Maglione BSA '62 May 1, 2019
Lynn M. Markley MBA '66 Feb. 19, 2019
Thomas E. Marquardt BA '72 March 17, 2019
L. James Martin BA '67, JD '70 Lecturer III Feb. 23, 2019
Rodney D. McAdams MA '75 Project Secretary March 10, 2019
Kelly A. McBride BS '88 April 7, 2019
Geraldine M. McElliott Sr. Admin. Asst March 12, 2019
Teresa A. McKeivier BS '94, MA '96 Grad. Asst., Economics March 5, 2019
Charles T. McNeil BSBA '55 March 19, 2019
Robert G. Medlin III MAE '68 April 16, 2019
Stephen Mihocka BA '54 Jan. 21, 2019
Kathleen E. Miller BA '66 April 16, 2019
John M. Moore BSCE '57 Aug. 7, 2018
Janet Morris BSED '56 May 2, 2019
William R. Morton BSBA '53 April 11, 2019
Linda D. Motley AAB '98, BA '03, MAE '06 Asst. Program Dir., Acad. Achievement April 3, 2019
Hubert T. Mowery BSED '74, MAE '74 April 18, 2019
John A. Myers AAB '87 May 3, 2019
Kathleen S. Naylor BA '73 Feb. 26, 2019
Thomas E. Nemcheck BSME '67, MS '73 Feb. 20, 2019
Audrey R. Owens EDD '83 March 14, 2019
Judith A.  Paquelet BSN '66 April 16, 2019
John R. Patterson MAED '66, EDD '70 March 24, 2019
Mayford E. Pence BSBA '50 April 11, 2019
Diane E. Piros MT '94 Grad.Asst. CBA March 29, 2018
Thomas A. Powers BSBA '65 Feb. 9, 2019
Deborah Dee Pritchard MASP '75 March 4, 2019
Robert A. Remmel BAE '74 Feb. 28, 2019
Beverly A. Roberts BA '73 March 26, 2019
Virginia R. Robinson BAE '78, JD '86 Jan. 22, 2019
John A. Ruehling MSED '42 Oct. 19, 2018
John P. Rupert PHD '75 Postdoctoral Fellow Inst. Polymer Science March 20, 2019
Cindy L. Scott-Harpin BA '79 April 12, 2019
Dale R. Sebok BS '80 April 3, 2019
George A. Shiner BS '54 Jan. 3, 2019
William F. Shurman Admin. Project Analyst April 10, 2019
Willard R. Skeggs BSE '77 March 8, 2019
Esther L. Smith AA '80 Office Aide April 3, 2019
Sarah V. Smith MSE '75 March 12, 2019
Arthur R. Stein MA '99 April 29, 2019
David E. Stockman BSA '85 March 7, 2019
John J. Sturm AAS '78 March 3, 2019
Bonita L. Susong AASSS '67 Feb. 14, 2019
Madeline J. Talley BA '67 March 15, 2019
Margaret B. Traxler BSED '71 April 22, 2019
Paivi H. Tripp BA '71, MA '74, MA 81 Lecturer III May 1, 2019
Mary Lou Wagner BSED '48 March 3, 2019
James W. Waldeck MAED '68 March 25, 2019
Mary B. Wangerin MSED '70 Feb. 22, 2019
Jean R. Wilson BA '46 April 2, 2019
Marguerite E. Wilson BSED '55 April 15, 2019
John F. Wittibschlager BSEE '52, MSEE '62 May 6, 2019
Joan D. Wolfe BSED '54 April 8, 2019
Ronald P. Yaist JD '67 March 15, 2019
Robert L. Zangrando Prof. Emeritus, History Feb. 22, 2019
Kevin T. Zeller AAS '79 Feb. 19, 2019
Maxine Zivick Public inquiries Asst. 1 April 21, 2019

Class notes

Donald R. Hicks, BA ’75, MA ’84, was recognized for his 35-year legal career in May when he received the Senior Lawyer of the Year Award at the Akron Bar Association Spring Dinner event. Hicks has handled more than 250 jury trials, and has been on 30 murder trials, including nine capital cases. He juggles 40 to 50 clients at any given time.

Vicki J. Block photoVicki J. Block, BS ’85, recently named senior vice president, central division of Atrium Health in Charlotte, N.C.  Block will lead facility operations for three acute care facilities including Carolinas Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy and Levine Children’s Hospital. Block also is a published author, her work appearing in the Journal of Electrocardiology and the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Block joined Atrium Health April 1.

 

Robert E. DeJournett photoRobert E. DeJournett, BA ’85, recently named vice president of opportunity and inclusion for the Greater Akron Chamber. DeJournett brings 24 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, as well as a history of committed civic leadership engagement and deep ties with the Akron community.

 

Kari L. Groh photoKari L. Groh, BA ’83, was recently honored with the Women’s Impact Award, by the Women’s Impact organization, a group that encourages women to use their power and realize their full potential through connection, education and recognition. Groh has proven her potential, rising through the ranks of The Timken Company where she retired as vice president, communications and public relations.

 

Joan M. Hilson photoJoan M. Hilson, BSA ’81, named chief financial officer for Fairlawn’s Signet Jewelers Ltd., effective April 4. Hilson is an accomplished retail executive with extensive financial and operational experience. Signet will benefit from her transformational experiences and perspective, accelerating the company’s Path to Brilliance transformation efforts.

 

David R. Hoke photoDavid R. Hoke, BSIM ’87, MBA ’96, recently joined Cap America’s executive leadership team as the new chief financial officer. Hoke is experienced and uses his talents in identifying and executing key initiates supporting Cap America’s strategic direction.

 

John C. Lorson photoJohn C. Lorson, BS ’87, recently received the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Akron Wayne College Alumni Association. The honor recognizes graduates showing leadership in workplace and community. Lorson received the honor at the May 10 Wayne College Graduate and Academic Recognition ceremony. He is currently a district technician for the Holmes Soil and Water Conservation District where he helps land owners conserve and improve the quality of land and water resources.

 

Holly C. Reed photoHolly C. Reed, BSE ’88, was referenced in the March 4, 2019 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal for her work as a middle school teacher at Schrop Intermediate School, where she teaches sixth grade. Reed has seen many changes over her 31-year teaching career, particularly advancements in technology and the addition of state testing. Reed says the students’ need to know they are cared for remains the paramount objective.

 

David M. Szalay photoDavid M. Szalay, BFA ’88, BFA ’88, MA ’08, recently earned 14 ADDY awards for his illustration work at the 2019 American Advertising Awards Ceremony held in February at the Akron Civic Theatre. Szalay has had a decades-long career in advertising and graphic design. His work can be seen in Highlights, the children’s publication, along with Ignite, Northeast Ohio Medical University’s magazine. Szalay also actively works in children’s literature and currently has three children’s books in the works.

Michelle L. Cordova photoMichelle L. Cordova, JD ’96, was recently honored with the Women’s Impact Award, by the Women’s Impact organization, a group encourages women to use their power and realize their full potential through connection, education and recognition. Cordova actively addresses major social issues by participating in the Juvenile Human Trafficking Task Force primarily impacting girls, and the Stark County Opiate Task Force. She was named by the Canton Repository in 2012 as one of Stark County’s 10 most interesting people.

 

Rebecca J. Crowl photoRebecca J. Crowl, MSN ’94, was recently honored with the Women’s Impact Award, by the Women’s Impact organization, a group encourages women to use their power and realize their full potential through connection, education and recognition. Crowl began learning the business world as she transitioned from working mostly with women in a clinical patient care environment to working mostly with men at the executive business level. At age 35, she was the youngest ever promoted to the highest nursing position at Aultman Hospital. Crowl led the team that launched Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences in 2004 and was named the first president to hold that position until her 2018 retirement after 44 years with Aultman.

 

Edward A. Fazio, BSA ’92, promoted to partner in tax & accounting at Windes, a leading California accounting and advisory firm. Fazio has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, his practice including tax planning for business owners and analysis of multi-state corporations, as well as facilitating mergers and acquisitions. He specializes in the manufacturing, energy, real estate, retail, construction, aerospace, technology, restaurant and personal services sectors.

 

Scott W. Freeze, BSE ’98, was mentioned in the March 4, 2019 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal for his work as a middle school teacher at Schrop Intermediate School. Freeze has been a teacher in Springfield Local Schools for 19 years. He is recognized as an educator who goes far beyond what is required and provides student-driven learning activities.

 

Cerafina F. Gotto, BA ’94, MSE ’00, was listed in the March 4, 2019 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal for her work at Dunbar Primary, Tallmadge City, where she teaches first grade.  Gotto believes in her first-graders abilities to accomplish any task she presents; from creating a bridge, to writing their thoughts on a gallery walk or showing empathy to fellow classmates.

 

Jeff M. Graham photoJeff M. Graham, MSE ’97, recently named superintendent of the Canton City Schools. Graham has 26-years experience in education, 19 years holding leadership roles. Graham promises to bring energy and unified leadership to the district.

 

Tonya R. Huml, MSE ’97, was referenced in the March 4, 2019 Akron Beacon Journal for her work at Lee Eaton Elementary in Nordonia Hills as school counselor. Huml exemplifies what it means “to be in it for the kids.” She is the glue that keeps the school running by making sure all 613 students are taken care of physically, emotionally and academically.

 

Fred L. Johnson, BSE ’99, was also referenced in the March 4, 2019 Akron Beacon Journal for his work as a middle school science teacher at Manchester Middle School, Manchester Local Schools. Johnson has taught there the past 20 years. “Mr. J.,” in his spare time, teaches students about space in the schools Biosphere Space program as well as heading up the school’s Odyssey of the Mind and Soap Box Derby program, and volunteers with the local Boy Scouts.

 

Jonathan P. (JP) Morgan photoJonathan P. (JP) Morgan, AAS ’97, BS ’97, appointed judge on the Mahoning County Court in March. Morgan must run in the November 2020 election to retain the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending December 31, 2022.

 

Samuel P. Petillo photoSamuel P. Petillo, BA 91, MA ’98, recently elected president of The Association for Hose and Hose Accessories Distribution (NAHAD). Petillo assumes the presidency after serving multiple leadership roles with the association, including on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors and numerous committees.

 

Jennifer L. Savitski photoJennifer L. Savitski, BS ’95, has been named the Women’s Network of Northeast Ohio board president. Savitski is chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Cleveland Clinic Akron General and the first woman to hold that position in the 105-year history of Akron General. Savitski is also the medical director of the PATH Center, the forensic nursing program Providing Access to Healing for victims of sexual assault and trauma.

 

John M. Vasuta, BS ’90, MBA ’92, JD ’94, named president of Engineered Products business at Johns Manville (JM), a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products and a Berkshire Hathaway company. Vasuta will lead a global business that manufactures premium-quality glass fiber nonwovens, polyester spunbonds and glass fibers for the building and construction industry.

Nick M. Buzzelli photoNick M. Buzzelli, BSA ’03, named Senior Vice President, Commercial Middle Market Team Leader at Fifth Third Bank. Buzzelli, who has more than 14 years of commercial banking experience, is responsible for driving the bank’s growth in the commercial middle market space within Akron, Canton, Medina, and Youngstown. He specializes in asset-based lending, investment banking and capital markets services.

 

Sarah N. Fox photoSarah N. Fox, ’07, named a senior litigation attorney at Cordell & Cordell’s Cincinnati office. Cordell & Cordell is the nation’s largest domestic litigation firm focusing on representing men in family law cases. Prior to joining the firm, Fox practiced family law and criminal defense. She is a member of the Ohio Bar Association and the Warren County Bar Association.

 

Kimberly L. Hookway photoKimberly L. Hookway, BSIM ’03, is a principal and president of Buckeye Fresh in Medina. Buckeye Fresh, an indoor vertical farm growing sustainable produce year round, will be expanding with Illumitex LED lights. Buckeye Fresh uses state-of-the-art technology in a controlled growing environment, allowing them to use 98% less water than most farm facilities.

 

Michael A. Koury and William M. Moujaes photoMichael A. Koury, BSME ’09, along with business partner William M. Moujaes, ’12, were featured on ABC’s Shark Tank May 5th promoting their invention Saucemoto, a small condiment-holder that connects to almost any size car air vent. Their device helps keep condiment containers in one easily accessible and secure vehicle location while eating grab-and-go finger foods.

 

Jeffery W. LeBeau photoJeffery W. LeBeau, BSBA ’06, previously an intern, then employee, LeBeau is now owner of WRL Advertising. LeBeau became the third owner of the 65-year-old based comprehensive marketing, advertising and public relations agency. The agency offers strategy, content creation and design, as well as video production and website development.

 

Sean P. Linton photoSean P. Linton, BSBA ’07, is company president and co-founder of Fully Loaded Chew, a smokeless tobacco business. Fully Loaded Chew started on a kitchen counter but now ships to all 50 states, Canada and elsewhere from its 10,000-square-foot facility in Akron.

 

Joanna R. Price photoJoanna R. Price, MSE ’07, was listed in the March 4, 2019 Akron Beacon Journal for her work at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School where she teaches science. Price is an innovative teacher, using modeling and inquiry-based methods. She is incredibly caring for her students and wants to make the content comprehensible to all.

 

Lauren A. Zink, BAE ’08, is being recognized as a young leader by CANTONystark!, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Repository at the 12th annual Twenty under 40! event on June 18. Zink is manager, security awareness at AmTrust Financial.

Daniel J. Boyer, JD ’15, is being recognized as a young leader by CANTONystark!, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Repository at the 12th annual Twenty under 40! event on June 18. Boyer is client executive at Schauer Group, Inc.

 

Erin Deegan, BSE ’15, was referenced in the March 4, 2019 Akron Beacon Journal for her work as a Norton Elementary School technology teacher. An outstanding educator, Deegan always looks to teach students appropriate and safe ways to use technology, as well as developing experiences for students that extend beyond the classroom.

 

Chad R. Isler, MT ’10, is being recognized as a young leader by CANTONystark!, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Repository at the 12th annual Twenty under 40! event on June 18. Isler is partner, CPA at 415 Group.

 

Mitchell T. Kolesar, BA ’11, has joined Mansour Gavin’s Corporate & Business Law and Real Estate & Land Use practice groups. Kolesar has extensive experience counseling clients on corporate business matters, real estate development, contract negotiations, and assisting new businesses with entity formation.

 

William M. Moujaes photoWilliam M. Moujaes, BBA ’12, along with business partner Michael A. Koury, BSME ’09, were featured on ABC’s Shark Tank May 5th promoting their Saucemoto invention. Saucemoto is a small condiment holder that connects to almost any size car air vent to keep condiment containers in one easily-accessible and secure place in vehicles while eating grab-and-go finger foods.

 

Chase Senk, JD ’10, MBA ’10, will be honored as a young leader by CANTONystark!, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Repository at the 12th annual Twenty under 40! event on June 18. Senk is an associate professor and attorney at Walsh University-DeVille School of Business.

 

Andy M. Soltisz, BS ’17, recently custom-built a tandem wheelchair for siblings with cerebral palsy, as part of The University of Akron’s biomedical engineering design team working with Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board and the Inclusioneers, a group of volunteer engineers. Soltisz also presented his work on Development of Therapeutic Hydrogels for Traumatic Optic Neuropathy.

 

Howard L. Wernow, JD ’12, is being recognized as a young leader by CANTONystark!, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Repository at the 12th annual Twenty under 40! event on June 18. Wernow is partner and registered patent attorney at Sand, Sebolt & Wernow Co., LPA.

 

Collin S. Wise, JD ’12, is being recognized as a young leader by CANTONystark!, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Repository at the 12th annual Twenty under 40! event on June 18. Wise is an attorney at Tzangas Plakas Mannos, Ltd.

Magazine Fall 2022


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Akron Magazine

Class Notes & Farewells

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