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WIRED AN ALUMNI NEWSLETTER FROM EDISON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
From the President
Board of Trustees
• Tamara Baird Ganley, Chair | Miami
Preside
• James C. Oda, Vice Chair | Miami
• Dr. Philip E. Dubbs | Darke
• Darryl D. Mehaffie | Darke
• Tyeiss Baker-Baumann | Darke
• Elizabeth Simms Gutmann | Miami
• Douglas Fortkamp | Shelby
• Gary V. Heitmeyer | Shelby
• Thomas P. Milligan | Shelby
Foundation Board
• Jennifer Williams, Chair | Darke
• Edward W. Curry | Darke Edison State Community College Last year we began a ground-
• Regina Duff | Miami is ready to “charge” up the economy.
Over the past 18 months, Edison State
breaking partnership with local
fire departments that included an
• Stanley A. Evans | Miami has enrolled more students and is apprentice experience in EMT and
• Tim Gleason | Shelby now graduating more students at our
highest levels in a decade. As a team,
Paramedic training. The response from
our region for this training partnership
• Dr. Richard Hanes | Miami Edison State doubled our efforts to was so strong and so immediate that
• Kent James | Darke reach out to students and families, get
students enrolled and ensure that they
it justified adding a full-time faculty
position at the college.
• Dr. Doreen Larson | Shelby succeed. In 2019, Edison State and Hobart
• Dr. Nancy D. Luce | Miami Our college grew over the past year.
• We posted a 10% overall
Service inked an agreement to
facilitate the receipt of academic credit
• J. Kathryn Lukey | Shelby increase in enrollment. at Edison State for technical training
• Roger Luring | Miami • We experienced unexpected
large enrollments in our new
conducted by Hobart Service. In
December 2020, Kevin Schieferstein, a
• Vince Miller | Miami programs, including Veterinary Hobart Service employee from Laurel,
• Aaron Moran | Darke Assistant, Interactive Media
Specialist, Social Media
Delaware, was the first to receive an
Associate of Technical Studies (ATS)
• Devan O’Connell | Shelby Certification, and Cybersecurity degree through this partnership.
• James C. Oda | Miami Specialist.
Along with new programs, Edison
On February 1, 2021, Edison State
and Purdue University Fort Wayne
• Dr. Eric J. Prenger | Shelby State also expanded existing programs signed a transfer agreement allowing
• Connie Schneider | Shelby and partnerships. We doubled our
enrollment in the Agri-Business
students from Edison State to transfer
credits earned from an Associate of
• Julie R. Slattery | Miami
program. We welcomed a partnership Applied Science (AAS) degree into
• Tracy Tryon | Darke with the Central State Extension
Office at our Eaton campus, and we
a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
degree. The BAS degree can be
• John Warner | Darke
added new high school partners to our completed entirely online.
• Dean W. Weinert | Shelby College Credit Plus network in Preble
County and across our region.
2 / WIRED
ent Larson AN UPDATE FROM PRESIDENT LARSON
As the Ohio economy starts to recover, locations for flight hours. The
we have Edison State graduates ready to employment outlook for private
go in all areas of business and industry. and commercial pilots is increasing.
• We have healthcare professionals • The college has designed
graduating at full capacity. several degree programs that are
• We have apprentice employees on the “Accelerated Fast Track”
ready to take on Journeymen level for completion by adult students.
of skill and leadership in regional Courses are scheduled one night
businesses that include banking, per week, students are eligible for
insurance, manufacturing, STNA, credit for experience, prior learning
accounting, and engineering. and transfer courses.
• We have police academy • 2021 high school graduates from State of the College
graduates and fully enrolled police any Edison State CCP partner high
academy cohorts providing local school are eligible for the 100% President Larson provided the fifth
police departments with officers tuition waiver. Students need to annual State of the College address
online Wednesday, May 5, to update
skilled in communication, safety, and complete a FAFSA and may need to
the community with an overview of the
technology. plan for some costs including books
accomplishments, strategic initiatives,
• Through our renowned College and course fees.
and vision for the future of Edison State.
Credit Plus program, we have As alumni and friends of Edison State,
President Larson shared the successes
students moving on to 4-year you should take pride in the success of Edison State, including the College’s
colleges with a head start on credits, of your college in getting students 10% enrollment increase, response to the
funding, and with a solid into college, supporting students to pandemic, and student satisfaction survey
foundation for success. completion of their program, and results. To watch the State of the College
This coming academic year continues launching into high quality jobs in Piqua, address or to download the accompanying
to create pipelines into new careers for Greenville, Eaton, and Troy. brochure, visit www.edisonohio.edu/sotc
students of all ages.
• We received accreditation for Best Wishes,
a pilot training program. Look for
information on registration and
Doreen Larson, PhD
@Larson_Doreen
WIRED / 3
Update on Agriculture
Agricu
Jim Hale, Edison State Alumnus
BUILDING ON A With agriculture being the leading Maintenance, which consists of a
contributor to the State’s economy, it blend of agriculture and engineering
RICH TRADITION OF is clear why Edison State Community education.
AGRICULTURE College jumped at the opportunity The Agriculture Program is led
to offer an Associate of Applied by Director Brad Lentz with support
Science degree in Agriculture. from adjunct instructors, David
Offered exclusively at Edison State Coons, Jen Knick, and Seth Swallow.
at Greenville beginning in 2016, the Lentz and his team have helped the
program that started with just two College establish partnerships with
students has grown to include 30 40 local high schools and develop
students taking courses in Greenville transfer agreements with Central State
and Eaton. Today, Edison State has University, Wright State University-
expanded its agriculture offerings to Lake Campus, and Wilmington
include an Agribusiness Certificate, College. Several students have also
a Farm Management Certificate, successfully transferred to four-year
and most recently, an Associate of colleges such as Morehead State and
Applied Science degree in Agriculture The Ohio State University.
4 / WIRED
ulture AN UPDATE FROM THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
AT EDISON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Agriculture Program
Advisory Committee
• Michelle Brunson, Executive Director, Upper Valley Career Center
• Sam Custer, Ag & Natural Resource Educator, OSU Extension–Darke Co.
• John Durham, General Manager, Rogers Grain, Inc.
One significant benefit to a student
enrolled in Edison State’s agriculture • Jared Coppess, District Administrator, Darke Soil & Water Agency
program is the opportunity to connect
with industry leaders in the classroom.
Lentz actively recruits local agriculture
• Seth Swallow, Regional Extension Associate, Central State University
business representatives to discuss
employment opportunities or share
• Josh Overholser, Manager, Superior Implement & Supply Co.
their expertise on numerous agriculture
subjects. These industry partnerships • Brian Lentz, Processing Automation Controller, Dannon Yogurt
have led to approximately 20 internships
from the Edison State service area. Co- • Ron Barga, II, Partner/CFO, Premier Crop Ins., Loan Off., Greenville Nat. Bank
Alliance (formerly Harvestland Co-Op),
Darke Soil and Water Conservation
District, and Buckeye Ag Testing, to
• Janelle Brinksneader, Executive Account Rep., The Andersons Ethanol
name a few, have provided students with
invaluable hands-on training in internship
• Randy Barga, Partner, Barga/Judge/JRB Farms
programs.
“One of the things we’re most proud • Carmen Hartzell, Ag Education Teacher, Mississinawa Valley High School
of is the quantity and quality of guest
speakers and tours we offer to our • Jason Manning, Sow Production Manager, Countryview Family Farms
students. Throughout the course of a
year, our students have the opportunity • Jennifer Knick, Edison State Agriculture Adjunct Instructor
to learn from over 70 different people
and companies that represent the
agricultural industry. These connections
have enabled our students to secure college, or returned to the family farm or taught me all facets of agriculture, from
numerous internship and employment business to continue the legacy. finance and land conservation to animal
opportunities, as well as helped them Jim Hale, an Edison State agriculture husbandry and identifying a specific
to begin to develop a network for their alumnus, has even started a new legacy. bovine breed. The two things from my
future endeavors,” said Lentz. Hale has formed a partnership with S & experience at Edison State that really
As an industry that continues to D Smith Dairy in Yorkshire to produce helped me were the site tours of area
experience growth, the number of natural cheeses sold locally under the agriculture operations and in-class
Edison State agriculture graduates will name, “Smith & Hale Hearty Cheese.” speaker presentations from area farmers
play a pivotal role in continuing on a rich “Obtaining my agriculture degree and agribusinesses. These experiences
agriculture tradition in Ohio. 100-percent from Edison State had everything to do demonstrated to our classes that there
of Edison State agriculture graduates with my current career as co-owner of are excellent careers in agriculture, and
have already secured employment in Smith & Hale Hearty Cheese. As a city it is also how I met my current business
the industry, transferred to a four-year boy moved to the country, the program partner,” said Hale.
WIRED / 5
Social S
Update on Social Services
Jenette Stark, Edison State Alumna
PREPARING STUDENTS A demanding yet rewarding career Thanks to the dedication of
field, social services exists to help Program Coordinator and Assistant
FOR A DEMANDING BUT people of all ages deal with various Professor Caryn M. Scott, LPCC,
REWARDING CAREER challenges, traumas, concerns, and LSW, along with adjunct instructors,
dilemmas. Graduates of this program Marcia Youtz and Dr. Jacquelyn James,
have proven they have the desire students are well prepared through
to help others while demonstrating both classroom learning and on-site
the inner strength to manage time, internship training developed over
documentation, and stress effectively. years of community support and
Graduates who are qualified may connections.
also seek application with the Ohio “We offer a strong internship
Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage program that requires our students to
and Family Therapist Board to complete two semesters of internship
become a state registered Social Work experience within a 16-week semester
Assistant. and completing a total of 210 hours
6 / WIRED
Services AN UPDATE FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
AT EDISON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Social Services Program
Advisory Committee
• Dr. Jacquelyn James, Adjunct Instructor, Edison State
• Beth Bengough, Associate Professor of Psychology, Edison State
• Vickie Martin, Clinical Director, Darke County Recovery Services
• Douglas Metcalf, Executive Director, SafeHaven, Inc.
• Bruce Jamison, Director of Public Safety and Security, Edison State
of service per internship. Students Executive Director at SafeHaven. There Empowering Darke County Youth,
are placed within consenting public has rarely been a single semester we did a tutoring and support program for
or private agencies or programs that not have at least one student from the Darke County’s young people, has also
provide social services to its clientele program, and many semesters we have benefited from Edison State Social
to promote a varied experience for the had assistance from multiple students. Services students. Edison State alumna
students,” said Scott. The benefit of having all those hours for Jenette Stark currently serves as a
Graduates of the program are also our mission is the extra skilled people program coordinator for Empowering
finding success within the field, securing to connect and build rapport with our Darke County Youth. Stark has also had
employment at over 50 different clients, and that has been a huge help the opportunity to put her tutoring
employers throughout the program’s because so much of our focus is on skills to work as an embedded tutor
history. Additionally, over the past eight group work.” at Edison State.
years, between 50-70% of students Edison State Social Services “After graduating from the Social
have been hired into their internship interns have also helped SafeHaven Services program at Edison State, not
placement upon graduating. through projects like fundraisers, only did I have the confidence to work
SafeHaven, Inc., a Piqua, Ohio-based grant preparation, cooking, helping toward obtaining my bachelor’s degree,
counseling service provider, has been a facilitate men’s and women’s groups and but the experiences made me want to
partner with Edison State for over sixteen various other classes, performing minor earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Stark.
years, providing internship opportunities maintenance tasks, and even filling in on Stark stated in her experience with
for students in the Social Services days when staff were ill. Each student the program, “there are no blinders in
program. Douglas Metcalf, Executive shadows and works with site assistants these classes; the instructors will tell
Director, shares his experience in each day, participating in all-day you all of this field’s good parts and the
having Edison State students intern activities and building rapport for their bad. Social work isn’t just a job of taking
with the organization. first two weeks, and then really expand kids away or working in rehab facilities;
“SafeHaven has had a wonderful upon a hands-on experience. for me, it was a job teaching kids with
and mutually beneficial experience “I’m grateful for our relationship with learning disabilities.”
with the Edison State Social Services Edison State and specifically with Caryn
program for all of my sixteen years as Scott and the Social Services program as
a whole,” said Metcalf.
WIRED / 7
Their Experience E
The Edison State Agriculture program provided
opportunities to make connections with others who
Wyatt King are actively working in the ag business industry. The
Class of ‘19 knowledge my educators, guest speakers, and the
ag related tours provided me with insight on how to
properly create a business plan. Because of this, I can
market a product and be a good steward of the land in
my own business endeavors.
Edison State Ag has built me into a strong agricultural
Kayla Seman woman and has opened doors to my dreams of being
able to reach goals and interests that I never saw myself
Class of ‘19 going towards. Now I am at Wright State Lake Campus
getting my bachelor’s degree and looking forward to
working with the USDA after my last semester.
Mr. Lentz and the other ag teachers did a great job in
Andrew Rowland teaching us relative information about the industry and
different avenues that you can take and still be a part of
Class of ‘20 agriculture. The ag program gave me the tools to make
educated business decisions as well as broaden my
knowledge on the ins and outs of every day work that it
takes to run a farm operation or other ag related business.
EDISON STATE IS IN THE
EXPRESS LANE TO SUCCESS
Edison State has been recognized Over 400 students took advantage In the most recent report from
at the state and national level for of the 100% Tuition Waiver to stay on the Ohio Department of Higher
our embedded advisor model and track for college completion during Education:
customized course equivalency the uncertainty of COVID. • Edison State exceeded the
approach that takes the College Based on the 2021 Spring Student state average in student course
Credit Plus (CCP) partnership to a Satisfaction Survey: completions, successful credit
whole new level. • 96% of Edison State students hour milestones, and program
Through Edison State’s premier measured the college with an completion in a timely manner.
CCP program, students are advancing overall positive rating. • Edison State leads the state
to 4-year colleges with a head start • 80% of Edison State Students among all other community
on credits, funding, and a solid would recommend the college to colleges in successful student
foundation for success. a friend or family member. transfers to four-year universities.
CCP has grown from 1,400
students in 2015 to almost 3,000
students this past fall and spring.
8 / WIRED
Experience
I loved that my instructors took the time to get to know
Katie Jackson me, and how I learn best. I was offered every opportunity
to gain additional help if I needed it and was encouraged
Class of ‘17 that I could always reach out to my instructors for
anything. Not only was Edison State affordable, and
comfortably close to home, but they genuinely provided
me with a great education and experience.
I am proud to say that Edison State’s Social Services
program has prepared me for the challenges I face
Samuel Nation in my professional life. I have learned crucial skills to
Class of ‘20 working with a multitude of different individuals, mainly
those with developmental disabilities. I’m hoping to
continue my education to get a bachelor’s degree in
the next couple of years.
In this program, I have changed my mind 100 times
Jenette Stark about the job I saw in my future. I felt indecisive, but
really, this Social Services program at Edison State gave
Class of ‘20 me the confidence to perform 100 jobs. The Social
Services program taught me that I can enjoy my work
and that there are many jobs for my talents.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS
HAD TO SAY...
My advisor has been awesome,
I was in person the first Webflex is very and my online teachers have
semester and online the nice for a student also been amazing. Being out
second. It was a learning who is balancing
My online courses have of school since 2008, I was a bit
process but overall has work and school.
always been very structured nervous to try online learning,
Both the bookstore and been handled very well.
and easy to understand. but everything has been great!
campus security have
been very helpful and Online class instructors are
efficient in my experience. Last year during quarantine, I always available to answer
Also, the current staff for started feeling super uneasy any questions. That is very
both are AWESOME! about how I wanted to finish helpful to us!
I enjoy all of my
Edison State while in high
classes and can
school. My advisor quickly
seek help when
worked up two career paths...
I need to.
she is a great asset to your staff!
WIRED / 9
Throwback From modest beginnings in 1973 in a rented facility, the College has grown in stages, enduring many changes. As Edison State approaches its 50th anniversary, we invite you to take a quick trip down memory lane as you browse through these photographs from the past. 10 / W I R E D
Beyond the Classroom
Going above and beyond the call of duty, Edison State students, faculty, and staff
are often found supporting organizations and individuals in our area communities.
CAMPUS CLEAN-UP DAY
The Edison State team put on their
gloves and got to work on Friday, May
14th, during Campus Clean-Up Day.
Nearly 30 volunteers contributed to the
event by pulling weeds, trimming bushes,
and planting flowers to enhance the
natural beauty of the campus. Volunteers
included everyone from staff and faculty
to students and community members.
“Your contributions remind me why
I’m so proud to work at Edison State. I
work with a lot of amazing people who
are willing to go out of their way, to
go above and beyond, and to help out
when they can,” said Tom Burelison,
Supervisor of Maintenance and Facilities.
“What took six hours would have taken
our maintenance crew two weeks to
complete. What an improvement you Volunteers participate in Campus Clean-Up Day. L to R: David Lewis, Vince Miller, Jessica
have made to the campus.” Chambers, Lisa Hall, Amy Borgert, Vanessa Clark, Jessica Bornhorst, and August Evans
ACCOUNTING STUDENTS
of Lewisburg, Kelsey Ruschau of Versailles,
PREPARE TAXES Maggie Wilcoxon of Bellefontaine, Olivia
Wright of Greenville, and Kelsey Wyatt of
Students in Edison State’s accounting Troy.
program prepared taxes as part of a “This clinic was an exciting opportunity
service-learning project at the Partners because, in nursing school, we learn so
In Hope site location for the community- many new things,” said nursing student
at-large, in partnership with the Dayton Paige Graham. “With COVID, we are
Coalition Program (VITA/EITC). learning and experiencing history along
VITA’s origins date back to 1969 with with medical professionals all over the
a precursor program at California State Chintan Thakkar, Edison State Alumnus world. There is no better education than
University, Northridge. Such programs experience, and Edison State offered that
have since spread to thousands of to me.”
locations across the country, with IRS-
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI A number of Edison State alumni also
certified volunteers providing free help ADMINISTER VACCINES contributed to the day’s events. One
with tax returns to low- and moderate- graduate, Chintan Thakkar, who is now a
income taxpayers, as well as people Edison State nursing students had the pharmacist, administered vaccines as part
with disabilities, the elderly, and limited opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the Medical Reserve Corps volunteer
English speakers. administering vaccines. Participating group. Another Edison State alumna
“Students are getting real-world students included, Faith Apple of Russia, giving shots was Melette Bailey, R.N. at
training, the IRS provides plenty of Nathan Alspaugh of Tipp City, Robin Miami County Public Health.
support, and community members Blackstone of Troy, Paige Graham of “Miami County Public Health only has
receive a valuable service free of charge,” Sidney, Megan Leckey of Springfield, Jena so many nurses on staff, so, having the
said Sandra Streitenberger, Associate Mangen of Versailles, Alexis Monnin of volunteers and students here today is just
Professor of Accounting and Business. Russia, Nicole Murphy of Troy, Alysha Oda invaluable to this process,” said Bailey.
W I R E D / 11Employees Honored for
Years of Service
The “yearbook” video is truly a keepsake Fiction Memoir. Most notably, Essenger is
that reflects the Edison State culture of a poet who has published, and continues
using technology to share the individuality to publish, original poetry and poetry
of our employees,” said Edison State books. During her time at Edison State,
President Dr. Doreen Larson. she freely and willingly wrote poems for
Edison State recognized the following special occasions and did poetry readings
employees for reaching significant for faculty, staff, students, and community
milestones in their careers at Edison members. “Cathy was a teacher whose
State: Thirty Years: Kim Kiehl; Twenty- class students remembered. She had
Five Years: Helen Willcox; Twenty Years: wisdom to share and did it with humility
Steven Sykes and Eileen Thompson; and kindness,” said a nominator.
Fifteen Years: Stacey Bean, Paul Heintz, Rich, an adjunct foreign language
Kim Kiehl, Edison State Alumna Steven Marlowe; Ten Years: David Barth, and humanities instructor at Edison
Amy Borgert, Amanda Bylczynski, Terry State for more than two decades, was
Edison State Community College
Calvert, Greg Clem, Amy Crow, Heather selected for his dedication to instructing
recognized twenty-five employees for a
Lanham, and Jeffrey Schwilk; Five Years: at Edison State up until his passing in
combined total of 270 years of service
Chad Beanblossom, Rachel Carlisle, Jason 2020. Rich made it a priority to hold
in their careers during the 42nd annual
Evans, Lisa Hoops, Doreen Larson, James himself accountable to ensure students
employee recognition celebration on
Lehmkuhl, Kelly Pryfogle, Jared Shimp, received the best education available,
Friday, April 16, 2021.
Holly Short, and Sandra Streitenberger. purchasing numerous movies for students
The event was held virtually and took
During the celebration, Dubois and showing appreciation to support staff
participants down a trip to memory lane,
announced that portraits of former faculty by buying them lunch once a week. When
allowing them to “guess the graduate”
members Cathy Essenger and William Larry could no longer drive, he arranged
and reflect on Edison State memories in a
“Larry” Rich would be added to Edison for a friend or family member to drive
yearbook-style format. Elizabeth Dubois,
State’s Wall of Memories. him to and from classes to continue to do
Coordinator of Employee Recruitment,
Essenger, who is now retired, spent the job he loved: teaching. “Larry was a
Training, and, Development, hosted the
over 25-years as an English professor quiet, consistent presence at the college.
event, and Dr. Doreen Larson, President,
at Edison State, was selected for her He cared deeply for his students. He was
who was also honored for her years of
unwavering devotion to students. part of the fabric of Edison State,” said a
service, provided remarks. In place of a
Essenger’s commitment and passion nominator.
catered in-person dinner, honorees were
for instructing, coupled with her writing The Wall of Memories, established in
presented with gift cards to use at the
expertise, is what made her special. 1998 by members of the Academic Forum,
Upper Valley Career Center’s Cornerstone
Essenger developed many courses for is dedicated to former Edison State
@ 8811 restaurant.
the College, including Creative Writing, employees who significantly impacted the
“Liz Dubois and Andrea Francis
Helping Writers Write, Fiction Writing, lives of students, faculty, and staff who
teamed up to demonstrate the beauty
Poetry Workshops, and Creative Non- will forever be recognized as part of the
and fun possible within a virtual event.
college community.
Students Named to All-Ohio Academic Team
Edison State Community College with scholarships for their excellence in and third-team members receive
students Sarah Gilliam of Troy, Sophia academics, leadership, and community $250 scholarships to assist students
Markley of Troy, Devan O’Connell of service. transferring on to four-year universities
Sidney, and Jayla Pothast of Versailles College faculty, staff, and leaders to complete their bachelor’s degree
have been honored with a place on the nominated these top-performing requirements. The All-Ohio Academic
All-Ohio Community College Academic students. Students recognized as Team also includes high-achieving
Team for 2021. These four Edison State first-team honorees will receive $1,000 students who are planning to move
students join 73 students from Ohio’s scholarships, while second-team directly into the workforce.
community college system honored members earn $500 scholarships,
12 / W I R E DAdventurers Kayak Down the
Great Miami River
“FLOAT, LEARN, AND FEAST” In our 17-year history, we’ve removed Down a Beer Festival (DARDAB), and
194,500 pounds of trash in our sixteen in partnership with the City of Piqua’s
Students, faculty, staff, and friends miles of adopted river,” said Lange. River Stewards Program and POWW.
of Edison State came together for an “As POWW got more involved “DARDAB is a festival for drinking
educational kayak trip down the Great and started getting more and more really good beers and ales from around
Miami River during the fourth annual trash out of the river, Piqua and other the world. Proceeds from the event
“Float, Learn, and Feast” event on communities started seeing what a go back to the community, specifically
Friday, April 23, 2021. beautiful natural resource the river is. to higher education institutions.
Organized by the Edison State The Miami Conservancy District has Edison State Community College and
Student Senate, the event brought always been a sponsor of activities Upper Valley Career Center have been
together nearly 20 participants who on the river. These activities on the recipients of kayaks and equipment
embarked on the Miami River at river are now flourishing because through DARDAB,” added Lange.
Roadside Park to experience beautiful people realize it is beneficial to have During the float, Lange provided
weather and wildlife along the way. your people in your towns enjoy your information on water cleanliness.
Jeff Lange, Founder of Protecting natural amenity and this river is a Wildlife and environmental
Our Water-Ways (POWW), has joined beautiful natural amenity. More people characteristics were also observed
the Edison State group to travel down are kayaking, canoeing, stand-up and discussed. The float ended at the
the Miami River each year. boarding, fishing, wading, and even Great Miami River Trail near Bridge
“POWW is a nonprofit organization tubing in it. We’re happy to be here Street. Participants were treated to a
that I started back in 2004. We are today and to have this group have fun boxed lunch from Susie’s Big Dipper
responsible for cleaning up the Great in it.” and listened to a presentation from Dr.
Miami River, starting in Sidney at the Participants boarded Edison State Sarah Hippensteel Hall, Manager of
Big Four Bridge all the way to Great kayaks, which were purchased using Watershed Partnerships for the Miami
Miami River Trail near Bridge Street. funds raised during Down a River, Conservancy District.
W I R E D / 13Committed to Service
nurse in clinical settings for 96 hours
during five weeks.
From June 6 to June 20 of this year,
Caitlin is with her Wright Patterson
Reserve Unit at Warren County,
Georgia, where the poverty rate
exceeds 25%, to deliver health care to
the uninsured.
As a student at Northmont High program online at Ohio University, When asked why she is good at
School in Clayton, Ohio, Caitlin after which she will be commissioned her job, Caitlin’s response is quick
Donnelly was proud to tell her friends as a Second Lieutenant. and heartfelt: “I’m patient. I pay close
that her mother, Kimberly Donnelly, In July of 2018, Caitlin was attention to the doctors’ orders, and
was active in the U.S. Air Force in deployed for six months to Qatar at I’m not afraid to ask. I have integrity,
intelligence operations. She reports the Al Udeid Air Base. Although she and I’m always looking out for the best
that she wasn’t sure what that meant, had been told what to expect, she interests of my patients.”
although she knew top security wasn’t prepared. She says, “Being She continues, “I’m especially
clearance was required and that her there was like being in a sauna. There interested in the geriatric population.
mother was working with computers was desert. Nothing to see, and humid When my grandparents get to the
and “secret squirrely stuff.” at times. I walked one and one-half place where they need me, I want
So as a freshman in high school, miles to work, and we worked 60 hours to use my skills and experience to
Caitlin enrolled in Navy ROTC, and a week, five 12-hour shifts. provide them with care and love.”
in December 2011 of her junior year, “A part of ASTS of Wright Patterson Pro-military and committed to
enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Air Force Base, physicians, nurses, service, Caitlin’s career goal is to work
After high school graduation, she was pharmacists, and mental health at the Dayton Veterans Administration.
off for basic training at Lackland Air professionals were there to treat
Force Base in San Antonio and then civilian employees of the governments, Caitlin and her mother, Kimberly
to specialized training as a medical contractors, and the military. We Donnelly, will be among Miami Valley
technician at Fort Sam Houston. triaged and sent the most critically of Ohio female veterans featured at the
As an M.T., she is EMT certified, and injured to Germany immediately. Our Miami Valley Veterans Museum in Troy,
her scope of work is that of an LPN, patients came from Iraq, Afghanistan, Ohio, in late summer. Area persons who
for which she is now state-certified. Bahrain, and Jordan.” know women, living or deceased, who
Currently, a Technical Sergeant, and In addition to her college classes, should be in this special display, funded
one semester away from completing she is currently working as an LPN at by the Edison Foundation, should call
the registered nursing (R.N.) program Bethany Village. She looks forward Edison State faculty members Carl
at Edison State Community College, to her preceptorship at Edison State DeSantis at 937.698.9182 or Vivian
she plans to complete the BSN in the fall, where she will work with a Blevins at 937.778.3815.
14 / W I R E D100% Tuition Waiver
Edison State Community College is The 100-percent tuition waiver is help graduates enter the workforce. In
providing a 100-percent tuition waiver available to all graduating high school addition, Edison State’s associate of arts
to 2021 graduating high school seniors seniors in the Edison State service area or science university transfer degrees
as a way of assisting the community including, Darke, Miami, Preble, and provide students with the opportunity
during challenging times. Shelby counties, or those who attend to transfer seamlessly to four-year
Edison State President Doreen a high school that has a College Credit universities nationwide.
Larson envisions the positive impact Plus partnership (CCP) with Edison The 100-percent tuition waiver
this waiver will make in students’ lives. State. Homeschool students living covers the cost of tuition, which
“This waiver is an all-out effort to within Edison State’s service area are includes instructional fees, general fee,
minimize the disruption of COVID-19 also eligible. The 100-percent tuition technology fee, activity fee, and career
on a student’s college career. Our goal waiver applies to classes taken in- services fees. Students are responsible
is to remove any hesitation for high person or online. for lab fees, security fees, books, or
school graduates from immediately Edison State offers career additional fees.
continuing into a college program. pathways in Business, Engineering
and Manufacturing, Health Sciences, MORE INFORMATION
This is considered an investment in our
Information Technology, and Social and
families, our community, and the future www.edisonohio.edu/waiver
Public Services that are designed to
of our state.” or call 937.778.8600
Workforce Updates
The Center for Workforce Development Recently, Crane Pumps & Systems and
and Education continues to deliver Hartzell Propeller have also introduced
customized training to the region’s top the program to newly hired associates.
employers. The Center has worked In addition, each student earns seven
with over 350 employees from over 30 academic credits upon completion of
companies. the course, which can be applied toward
Partner companies include Crane a certificate or degree in the area of
Pumps and Systems, Emerson, Orbis, KTH, advanced manufacturing.
and Weidmann Electrical, to name a few. Work-based learning also remains
John Hittepole observes Kevin L. during a customized
The Center has continued to expand on the forefront for the Center for machining course for Weidmann Electrical Technology
upon its partnership with Midmark Workforce Development and Education. Inc., Urbana.
Corporation. Since 2011, more than 70 The Center has successfully connected
Midmark employees have completed 317 students with 165 employers. Interns
the Flex-Tech CNC Machine Operator and apprentices have gained hands-
training from Edison State. The course on experience at places like Advanced
combines online learning and hands-on Composites, Cargill, Crane Pumps and
labs, which accelerates the training period, Systems, Emerson, Hobart Brothers,
accomplishing in six months what usually Kettering Health, Rittal, Speedway, LLC,
takes employees over a year to complete. Stillwater Technologies, and Whirlpool.
Brandi Olberding, Assistant Dean of Workforce
Development & Work-Based Learning, along with her
team, are now located in West Hall Room 114.
W I R E D / 15Marvella Fletcher
Trustee Fletcher Honored
During Pinning Ceremony
Today’s nurses continue to face of the graduates a unique COVID angel and I formed the first-ever female team at
unprecedented challenges, making pin. Fletcher was appointed to the Board the highest levels of college leadership.
the nursing pinning ceremony held on of Trustees for Edison State Community However, Trustee Fletcher’s heart was
Thursday, May 13, so special for the College in 2013, most recently serving centered on the nursing program and
twenty-four Edison State Community as Vice Chairman, and was to be the nursing graduates from Edison State.”
College students who have chosen to incoming Chairman. Spending the President Larson commended the
enter the career field. last ten years of her career as a Vice graduates, stating, “the 2021 Edison
The pinning ceremony is a time- President of Finance at Wayne Hospital, State nursing graduates are destined
honored tradition in which the graduate Fletcher will be remembered by the for greatness. They will carry the special
nurse is presented to family and friends college community for her unwavering legacy of Trustee Fletcher represented by
as a professional who is about to practice devotion to the health sciences programs the angel pin they have been awarded.”
nursing. The graduate is usually “pinned” at Edison State. “Trustee Fletcher attended every
by the faculty members who have worked “Marvella was a powerful leader, nursing pinning ceremony at Edison
with them throughout their studies. Each and her influence did not end with her State with pride and respect for the
school has a unique pin, which serves as passing this past year,” said Edison graduates and the faculty. As a former
a symbol of the successful completion of State President Doreen Larson. “As an hospital administrator, Trustee Fletcher
a rigorous curriculum, which prepares its Edison State Trustee, Marvella worked knew the value of quality nurses and
graduates to administer to the sick and with outstanding attention to hiring nursing careers. I have no doubt that the
injured and promote health through the and supporting female leaders for the graduates of this nursing class will hear a
practice of nursing. college. She took particular pride in special voice and feel special confidence
In addition to receiving traditional the fact that along with her election as that will propel them to extraordinary
nursing pins, Edison State honored the the Vice Chair of the Board, the current success. Congratulations, graduates!”
life of Marvella Fletcher by awarding each Chair of the Board, Tami Baird-Ganley,
16 / W I R E DAlumni Spotlight
Sarah joined The Piqua Community Foundation as Executive Assistant in December
SARAH FRYER 2020. She is an Edison State Community College graduate who earned an Associate
2009 of Arts degree. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational
Communication at Wright State University and a Master of Business Administration
in Human Resource Management from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She
has spent most of her career creating learning resources and facilitating training
sessions for financial institutions in the Columbus area. Sarah enjoys being back in
the area with her 2-year-old daughter and her husband.
Matt Meyer of Anna started serving as the Director of Student Services at the
MATT MEYER Upper Valley Career Center in 2011 and continues in that role today. At Upper
1990 Valley, Matt oversees all Student Services, including special education, counselors,
recruitment, public relations, job placement, vocation coordinators, school nursing,
testing, and the Student Assistance Center. Prior to Upper Valley Career Center,
Matt served for eighteen years at Anna Local Schools, the last five as the middle
school principal. He is an Edison State Community College graduate with an
Associate of Science. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Education from Wright State
University and a Master of Education Leadership from the University of Dayton.
He also received his Principal and Superintendent licensure from the University of
Dayton. Matt and his wife Christa have four children and four grandchildren. Matt
is busy within his community serving on the Council on Rural Services as a Board
of Trustee member and as Vice-Chairperson. Matt was an assistant coach in the
basketball program at Edison State Community College and continues to enjoy
watching high school basketball and spending time with his grandchildren.
Rebecah Sorrell serves as the Director of Preble County Job and Family Services.
REBECAH SORRELL In her role she works directly for the Preble County Commissioners and oversees
1987 all public assistance programs, child protection services, child support, and the
Ohio Means Jobs programs for Preble County. After graduating from Edison
State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Human Service
Technology, Rebecah went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational
Management from Ashford University. Rebecah shared that her early education at
Edison State Community College offered her opportunities that she would not have
otherwise had. As a single mother at the time, her oldest son’s father tragically died
in an accident when he was a baby, Rebecah was able to parent her son, work a
part-time job, and attend Edison State, taking advantage of the childcare that was
offered on-site. Sorrell attributes her success to many at Edison State, specifically
Matha Schlienitz, the department head at the time, who provided her with clarity
and direction in her career path. Getting her start at Edison State provided Sorrell
with the foundation for success and she has been able to work her way up in the
agency over time, finishing her bachelor’s degree while working for Job and Family
Services. In June 2021, Rebecah will celebrate 32 years of service to the community
and helping other families and children. Rebecah has been actively involved as a
member of multiple community boards and committees including Adult Protective
Services, Continuum of Care, Family and Children First Council, Preble County
Council of Aging, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Next Step Living, Stephen Ministry, and
her church. In 2020 Sorrell was named a YWCA of Dayton Women of Influence
Honoree. Sorrell lives in Eldorado and has been married for 34 years to her very
supportive husband Larry. They have three adult kids, Dustin, Carley and Brad, as
well as two grandchildren, Lucy and Jude.
W I R E D / 17Edison State At a Glance
Upcoming Events
July 5–Independence Day Observed
All Locations Closed
July 7–Career Pathways Advising Event
July 30–Drive for Scholarships
August 5–Career Pathways Advising Event
August 10–Navigating Edison State
August 13–Graduation Ceremony
August 23–Fall Semester Begins
December 1–Holiday Evening
18 / W I R E DScholarships Awarded
EDISON STATE RAY & BETTYE LAUGHLIN • Kailee Bush–Darke
• Christopher Guillermin–Darke • Bryson Church–Miami
SCHOLARSHIPS SUSIE WISE • Alison Cox–Logan
THOMAS ALVA EDISON • Courtney Foster–Darke • Brittany Davis–Miami
• Emmalee Cecil–Champaign • Angelina Walker–Shelby • Cannon Dishman–Miami
• Taylor Collins–Darke KENNETH S. YOWELL • Brian Downing–Shelby
• Hailey Cremeens–Miami • Victoria Heuing–Shelby • Tyler Gates–Miami
• Rebekah Evans–Darke • Zara McReynolds–Miami • Paige Graham–Miami
• August Evans–Darke VALANDINGHAM • Natalie Klosterman–Shelby
• Joshua Fett–Darke • Sean Grapes–Montgomery • Olivia Love–Miami
• Caitin Hallum–Miami TRI-COUNTY TRUST • Amy Powell–Montgomery
• Elise Hays–Darke • Alexis Monnin–Shelby • Latisha Jackson–Miami
• Kendall Hill–Miami • Jacqueline Olwine–Darke • Courtnie Smith–Logan
• Ben Hillman–Champaign • Mary Wood–Darke • Tia Thacker–Champaign
• Emma Kennedy–Shelby THOMAS & PATRICIA ROBINSON • Carrie Toler–Mercer
• Tyra Lee–Shelby • Sarah Beck–Shelby ILLUMINATE THE FUTURE EMPLOYEE
• Ana Patel–Shelby • Ashley Bloomfield–Miami • Hannah Allen–Logan
• Jack Quinlisk–Shelby • Kyle Ramey–Darke • Kendall Carter–Montgomery
• Makenna Radford–Champaign • Diana Tuttle–Auglaize • Karlee Farmer–Montgomery
• Avery Rench–Miami CHARLES RIDENOUR • Deaton Koval–Clark
• Becca Seger–Shelby • Montana Robbins–Shelby • Ahlam Partee–Miami
• Isaac Smith–Darke PITSENBARGER • Brittany Robbins–Logan
• Tristan Stanhope–Miami • Kayla Arnold–Miami • Madison Rose–Champaign
• Ashley Strosnider–Darke • Alexandra Joseph–Auglaize • McKenzie Varady–Miami
• Naomi Terrill–Miami KATHY ODA • Sharea Waddle–Darke
• Elizabeth Wenrick–Miami • Laurel Butt–Miami D. DOUGLAS KING MEMORIAL
• Dylan Whitehead–Shelby MYERS-VACCARO ENGINEERING • Olivia Wright–Darke
PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP • Kevin Riley–Shelby HOLLY HAHN MEMORIAL
• Alison Cox–Logan DRIVE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS • Jolie Nyiramahirwe–Montgomery
TRUSTEE’S SCHOLARSHIP • Madisyn Allen–Shelby JOHN J. DUGAN MEMORIAL
• Emily Scholl–Darke • Devin Alston–Miami • Kristi Barnes–Miami
GED • Ashley Asher–Miami
DONNELLY NURSING
• Abigail Wilkins–Miami • Casey Breuning–Mercer
• Rayna Brownlee–Miami
DIVERSITY • Tyler Gates–Miami
• Megan Crusey–Miami
• Jolie Nyiramahirwe–Montgomery • Lydia Heidenreich–Miami
SHERYL BRINLEY MEMORIAL
• Ellie Holthaus–Shelby
• Kaitlyn Turner–Darke
EDISON FOUNDATION • Emily Kindell–Miami
MARY REBECCA ALLEN MEMORIAL
• Jennifer Wentz–Shelby
SCHOLARSHIPS VACCARO-MYERS • Garrett Wibbeler–Auglaize
• Hannah Hopkins–Shelby KATHY CLIFTON
DARKE COUNTY CAMPUS
MIAMI VOITURE ET 8 • Brooke Deaton–Miami
• Gianna Bixler–Darke
• Jena Mangen–Darke • Wendy Burchett–Miami FRED VERCELES MEMORIAL
• Taylor Stookey–Darke MIAMI CO. FRAT. ORDER OF POLICE • Matheus Silva–Darke
• Josie Winner–Darke • Matthew DeFalco–Miami MIAMI VALLEY WOUNDED VETERANS
ADULT LEARNER WILLIAM M. MCCULLOCH MEMORIAL • Laura McKenzie–Champaign
• Stephanie Bailey–Darke • Paige Pelarske–Montgomery FRED FREED MEMORIAL
• Michelle Riley–Shelby ILLUMINATE THE FUTURE COMMUNITY • Stephanie Osborne–Miami
PREBLE COUNTY YOUTH FOUNDATION • Lindsey Albers–Darke ANNA HUDELSON MEMORIAL
• Audra Burger–Preble • Ethan Amsden–Shelby • Leslie Ralston–Shelby
• Walker Harris–Preble • Isaiah Baughman–Shelby GREG & ALYSSA BLANKENSHIP
• Erianna Macklin–Preble • Carley Boeckman–Mercer • Christopher Spencer–Miami
• Emily Stockwell–Preble • Erika Bohman–Darke TROY LIONS CLUB
LITTLE BLACK DRESS • Jennifer Bole–Montgomery • Ryan Levan–Miami
• Layne Claudy–Darke • Aaron Brautigam–Shelby
W I R E D / 19Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
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Piqua, OH 45356 Piqua, OH
45356
ING PANEL
MAIL
A Note From The Edison Foundation... ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION...
Make a 2021 tax-deductible gift to The Edison
Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
formed to support the educational and community WIRED is an alumni and friends newsletter
service goals of Edison State Community College. published by the Office of Business and Community
All gifts are appreciated and provide scholarships
and academic program support. Partnerships and the Office of Alumni Engagement.
DONATION YEAR-END DEADLINES
The newsletter contains alumni and friends highlights,
CHECK information, and events that Edison State Community
Must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2021. College supports and hosts on an ongoing basis.
The Edison Foundation For more information, contact:
1973 Edison Drive
Piqua, OH 45356
CREDIT CARD
The Edison State Office of Alumni Engagement
If sent by mail, must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2021; 1973 Edison Drive, Piqua, Ohio 45356
if made online, The Edison Foundation must receive alumni@edisonohio.edu
transaction details by 4 pm EST on Dec. 29, 2021.
The Edison Foundation accepts donations on PayPal www.edisonohio.edu/alumni
via Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
The secure site is: www.edisonohio.edu/donate
GIFTS OF STOCK The newsletter is made possible by contributions
To receive tax credit in 2021, must be received and from Dr. Vivian Blevins, Brad Lentz, Caryn Scott,
handled by our broker, Fifth Third Bank. Contact Andrea Francis, Julie Slattery, Brandi Olberding, Dr.
Megan Alley at 513-534-3557 or megan.alley@53.com.
For a year-end gift or more information, please email Doreen Larson, and Dr. Rick Hanes; Design: Andrea
foundation@edisonohio.edu or call 937-778-7805. Francis; Administration: Dr. Doreen Larson, President;
Dr. Rick Hanes, VP of Advancement, Strategic
Thank you for your support! Planning and Partnerships/Executive Director
of The Edison Foundation.
20 / WIREDYou can also read
