BW Senior Wins Hottest Ticket in Town

With a little skill and a lot of luck, Ben Deighton '15 won the Go Pro Video: Half-Court Shot Contest, taking home a pair of tickets to the Cleveland Cavaliers home opener at Quicken Loans Arena, where LeBron James was making his return.

Cleveland's Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan hosted a contest at BW's Lou Higgins Center, challenging participants to make a basket from half-court for a chance to witness NBA history. Everyone who scored had their names put into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see LeBron James' first game back at the Q.

Deighton, who had no problem making the shot, also won the draw and the coveted tickets.

BW Sophomore Helps to "Start Something" with Creative Design

The winning design in BW Blackstone Launchpad's
Fall 2014 "Start Something" Design Contest

Andrew Shackelford '17 was proclaimed the winner of Blackstone LaunchPad's Start Something T-Design Contest for his creative design that "captures the excitement and possibilities of entrepreneurship." Shackelford's winning design earned him a $200 gift card and two limited edition tees featuring his design.

Shackelford, an exercise science major with a nutrition minor, says he has enjoyed learning about entrepreneurship through Blackstone LaunchPad's workshops and thought this contest would be a good opportunity to get more involved with the program.

When he saw the fliers for the contest Shackelford says he knew that with his knack for problem solving and his sister's artistic talents, he could come up with and execute a winning design. Shackelford credits his sister with bringing his idea to life, saying "without her artistic ability, my idea wouldn't have been worth much at all."

Education Alumna Ready to Give Cleveland Kids a Head Start

BW School of Education alumna, Dr. Thea Wilson, was recently named Director of Head Start for the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC).

Wilson previously served as the Executive Director of Early Childhood Education for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and as chair of Early Childhood at The Music Settlement. After graduating from BW, Wilson went on to earn her master's and doctorate degrees.

In an interview with Call & Post newspaper, Wilson said she seeks to engage children through education and believes it is the responsibility of early childhood educators to nurture their students, so they can develop better skills to use in the classroom.

"We can give them everything material we possibly can give them but that's not what children truly, truly want. They want you to be engaged with them," she said.

BW Students First to Intern at North Coast Angel Fund

Michael Bacha '14 (left) and Filip Pinter '14 chat with an Angel Fund investor at Ariel International Center in Cleveland.

During their time at BW, Michael Bacha '14 and Filip Pinter '14, were given the unique opportunity to serve as the first-ever undergraduate interns for North Coast Angel Fund, which includes leading investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from across the region. The internship has given the pair an insiders' view into the world of angel fund investing. At North Coast, investors work toward the goal of "accelerating early-stage ventures" with a focus on industries like biosciences, advanced materials, electronics and controls, information technology, and energy and power/propulsion.

Professor Phil Bessler (left) regularly takes MBA students
to  Angel Fund meetings to soak up the investment
decision making process.

Professor Phillip Bessler of BW's School of Business, who also serves as director of the BW Business Clinic, has been taking BW graduate students to North Coast's monthly meetings for five years now, a unique opportunity as part of his topical seminar. Bessler describes North Coast as "a big part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio."

Bacha said he gained interest in angel investing through Bessler's Business Plan Development course. The internship opportunity developed when Bessler shared the opportunity with the class and other BW entrepreneurship students and faculty.

BW's student Investment Club and Business Clinic also have a connection to North Coast. The two have partnered together to pool funds to invest in one of North Coast's promising funds.

Students Tackle Real-World Technology Challenges for OEC

Tyiler George ’15,  DeShawn Franklin ’15 and Cameron Cordes ’16 are ready to take on a project for EOConnection

Three BW students will be developing solutions for real-world technology challenges under an expanded BW partnership with technology employer OEConnection LLC, the parts e-commerce technology leader for OEM distribution networks.

Computer Science majors Cameron Cordes ’16, from Litchfield, Ohio, Tyiler George ’15, from Medina, Ohio and DeShawn Franklin ’15 from Maple Heights, Ohio are the first BW students to take part in the unique collaboration that will bolster OEC’s commitment to the development of technology talent and create an employment pipeline for students in BW's computer science and newly established software engineering major.
   
“OEC has been a tremendous advocate for technology education and has been working closely with BW to identify ways to prepare our students for the growing field of software development,” said Jodi Tims, chair of Math and Computer Science at BW.

Cordes, George and Franklin are taking on the inaugural project this fall, working as paid interns in BW’s Center for Innovation & Growth (CIG), under the supervision of computer science faculty, and in partnership with developers from OEC. Plans are to expand the partnership in 2015, to include semester and full academic year ‘capstone’ projects.

"It is a privilege to work with brilliant students such as DeShawn and Cameron, and gain valuable real-life experience," said George, expressing the students' appreciation for the internship. "We are honored and very thankful for the opportunity to work with OEConnection."

Read more on this technology partnership on the OEConnection website or at PRWeb.

ACFE Elects BW Business Professor to Board of Directors

Dr. Linda Chase of BW's Business Division has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Cleveland area chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The world's largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education, ACFE works to reduce the incidence of fraud and white-collar crime particularly in the business world.

"When our faculty members take on leadership roles in professional organizations, they are exposed to the most current trends and leading edge thinking in their fields," said John Lanigan, Dean of BW's School of Business. "Our students benefit by learning more about the challenges and opportunities that companies are facing in an increasingly competitive global economy."

Dr. Chase has extensive experience in the business world, working with financial statement preparation and consolidation for both private industry and public accounting firms before joining BW as a full-time professor. She also is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Ohio and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Men's Rugby Grows to League Powerhouse in Just Three Seasons

Following an undefeated league record in their inaugural 2013 season, the BW men’s rugby team has established themselves as a force in the Ohio Division III Rugby. According to the team's co-founder, Luke Berry '14, the team has been ranked as high as number 22 nationally out of the 325-member National Small College Rugby Organization. Not bad for a team that started two years ago on Klein field.

Back in 2012, Berry co-founded the club team with a small group of BW students who simply loved to play rugby. Before that, the "team" had consisted of a handful of students playing on Klein field, gradually garnering more and more interest in the sport. Berry said the team was truly legitimized once Brian Lewis and Marty Moran signed on as their “very experienced coaches.”

Once a fledgling club team scraping together funds for cheap uniforms and referees for scrimmages, the BW men’s rugby team now boasts an impressive record of success. In the current fall 2014 season, the BW rugby club carries a roster of 28 players, and has compiled a perfect 6-0 record with wins over Oberlin, Tiffin, Ashland, Cleveland State, John Carroll and Wright State.

The Yellow Jackets notched their 2nd straight Eastern Division Championship and earned a number 1 seed in the Great Lakes Cup Championship. BW will host the Great Lakes Cup on Nov. 8.

BW Professor Helps Create "Spooktacular" Performance

Heidi Glynias, left, with costumer Drue Murman -Photo cleveland.com

A dance ensemble will show off  "thrilling" choreography by Baldwin Wallace University dance professor Heidi Glynias preceding the Cleveland Orchestra's "Halloween Spooktacular: The Haunted Orchestra" this Sunday, October 26.

Dancers from Heidi's studio, The Dance Centre in Rocky River,  will be delivering the scares and the moves in a performance, titled "A Time to Thrill," based on Michael Jackson's quintessential "Thriller" music video.

Students in Heidi's hip hop class back at BW have been getting a sneak peak at the fun this week, learning pieces of the choreography from the upcoming Severance Hall show just in time for Halloween.

Video courtesy cleveland.com

"A Time to Thrill" will be featured as a part of the pre-concert family activities, beginning at 2 p.m., along with a spooky costume contest, hands-on instrument demonstrations, and more.

The Cleveland Orchestra Halloween Spooktacular: The Haunted Orchestra concert begins at 3 p.m. with tickets available online.

BW Students Plug into Politics at Candidates Forum

Baldwin Wallace students had a hand in promoting voter education in the run up to the November election. The BW Political Science Department and the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland co-hosted a free forum featuring Cuyahoga County Executive candidates, Republican Jack Schron and Democrat Armond Budish on October 15.

Student volunteers representing the College Democrats and College Republicans plugged into the event at Kulas Musical Arts Buildings working as ushers and screeners, collecting and sifting through audience questions for moderator Pam Smith to pose to the candidates. Broadcasting majors were on hand to support the WBWC, 88.3 The Sting live radio broadcast and the BWTV recording of the forum.

A recap in The Cleveland Plain Dealer noted that both candidates "sharpened their attacks" in their final joint meeting before election day. WTAM radio also covered the forum, noting "fireworks" over the battle on expanding voting rights.

The entire forum is available for replay on BOXCAST, starting about 8 minutes into the recording.

BW psychology and Spanish double major Rachel Szeles '17 of Canton and political science major Kevin Kaufhold '18 of Olmsted Township help League of Women Voters volunteers screen questions for issues of local relevance.

BW Professor Provides Insight into Synod on the Family

Dr. Alan Kolp, chair of BW's religion department, lent his insight to a Channel 5 News story on proposed new approaches to families in the Catholic Church. In advance of  the 2014 Synod on the Family, Roman Catholic Bishops issued an 11-page document calling for tolerance and understanding for gay and unmarried couples.

Kolp told Channel 5 that the language (which ultimately did not make it into the final report) does not change the core values of the church, but can lead to a change in the way church doctrine is implemented.

 "How do we apply that in a way that is understanding of people's real lives, a way that has sensitivity to it?," Kolp says. " That's why you have words such as listening, discerning."

For the full story, check out "Roman Catholic leaders call for tolerance and understanding" at newsnet5.com.

Music Theatre Students Rehearse with Tony Award Winner

Genna-Paige Kanago '15

BW music theatre students Julia Rose Hines '16 and Genna-Paige Kanago '15, who are double cast as "Cassie" in BW's production of A CHORUS LINE, received some some very elite coaching from the woman who earned a Tony Award for the role in 1976. Donna McKechnie, who starred as "Cassie" in Broadway's unprecedented box office and critical hit, was invited by BW's music theatre director Victoria Bussert to coach BW's cast, with special attention to the Cassie's.

Julia Rose Hines '16

Hines and Kanago were incredibly excited to have McKechnie's guidance for a weekend of rehearsals. McKechnie worked with them on the number, "The Music and the Mirror," the song that secured the Broadway veteran her Tony. The students say McKechnie can still "dance her butt off!"

Hines, who hails from North Kingsville, Ohio, has performed in several BW productions including Carrie and Carousel. Kanago, an Orlando, Fla. native, has starred in A Christmas Carol, Carrie and Follies. The students said working with a Broadway legend was "like a dream."

A Chorus Line runs from November 13-23 in the John Patrick Theater at Kleist Center for Art and Drama. Tickets are on sale at the Kleist box office and online.

Donna McKechnie rehearsing with Kanago '15 and Hines '16 for their roles as Cassie

Infectious Disease Lab puts BW Nursing Students in the Spotlight

BW ABSN student Ingrid Zibritovsky practices CDC protocol for donning personal protective equipment

BW’s nursing program is demonstrating leadership in providing proactive training on personal protection and infection prevention measures for nursing students. As the healthcare community in Northeast Ohio responded to the news that a nurse who contracted Ebola from a patient had recently traveled to and from the region, a timely lab for BW nursing students drew all four Cleveland television stations and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliates. Nursing director James Fell and the rest of BW's Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (ABSN) program faculty quickly set up the special lab on Friday to prepare BW nurses-in-training.

Lab exercises reinforcing the proper sequence for putting on personal protective equipment, as well as CDC guidance for infection prevention, and control recommendations for hospitalized patients with known or suspected Ebola Virus Disease, were highlighted on NPR affiliates WCPN 90.3 ideastream and WKSU, and in televised reports on WEWS-Newschannel 5, WJW-Fox 8,  WKYC-TV,  WOIO/WUAB 19/43 and WVIZ-TV. The 19 Action News report was also aired in markets across the country including Atlanta, Cincinnati and Kansas City. A short version of the WCPN report also aired on NPR News, picked up by affiliates coast to coast.

Fell says BW is keeping up with the latest CDC guidance which is evolving in response to the Ebola cases in Texas. BW has ordered additional personal protective equipment to add to future protocol training, including face shields and neck protection. "Nurses are on the frontline of caring for these patients," Fell says. "It's critical that we equip them with the latest tools and knowledge to stay safe."

Student Research Featured in Hospital Video

Stephanie Darm '15, a communication disorders major at BW, is featured in the "Spotlight Video" in the current issue of the Akron Children's Research Pursuits newsletter.

In the video,  Darm appears with her mentor, Megan Cook, a researcher at the Family Children Learning Center.  The pair conducted research through the Summer Pediatric Research Scholars program (SPRS), looking into "the use of the LENA device to record and analyze the effect of preschool activities on language development."

Hear about Darm's research experience in her own words:

Crain's Recognizes BW Alumni For Business, Civic Contributions

Crain's Cleveland Business

Kate Bang MBA '12, Ryan Cross '97, Nichelle McCall '05, and Jennifer Piechowski '05 have been recognized in the 2014 Crain's Cleveland 40 Under 40. Now in it's 23rd year, Crain’s Forty under 40 program has recognized almost 900 honorees for their professional success and civic contributions. The 2014 event was held at the RED Space at Hotcards and had 350+ attendees.

Ryan Cross is presently the vice president and campaign director of institutional relations and development of University Hospitals; he also serves as a BW Trustee. Kate Bang is the employee benefits president of USI Insurance Services. Nichelle McCall is the CEO of Bold Guidance, and Jennifer Piechowski serves as the vice president of agency services of Key Bank.

Les Misérables Revolutionary Success with BW Involvement

Rave reviews have been rolling in for the Victoria Bussert-directed production of LES MISÉRABLES for the Great Lakes Theater. The show not only features BW's director of music theatre at the helm, but countless other BW students, alumni and faculty on stage and behind the scenes.

"[Bussert's LES MISÉRABLES] relies on performances rather than pyrotechnics, and it is glorious in its simplicity," Andrea Simakis of The Plain Dealer said, lauding the show overall as "rendered as exquisitely and passionately as a Monet brushstroke."

The review also recognizes the work of two more of BW's own in applauding the "hypnotic" choreography of Gregory Daniels, professor of dance, and the "bracingly realistic" set design of Jeff Hermann.

BW seniors Kyle Jean Baptiste and Keri René Fuller also received a highlight in the review for their powerful performances as Enjolras and Éponine, respectively. Other BW students/alumni in the ensemble include seniors Brandyn Day, Mickey Ryan, and Sam Wolfe, while BW alumni Laura Welsh Berg '05, Jodi Dominick '01, Clare Eisentrout '13, and Alex Syiek '13 add to the cast of 23.

In addition to reviews from the Akron Beacon Journal, Cleveland Scene, Roy Berko.info and AXS.com, the show also received top marks from the Idaho Statesman when it premiered at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival in July. LES MISÉRABLES is at PlayhouseSquare's Hanna Theatre through November 9, with many performances sold out.

BW Professor Honored for Impact on the LGBT Community

Dr. Swagata Banik director of BW's public health program received recognition for "creating impactful, long-lasting change" in the LGBT community in the Cleveland area.

In celebration of National LGBT History Month, the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Community Relations Board, and the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland honored Dr. Banik and three other leaders at the Sixth Annual Heritage Day at Cleveland City Hall this week. The event featured Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Councilman Joe Cimperman.

Dr. Banik was recognized for his contributions to the betterment of the LGBT community in the area of Education & Social Services. His current research focuses on individual and environmental factors related to HIV health disparity in the United States and in India. Dr. Banik is the principle investigator on a National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded research grant on "IV Stigma Reduction among Health Care Providers."

Physics Professor Authors Problem-Solving Book for Teachers

Dr. Edwin Meyer, chair of BW's physics department, is expanding the reach of his philosophy that problem-solving is a pathway to lifelong career agility. Meyer has co-authored a new textbook for teachers, “Guide to Teaching Puzzle-Based Learning" and is now available from all major booksellers.

The book, published by textbook giant Springer, provides teaching strategies to encourage and expand the problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities of all students.

Having spent time as a corporate job recruiter in the past, Meyer believes that problem-solving is the key to success in any field and incorporates this idea into both his own courses and into the guide book: “By far the most marketable skill in the workplace today is the general ability to solve problems. That is, the ability to think creatively and intensely - about anything,” Meyer says.

At BW, in addition to his physics classes, Meyer teaches graduate and undergraduate problem-solving courses that include a timed Rubik's Cube challenge, thought-provoking puzzles and other other mental calisthenics. He also runs enrichment programs for high school students and had led workshops and seminars on problem-solving from New Jersey to Australia.

Meyer's publisher, Springer, has plans to translate the book into German and Japanese, as well.

New Conductor Reimagines the Concert Going Experience

In advance of his debut concert as Director of Wind Ensembles at BW's Conservatory of Music, Brendan Caldwell was a guest on WCLV radio this week. Caldwell told host morning host Jacqueline Gerber that he approaches music as a tool to foster both musical and personal transformation for the musicians and the listener.

Caldwell says he employs “integrated listening" and an artistic process "deeply rooted in collaboration" to form unique partnerships with ensembles, soloists, composers, and audience members-- all with the aim of "re-imagining the concert going experience."

Caldwell has released a CD, Gypsy Radio and the Rock and Roll Consecration, that explores mindful listening, and he is currently in the process of finishing two books on the topic: The Conscious Conductor and The Buddha and Bruce Springsteen.

Audience members who attend his first BW concert in Gamble Auditorium this Friday, October 10, 2014 at 7 p.m. are also invited to enjoy a "Meet the Conductor" reception following the performance. Both events are free and open to the public. You can also listen to a replay of Caldwell's WCLV interview online at this link.

BW Jazzed to Recognize Accomplished Conservatory Grad

Kevin Johnson ’12 will be the first guest artist and honoree at a newly developed annual concert event featuring a BW Conservatory of Music jazz emphasis alum. The inaugural event includes a solo performance at Cleveland’s Brothers Lounge on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Johnson holds a Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance from BW and is currently a second-year graduate student at Indiana University pursuing a degree in jazz studies.

During his time here at BW, Johnson helped to found our celebrated “BW Beatles,” serving as the Music Director of their Magical Mystery Tour and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band concerts.

Since graduating, Johnson has been writing for the world's largest print music publisher, Hal Leonard Corporation, recently publishing The Beatles Session Parts, a collection of 20 songs, in score format, with the parts for string, woodwind, and brass session players, and Trumpet Aerobics, a 52-week one-exercise-a-day workout program for developing, improving, and maintaining trumpet technique.

Recent performance highlights include appearances with the Columbus Symphony, the Blossom Festival Band, and the Brent Wallarab Jazz Ensemble in New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, accompanying Grammy award winning vocal jazz ensemble, The New York Voices.

Johnson’s composition, The Seventh Trumpet, was released on BW professor, Jack Sutte’s CD, Fanfare Alone. Johnson credits his studies with Sutte, Greg Banaszak and "the world-class education and opportunities he received at BW" for launching his successful career.

Broadcasting Grad to Moderate Panel at Music Fest

Tyler Freese ’13, will get the chance to help spread the word about the importance of college radio as he moderates a panel at CMJ Music Marathon during College Day.

The marathon, held October 21-25 in New York City, is billed as "the world’s largest festival for emerging music," featuring over 1,400 live performances from all around the world. College Day, specifically, promotes the importance of college radio in the music industry.

The panel Freese will lead, titled"Family Ties," will be a discussion of how college radio can be a connecting element for schools and communities. The former music director for BW's student-run station, WBWC is looking forward to meeting others with a passion for college radio:

“College radio is this awesome network of students and promoters from all over the country that are all working towards the exact same thing—getting awesome music out to everyone. CMJ is the one time where we really all come together.”

Freese, who completed his undergraduate at BW in broadcasting and mass communications, is currently a radio promoter for Co-sign, an agency working with musicians, record labels, and brands to develop artists and coordinate campaigns to promote their music.

Community Spirit, Gridiron Win and Yellow Jacket Royalty Highlight Homecoming 2014

Rudy Kuntz '16 and Brianna Razzante '15

Baldwin Wallace University's Homecoming Weekend had the whole Yellow Jacket community abuzz. To kick off the festivities, over 300 students attended the Homecoming Pep Rally with performances from dance groups such as Urban Dance Association and the BW Cheerleaders. After the BW Marching Yellow Jackets had the crowd on their feet and President Helmer revved the crowd up with a pep talk, Alex Papke '18 and Lauryn Wright '18 were named as the 2014 Jacket Prince and Princess. 

On Saturday, the morning began with Alumni reunions and the Homecoming Parade where several Baldwin Wallace organizations put together parade floats to be judged by BW faculty and staff. After the parade, the the Yellow Jackets took on the Muskingum University Fighting Muskies.

Away from the football action,  the 2014 Homecoming King and Queen were announced, with Rudy Kuntz '16, a Finance major from Seven Hills, Ohio, and Brianna Razzante '15, an Early Childhood Education major from Solon, Ohio wearing the crowns.

With a final score of 35-7, a Yellow Jacket win ignited the crowd in fierce applause. After the game, Luke Riemenschneider '15, defensive end, won the Frank Ropollo Award as the Player-of-the-Game.

To cap off the weekend, the Sophomore Class Officers hosted a Homecoming Dance for students in the Student Activities Center.

More Homecoming images

Duck Tape Maker Gives BW Senior HR Experience that "Sticks"

An experience that will "stick" with her

Stephanie Knezevic '15 returned to campus this fall with valuable human resources experience under her belt.

Knezevic completed an internship at ShurTech Brands, LLC.,  in Avon, Ohio this summer. Her assignments at the company ranged from researching how to improve training systems, to sitting in on meetings and interviews to observe how HR professionals conduct business. She also scheduled interviews for potential candidates and helped plan company events.

Being a human resource management major in BW's School of Business, Knezevic was more than happy to land the internship at the company, which includes the iconic Duck Tape as one of it's well-known brands.

"I earned first-hand experience in all the various aspects of [Human Resources]," she says. "I [was able] to see what all of the human resource fields were like, and I got a little bit of experience with each."

Broadcasting Alumna Reports for Wake Up Wisconsin

Caroline Bach '12

Viewers of Wake Up Wisconsin Weekend are now waking up to the face and voice of a BW alumna. Caroline Bach '12, a broadcasting and mass communications major, and member of BW's Honor's Program has joined the news team at WKOW-TV Madison, Wisc. and now anchors the weekend morning newscast for the station.

During her undergraduate studies, Bach kick-started her career by producing for Parma Area Community Television, reporting on local issues. She later interned at WEWS-TV Cleveland, and at WTOL-TV Toledo. Bach also landed an internship with Dateline NBC and Rock Center with Brian Williams in New York City.

After graduation from BW, Bach served as a weekend anchor at WVVA-TV in Bluefield, West Virginia, where she reported on stories with national impact, such as Hurricane Sandy and the Freedom Industries chemical spill into the Elk River in Charleston.

Professor's Lecture in France is "Magnifique"

Dr. Peter Hoekje, BW professor of physics got to take his passions across the world this summer... invited to give a lecture as a part of the International Symposium on Musical Acoustics in Le Mans, France.

The conference centered around research on the physics of musical instruments and voice, sound synthesis and analysis, and the perception of musical sounds. In his talk, Hoekje incorporated demonstrations of a variety of instruments, including the crowd-favorite "carrot clarinet."

Hoekje’s teaching philosophy encourages students to take their learning beyond the classroom: "All my classes incorporate hands-on or experiential learning, because it’s fun and makes learning the abstract concepts much easier. There is always a project where students apply the course material to something directly relevant to themselves."

While Dr. Hoekje teaches physics workshop courses and courses on waves, optics, and mechanics, he passes on his passion for musical science in his 100-level acoustics course with labs that include students constructing their own flutes.