Kenyon College Years of Service Recognition Program Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Eleven O'clock in the Morning
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Kenyon College
Years of Service
Recognition Program
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Eleven O’clock in the MorningTable of Contents Five Years 1 Ten Years 19 Fifteen Years 28 Twenty Years 37 Twenty-Five Years 43 Thirty Years 46 Thirty-Five Years 48 Forty Years 51 Distinguished Service Awards 53
Five Years
MacKenzie F. Avis
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
A proud Michigan native, Mackie Avis made his way to Kenyon to ma-
jor in history, study Latin and Czech, and spend a semester abroad in
Prague. A true scholar-athlete, he was distinguished on the playing field
as a member of the men’s lacrosse team, serving as the team’s captain and
lead goal scorer. Mackie and his positive experience at the College inspired
his younger brother to join him in Gambier. While staff members in the
Enrollment Division are always happy to enroll students whose connection
to Kenyon is strengthened by a legacy, we were particularly glad to have
more members of the Avis family on campus. Over time, Mackie’s incred-
ible devotion to family has inspired us, developing in all a particular care
for his clan and for our own. As a son, sibling, cousin, and friend, Mackie
is loyal, steady, and fun. Of course, all of these traits have served him well
in his work on behalf of the College and the students he inspires every day.
Reliable Mackie can be counted on to bring diplomacy and a deft touch to
his work as an athletics liaison, completing many hundreds of pre-reads
each year. Calm, confident, and decisive, he has strong instincts about not
only candidates but also social-media posts that advance the Kenyon cause
by making the place come alive in true and persuasive ways for prospec-
tive students, their parents, and their guidance counselors. We are glad
that Mackie considers us here at the College family, and we look forward to
celebrating him on many more years-of-service occasions.
—Diane Anci, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and
financial aid; Robyn Bowers, senior associate dean and director of
admissions recruitment and selection
Brittany D. Ball
Administrative Assistant, Finance Division
Five years ago, Brittany Ball joined the Finance Division, and she has
proven to be a good fit. She is often the first voice callers hear when di-
rected to the accounting and finance departments, greeting each caller with
an accommodating, friendly tone. Accepting the ever-changing demands
of the position is critical, and Brittany remains calm as we change gears or
suddenly accelerate. The past year has been challenging, to say the least,
but she quickly adjusted to working from home and the flexible hours
schedule. Brittany supports the finance and accounting departments, the
vice president for facilities, planning, and sustainability, and for the past
year she has served as the Eaton Center mail person! Always willing to
1help out when and where necessary, she accepts new responsibilities with
grace. Brittany also serves on Staff Council and its Outreach Committee,
where she is committed to helping those in need. She has become a valu-
able addition to the Finance Division. We are grateful for her five years of
service, and we look forward to celebrating her next milestone!
—Barbara Hamm, manager of finance office operations
Cindy S. Burgett
Office Manager, Maintenance Department
Five years ago, Cindy Burgett brought her considerable experience in facili-
ties and maintenance to Kenyon. For many contractors, vendors, and oth-
ers, she is often the first face of the department, and it’s a role she fills well.
Cindy is a problem solver, seeking to make sure that everyone has what
they need, when they need it. I couldn’t count the number of conversations
that I’ve started with, “Hey Cindy, could you. . .” and never once has the
answer been “No.” She is willing and capable of attending to many, many
details to keep the office and the department running smoothly. Her direct
communication style gets to the heart of things quickly and succinctly.
Cindy is diligent, capable, and hardworking. As if that weren’t enough, she
also brings laughter to the office. As you might expect for someone who’s
job entails occasionally ordering portalets and countless trips to the Bureau
of Motor Vehicles, Cindy has a sense of humor. Her wry observations and
retellings of these experiences are always a welcome addition to work that
can sometimes be challenging and stressful. I’m glad to have Cindy on our
team, and we’re grateful for all she does.
—Rebecca Lanter, director of facility operations
Richard D. Cannon
Technical Trades Helper
Rich Cannon is a man of many talents and a great asset to the Maintenance
Department. A highly skilled welder and fabricator, he also has years of
experience in such areas as commercial production. Rich is always will-
ing to learn new skills, and he welcomes challenging projects, which he
consistently completes with outstanding results. He is very humble about
his work, but his work is of remarkable quality. Rich, who is married to
Kristina, has two children, Jeremy and Josie. He is also a very proud grand-
father to Conley, Payton, Oliver, and Evellen; any mention of grandchildren
brings a smile to his face. Rich’s outside interests include hunting, fishing,
camping, and enjoying family life. We are very fortunate to have Rich on
our maintenance team, and we congratulate him on five years of service.
—David A. Boughter, manager of technical trades
2Lindsey J. Colopy
Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Events
Congratulations to Lindsey Colopy for five years of dedicated service to
Kenyon. Lindsey is one of the hardest working people we have ever met,
and we are constantly impressed with her attention to detail. She is a fan-
tastic colleague, always there when you need her and always considerate of
the feelings of others—an essential quality when working with alumni and
coworkers as well. We are so thankful to have Lindsey on the alumni and
parent engagement team.
—Annie Gordon, director of alumni engagement; Shawn Dailey, associate
vice president for alumni and parent engagement and annual giving
Cathy L. Conkling
Part-Time Customer Service and Sales Associate,
Kenyon Bookstore
Cathy Conkling is an important part of our front-end operations at the
Kenyon Bookstore and a greatly appreciated source of positivity. Having
worked in public relations for decades, she understands the importance
of customer interaction at the register area. Cathy regularly greets Knox
County visitors by name, as she is a longtime area resident. She asks
students how they are doing with genuine warmth. Our students (and
the bookstore staff members) enjoy her presence and camaraderie. Cathy
is always quick to lend a hand wherever needed, and she helps out with
projects in every area. She loves animals, particularly her dachshund,
Fritz! Cathy’s resilience is inspiring, and she always has a kind word for
her co-workers as well as her customers. Many thanks, Cathy, for bring-
ing your true love of people to your work each day. We appreciate you for
everything you are!
—Heather Petersen, sales floor manager, apparel and gifts buyer, Kenyon
Bookstore
Caroline E. Culbert
Director of Communication and Engagement, Gund Gallery
Caroline Culbert brings creativity and thoughtful consideration to all the
Gund Gallery’s communications initiatives. Her wealth of experience with
membership programs and digital resources, her close following of trends
in our field, and her genuine interest in contemporary art and culture en-
able her to anticipate and adapt. With the advent of COVID, Caroline was
able to seamlessly adjust her workflow to the new virtual environment we
were all forced to inhabit. She is fearless about taking on new challenges in
the ever-changing world of information management, working collabora-
3tively to achieve terrific, even award-winning results. Caroline has built an
effective network of colleagues around campus who find her to be tactful and
diplomatic. She prizes opportunities to work with Kenyon students and
devotes particular energy to mentoring our Gund Associates. Thanks to
Caroline, the Gund Gallery presents its best face to the College and the world.
—Katie Solender, interim director, Gund Gallery
Jeffrey M. Culler
Electrician
Jeff Culler is a skilled electrician with many years of experience as a com-
mercial electrician. We congratulate and thank Jeff for five years of service
to Kenyon.
—David A. Boughter, manager of technical trades
Shayna M. Daubert
Director of the Fiftieth Reunion Program
Shayna Daubert first came to the Advancement Division in 2016 to take
on the work of coordinating fundraising efforts among alumni celebrating
a reunion year. Her collaborative nature, positive outlook, and genuine
caring for others quickly endeared her to her colleagues. In 2019 Shayna
had the chance to take a next step in her growth, focusing on securing
larger Kenyon Fund gifts at the $2,500 (leadership) level. She also assisted
in building the new Fifty Under Fifty program, a key component in the
“Our Path Forward” campaign. In the summer of 2020, Shayna stepped
up to spearhead the newly reinvisioned Fiftieth Reunion Program. This
work required many hours of research, benchmarking, and collaboration
with alumni on the Fiftieth Reunion Steering Committee. By January 1,
2021, she officially launched the new program, recruiting dozens of alumni
volunteers to serve in a new committee structure, all geared toward ensur-
ing that alumni celebrating this milestone reunion enjoy a special oppor-
tunity to connect with their friends and the College. Shayna’s respectful,
lively, and engaging personality makes her a perfect fit for work with an
important segment of our alumni base. A coworker says of Shayna, “While
her contributions to Kenyon speak for themselves, the way she goes about
inspiring others is truly remarkable. She believes in people and their ideas,
even when they don’t quite have the same belief. She’s an eternally positive
coworker and I couldn’t imagine the office without her!”
—Sharon L. Williams, associate vice president for development
4Elizabeth A. Delehanty
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Liz Delehanty was the first-hired assistant athletic trainer within the sports
medicine department at Kenyon under a new supervisor. Through her five
years at the College, she has shown herself to be an invaluable staff mem-
ber, with a multitude of athletes benefiting from her knowledge and ser-
vices. Liz brought to the position experience as not only an athletic trainer
but also a strength and conditioning specialist, past collegiate athlete, and
alumna of a quality NCAA Division III institution. Her experience has
helped the department to grow in respect not only on Kenyon’s campus
but among other institutions within the North Coast Athletic Conference
and Five Colleges of Ohio. Liz has proven to have first-rate communica-
tion skills with a variety of individuals and situations as she gives quality
care not only to Kenyon athletes but also to visiting athletes and students in
general when the occasion arises. As the parent of a visiting athlete relayed
about the care of their student-athlete with a laceration, “She worked dili-
gently and efficiently to get his eye cleaned up and closed so that he could
return to the game in the second half. After the game, she had him come
to the training room where she cleaned it again, glued it, and put more
steri-strips on it. I would like to pass along a word of gratitude for her
efforts. His eye has healed wonderfully with a very minimal scar. Our ath-
letic trainer mentioned to my son multiple times over the past week what
a great job she did and how nicely it healed. It is wonderful to know that
home vs. visitors doesn't matter when injuries occur.” During the COVID
pandemic, Liz was part of a sports medicine group that helped the College
in numerous ways, including COVID testing and planning for the return of
sports. Along with activities within the Department of Athletics, Fitness,
and Recreation, Liz has also taught courses on campus demonstrating her
capabilities as an instructor of sports medicine and wellness.
—Mark Teeples, head athletic trainer
Brandi S. Denhart
Custodian
Over the past five years, Brandi Denhart has worked in most, if not all,
of Kenyon’s buildings. A hard worker with a friendly personality, she is
always willing to help out, no matter what the job calls for. Brandi enjoys
the simple things in life, such as spending time with her two children,
Brooke and Brandon, and spoiling her grandson, Jamison. When she is not
working outdoors, she and her dog, August, enjoy watching scary movies
together. Thank you, Brandi, for all you do. Congratulations on your five
years of service to the College!
—Lori Moore, assistant manager of facility services
5L. Michelle Dunavant
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
In any given admissions cycle at Kenyon, international admissions is the
most competitive. In fact, it is within this realm that the College has a low,
single-digit admission rate. The work is made significantly harder by the
fact that the quality and diversity of the applicants is as profound as the
selectivity. For many, the work can be overwhelming and truly breathtak-
ing. As the coordinator of international admissions, Michelle Dunavant
approaches this daunting task with remarkable calm and focus, instilling
confidence in her peers who are in awe of the work she manages. It is
worth noting that her fellow admissions staffers divide the United States
into territories while Michelle is assigned the rest of the globe. Her knowl-
edge is deep and vast about educational systems as varied as the nations
represented in our applicant pool. Bringing organization and order to
the cohort is in and of itself a tremendous feat. It is Michelle’s decision-
making skills that are truly stunning; it is rare to find an admission officer
who can so astutely manage student interests alongside institutional ones.
Michelle was a modern languages and literatures and Asian studies major
at Kenyon, studying as well at CET Beijing and at Middlebury College. Her
Kenyon work and her experience as a teacher both in Seoul and Beijing
have prepared her well for her position at the College. At the same time,
she is a powerful example for her colleagues about the power and impact
of a Kenyon education. We congratulate Michelle on the occasion of her
five-year anniversary.
—Diane Anci, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and
financial aid; Robyn Bowers, senior associate dean and director of
admissions recruitment and selection
Laci L. Farley
Custodian
Laci Farley worked as a part-time custodian at Kenyon several years ago.
Then, after a short break, she returned to continue her career as a full-time
custodian. Laci is a mild-mannered person with a kind soul. She and her
husband, Jason, who have been married for twenty-six years, have a daugh-
ter, Sidnie, and a son, Lathon. Laci particularly enjoys entertaining and
spending time with family and friends. Congratulations, Laci, on your five
years of service to the College, and thank you for all you do.
—Lori Moore, assistant manager of facility services
6J. Christopher Fahlman
Director of Operations and Visitor Experience, Gund Gallery
The Gund Gallery has benefited enormously from Chris Fahlman’s truly
vast experience as an international creative manager, director, promoter,
marketer, and fundraiser for both for-profit and non-profit enterprises.
This has made him the perfect person to orchestrate the Gund Gallery’s
video series “Can’t Look Away: Photographs of the Civil Rights Struggle.”
In addition, Chris is essential to managing and securing our actively used
facility. He is also central to strategizing the full visitor experience, includ-
ing planning programs, coordinating events, and capturing evaluation
data. Chris is known as an excellent collaborator, working effectively with
administrators, faculty and staff members, and our student population as
well as donors, trustees, alumni, visiting artists, and the regional commu-
nity. When COVID presented unpredictable challenges to our staff and to
the College, Chris was instrumental in planning for a safe reopening of the
Gund Gallery. We all value his thoughtfulness and generosity.
—Katie Solender, interim director, Gund Gallery
Mark D. Haip
Swim Meet Hy-Tek Operator
Mark Haip has been a reliable member of our meet operations staff here
at Kenyon for the past five years. From running dual meets to organizing
championship meets with hundreds of swimmers, he has run efficient and
successful meets on behalf of the College. We thank Mark for his attention
to detail; we know that the success of our meets (and teams) is aided by his
good work.
—Ronald Kontura, head diving coach; aquatics/swim camp director
Ryan D. Hottle
Manager, The Kenyon Farm;
Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
Ryan Hottle took the helm at a pivotal time for the Kenyon Farm, and he
has steered it admirably to its home in the Academic Division. When he
began five years ago, the farm was full of promise but lacking the spark that
would take it to the next level. Ryan’s unique skill set and the increased
support that came with it provided exactly what we needed when we need-
ed it. Since 2016, infrastructure at the farm has grown almost to capacity
and provides places to grow our produce and livestock as well as a welcom-
ing, informative experience for our visitors. Class participation at the farm
has increased across academic disciplines, and the summer of 2021 will see
the first “Farm Fellow” working at the farm. This unique summer re-
7search opportunity would not exist had Ryan's excellent work not attracted
generous donors who saw even greater potential in his rapidly evolving
program. Ryan's contributions do not end at the farm itself. He has inher-
ited, developed, and refined several classes that are offered as part of the
environmental-studies program and, if we can manage to get him the time,
I have no doubt there are several more ready to deploy. Perhaps one of the
defining characteristics of the Kenyon Farm is the role our students have in
managing it. To this end, Ryan has generously given time at odd hours to
accommodate the growth of our volunteer program while navigating the
sometimes treacherous dual role of house-manager/supervisor for our resi-
dential managers. We are genuinely fortunate to have someone who can so
quickly transition from farmer to professor to student-affairs professional.
Ryan often says he believes our ten acres might one day be among the fin-
est small farm operations at any college or university in the country. Given
five more years, I believe he will have us well on the way.
—David S. Heithaus, director of green initiatives
David J. Hoyt
Digital Content Editor
If you have liked, shared, or commented on a Kenyon social media post in
the past five years, you were responding to the thoughtful and clever work
of David Hoyt. As the voice of the College on Facebook, Instagram, Tik-
Tok, and Twitter, he regularly engages a community of forty thousand fans
and followers, connecting them with Gambier and one another. David’s
knack for storytelling is evident in everything he touches, from snappy
tweets to quick-hitting news updates and in-depth feature stories. His ab-
sorbing alumni profile on Pod Save America’s Tommy Vietor ’02 resonated
with readers across the political spectrum, earning more page views than
any other magazine story last year. A proud Kenyon alumnus himself,
David cares deeply about the College and takes seriously the range of roles
he plays in communicating Kenyon’s distinctions. Whether directing the
College’s entertaining Bell-A-Thon fundraiser or pitching in on video and
photo shoots, he takes on “other duties as assigned” with professionalism
and gusto. Plus, his dedication to mentoring student writers has helped
the Office of Communications elevate student voices and viewpoints across
Kenyon’s digital landscape. To work with David is to work with a true team
player who brings tremendous talent, heart, and humor to every meeting
he attends and project he tackles.
—Megan Monaghan, creative and marketing director
8James A. Jackson
Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities
In the five years since he joined us from the University of Tennessee, James
Jackson has proven himself to be a go-to colleague to offer assistance with
any number of projects, from serving on search committees to developing
training sessions for particular student populations. An ardent advocate
for Kenyon’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, he routinely partici-
pates in programming and activities that foster the growth, development,
and retention of our under-represented students. In addition, James serves
as an unofficial mentor and advisor to many students who seek his advice
and support outside of his prescribed duties and responsibilities. As a co-
worker, he is the consummate team player. In his work with students, he
strives to hold them accountable while providing them with opportunities
for growth and reflection. James is able to utilize his experiences in teach-
ing and in legal practice to engage students in thoughtful and meaningful
ways. In his spare time, he has been a volleyball dad and chauffeur for
his daughter, Arianna. As “the kid” begins her college career at Brandeis
University this fall, James will be forced to explore new hobbies, including
finding new ways to embarrass the family dog.
—Robin Hart Ruthenbeck, dean of students
E. Noelle Jordan
Manager, Brown Family Environmental Center
Noelle Jordan began her work at the Brown Family Environmental Center
(BFEC) shortly after its twentieth anniversary. Her five years here have
made the twenty-fifth another occasion more than worthy of a toast. The
amount and variety of programming Noelle has developed for audiences
of all types speaks of a person with a genuine passion for her work and the
ability to channel that passion in extremely effective ways. There is very
little waste in Noelle’s operation, and she is masterful at getting the most
out of the people she works with. Her thoughtful structuring of profes-
sional and student staff members has allowed the BFEC to deliver more
than I ever thought possible. From volunteer opportunities to field trips
to class visits to student events to community partnerships, it is dizzying
how much is going on down there in any given week. Noelle’s design for
our post-baccalaureate fellow position has been positively transformative
for the center. Made possible by a generous gift, the position provides the
opportunity for a newly minted Kenyon graduate to get a crash course
in nature-center management. Noelle has crafted a brilliant example of
professional learning and productivity, and the position has done wonders
for the center, the College, the community, and of course the individual
performing those services. When you combine that kind of detailed in-
9tentionality with a mind that doesn't shy away from bold visions, you have
a very exciting leader indeed. Noelle has brought remarkable energy and
progress to a program that I figured was pretty close to capacity in 2016.
Time and time again, she reminds me how wrong I was. My personal
affinity for the center is no secret, and I cannot imagine anyone I would
rather see than Noelle driving the program into the future.
—David S. Heithaus, director of green initiatives
Elizabeth B. Keeney
Associate Director, Student Accessibility and Support Services
Liz Keeney, who has worn a number of hats at Kenyon over the years,
brings many years of experience to her current position. Before joining the
Office of Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) as the associ-
ate director in 2017, she served as the College’s dean for academic advising
from 1991 to 1997. After completing a degree (her third, after a B.A. and a
Ph.D.) in theological studies, Liz returned to Kenyon to serve on the Board
of Campus Ministries, with several stints as chair, beginning in 2000 and
up through the present day with the Kenyon Interfaith Partnership. Dur-
ing her time as dean, she also taught a few classes as a visiting associate
professor of history. Liz has been trained in the Orton-Gillingham tutor-
ing method, designed to support students with dyslexia, and she has devel-
oped a solid academic-tutoring skill set while working in private practice.
Many a Kenyon student has benefited from tutoring sessions with Liz. She
has also taken an active role each year in supporting local K-12 students
who do not have access to basic supplies at the start of the school year.
Especially known for her mastery of the culinary arts, Liz has hosted nu-
merous athletes for dinners at her house during winter and spring breaks.
She has also taught cooking classes at the College and hosted students and
friends for impressive vegetarian and not-so-veggie meals. It is impossible
to highlight all the ways in which Liz has enhanced life at Kenyon with her
numerous talents and commitment to students, faculty and staff members,
and the wider community. She brings the sauce to the SASS team!
—Erin Salva, director, Student Accessibility and Support Services
Rev. Rachel C. Kessler
Chaplain; Co-Director of Spiritual and Religious Life;
Priest-in-Charge, Harcourt Episcopal Parish
What a gift it was for all of us when Rachel Kessler, a 2004 graduate of
Kenyon, returned to Gambier in 2015 to accept the dual role of priest-in-
charge of Harcourt Episcopal Parish and chaplain at Kenyon. In the ten
years between her graduation and return, she added to her double major
in English and philosophy a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the Centre
10for Medieval Studies as well as a master’s degree in divinity from Wycliffe
College, all at the University of Toronto. In addition to her expertise in
these varying fields, Rachel brings a fun and profoundly sincere fascina-
tion for all avenues of pop culture. Combine these interests with her deep
respect for every individual, and we find ourselves with the perfect person
to connect with any student on campus. During her first five years, Rachel
has taken great care in helping students identify and explore their spiritual
identities. She has nurtured students through difficult and complicated
circumstances with great sensitivity to their specific needs and situations.
And all the while she is loving and challenging them, serving as their ad-
vocate from the moment they arrive on campus through the moment they
receive their diplomas and then beyond. Thank you, Rachel, for the care
and commitment you bring to the service of our community.
—Elizabeth Dark, associate director of programs, The Kenyon Review;
senior warden, Harcourt Episcopal Parish
Emily J. Klesner
Front Desk Attendant, Lowry Center;
Swim Meet Timing System Coordinator
Emily Klesner has been a Swiss army knife for the Lowry Center since her
arrival at Kenyon. She has an uncanny ability to adjust to whatever it is we
need her to do in the building. Emily covers for missed shifts, changes in
hours, opening the building, closing the building, and anything else that
may arise. As we have sought to provide a friendly, customer-oriented
approach, Emily has been the regular face that our students, employees,
and patrons see as they arrive. Beyond her work with the front desk, Emily
also serves as the most reliable timing system coordinator for all of our
home swim meets. Managing a complicated system, schedule, and group
of coaches, she navigates the chaos with a smile. A wonderful resource
to have for the Department of Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation and the
Lowry Center, Emily is a joy to work with and can always be counted on to
be there for any need.
—Justin Newell, assistant athletic director for NCAA compliance and
operations
Alyssa Gomez Lawrence
Assistant Director, Office for Community Partnerships
Five years ago, when Alyssa Lawrence interviewed to be the administra-
tive assistant for the recently created Office for Community Partnerships
(OCP), it was immediately clear that she was the perfect person to help
launch this new College initiative. As the director who hired her noted,
“From growing up on campus to completing her degree here, Alyssa
11embodies the spirit of all things Kenyon . . . and has a natural vision for
the benefits that could come from intentionally developing relationships
between those in Gambier and those throughout Knox County.” Col-
leagues have come to recognize her as someone “defined by her dedication
to Kenyon and the surrounding community.” Through her position on
Staff Council and other campus committees, staff colleagues commend
her “dedication to the College and boldness in standing up for herself and
fellow Kenyon employees.” Community partners also recognize Alyssa
for her “compassion,” “determination,” “ability to see the best in people,”
and “positivity in any situation.” Now as an assistant director at the OCP,
Alyssa helps create and support community-engaged learning opportuni-
ties for faculty members and students and internships with local businesses
for the College’s students. Throughout this work, and all she does, Alyssa
helps develop a sense of place for those who call Kenyon and Knox County
home. As one community partner summarized, “Alyssa is an excellent
ambassador for all things Kenyon and all things Knox County and weaves
the two together in very special ways.” Thank you, Alyssa, for the tireless
energy and enthusiasm you bring to your work deepening connections
between Kenyon and Knox County.
—Jan Thomas, senior advisor for community relations; professor of
sociology
Tristan J. Neviska
Associate Director of Young Alumni Engagement
After five years of working in the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement,
Tristan Neviska is one of the more seasoned staff members. As a Kenyon
alumnus, he serves as a constant source of information about the College.
Tristan lives and breathes Kenyon, and his love for this place shows in the
pride he puts into his work. His creativity is infectious, and he pushes the
rest of the team to think differently and to broaden our horizons. We are
very thankful to have Tristan on our team, and we are even more thankful
to have him back after his short stint as the COVID czar.
—Annie Gordon, director of alumni engagement; Shawn Dailey, associate
vice president for alumni and parent engagement and annual giving
Eli W. Norris
Certified Grounds Person
Eli Norris came to Kenyon in 2016 after operating his own business in
landscaping and maintenance. The son of Tim and Heidi Norris, he has
been a Gambier resident the majority of his life. Eli is responsible for sev-
eral different areas of campus, including Peirce Hall, Finn House, and areas
east of College-Park Street. He takes pride in his work and willingly helps
12out whenever and wherever it is needed. Eli and his wife, Cierra, enjoy
working around their home, traveling, and camping. We thank Eli for his
five years of service to the College and wish him the best for the future.
—Steven Vaden, grounds manager
Karen Osgood
Senior Associate Dean of Admissions;
Director of Enrollment Communications
The success of the Kenyon College enrollment program can be traced in
large part to Karen Osgood. Success for a college like Kenyon is certainly
about the size of the applicant pool, selectivity, yield, and the academic and
demographic profiles. On all these fronts, the College has enjoyed some of
its best years during Karen’s tenure. While these important metrics matter
a great deal, we care even more about relationships, true connection, and
authenticity. It is our aim that prospective students, their families, and
guidance counselors know Kenyon deeply and well and that with us they
have experiences that educate and inspire. Karen’s role in the Enrollment
Division allows for a broad view and positions her for significant impact.
She must make sense of the challenges facing higher education, consider
institutional priorities and resources, and make decisions that are strategic
and capable of driving the College forward. Karen is unique in that her
ability to understand the vastness and complexity of our world is as great
as her ability to manage critically important details upon which Kenyon
showcases its distinctions. Her ability to go very broad and very deep, her
incredibly tuned instincts, and an approach that values calm and focus
make her a remarkable partner and collaborator. The communications
effort that Karen leads in the Enrollment Division is significant because
it touches everyone—every prospect, inquirer, applicant, admitted and
enrolling student. These students, along with their allies and influencers
get to experience the genius of Karen’s work, which allows us to consis-
tently enroll students who know us well, who are positioned to thrive and
to serve as effective models to future students at the College. Thank you,
Karen, for your years of service. We are so glad that you have made the
thoughtful and intentional decision to devote your many gifts to Kenyon.
—Diane Anci, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and
financial aid
13Ann C. Palcisco
Associate Director of Institutional Research;
Head Women’s Club Rugby Coach
Ann Palcisco has spent these past five years at Kenyon pushing me, the
institutional research (IR) interns, the Library and Information Services
(LBIS) staff, and our community to be more expansive thinkers and
empathetic, self-reflective colleagues. Ann has served as a leader for the
recent ten-year reaccreditation report efforts, implemented a considered
and illustrative evaluation system for our IR interns, done the thankless
work of completing numerous data requests, maintained relationships with
external consultants, created an evaluation system for capturing the impact
of community-engaged learning, created thoughtful assessments, wrangled
Banner data into submission, and so much more. Beyond her technical
and subject expertise, which is significant, Ann brings to her work a deep
commitment to what is right, ethical, and forward thinking and maintains
this focus through the simplest and most difficult situations. Ann’s com-
mitment to doing good in the world, as exemplified by her many side “gigs”
at the College (diversity, equity, and inclusion committee worker, Title IX
investigator, and rugby coach are some of the most significant), all of which
have grown out of her ability to see a need and step up to address it. From
picking up litter as she walks around campus to taking a leave of absence
to sterilize N-95 masks at the beginning of the pandemic, Ann exemplifies
what it means to bring thoughtfulness, gratitude, and sincerity to how one
walks through the world. Our office and Kenyon have both benefited from
the clarity with which Ann can see a need for improvement and gently
guide the rest of us into seeing it, too, with kindness and bitingly good
humor. Thank you for your work, Ann, and for bringing out the best in
those around you.
—Erika Farfan, director of institutional research
Christopher J. Renaud
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
A recent event for admitted students included an in-person gathering
of students and families along with a virtual presentation. It was a true
hybrid: a virtual activity forced by COVID within a modest return to
typical recruitment activities. While the in-person event was complicated
by a significant disruption on campus, the virtual presentation hosted by
Chris Renaud proceeded with incredible calm and focus. When we think
back on that day, the picture of Chris stands out as a necessary ballast and
an emblem of our values and purpose. All things good are in Chris: he
elevates our profession and the work we do with students and families.
As a seasoned college counselor and admission officer, he reminds us every
14day of the power of good listening, measured thinking, and thoughtful
communication. The relationships Chris forms with students, parents, and
guidance counselors are imprinted on his territory, strengthening Kenyon’s
brand and reputation. In every admission cycle, he conducts an activity
essential to our work as enrollment managers by re-reading the applica-
tions of and correspondence with all new students. Then, Chris introduces
them thoroughly and well to colleagues across campus to allow for a seam-
less launch, bringing cohesion to our collaborations. We are filled with
gratitude as we celebrate Chris on the occasion of his five-year anniversary
at the College.
—Diane Anci, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and
financial aid; Karen Osgood, senior associate dean of admissions and
director of enrollment communications
Carter Schoenfeld
Web Application and Integration Specialist
Just as no person is an island, no software system exists entirely on its
own. In only five years at Kenyon, Carter Schoenfeld has come to know
this all too well as he has worked to connect each of these islands. Pos-
sessed of seemingly endless curiosity and skill, he approaches problems
with contagious optimism and mirth, new projects with thoughtful insight,
and unexpected challenges with tenacity. Carter has left an indelible mark
on the College’s software systems and infrastructure, from installing new
hardware in our data centers to migrating software between cloud ser-
vices. His solutions are as thoughtfully developed as they are deployed and
maintained. Carter has also left his mark on our department by becoming
an invaluable technical resource and a vital team member. Conversations
with him will often leave a lasting impression, a solution to a problem, and
a smile on your face. Thank you, Carter, for your thoughtful contributions
and commitment to excellence at Kenyon!
—Weylin Burgett, chief technology officer and security architect
Jaeanna C. Spaulding
Custodian
Jaeanna Spaulding has worked on all three shifts in the past five years,
cleaning both academic buildings and residence halls. She is a hard worker
who always has a smile on her face. Jae stays busy in her off hours watch-
ing her four children, Alivia, Ross, Owen, and Savannah, participate in
school sports and race their go-carts. In any spare time she may find, she
enjoys camping, traveling, and going mudding. Jae, thank you for five
years of hard work. Congratulations!
—Lori Moore, assistant manager of facility services
15Mark S. Tuel
Trade Book Associate, Kenyon Bookstore
Mark Tuel is a key component of the Kenyon Bookstore staff as a trade-
book buyer, but his contributions go beyond his penchant for purchasing.
Before his time at Kenyon, Mark spent time working with the local school
district as a teacher, librarian, and mentor. He regularly connects with the
College’s students, as well as his former Mount Vernon students, who stop
in to the bookstore to say hello. The student experience is so important to
Mark, who has a kind, welcoming spirit and an attention to detail with our
customers that is received with gratitude all around. He is willing to jump
in and help at the bookstore in any way. As might be expected, Mark loves
animals, and he has two beautiful cocker spaniels! Many thanks to Mark
for bringing sensitivity and expertise to his work each day. We appreciate
you for everything you are!
—Heather Petersen, sales floor manager, apparel and gifts buyer,
Kenyon Bookstore
Ellen C. Turner
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Ellen Turner is a highly skilled storyteller. With impeccable recall, insight,
clarity, and true passion, she is able to hold and inspire an audience on any
topic. It is a particular joy to hear her tell the story of her journey to the
College as a high-school senior because it is on all things Kenyon that she
reveals her greatest passion. Ellen regularly describes her long love affair
with this place that she has served in many capacities: as a recent graduate
working in the admissions office, as a trustee, and more recently as a senior
member of the admissions staff. We are so glad that positions at the Col-
lege bookend and anchor her long and distinguished career as a counselor
of high-school students at both Northfield Mount Hermon School and the
Peddie School. While Kenyon may inspire her greatest joy, she is similarly
committed to high-school and college-aged students, serving them as well
as or better than any teacher or counselor they have known. Ellen’s service
to students and the College is broad and deep, and she never misses an
opportunity to connect. When paying tribute to her devotions, we’d be
remiss not to mention her work in our great home state of Ohio. With
encyclopedic recall, Ellen regularly visits close to one hundred fifty high
schools in Ohio, conducting countless essay workshops and interviews.
Every single individual conversation she has with a student, parent, or
guidance counselor is followed-up with a handwritten note. Ellen brings
tremendous clarity to her application reading and astutely manages the ter-
16ritory with careful attention to balance. Unquestionably, Ellen is a Kenyon
treasure, and we are so happy to celebrate her on the occasion of her five-
year anniversary.
—Diane Anci, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and
financial aid; Karen Osgood, senior associate dean of admissions and
director of enrollment communications
Elizabeth Weinstein
Editor, Kenyon Alumni Magazine
As editor of the Kenyon Alumni Magazine, Elizabeth Weinstein has the im-
possible task of capturing the spirit (and attention) of the College’s remark-
able alumni. Nearly twenty thousand strong and reflecting the diversity of
the world, Kenyon’s alumni rely on the magazine to stay connected with
the College and one another. In her five years as editor, Elizabeth has dem-
onstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that the magazine speaks to the
full range of Kenyon alumni, and that all of our graduates are able to see
themselves and their peers in its pages. In 2019, she led a redesign of the
magazine, the first in eight years, with this objective in mind. The result is
a decidedly fresh and quietly ambitious publication (much like Elizabeth
herself) that seeks to bring into conversation diverse voices and visuals
that spark the mind, open the heart, and delight the senses. The redesigned
magazine earned a bronze “Circle of Excellence” award from the Council
for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the design of a
2020 feature story on the COVID crisis. To quote Elizabeth: “It’s hard to
process a historic event when you are in the middle of it, so instead we set
out to document the experiences of alumni living through it. We wanted
to put something out in the world that captured, in a printed time capsule,
the human experience across a large, diverse cross-section of alumni.”
Honoring the human experience is what guides all of Elizabeth’s work—as
editor of the magazine, as a campus mediator, and as an advocate for social
justice—and I am grateful to have her as a colleague.
—Janet Lape Marsden, vice president for communications
Sharon L. Williams
Associate Vice President for Development
Five years ago, Sharon Williams took a leap of faith when she left Oberlin
for Kenyon to help launch our principal-gift program as part of the “Our
Path Forward” campaign. Ever the team player, Sharon didn’t hesitate
when I asked her to shift gears to become associate vice president for devel-
opment roughly three years ago. She leads the major-giving, planned-giv-
ing, and parent-giving teams as well as the newly created fiftieth-reunion
17program. Sharon also serves as a key advisor on fundraising activity for
the Gund Gallery and the Kenyon Review. She offers important insight as
a member of the leadership team for the Advancement Division, where she
has a reputation for asking tough questions and looking at issues from new
angles. She is a key part of the tremendous success of the campaign, where
attainment now stands at an amazing $423 million. A proud resident of
Northeast Ohio who splits her time between Knox County and Cleveland,
with frequent trips to Wooster where her twins are current students and
her mother resides, Sharon is also a devoted Cleveland Browns fan.
—Colleen Garland, vice president for advancement
18Ten Years
Phillip L. Antill
Part-Time Custodian
I can’t believe it has been ten years that Phil Antill has been working as
a part-time custodian at Kenyon. He is always willing to do whatever is
needed of him, and he is always appreciative of all that is done for him.
Phil comes in when he’s expected, even if it’s despite the weather, and al-
ways has a laugh or two. I can count on him being here and ready to work,
telling his co-workers that he is not fast any more, but he gets the work
done. Thank you, Phil, for all you have done and continue to do for us.
Congratulations on ten years of service!
—Lori Moore, assistant manager of facility services
Lynnette M. Aune
Custodian
Lynnette Aune currently works in several buildings at Kenyon on the sec-
ond shift while taking emergency calls. A good team player, she is always
willing to give advice to our new employees and help them understand
their tasks. With a pleasant disposition, Lynette is very helpful and de-
pendable. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Megan, and going
to Disney World, and she also likes hiking and reading. Congratulations,
Lynnette, and thank you!
—Lori Moore, assistant manager of facility services
Robin L. Ball
Administrative Assistant, Office of Communications
Before the COVID pandemic, when you walked into Sparrow House you
were greeted by Robin Ball—and immediately made to feel welcome.
Robin brings this kind of generous spirit to all of her work. She is quick
to offer assistance and ready to jump in on a project at a moment’s notice.
Robin never hesitates to ask questions and regularly seeks input from her
colleagues on office operations. She is an undaunted researcher. In addi-
tion to managing the office and budget, Robin coordinates and fact-checks
the books section and class notes of the alumni magazine, a favorite among
our readers. The entire communications team benefits from her attention
to detail and meticulous follow through. I am especially grateful to Robin
for her sensitivity to the details that make our workplace a community.
—Janet Lape Marsden, vice president for communications
19David A. Boughter
Manager of Technical Trades
Within the ten years he’s worked at Kenyon, Dave Boughter has become
an integral part of the organization. Dave and his team manage many
complex and critical systems around campus. He “bird dogs” contrac-
tors, keeps tabs on work requests, follows up with vendors, and generally
manages to juggle an incredible number of responsibilities and tasks. Dave
is also very reliable, answering the phone day or night without complaint.
When there is a crisis to be addressed, he jumps in wherever he can. Dave
is the kind of person who would help anyone. In my first week on the job,
Dave pulled my car out of a ditch after I hit ice, and while I hope not to
need this kind of help again, if I did I know I could call him. While he is a
great person to work with, he’s also just a great person. If you want to see
him truly light up, asking about his kids and grandkid (with a second on
the way) is a foolproof approach. Dave is a person who works hard and
genuinely tries to help others. It’s a great combination, and it makes him
someone I’m glad to work with and know.
—Rebecca Lanter, director of facility operations
Todd E. Burson
Vice President for Finance
During this incredibly challenging pandemic year, Todd Burson and I have
a ritual for beginning our virtual one-on-one meetings. I will ask how he is
doing, and he will reply, “Pretty good for a Monday” (or Tuesday, or what-
ever day of the week). We both know that, underneath that understated
“pretty good” is a remarkable juggling act: keeping the College financially
sound amidst unprecedented uncertainty; overseeing the team that manages
Kenyon’s investments, which have reached record heights in a volatile market;
wisely stewarding the College’s debt, finding the right moments to refinance;
supporting auxiliary units on campus, including the bookstore, the inn, and
the dining operations; and managing three different standing board com-
mittees. Todd juggles all of these with skill, with a sense of responsibility,
and, most importantly, with a focus on the core values for the institution.
Thanks to his tireless efforts, Kenyon weathered its most challenging year in a
century and emerged stronger than “pretty good,” and we are most grateful.
—Sean M. Decatur, president
Gregory E. Drabick
Trades Helper
Greg Drabick, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, began his career at Kenyon
in 2011. He previously worked in the construction field. Although Greg
began his time at the College as a custodian, and then became a mechani-
20cal trades helper, he is now a carpenter. He has proven himself to be
dependable, willing, and knowledgeable while demonstrating attention to
detail and the ability to effectively work with the campus community. Greg
is married to Brandy; along with their children, they have three grand-
daughters, one-and-a-half-year-old twins and a four-year-old. He enjoys
time with family and holds a seat, by appointment from the mayor, on the
Mount Vernon City Recreational Board. We thank Greg for his service to
our country and congratulate him on ten years of service here at Kenyon.
—Michael Itschner, manager of building maintenance trades
Erika M. Farfan
Director of Institutional Research
Erika Farfan came to Kenyon in 2011 as the first full-time director of insti-
tutional research in the history of the College. As such, she has essentially
created the Office of Institutional Research, setting its strategic goals and
directions and managing the growing list of services it provides. The single
most important element of Erika’s work over the past five years has been
her management of Kenyon’s reaccreditation process to an extraordinarily
successful conclusion in spite of the impact of the global pandemic. Her
efforts in data collection, writing, analysis, leading discussions, cheerlead-
ing, and (perhaps most of all) persuasion were essential to our success. Pri-
or to her work on the reaccreditation assurance argument itself, Erika was
also the primary author of the “Quality Initiative Project” report, which
documented a special project to promote inclusive pedagogies across the
curriculum that was required for reaccreditation. But she and her staff
at the Office of Institutional Research also contribute to the College in so
many other ways: collecting and providing data that provides an accu-
rate and consistent picture of Kenyon both to external entities and to the
College itself; developing, administering, and analyzing surveys that help
many departments and divisions understand their constituents; and help-
ing departments work through a strategic evaluation and planning process
(called a logic model) to become more effective organizations. It’s always
been easy to joke about statistics: Mark Twain once quipped that “[f]acts
are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable.” No one knows this more than
people who deal with the statistical interpretation of data every day, such
as Erika, but I’ve never known someone with more fidelity to finding the
truth in the data. And her colleagues in the profession know this: in this
period, Erika was elected a member of the board for the Higher Education
Data Sharing (HEDS) consortium, where her contributions were instru-
mental in guiding HEDS through a difficult period and making adjust-
ments to its mission for future success. Virginia Woolf wrote that “[i]f you
do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.”
21This is as meaningful to organizations as it is to individuals. Fundamen-
tally, it is Erika Farfan who provides this essential service for Kenyon.
—Ronald Griggs, vice president for Library and Information Services
Shanon E. Hashman
Administrative Assistant, Academic Division:
Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Psychology
Shanon Hashman’s “can do” attitude and infectious good humor have made
her an indispensable member of the chemistry, neuroscience, and psychol-
ogy departments. One faculty member describes her as “exceptional at her
job and a wonderful human being. I can’t say enough about how much I
value her.” Shanon is often hailed as a master organizer and planner, and
this is borne out through testimony from her departments: “She often
predicts what I will need weeks before I even have ask her,” and “She is
really good at anticipating how unexpected events will affect the rest of the
department, such as a delivery arriving late or a change in procedures we
need to follow.” Even when multiple searches arise unexpectedly during
senior-exercise season and a decennial external review, Shanon just flashes
her trademark smile and says, “Don’t worry; we got this!” In addition to
being exceptional at her job, she goes out of her way to make everyone feel
welcome in the departments. Aside from her faculty members, students
also feel this warmth and care, with one student describing her as “like
the sun.” When talking about Shanon, one faculty member summed it
up well with these words: “If I described all the areas of her outstanding
performance I would be here the rest of the day. She is a walking solution
wrapped in positivity; I don't know what I would do without her.” We
profoundly thank you, Shanon, for your service, generosity, and kindness
of spirit, and we look forward to working alongside you for many wonder-
ful years to come.
—Yutan Getzler, associate professor of chemistry; Dana Krieg, associate
professor of psychology; Hewlet McFarlane, professor of neuroscience;
Sheryl Hemkin, associate provost
Carrie A. Knell
Ombudsperson
Carrie Knell’s job requires her to be rather independent of most offices on
campus, but I’m continuously impressed by her care and concern for the
Kenyon community. She is a highly skilled mediator in small, difficult con-
versations and in leading large sessions with the students and faculty and
staff members. Her wisdom and insights are a great asset to those of us
on the Hill. In the last few years, Carrie has chaired the Kenyon Concerns
Coalition and introduced new programs for community building and dia-
22logue in response to campus needs. Her new peer-mediation program has
already launched its first class of mediators, who have begun serving our
community. Carrie brings a calming and caring tone to all of her conversa-
tions—both the everyday and the professional. She has a natural ability
to help all of us navigate the complex emotions that arise during a conflict
and chart a positive course forward. She is, in short, an invaluable member
of our community. Thank you, Carrie.
—Susan Morse, chief of staff to the president
James E. Lacy
Custodial Rover
It is an understatement for me to say that my admiration for Jim Lacy’s
work ethic has continued to grow. Jim first came to Kenyon ten years
ago as a certified rover, possessing a commercial driver’s license, to fill a
vacancy as a rover and a trash-compactor truck driver on Saturdays. From
the start, his job performance has been truly exemplary and a model for
the entire rover team. Often we are required to disassemble office furniture
prior to moving it to another space. An accomplished cabinetmaker and
wood worker, Jim adds a special dimension to our team that enables us to
provide improved customer service. As a superior employee, he shows a
no-nonsense approach to work, and his leadership abilities have had a re-
markable effect on our team’s productivity. Through all this, Jim’s devotion
to his faith, family, and friends still takes precedence in his life. Congratu-
lations, Jim, on your first ten years with the College. and extra thanks for
your dedication to the Maintenance Department and staff. We wish you
and your family all the best the future has to offer.
—Gary Sweeney, manager of facility services
Jessica M. Landon
Student Systems Coordinator
When Jessica Landon was hired at Kenyon ten years ago, her main duties
were to fulfill transcript requests, verify degrees, and take on other miscel-
laneous tasks. As a result of her curiosity and diligence, her portfolio of
responsibilities has grown dramatically. Jessica’s attention to detail, her
eagerness to help students, and her strong work ethic make her a valuable
team member. She is always looking ahead to the next tasks for the semes-
ter, and she keeps us all doing the same thing. Students who visit the office
are greeted by her smile, creative chalkboard notices, and cheerful de-
meanor; being away from students has been a challenge for her. Jessica has
volunteered to work on the Student Engagement Committee for the new
library, working with a student co-chair to find ways to connect students to
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