College recognizes achievements of students, faculty, staff
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, May 13, 1998
Huntington, Ind." Anticipating its 100th commencement exercises on Saturday, Huntington College has recognized outstanding achievement among its student body, faculty and staff. Allison Taylor and Nathan Fox were named Foresters of the Year during the annual Forester Night Banquet on May 7, 1998. Miss Taylor is a business management major from Gahanna, Ohio. Mr. Fox is an elementary education major from Stryker, Ohio. During the ceremony, a special commemorative plate was also presented to Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president for student development, for his dedicated service to the student body.
Jonathan Wilhite was chosen to receive the 1998 Outstanding Scholar Award. He was selected for the prestigious academic honor by vote of the active members of the Indiana Beta chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society. Mr. Wilhite is an exercise science major from Kouts, Indiana.
Students named Dr. Chris Leland "Professor of the Year." Leland has served as assistant professor of speech at Huntington College since 1996. He was instrumental in developing a new oral communication program for Huntington College. Recently, he led a team of students to two national forensics competitions. Leland also serves as a speechwriter for the National Governors' Association. He also works as a professional political consultant to local, regional, and national political campaigns, and presents workshops and seminars for corporations across the country.
At Huntington College's annual Appreciation Banquet on May 14, Martha Smith was recognized as the 1998 "Staff Member of the Year." Smith serves as the College's assistant dean of students and director of counseling services and career development. She has worked at Huntington College for ten years. President G. Blair Dowden praised her excellent rapport with students and faculty, her sincere concern for others, and her "can do" attitude.
Also during the banquet, President Dowden recognized several employees observing anniversaries of service at Huntington College.
Those receiving the HC Service Pin for five years of service include: Jeff Berggren, dean of enrollment; Beth Burch, assistant professor of biology; Lance Clark, instructor in communication; Rebecca Coffman, assistant professor of art; Bill Fisher, dean of Christian faith and life; John Paff, director of public relations and publications; Bernadine Sprunger, office assistant and EXCEL program representative; and David Wallis, assistant professor of music and director of music programs.
Employees receiving a plaque for ten years of service include: Karol Caley, admissions office manager; Martha Smith, assistant dean of students, director of counseling services and career development; and Connie Updike, assistant professor of recreation management.
An engraved pen and pencil set was presented to the following personnel in recognition of 15 years of service: Patricia Spedden, associate professor of music; Cynthia Steury, assistant professor of education and director of clinical experiences; and Anita Wickersham, assistant professor of business and accounting.
Jim Hoffman, director of alumni relations and church relations, received a gift certificate in recognition of twenty years of service.
Sharon Custer, assistant professor of business and director of the EXCEL program, received an engraved gold watch in recognition of 25 years of service.
In recognition of 30 years of service, Dr. Jerry Smith, vice president and dean of the College, received a Heritage Lamp engraved with the college seal and an attractive wall clock.
Also during commencement week activities, the following students were recognized for outstanding achievement by their academic departments:
Nate Bordeaux, a U.S. history major from Huntington, Indiana, by the Department of History and Political Science
Christy Brower, a math education major from Roann, Indiana, by the Department of Education
Doug Coldsmith , a youth ministries major from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, by the Department of Educational Ministries
Beau Dowden, a pre-med major from Huntington, Indiana, by the Department of Chemistry
Christopher Hershey, a philosophy major from Fort Wayne, Indiana, by the Department of Philosophy
Christine Jensen, a math major from Blissfield, Michigan, by the Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dan King, a chemistry education major from Huntington, Indiana, by the Department of Chemistry
Jeremy McClung, a Bible and religion major from Huntington, Indiana, by the Department of Bible and Religion
Allison Newhouse, a sociology major from Portland, Indiana, by the Department of Sociology
Kim Norman, a psychology major from Van Wert, Ohio, by the Department of Psychology
David P. O'Roark, a theatre major from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, by the Department of Communication and Theatre Art
Stacey Osmun, a music education major from Delaware, New Jersey, by the Department of Music
Craig Sloan, a physical education major from St. Thomas, Ontario, by the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation
Nikki Stump, a recreation management major from Nappanee, Indiana, by the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation
Allison Taylor, by the Department of Business and Economics
Matthew Webb, a theatre major from Huntington, Indiana, by the Department of Communication and Theatre Art
Jonathan Wilhite, by the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation
The following graduating seniors were also recognized for their membership in the Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society: Christy Brower, Julie Hollopeter, Christy Jensen, Kristy Kettring, Dan King, Jeremy McClung, Kim Norman, Christine Quigley, Ryan Reger, Andrea Sommer, Rebecca Wallace, Matt Webb, and Jon Wilhite. They were presented graduation ribbons and medallions.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON AWARD RECIPIENTS
FORESTERS OF THE YEAR:
Allison Taylor is a business management major from Gahanna, Ohio. After graduation, she plans on "getting married, getting a job, and moving "all in three months!" Her favorite memories of Huntington College are late night talks with girlfriends, and "the community of believers" she has found here. Allison is a member of the tennis and soccer teams, is active in theatre, and serves as a Resident Assistant.
Nathan Fox is an elementary education major from Stryker, Ohio. Upon graduation, he plans to find a teaching job and begin "changing the world one kid at a time." His favorite things about Huntington College are singing praise and worship during HC chapel services, and the openness that most students have about their Christian walk. Nathan is involved in intramural sports, the Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service, and the freshman mentor program. He served as a Resident Assistant, and was this year's Homecoming King.
Other nominees included Alaine Castor, Jennifer Kyle, Andrea Sommer, Beau Dowden, Craig Sloan, and Jonathan Wilhite.
PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
Dr. Chris Leland, assistant professor of speech, joined the Huntington College faculty in 1996. Leland has been involved in many activities both on and off campus. He led a team of students to two national forensics competitions in January, and was instrumental in creating a new oral communication major. He continues to exhibit a strong Christian role model to his students, and is much sought after as a speaker for campus events. Off campus, he serves as a speechwriter for the National Governors' Association, works as a professional political consultant to local, regional, and national political campaigns, and presents workshops and seminars for corporations around the country.
1998 OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR
Jonathan Wilhite's future plans include attending graduate school and getting married. The most memorable moments for him at Huntington include close friendships, his girlfriend Liza, and "overnight track trips with Tim and Big Jim." He is involved in many activities, including track, and the Alpha Chi and Sigma Chi honor societies.
STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Following are comments made by colleagues who nominated Martha Smith for the award:
"Martha is a proactive and positive person. A real "go to" person. That is, rarely says that something cannot be done, but is quick to identify strategies to deal with the situation. Our recipient has excellent rapport with students and faculty and is tactful and sensitive when dealing with delicate or difficult issues. "
"Martha's strongest suit is a sincere interest in others. Always has a listening ear and will often place personal interests aside in order to do something for others that will directly affect their lives."
"Martha is serious about Christian commitment. In addition to involvement in church, our recipient has been very active with the Emmaus Road program as a participant, presenter, and sponsor."
"Martha cares so deeply for our students. If not, she would not put in such long hours! She does many extra things such as J-term class, etiquette dinner, speaking in many classes and being available at all hours. Yet the stress has not diminished her fun spirit!"
