BW Psychology Grad Awarded Master's Assistantship

Ashely Smith '10

Recent BW graduate, Ashley Smith '15, is now working as a graduate assistant for the College of Public Health at Kent State University. While at BW, Smith combined studies in behavioral sciences and public health to essentially created a customized education in "Health Psychology," although her official major was psychology.

Smith (R) with BW professor Jen Perry on graduation day

Smith's exceptional grade point average of 3.988, combined with an impressive list of activities on and off campus during her undergraduate career, helped to land the assistantship as she pursue's a master's degree in public health with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences.

As a BW undergrad, the Berea native was especially active in BW's Psychology Department, serving as Psychology Student Research Coordinator, President of Psi Chi, Treasurer of the Psychology Club, and avid researcher.

Smith received BW's William Prokasy Award for her academic achievements and contributions to the field of psychology, and also was a White Rose Ceremony participant.

As she pursues her graduate degree, she is working on two separate grant funded projects. 

Healthcare MBA Graduate Leads Summa Cardiovascular Institute

Dr. Michael Hughes, MBA '12

Dr. Michael Hughes earned his health care MBA from BW in 2012. Earlier this year, he was named president of Summa Health System's Cardiovascular Institute.

Hughes, who specializes in international cardiology and cardiovascular disease, has held a number of leadership positions at Summa Health including medical director of the Cardiac Cath Lab and founding co-chairman of Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists. In addition, he also serves on the executive board of Summa's accountable care organization, New Health Collaborative and sits on the Summa Health Board of Directors.

Summa Health is one of the largest integrated healthcare delivery systems in Ohio and encompasses a network of hospitals, community health centers, a health plan, a physician-hospital organization, a multi-specialty physician organization, research and the Summa Foundation.

Hughes was honored with the American Heart Association’s Sauvageot Volunteer Service Award in 2012 and served on the AHA’s Board of Directors as its president. He also has been named a Cleveland Magazine Top Doctor in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Alumna Named Dean of Undergraduate Admissions NSU

Deanne "Dee" Voss 

Alumna Deanne "Dee" Voss '90 has been named dean of undergraduate admissions at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Voss is heading to NSU after spending more than 20 years as an enrollment professional at the University of Miami. Brad A. Williams, NSU's vice president for student affairs and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies stated in a News Release that, "Miss. Voss brings a wealth of knowledge about admission and enrollment management and relationships with high school counselors throughout Florida, nationally and internationally."

She holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from BW and a master's degree in higher education leadership from the University of Miami. Voss is active in the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and the Southern Association of College Admissions Counselors.

Residence Life Director Recognized at National Conference

Earning the respect of your peers on a national level can say a lot about your work, and BW's director of residence life, Robin Gagnow, recently received the highest recognition bestowed by the professional association that supports collegiate housing professionals. The Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) Foundation honored Gagnow with a 2015 Parthenon Award, the foundation's most prestigious award.

The Parthenon Award recognizes outstanding service, leadership, achievement, and contributions to the collegiate housing field. Gagnow was honored "for his commitment to education during a 30-plus-year career, including numerous leadership roles with ACUHO-I and the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers."

“Robin is a leader who doesn’t just talk the talk,” said Dr. Joe Berthiaume, director of university housing at Texas Woman’s University. “He provides hands-on engagement and is a shining example of a professional who is dedicated to helping others succeed.” 

Parthenon Award winners were announced at the 2015 ACUHO-I Annual Conference & Exposition.

BW Alumna Helps Break Barriers; Honored with CWRU Award

A grad who helps break down roadblocks for students with disabilities is shining at Case Western Reserve University. Alumna Grace Clifford has been named CWRU's Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Professional Staff Member of the Year. A two time BW graduate, Clifford earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2009 and is a 2011 graduate of the Leadership in Higher Education master's program.

As the Associate Director of Disability Resources, Clifford is in charge of policy and program development, evaluating student documentation, determining appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities and helping to implement those accommodations. For some students, college is the first time that their disability has been pushed to the point of becoming a barrier.

"I help students understand that having a disability doesn't have to be a burden or a permanent roadblock." Clifford explained, "I am fortunate to work with some hardworking, driven and exceptionally bright individuals." Working with students one-on-one is Clifford's favorite part about her job. She recently became the faculty advisor to a new student group at CWRU that promotes awareness of disability related issues.

Nominated by colleagues, the recipient of the award is someone who exemplifies the Division of Student Affairs values, which include community involvement, diversity, justice and civic engagement.

Student Leaders Join White House Climate Change Dialogue

Ashley King (left) and Tammy Blankenship attended The White House Youth Leadership Conference on Climate Change

When The White House convened a summit on climate change for select college student leaders on June 2, Baldwin Wallace student body president, Ashley King '16, and sustainability major, Tammy Blankenship '16, had a seat at the table. The pair plugged into the conversation as representatives to the White House Youth Leadership Conference organized by the National Campus Leadership Council (NCLC).

Student body presidents and sustainability advocates from colleges around the U.S. met to discuss campus sustainability including best practices and challenges ranging from funds, to education, to student behavior. Under the hashtag #ActOnClimate, conferees were invited to meet with an impressive list of key administration officials, including EPA administrator, Gina McCarthy, and senior White House advisor Brian Deese.

"The conference was great to learn about White House initiatives on climate change, while also learning about what other colleges are achieving and where BW stands in its accomplishments compared to these other institutions," Blankenship reports.  "Someone did the math and we found out that all of the universities present at this conference represented 1.2 million people in the U.S.--pretty astounding!"

“I enjoyed this experience because it allowed me to take part in a national conversation that impacts BW students and allows me to bring ideas back to our campus to make a difference,” said King, a Ravenna, Ohio native double majoring in health care management and human resource management.

Blankenship, who hails from Rocky River, Ohio, is on track to earn both the human and social science and science of BW's sustainability majors.

White House Senior Advisor Brian Deese (front and center) met student leaders at the White House Climate Youth Summit; look for BW's Ashley King and Tammy Blankenship in the middle of the pack

Alumnus Breaks Barriers and Makes History

Randell McShepard '86, first black president of Cleveland's Union Club - Courtesy Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer

BW alumnus and trustee Randy McShepard '86 has broken a longstanding barrier and made history as the first African-American president of Cleveland's exclusive Union Club. McShepard told The Plain Dealer he'll work to recruit more minorities to the club, founded in 1872 by Cleveland's white wealthy elite, and didn't admit women as members until 1983.

"A lot of conversations I've had over the years have been with people surprised to hear that I'm a member of the Union Club either because of personal experiences or stories they've heard over the years," said McShepard, a 50-year-old Beachwood resident. "They're pleasantly surprised to hear that I'm a member of the board, and they're thrilled to hear that I've been selected as president.

"My responsibility is to harness that excitement by recruiting more minorities and making them feel welcome," he told the paper.

As the vice president of Community Affairs for RPM, Inc., a worldwide specialty coatings company, he is primarily responsible for coordinating external and governmental affairs for the company. McShepard holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and communications from BW and a master's degree in urban studies from Cleveland State University.

Music Education Grad Chosen "Top Teacher"

Sarah Horaczek '03 was recently recognized by WNYT-TV as a "Top Teacher" for her leadership of the music program at the Menands Union Free School District in Albany, New York.

Originally from Albany, Horaczek taught in New York City for four years after completing her undergraduate music education at BW, but landed a job back home in 2008. Being the only music teacher in her district, Horaczek covers everything from K-7 general music, guitar lab, piano lab, 5-8 band, 3-8 drama, and singing groups. She says her BW education prepared her for that variety.

"I chose BW because of its comprehensive music education program that offered a breadth and variety of teaching philosophies and styles," she said. "Because BW offered such an array of methods courses, I am able to effectively teach each of these groups."

She adds, "BW music education program put education majors in classrooms every semester so we had so much teaching experience before we ever set foot in our own classroom."

The television report on her selection as a "Top Teacher" says students under her instruction have learned how to play all kinds of instruments, instilling them with a sense of pride in both their talents and their teacher. Horaczek believes that music classes are beneficial for everyone, offering a window of opportunity for people to learn more about themselves.

BW Technology Chief Named 'CIO of the Year' Finalist

BW's chief information officer (CIO), Greg Flanik, has been named a finalist in Crain's Cleveland 2015 CIO of the Year recognition. Flanik and the other CIO finalists will be recognized at an awards reception on Tuesday, April 14 at LaCentre in Westlake.

In developing the awards in 2005, Crain's said, "Northeast Ohio is home to world class IT organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit, and these organizations are led by accomplished executives with strong, dedicated, talented teams."

Flanik's nomination emphasized team, saying the BW CIO "views all of his achievements as being the result of teamwork."  

The nomination also applauds the impressive track record of technology efficiency initiatives during Flanik's 16 years of leadership at BW, including the virtualization and consolidation of BW's network storage infrastructure, the implementation of a cost-saving print management system, development of a co-partnered 24/7 HelpDesk, and the current rollout of a new voice over IP telephone system.

CIO of the Year nominees are judged by a committee of their peer IT executives on issues such as vision, leadership, accomplishments, commitment to the IT community and other factors. Crain's Cleveland presents the awards as part of NEOSA's Tech Week. Flanik and the other finalists will be profiled in the April 6 issue of Crain’s Cleveland Business. 

OCO Members Venture to LA for the IMPACT Conference

Nuha Alshabani '15 and Keynoter Wendy Spencer

Service leaders from colleges and universities across the country recently gathered on the west coast and BW was well represented. BW's Office of Community Outreach (OCO) sent graduate intern, Katy Johnson '14, and student leaders, Bryan Powell '16, Nuha Alshabani '15, Kara Carpenter '17 and Vanessa Adu-Gyamfi '17 to the recent IMPACT Conference in Los Angeles. Alshabani '15 also was selected to participate in the conference planning committee.

The IMPACT Conference held at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), is the largest annual conference focused on the civic engagement of college students in community service, service-based research and advocacy. The focus of the conference aligns with BW OCO’s mission to empower students to become contributing, compassionate citizens.


Julie Bishop, assistant director of BW OCO describes the conference as, "a great way for BW students to connect and share ideas with students from campuses across the country doing similar service work."

BW students at the IMPACT conference in LA

Students heard inspiring keynote addresses from Wendy Spencer, the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service and Robert Egger, the President of the LA Kitchen founder of the Campus Kitchen Project, and attended seminars to discuss cultural awareness, societal privilege and methods to leverage the concepts learned from service in career building.

The students were also able to explore southwest LA and visit the beach. "It was super cool to see all the different 'stars' supporting various initiatives and bringing awareness to these issues," said Powell.

Students are expected to present their experiences and ideas at a team meeting later this year.

James Fell Appointed to Advisory Group on Nursing Education

Baldwin Wallace University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (ABSN) is gaining a new distinction through its director/interim administrator and associate professor, James Fell, recently appointed to a two-year term with the Ohio Board of Nursing Advisory Group on Nursing Education.

The advisory group, comprised of distinguished nurses and nursing educators from all over the state, is selected by the Board each year to meet and propose ways in which nursing education programs can be improved.

With experience leading the growing BW program and many years of teaching and administrative experience in BSN, ND (nursing doctorate), Diploma, and Associate Degree (ADN) nursing education, Fell has been given the specific designation as the representative for Ohio accelerated BSN programs.

The decorated 28-year (retired) Navy Nurse Corps Reserve member, who served on active duty during Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, currently teaches courses in behavioral health, leadership and ethics, and the capstone Seminar in Professional Nursing Practice within the ABSN program, among several others. The BW program heads into its fourth year in Fall 2015.

BW's Greek Council Gathers New Ideas at Conference

Greek Council at the AFLV Awards Banquet

Despite the snowy weather in the Midwest, members of BW's Greek Council (including yours truly) recently made the trek to Indianapolis to attend the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) Central Conference. As an annual tradition for the recently elected Greek Council, this conference connected our Greek Council leadership team to a network of more than 2,000 Fraternity & Sorority Life professionals and students.

The Greek Council delegates attended workshops on topics such as battling negative stereotypes, and improving community service efforts. They also found time for some fun, cheering on their favorite teams at the Stroll Competition. Strolling, a form of line movement, is traditionally done by chapters in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

After a phenomenal weekend, BW's Greek Council members returned campus with the knowledge, ambition and confidence to make this a successful year for BW's Fraternity & Sorority Life community.

BW Advancement Officer Earns AFP Fundraising Executive Award

Tim McCormick, Debbie Miller (center) and Julie Johnson at the AFP Awards Ceremony

Deborah S. Miller, Senior Advancement Officer at Baldwin Wallace University, earned the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Cleveland on National Philanthropy Day, an event dedicated to recognizing the contributions of philanthropy, as well as others within the giving community, whose altruism continues to better the world and the lives of others.

Miller has been in the development field for over 20 years. From major planned giving to board development, Miller has spearheaded and participated in many a philanthropy activities dedicated to the betterment of the community. Both "Cleveland Magazine" and "Inside Business" also recognized Miller and the other AFP award recipients for their good work.

Speak Out - Pi Lambda Phi and HASA Support Inclusiveness

Based on BW's rich tradition of inclusiveness and equality, Pi Lambda Phi and the Hispanic-American Student Association (HASA) hosted "Speaking Out Against Prejudice" this semester. The event allowed students and faculty to share poems, songs, dances, and monologues themed around prejudice and equality.

From a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" to a discussion on themes of race and gender in En Vogue's music video, "Free Your Mind," the event displayed a spectrum of talents that offered different perspectives to the BW student body.

In addition to the Open Mic, the event also raised money for Pi Lambda Phi's philanthropy organization, the Elimination of Prejudice Foundation.

BW Celebrates the Season With Holiday Gala 2014

With some holiday magic, BW's Student Union illuminated in front of the eyes of the campus community as the city that never sleeps at this year's Holiday Gala, "Holiday in the City."

Sponsored by BW's Student Government and the President's Council, Holiday Gala 2014 had something for everyone to celebrate the holidays. Attendants could participate in a service activity, ride through Berea on a horse-drawn carriage, and even enjoy a selection of entertainment from some of BW's talented students and organizations.

In addition to channeling an inner sense of the holidays in New York, City the basement of the Union took the holidays worldwide with different rooms representing different countries such as Japan, France, and Brazil.

Although Holiday Gala is only held every two years, it was surely a night to remember. From feasting on the delicious desserts by BW Dining Services to rubbing shoulders with Anna and Elsa from Frozen in the lobby, BW celebrated the holidays in style. More photos on on Facebook.

BW Student Government Builds Leadership Skills in Chicago

Representatives from Baldwin Wallace University Student Government recently headed to Chicago for the annual American Student Government Association (ASGA) conference in the Midwest. These student leaders attended several break-out sessions on how to optimize efficiency in Student Government and how to powerfully engage student bodies.

In addition to gaining professional development, students also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of ASGA. As a founding member of ASGA, BW's Student Government helped put into vision what the ASGA does today.

Not only did these Student Government representatives take away valuable skills and ideas from this conference, but they had a whole lot of fun in the city too. From riding the ferris wheel at Navy Pier to eating deep-dish pizza at Gino's East, Student Government left Chicago energized to continue to make a difference on campus.

National Fraternity Recognizes Outstanding BW Senior

National fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, recognized Steve Vaccaro ’15 as a “leader of tomorrow” for his outstanding work in the Alpha Omega chapter of the fraternity here at BW.

Vaccaro, a senior arts management major, currently serves as chapter president. He is a past recruitment chairman for the chapter and program intern for Executive Offices. Vaccaro has also attended the Leaders Regional Conference, Leadership Academy, Presidents Academy, Conclave and National Convention, and helped Alpha Omega win the Roland Maxwell Trophy, an award presented to the outstanding chapter in the nation.

Vaccaro is also a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global network of camps and programs that serves children with serious illness.

In addition to extensive service as a member of Phi Kappa Tau, Vaccaro is co-director of Dating Beyond Control, a program that creates awareness for dating violence at BW.

As for his plans after graduation, Vaccaro says, "I hope to work in a nonprofit setting where I am able to become passionate about whatever I do."

BW Alumni Pastoring Faith Journeys at area Churches

Two young alumni from Baldwin Wallace University are now full-time ministry leaders at area churches.
Quincy Wheeler '05, a Thompson Township native, graduated from BW with a BA in communications and went on to study at Ashland Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master's Degree.

A pastor's son, Wheeler now serves as assistant pastor at Mentor United Methodist Church where he leads the iConnect ministry of casual Sunday services. “My vision is to provide a service where anyone of any background feels comfortable and can connect for life with the word of God,” Wheeler told The News-Herald.

Phillip Kerlin '07, from Amherst, graduated from BW with a public relations major and a minor in religion. Upon graduation, Kerlin served as a director of the STORM youth center at Church on the Rise in Westlake where he also lead the production team.

Now, Kerlin is an assistant youth pastor at Journey Community Church in Fairview Park.

BW Students Develop Leadership Skills in Dance Floor Theory

More than 50 BW students had the opportunity to attend Dance Floor Theory, training for student leaders on how to turn student apathy into engagement.

Swift Kick, an organization that promotes student leadership through training programs, led fun activities that taught the student leaders about community creation, the importance of student participation, and cultural retention.

BW students put together the video (right) with highlights from the experience.

Alumna Earns Grindstone Award

Photo by Linda Kramer, Berea City Hall

BW Alumna Sally King '94 will receive the 47th Annual Grindstone Award for being Berea's most outstanding citizen.

Since earning her Master of Arts in Education degree from BW, Sally has spent much time and energy in Berea working to make the town a better place to live.

Sally spent over thirty years at Parknoll Elementary, Roehm Junior High and Ford Junior High as a teacher, reading specialist and taught English as a second language after hours. She was named teacher of the year in 1996, and became the President of the Berea City Council and the local Rotary club.

And she has loved ever minute of it.

"Berea is a phenomenal small city," King told the Sun News. "It has so much to offer, with the college and the school district and our love of sports. Whatever you can think of, we have it."

Update: Sun News coverage of the awards banquet.