mount union magazine issue i 2013

OUNT UNIONa g a z i n eM in brief

The University of Mount Union is preparing to admit its first cohort of approximately 32 students to its newly-developed, direct-entry nursing program.

In spring of 2011, the University’s Board of Trustees and faculty approved the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) to the institution’s degree offerings. The proposed four-year program stems from Mount Union’s strategic initiative to develop a curriculum for the future, with a particular focus on health-related programs. It also meets the five criteria the University has established for new programs – it is mission compatible, draws sufficient student interest, provides significant career opportunities for graduates, enhances or maintains the current academic profile of the student body and is fiscally responsible.

“The B.S.N. program at Mount Union truly supports our mission to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work and respon-sible citizenship,” said Dr. Richard F. Giese, president of the University. “Not only will it offer academic, clinical and professional excellence, but it also will guide students in their journeys toward becoming compas-sionate caregivers.”

In August 2013, the first group of Mount Union nursing students will begin working toward their B.S.N., the fastest growing op-tion for those seeking to practice nursing. Both the American Nurses Association and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Edu-cation recommend that the B.S.N. become the entry-level degree for professional nurses. According to the Center for Health Affairs, NEONI’s Nursing Forecaster report in July 2011, Ohio could face a nearly 11% shortage in the nursing workforce by 2020.

Mount Union Adds NursingB.S.N. offers challenging preparation for a caring profession

Issue I, 2013

“In the future, there is clearly going to be a demand for nurses in our state as well as an increased emphasis on the extensive training that the B.S.N. offers,” said Giese. “What’s even more compelling is the growing number of prospective students in our own applicant pool with strong academic back-grounds and an interest in the nursing field.”

The University’s strong foundation in the liberal arts and an extensive number of clini-cal practicum opportunities is what makes Mount Union’s B.S.N. program unique. The program consists of a rigorous curriculum that will prepare students to be leaders in the nursing profession. Additionally, Mount Union’s program allows for direct entry into the nursing major. Students will begin expe-riencing nursing coursework immediately during their freshman year.

Students enrolled in the B.S.N. program at Mount Union will benefit from a new science facility with state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, which will provide an excep-tional venue for foundational science courses integral to the nursing curriculum. Students will experience small class sizes and intensive one-on-one instruction by highly-qualified and experienced faculty members.

The campus also has a long-term working relationship with the Alliance Community Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic, providing students with opportunities to complete clinical rotations in a variety of clinical spe-cialty settings and clinical sites.

Upon completion of the program, students will earn a B.S.N. degree and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN Board exam to become a licensed registered nurse upon passing the exam.

For more information on nursing, visit: mountunion.edu/nursing

Highlights of Mount Union’s Direct-Entry B.S.N. Program

• Preparationforacareerinoneofthefastest growing fields

• Adiverseandinnovativecurriculumwith a strong background in the liberal arts and sciences

• Nursingcourseworkbeginning in the freshman year

• Smallclasssizesandpersonal attention

• Hands-onlearningandclinical opportunities

• Newstate-of-the-arthealthandmedical sciences facility

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION | mountunion.edu


Magazine Dates and DeadlinesMount Union MagazineIssue II, 2013Mail date: June 15, 2013Class Notes deadline: April 15, 2013

Mount Union Magazine In BriefIssue III, 2013Mail date: August 30, 2013No Class Notes included

Mount Union MagazineStrategic Plan EditionIssue IV, 2013Mail date: December 13, 2013Class Notes deadline: October 11, 2013

Events You Won’t Want to MissApril 11Foreign Language Festival4 p.m., East Room, Hoover-PriceCampusCenter

April 20Alumni National Day of Service

April 23 SCHOLAR DayVarious locations on campus

May 11 Baccalaureate10:30 a.m., South Lawn of Chapman Hall

May 11 Commencement1:30 p.m., South Lawn of Chapman Hall

For more information on these and other events, visit www.mountunion.edu.

From the President

EDITOR: JoniPoorbaughDESIGNER: Callie Livengood ’09CONTRIBUTORS:Melissa(Smith’98)Gardner,JoniPoorbaugh,LeonardReichandMeganSmith’13PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cockrill’sStudio,JoniPoorbaughandJTHigginsEDITORIAL BOARD: Melissa (Smith ’98) Gardner, Dr. Richard Giese, Anne (Zimmer ’95) Graffice, Gregory King ’89, Callie Livengood‘09andJoniPoorbaughCONTACT: University of Mount Union, 1972 Clark Ave., Alliance, OH 44601, (330) 821-5320 or (800) 992-6682


AsMountUnion’sPurpleRaidersclaimedtheir11thNCAADivisionIIINationalFootballChampionship, I couldn’t help but marvel at all of the athletic successes that the Univer-sity has celebrated over the past years. It goes without saying that our football team’s accomplishments have been unparalleled, and our other teams are making names for themselves as well. Sandy and I couldn’t be more proud of our student-athletes and our outstanding coaches!

What makes their athletic accomplishments even more amazing is that they are matching them equally with success in the classroom. The term student-athlete in and of itself al-ludes to the balance these individuals must find in their lives on campus. As a member of the NCAA Division III, these dedicated and hard-working athletes are students first. They commit themselves to intercollegiate sports because, quite simply, they love the game. Yet in the end, their academic success is the number one priority.

The Division III philosophy so wholly complements our mission as an institution, and it truly allows our students to continue their passion for athletics while also having the time needed to properly prepare for life after graduation. It is evident that their athletic par-ticipation enhances their educational experience, and for this very reason, we will join the NCAA in celebrating Division III Week April 8-14. I encourage you to check out the Mount Union website during that week to learn more about our successful student-athletes and how their athletic participation is impacting them and their futures.

Your support makes a difference for them too! Loyal fans, M Club members and Century Raiders alike work tirelessly to make their experiences as student-athletes memorable and rewarding. You play a significant role in the continued success of our athletic teams and the institution as a whole, and for that, I sincerely thank you. Go Raiders!

PicturedabovearePresidentandMrs.GiesewithquarterbackKevinBurke‘15andhisfather Jeff Burke during the after party following Mount Union’s 11th NCAA Division III National Football Championship win at the Stagg Bowl.

One generous donor’s gift will be enjoyed by genera-tions of University of Mount Union students to come.

Dr. Robert T. White of Alliance, OH re-cently announced his plans to be -queath 29 unique

pieces of art to the University. Called the “PhyllisandRobertWhiteCollection”inhon-orofWhiteandhislatewife,Phyllis,thesetincludes works by artists Herbert E. Abrams, LeonardBrooks,PalKepenyes,DuncanGrant,Constantin Kluge, John Haymson, William A. Foley and Jan de Ruth. White said he and his wife began collecting works by various artists many years ago.


Dr. Robert T. White Donates Art CollectionMount Union supporter plans to bequeath 29 unique paintings by various artists

In addition to donating artwork, White also endowedtheRobertT.andPhyllisS.WhiteEndowed Chair in Art several years ago, which is held by Joel Collins, professor of art.

“The donation of the White’s collection to the University is consistent with the generosity they have always shown us,” said Collins. “When displayed, the collection will be an as-set to our entire community and will provide art students the opportunity to examine and appreciate a body of work that embodies a vision of passionate collectors. I am really happy to see these works in our University collection.”

White, a retired physician and native of Al-liance, is well known and highly regarded throughout the Mount Union and Alliance communities.

“Mount Union is the crown jewel of Alliance,” White said. “It’s a big part of Alliance and it’s

very important to me.”

After serving in the United States Navy in World War II, he graduated from Johns Hop-kins University in 1947. In 1952, he graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he also completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

White’s community involvement includes serving as a board member of the Alliance Community Hospital and as a member of the board of directors at the First National City Bank and Bank One of Alliance. In 1987, he was the first recipient of the YMCA Service to Youth Award and in 1996, he received the McKinley Fellow Award from Mount Union. He also founded the Robert T. White School of Nursing in Alliance.

Whiteandhiswife,PhyllisSiddall,weremar-ried for 50 years before her death in 1995.

Dr. Robert T. White


Academic Programs UpdateGrowing programs meet the needs of today’s students


The University of Mount Union continues to stay at the forefront of new program devel-opment based on the needs of students of tomorrow and the ever-changing job market.

Several majors added in the last decade continue to grow and flourish as students choose Mount Union to help prepare them for meaningful futures. Here is a look at a few of these majors and the ways in which they educate students both in and out of the classroom.

EngineeringThe Department of Engineering at Mount Union has wrapped up the development of theengineeringcurricula.Plansforalllabo-ratories, courses and classwork required for four years of study have been developed.

Currently, 60 students are enrolled in en-gineering courses with 41 in mechanical engineering and 19 in civil engineering. The department hopes to have 100 students en-rolled in its engineering programs by fall 2013.

Several juniors in the civil and mechanical engineering majors are participating in in-ternships with local organizations.

“Our aim is to ensure that we set up at least one internship for each student before he or she graduates,” said Dr. Sudhir Kaul, assistant professor of mechanical engineering who also is serving as interim chair of the Depart-ment of Engineering.

The department has three full-time faculty members, one technician and three adjunct professors. In July, Dr. Osama Jadaan will begin working at Mount Union in the role of chair of the Department of Engineering.

Kaul said Mount Union’s engineering pro-gram is unique in that students get more personalized attention than at a larger school. In a larger program, students may not participate in lab work until their junior

Andrew Milhoan ‘16 built a functioning robot this semester out of Legos.

Rebecca Gibson ‘14 works with an absorbance spectrometer used in biochemistry teaching and research labs.

pretty quickly,” Boyd-Kimball said. “Unless we are in class or lab, our office doors are almost always open. We provide personal-ized attention and our students become accustomed to approaching us with their questions and concerns.”

Students in the biochemistry program benefit from the modern science facilities of Bracy Hall and will utilize new labs in the Health and Medical Sciences Building, slated to break ground this spring. Graduates are split roughly in thirds among students who pursue careers directly upon earning a bach-elor’s degree, pursue graduate studies in biochemistry and pursue professional stud-ies in medicine, physician assistant studies, dentistry and pharmacy.

The biochemistry major is housed within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, which is approved by the American Chemical Society and offers a certified degree track in biochemistry. The department has received more than $54,000 in funding in the last six years to expand the instrumentation for biochemistry teaching and research labs.

In the research lab, biochemistry students are looking at aging on the cellular level by studying oxidative stress and how that relates to Alzheimer’s disease. Research op-portunities are available for students during the academic year and in summer months.

year but in Mount Union’s program, students begin working in the lab as freshmen.

“We feel that it’s a unique and strong feature because students get an opportunity to see things work and understand them,” he said.

Engineering students have worked on a num-ber of hands-on projects this year, including building windmills, constructing Lego robots and building a vehicle from scratch.

For more information on engineering, visit: mountunion.edu/civil-engineering and mountunion.edu/mechanical-engineering

BiochemistryThe biochemistry major is booming on cam-pus, with the program doubling in size in just the last five years.

According to Dr. Debra Boyd-Kimball, associ-ate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, the program allows students to become ac-tively engaged in learning from the moment they start. As freshmen, students gain hands-on laboratory experiences and are invited to participate in research opportunities as early as second semester.

“We (faculty members) teach the first-year chemistry courses so new students get to know us and we get to know them

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION | www.mountunion.edu

Julie Jakmides ‘14 is interning this semester withtheAlliancePoliceDepartment.

JackieProfera‘14workswithAlliancefire-fighter Jeff McDaniel as he lifts weights at the MAAC as part of his workout program.

Through research experience, biochemistry students learn to operate instrumentation on their own and are responsible for keeping their own projects going.

“Students get very engaged in the projects and several students have landed jobs be-cause they have those laboratory and prob-lem solving skills,” she said. “The program provides a strong foundation for students when they leave here and they’re prepared for a number of well-paying career options.”

For more information on biochemistry, visit: mountunion.edu/biochemistry

Criminal JusticeCriminal justice is a growing major on cam-pus, with numerous careers available to students upon graduation.

Dr.KathleenPiker-King,professorofsociol-ogy and criminal justice and chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, described criminal justice as an inter-disciplinary major, drawing on courses in sociology, psychology and political science.

Criminal justice graduates pursue a broad range of opportunities, including attending law school, graduate school, police academy or ROTC and starting careers in the postal service, private security and corrections.

“Webroadenourstudents’horizons,”Piker-King said. “We are preparing students for ca-reers that haven’t even been developed yet.”

Piker-King said theappliedaspectof stu-dents having an internship before they graduate is an important facet of the criminal justice major. Adjunct faculty member James Conser works with students to set up intern-ships based on their interests. This semester, students are interning in probation/parole jobs,AllianceMunicipalCourt,AlliancePo-lice Department, Alliance Fire Department, U.S. Marshalls offices and domestic violence shelters. Other internship locations include private law firms, sheriff’s offices and victims’ assistance offices.

There are many benefits of internships, ac-cording to Conser. One is that students often are able to narrow their focus based on their experiences. Additionally, internships help students establish a work record, which can lead to direct employment upon graduation.

“The emphasis is on showing students they can be a professional and that goes a long way in helping them establish their career goals,” he said.

For more information on criminal justice, visit: mountunion.edu/criminal-justice

Exercise ScienceThe exercise science major continues to be a popular choice for Mount Union students, with about 130 enrolled in the program.

According to Dr. Ronald Mendel, associate professor of human performance and sport business, exercise science majors pursue numerous career opportunities upon gradu-ation. Many choose to continue schooling and pursue jobs as physical therapists, physi-cian assistants, occupational therapists and chiropractors while others become strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers or corporate wellness professionals.

For students studying exercise science, the learning experience takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students work with organizations such as Copeland Oaks Retirement Community, the Alliance YMCA and Alliance Community Hospital. In addi-tion, students are involved with providing

health-related programming to Mount Union faculty and staff through the Healthy Cam-pus program and work with City of Alliance firefighters to develop workout programs.

Another strength of Mount Union’s exercise science program is the high-caliber equip-ment available for students. Students have access to a metabolic cart, a cycle ergometer todeterminelowerbodypower,aBodPodto measure body composition, a Dartfish motion analysis system and EMG and EKG machines.

“Most schools our size do not have the equip-ment we have,” Mendel said. “Our students are able to collect data from a research standpoint so, when they move on after

graduation, they have experience with a wide variety of equipment used in the field.”

Students in the program choose from a graduate school track and an applied track with courses determined based on which they choose. The department continues to expand, having added a third faculty mem-ber this past fall.

“We hope the program continues to grow,” Mendel said. “There will always be jobs in health and wellness and the fitness indus-tries. We’re providing students with great op-portunities for practical experiences, which is what graduate schools and employers are seeking.”

For more information on exercise science, visit: mountunion.edu/exercise-science

Fine Arts EventsArt Events are held in Crandall Art Gallery. April 5-May 11, Senior Culminating Experience ExhibitAn artist reception also will be held on April 6.

MusicEvents are held in Presser Recital Hall unless otherwise noted. April1,MuPhiEpsilonAprilFool’sConcert,7:30p.m. April5,PreparatoryDivisionMusicale:Baroque,7p.m. April 14, Alliance Symphony Orchestra, Alliance High School, 3 p.m., Fee required April 17, Alumni Artist: Maria Fesz (cello) and the Bella Armonia Trio, 7:30 p.m. April20,InspirationalVoicesofPraiseSpringConcert,Dewald Chapel, 6 p.m. April 21, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, Rodman Playhouse,3p.m. April 24, Jazz Ensemble, Campus Grounds, 7:30 p.m. April 25, Stark County Honors Flute Choir, 7:30 p.m. April 26, Mount Union Concert Choir Spring Concert, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 427 E. Broadway St., Alliance, OH, 7:30 p.m. April 27, Cantus Femina Spring Concert, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 427 E. Broadway St., Alliance, OH, 7:30 p.m. April28,MountUnionAllianceChorale,FirstPresby-terian Church, 425 E. Market St., Alliance, OH, 3 p.m.

TheatrePerformances are held in Rodman Playhouse.

April 4-6, Musical “Company,” 7:30 p.m.

April 7, Musical “Company,” 2 p.m.

April 11-13, Musical “Company,” 7:30 p.m.

Schedules are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit mountunion.edu.

Mark Your CalendarsClass of 1963 50th Reunion Coming back to campus to make more memories

The University of Mount Union will welcome the Class of 1963 back to campus to join fellow classmates on Friday, May 10.

The day’s events include a tour of campus, a session on “What’s been happening at Mount since you left” and plenty of socializing, culminating with a Golden Anniversary Reunion Dinner. Returning classmates are also invited to stay and walk in the Commence-ment procession on Saturday, May 11 with graduates of the Class of 2013.

Checkinandlunchbeginsat11a.m.intheHoover-PriceCampusCenter.Thecampustourand informational session will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m. at the Sebring Mansion Inn and Spa in Sebring, OH, and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. At-tendees have the option of attending Baccalaureate and a Commencement luncheon the next morning at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively, with robing and lineup for Com-mencement starting at 12:50 p.m.

Cost for the reunion dinner is $25 per person. Alumni who plan to attend any of the day’sevents shouldRSVP to theOfficeofAlumniRelationsandUniversityActivitiesat [email protected] or (330) 823-2030.

Annual M Club Golf Outing Backing Purple Raider athletic programs

The annual M Club Golf Outing will be held Saturday, July 13 at Tan-nenhauf Golf Course in Alliance, OH. The event is open to alumni, parents and friends of the institution. Check in will begin at noon with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Categories are open to both men and women.

The cost of the scramble is $60 per person, with a nine-hole option available for participants 70+ years for $30. The price includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch at the turn and a cook-outdinnerwithbeverages.Pre-paymentfortheoutingisrequested.Holesponsorshipsareavailable for $100, which include a flag on the course and publicity at the event.

For more information, visit alumni.mountunion.edu or contact the Office of Alumni Relations and University Activities at [email protected] or (330) 823-2030.

For further information on these and other alumni events, visitPurpleRaidersCentralatalumni.mountunion.edu.



Members of the Class of 1963

No. 1 ranked Mount Union won its record 11th NCAA Division III National Football Cham-pionship with a 28-10 win over No. 3 ranked St. Thomas at the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, VA.

Sophomore quarterback Kevin Burke completed 21-of-28 passes for 222 yards with a touchdown but it was two 80-plus yard drives he engineered in the second half that won him the game’s most outstanding player award. Burke ended the tournament with a record 1,522 passing yards.

Senior wide receiver Chris Denton had a career-best 11 catches with 83 yards and his 17-yard TD catch came after St. Thomas got within four points –14-10 – after a field goal midway through the third quarter.

Senior Jasper Collins had his sixth straight 100-yard receiving performance with eight catches for 120 yards.

Senior Jake Simon had a career-best 21 rushes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

Three seniors led the unit as linebacker Charleus Dieuseul blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown, safety Nick Driskill had 11 tackles and defensive back Isaiah Scott had a key interception in the second half.

BaseballApril 2 Marietta*April 3 HiramApril 6 Baldwin Wallace*April 10 at John CarrollApril 13 at Ohio Northern*April 14 at Thiel

Men’s LacrosseApril 3 at FranciscanApril 10 St. VincentApril 13 at Washington and JeffersonApril 17 OtterbeinApril 20 HoughtonApril 24 at La Roche

Women’s LacrosseApril 6 at OlivetApril 7 at AlbionApril 13 at WaynesburgApril 19 St. VincentApril 21 at OtterbeinApril 23 at Baldwin-Wallace*

SoftballApril 6 at Baldwin Wallace*April 9 John Carroll*April 11 Ohio WesleyanApril 13 Ohio Northern*April 17 at Capital*April 20 Heidelberg*

Men’s TennisApril 6 Baldwin Wallace*April 10 at John Carroll*April 13 at Ohio Northern*April 16 Capital*April 20 at Heidelberg*April 24 Marietta*

Women’s TennisApril 6 at Baldwin Wallace*April 9 John Carroll*April 13 Ohio Northern*April 17 at Capital*April 20 Heidelberg*April 23 at Marietta*

Men’s and Women’s Track and FieldApril 6 John Homon OpenApril 13 at All-Ohio Championships (Ohio Wesleyan)April 18 Stark County ChallengeApril 19 at Jesse Owens Meet (Ohio State)April 26-27 OAC ChampionshipsMay 4 at University of Akron Invitational

For complete schedules, visit athletics.mountunion.edu.

Home games in bold * OAC Conference Game

Upcoming Spring Sports Events

Raiders Win 11th NCAA Division III Championship


Raider RallyHundredsshoweduptocelebratethePurpleRaiderfootballteam’s11thNCAADivisionIII National Championship win at Raider Rally on Monday at the University of Mount Union.

ThefreeeventbeganwithanautographsigningintheEastRoomoftheHoover-PriceCampus Center, where team members were asked to sign multiple mementos of the PurpleRaiders’latestchampionshipgame.

The event moved to the Kresge Dining Commons for remarks by head football coach LarryKehres,CityofAllianceMayorAlanAndreaniandMountUnionPresidentDr.Rich-ard F. Giese.

www.mountunion.edu1972 Clark Ave.

Alliance, OH 44601

Get socialwith Mount Union!

Purple Raiders Centralalumni.mountunion.edu

Mount Union Launches Mobile AppThe University of Mount Union has launched a free mobile application that is available for download from the app store on both Android and Apple devices. Users just need to search “Mount Union” to find the application.

Created to enhance the Mount Union experience and keep users up to date on campus events, the app lets users read University news, watch videos, view photos and access the faculty/staff directory.

Users can also use the application to find maps and addresses of locations on campus. Choosing the “Campus” button takes users to a map image of Mount Union, where it is then possible to look up buildings on campus in order to find their exact locations and addresses.

App users can also view athletic news categorized by sport. An events page links to an academic calendar and an updated list of the events taking place on campus for the current week. In addition, a “Get Social” button connects users to Mount Union’s official social media accounts.

The “Help” button features local emergency numbers, including Alliance police and fire stations, all campus security numbers and the phone number for the Information Desk. The “Students” button provides access to student-centered services such as email, cable lineup, a dining menu and registration.

Mount Union hopes to continuously add features to the application to ensure it is relevant and effective for users to stay connected with the University.

mount union magazine issue i 2013

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