FRANKLIN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021
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FRANKLIN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 SHE’S GOT DRIVE Yolanda (Smith) White ’92 shares her career roadmap for success. Pg. 32
HANGING OUT
TARA RICKE ’19
Hammocks give new meaning to “hanging out” on campus. On a sunny day, you’re likely to
see multiple hammocks suspended between the trees surrounding student residence halls
and academic buildings. Some students hoist hammocks in groups to socialize or study, and
others isolate to relax or sleep. Hammock devotees around the globe routinely document
2 Franklin College MAGAZINE
their air-borne experiences on social media using the hashtag “hammocking,” and sporting
goods stores offer a variety of resources to help beginners get into the swing. Here, Alexa
Shrake ’23 studies on the Pulliam School of Journalism’s east side. “I love hammocking
because it’s relaxing, and kind of a break from the world,” she said.
SPRING 2021 3
FRANKLIN
C
CHAD WILLIAMS
COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S
MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021
Volume LVII, No. 1
MESSAGE
Contributing Staff
Director of Communications
Deidra Baumgardner
Editor
Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96
Director of Marketing
Ann Smith
Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
Ryan Thomas
Dear Alumni and Friends, Senior Leadership
Vice President for Development and Alumni
As Cindy and I prepared for this spring’s virtual President’s Circle Celebration
Engagement
of philanthropy at Franklin College, we considered what musical number might Dana Cummings
be performed by our students to help set a theme for the evening. After discussing
Submissions and Changes
various possibilities, we decided on “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest
For content submissions, email aversteeg@
Showman. The number was performed beautifully by Jackie List ’21 and her FranklinCollege.edu or call 317.738.8188. For
sister, Jadyn List ’24. Both women are music majors involved in the FC Singers address and phone changes, email recordupdates@
and Women’s Chorus. FranklinCollege.edu or call 317.738.8052. Mail
correspondence to Franklin College Magazine,
Their rendition of “A Million Dreams” certainly resonated with our guests for the Attn: Amy Kean VerSteeg, 101 Branigin Boulevard,
Franklin, Indiana 46131-2623.
event because it spoke to two aspects of the Franklin College experience that
make it unique and impactful. Students arrive at Franklin College from different Franklin College Magazine
Published three times annually. Copyright by Franklin
places and backgrounds, with different experiences and goals. What they share in College.
common are dreams, of what they want to become — even if they cannot yet fully
Background
define it, what they hope to achieve, and how they hope to make a difference in Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential liberal
the world. arts and sciences institution located 20 minutes south of
Indianapolis. Franklin offers a wide array of undergraduate
majors as well as master’s degree programs in Physician
When students bursting with such promise meet faculty dedicated to helping Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. The unique
curriculum merges classroom instruction with immersive
them achieve their potential, thus ensues the transformative experience that is experiences, research opportunities and study-away
the essence of Franklin College. The remarkably successful outcomes are reflected programs. Our goal is to prepare career-ready graduates for
today’s global professions and those of the future. Small
in the lives and accomplishments of our graduates throughout the world. classes enable students to thrive through personal peer
interaction and mentorship from professors who challenge
Similarly, incredibly generous alumni, friends and donors share a common dream and inspire them to think critically and perform confidently.
Students participate in a vibrant co-curriculum that includes
of helping make opportunities possible for Franklin College students of today and 21 NCAA Division III sports, Greek life, musical and theatre
productions, and more than 40 student organizations. As the
tomorrow. They dream of making a difference in the lives of our students, knowing
first college in Indiana to become coeducational with the
that will ultimately make a difference in the world they will impact. They recognize admission of women, Franklin welcomes diversity of thought,
belief and person into a community that values equity and
that others before them helped make their Franklin College experience possible. inclusion. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association
Philanthropy is where the dreams of two generations intersect, as one lives out with the American Baptist Churches USA.
its dream of giving back while enabling the other to watch its dreams begin to Nondiscrimination Policy
blossom. Franklin College is committed to the principle and practice
of equal opportunity for all its students, faculty, employees
and applicants for admission and employment. For that
Over the years at Franklin College, that certainly accounts for a million dreams and reason, the College provides equal employment opportunities
on the basis of merit and without regard to the individual’s
more. Included in these pages are impressive examples of such dreams and the role race, color, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin,
of this great institution in helping them come true. We have done that for nearly marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with state
and federal laws and any other characteristic protected by
187 years, and together we shall continue on that mission. law. The College prohibits, forbids and will not tolerate any
verbal, physical or other conduct that belittles or demeans
Sincerely, any individual on the basis of the above-listed statuses.
All employees, managers, supervisors and job applicants
are covered by this commitment. No person or employee,
no matter his or her title or position, has the authority
expressed, actual, apparent or implied to discriminate against
any employee of the College. This policy applies to all terms
and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment
in Franklin College, including, but not limited to, recruitment,
selection, hiring, benefits, educational policies, admission
KERRY PRATHER policies, financial aid, scholarship and loan programs,
housing, athletic and other College-administered programs
FRANKLIN COLLEGE PRESIDENT and activities.
On the Cover
Yolanda (Smith) White ’92 is a public relations pro.
PHOTO BY CHAD WILLIAMS
Follow Us
4 Franklin College MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
BRIDGING GENERATIONS 10 FELLOWSHIP AWAITS 12 ON THE RUN 20
TIMELESS TALE 22 GOOD VIBES 28 NAILING BUSINESS 34
Featured Stories
10 BRIDGING GENERATIONS
Discover how students at the College and residents at Morning Pointe Senior Living and
Memory Care mutually benefit from intergenerational learning.
19 NEW ATHLETIC FACILITY
Learn about the $1 million commitment behind the forthcoming Johnson Memorial Health
Athletics Annex at Franklin College.
32 SHE’S GOT DRIVE
Meet communications pro Yolanda (Smith) White ’92, and learn how she combines passions for
writing, advocating for diversity and serving in the community to live her best life.
SPRING 2021 5
PRATHER’S PRESIDENCY EXTENDED
In March, the Franklin College Board of Trustees
announced President Kerry Prather will continue to
lead the institution until at least July 1, 2024. Prather
was appointed acting president in January 2020 and
president one month later, with his term originally slated
to end in June 2022.
“The trustees recognize confidence in his continued Annex (both on campus);
that President Prather has leadership and commitment launching a competitive
provided unity and stabili- to advancing the College.” esports program; and
ty, transparent leadership, creating a digital fluency
institutional vision and Prather’s 39-year Franklin initiative that serves as the
community collaboration College career has included capstone to the already strengthen technology inte-
during his presidential leadership roles in enroll- transformative education gration and expand learn-
tenure, all of which are ment management and ath- Franklin provides. Addition- ing opportunities. He also
needed in today’s chal- letics, and involved him in ally, the College received a led the College to its most
lenging higher education Cabinet-level work through $1 million grant from Lilly successful fundraising year
environment,” said board four administrations. Endowment Inc., through ever in 2020 in the midst of
chair James V. Due ’82. “He its initiative, Charting the the pandemic.
During Prather’s tenure as
has done a remarkable job, Future for Indiana’s Colleges
the College’s 17th president,
including the navigation and Universities. Part of the Prather said, “I am honored
he has led the way in estab-
of COVID-19. The extension initiative’s phase two round and humbled by the
lishing the Center for Tech
of his presidential term is of funding made in 2020, the confidence of the trustees,
Innovation and the Johnson
a reflection of the board’s grant is helping the College alumni, faculty, staff and
Memorial Health Athletics
NEW TRUSTEE ELECTED One of Cathy’s daughters,
CHAD WILLIAMS
Lauren (Hawes) Timm ’12,
her aunt, Ila (Dunn) Olson
Cathy Dunn of Columbus, we’re looking forward to the ’44, and uncle, Richard L.
Indiana, recently was elect- addition of Cathy’s contribu- Dunn ’50, also are alumni.
ed to the Franklin College tions. She has a passion for
Cathy said, “Franklin College
Board of Trustees. the Franklin College mission
has provided several gen-
and will bring a great
She is the president of Dunn erations of my family the
deal of care and business
& Associates Benefit Admin- opportunity of an outstand-
leadership experience to
istrators, a family-owned ing education. I welcome
her trustee role,” said board
business founded in 1992. the opportunity to work
chair James V. Due ’82.
She graduated from Purdue with the board to ensure
Cathy Dunn
University with a bachelor’s A love of Franklin College the continued success and
degree in health/physical was sparked in Cathy by her sustainability of Franklin’s
education and mathematics, father, Ken Dunn ’51. He is a programs. In today’s
and from Indiana University former student-athlete and challenging environment,
with a master’s degree in has remained active at the Franklin’s creative and
sports medicine. College through past partic- innovative partnerships
ipation on Alumni Council with community and corpo-
“Each trustee brings unique and ongoing financial rate entities will pave the
experience, perspective support of the institution. way for future generations.”
and vision to the board, and
6 Franklin College MAGAZINE
CHAD WILLIAMS
HERE FOR GRIZZLIES
CHAD WILLIAMS
students, and I am excited New director of admissions Ryan McClarnon is eager to help
to continue leading this prospective Grizzlies and their families learn more about
great institution. Franklin Franklin College.
College is a special place
blessed with extraordinary “I share a passion for the Franklin College mission of preparing
people. I look forward to students for purposeful lives and significant careers, and I am
deeply committed to placing my experience, talents and skills in Ryan McClarnon
the exciting work ahead, as
we continue to ensure a service at this institution,” McClarnon said.
bright and promising
McClarnon serves under the leadership of Vice President for Strategic Enrollment
future for the College and
and Marketing Thanda Maceo, and has been deeply involved in helping strengthen recruit-
its students.”
ment strategies since joining the admissions staff in December 2020.
Prather’s spouse, Cindy, also
Though he is a fresh face at Franklin, he brings more than 15 years of prior experience,
is an educator. She served
most recently having served as a director at the University of Indianapolis. There, he
with the Franklin College
led his alma mater’s admissions team through several years of steady growth, nearly
Education Department
doubling the overall enrollment.
faculty for 23 years, includ-
ing as chair, before transi- “I am energized by the Franklin College admissions team and campus community
tioning to higher education members, all of whom do transformational work,” McClarnon said. “I look forward to
consulting. Their children, continued collaboration to achieve enrollment goals delivering on our promise to the
Katie Prather ’13 and hundreds of students and families we serve.”
Robbie Prather ’17, are
alumni. McClarnon holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations, and a
master’s degree in applied sociology, community leadership and nonprofit management. J
Read the full press release at
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
FranklinCollege.edu. J
TARA RICKE ’19
A pastor with more than 30 years of ministry experience has
The board’s primary roles been appointed the College’s American Baptist liaison assistant.
include authority and In this role, the Rev. Rebecca Horstman May ’81 assists the
responsibility for establish- admissions team with new student outreach and works closely
ing the character, purpose with the College’s director of religious life and chaplain to
and policies of the College, support current students, faculty and staff.
Rev. Rebecca
instituting and supporting Horstman May ’81
fundraising efforts, “Rebecca brings a tremendous knowledge of American Baptist
establishing and reviewing Churches (ABC), relationships cemented over the years with church leadership and the
educational programs, ability to connect well with students and parents considering Franklin College,” said
approving academic degrees Thanda Maceo, vice president for strategic enrollment and marketing.
and establishing the annual
budget. The board also Horstman May earned a psychology and sociology bachelor’s degree from Franklin
authorizes construction and a divinity master’s degree from the Christian Theological Seminary.
of new buildings and
“I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to further connect students from
renovations on existing
American Baptist Churches with the quality education of Franklin College,” she said.
facilities, changes in tuition
and fees, purchases of land, Horstman May will continue to serve as pastor of Celebration Fellowship, a mission-
buildings and major equip- focused house church in Noblesville, Indiana. She previously served as the president
ment, and faculty-tenure of regional boards for ABC of Indiana and Kentucky, and ABC of Greater Indianapolis.
appointments. J Her other prior positions include pastor at Elizaville Baptist Church, chaplain at Indiana
University Health Medical Center and seminary intern at Indianapolis First Baptist
Church, where she was ordained in 1992.J
SPRING
SPRING 2021
2021 77
PERFECTING THE PANDEMIC PIVOT
At press time, Franklin final competition hurdle. pandemic. With the appropriate direction for
College was a Mira Awards President Kerry Prather, College’s long and proud our grant application,
finalist, contending for Vice President for Academic history of providing a digital fluency was the clear
“Pandemic Pivot of the Affairs and Dean of the highly personal education- choice. We recognize that
Year.” College Kristin Flora, Ph.D., al experience, emphasis ensuring students have
Associate Vice President always has been on mean- the digital skills needed
The annual awards com- for Academic Affairs ingful, in-person interac- to engage fluently in the
petition run by TechPoint, Tim Garner ’79, Ph.D., and tion. The pandemic neces- world is critical to their
Indiana’s nonprofit growth Vice President for Develop- sitated finding new ways personal and professional
accelerator for the tech ment and Alumni Engage- to deliver the same quality futures, and it is a direction
sector, recognizes and ment Dana Cummings experience. For starters, commensurate with the
amplifies tech success participated. faculty had to undergo Endowment’s initiative.”
stories. This year, Franklin technology training them-
College was one of a record- Flora shared, “We recognize selves prior to leading The College successfully
breaking 211 award appli- many organizations had virtual classes, and the received a $1 million grant
cants, ranging from Fortune to pivot in response to the College’s Information from the Endowment as
500 companies and startups pandemic, and that alone Technology Services (ITS) part of its initiative’s phase
to small organizations and does not make Franklin team led the process. The two round of funding in
individuals. Independent College unique. What does, ITS team also provided 2020. The grant is helping
judging panels narrowed is how we’ve leaned into ongoing support to Franklin the College strengthen
the applicants to 122 it, and embraced the students spread across the technology integration and
nominees vying among changes and opportunities nation. Plus, the College had expand learning opportuni-
15 categories. it brought.” teams of faculty and staff ties. Four key pillars support
volunteers who maintained the College’s digital fluency
“Pandemic Pivot” is a The initial challenge was initiative: curricular
personal contact with every
new category created time. As COVID-19 concerns activities, co-curricular
enrolled student for several
to recognize those who heightened, and Indiana’s and student-life activities,
weeks to help navigate all
excelled at adapting and restrictions on gatherings, faculty and staff develop-
the pandemic-induced
problem-solving to meet work and travel tightened, ment and employer partner-
changes and offer emotion-
pandemic-induced constit- the College’s temporary ships. Recent progress has
al support.
uent needs, seizing market suspension of in-person included hiring a director
opportunities created classes was readjusted In the midst of the pan- of digital fluency, starting
by demand shifts and accordingly. There were demic pivot, Lilly Endow- renovation on an existing
surviving amid difficult only two days to fully ment Inc. invited the campus facility to become
operational challenges prepare faculty to lead College to apply for a home to the Center for Tech
throughout 2020. Franklin online instruction indefi- Charting the Future for Innovation, and launching
College was nominated nitely, and simultaneously Indiana’s Colleges and an esports program and
in recognition of its swift ensure all students had Universities grant, designed soon-to-be gaming center
and successful transition appropriate technology to encourage higher- in Spurlock Center. (Find
to fully online instruction and WiFi access to learn education institutions to related press releases at
last spring, and subse- at home. strategize and collaborate FranklinCollege.edu.)
quent efforts to empower broadly to keep their
students, faculty and staff As Garner explained, Mira Awards winners will
campuses and programs
with digital fluency. College another challenge was only be announced April 22
relevant for current and
leaders had a chance to tell about 25 percent of faculty during a virtual ceremony
future students.
Mira Awards judges more of were using the College’s hosted by TechPoint. J
the story in March, during online teaching and learn- Prather said, “As we had
a virtual interview, the ing system prior to the discussion about an
8 Franklin College MAGAZINE
RECENT COLLEGE STEPS SUPPORTING DIGITAL FLUENCY:
Appointed inaugural director of digital fluency. Andrew Rosner
joined the College staff in February to lead strategic implemen-
tation efforts, including connecting students and faculty with
people, places and experiences that will enable digital-skills
building.
“I have long admired Franklin College’s commitment to a
transformative liberal arts education. I look forward to helping
build upon the Franklin experience by not only preparing
students for the ever-evolving workforce of today, but by also
challenging students to be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”
Rosner previously served more than five years as director
of the Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology at Indiana University.
He currently owns Everlong Digital, a firm specializing in digital marketing strategies and
social media tools for small businesses. Rosner earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology
from DePauw University and a master’s degree in sports marketing and management from
Indiana University.
On track with esports program development. Esports is a form of sports competition using
video games, and an exciting component of the College’s digital fluency initiative. Esports
teams compete online against other colleges and universities across the country, with
championship winners becoming eligible for national competitions.
Franklin College is a new member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE),
Computer- which coordinates and facilitates competitions. Most esports athletes train and compete in
generated only one or two games, similar to athletes in other collegiate sports. Franklin’s coed team,
image of future
esports gaming
named GRIZGaming, will have six competition-game options, Legends, Fortnite, Rocket
center. League, Call of Duty, Overwatch and CS:GO. Team
recruitment is underway, and coaching-staff
selection will follow. The College will convert a
space within Spurlock Center to become a custom
esports gaming center.
Esports interest is building across campus.
College Trustee Katie Kruse recently made a
generous foundational investment toward the
gaming center and equipment, and Trustee
Cathy Dunn and her father, Ken Dunn ’52, also
showed program support with gifts. Only five
years ago, few colleges and universities had
esports programs. Today, there are more than
425 programs nationwide. GRIZGaming will
begin competing in the 2021-22 academic year. J
SPRING 2021 9
In 2019, Richard “Dick”
Park, Ph.D., (HD ’02),
a Franklin College
mathematics professor
emeritus, and his new
acquaintance, Armani
Christopher ’23, gave
their intergenerational
conversation two
thumbs up.
JASON JIMERSON
BRIDGING
“Gordon taught
me to always
GENERATIONS
stay active . . .
By Andy Bell-Beltaci, Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal
Gordon’s advice When a resident at Morning Pointe Senior
was, ‘ Talk to Living and Memory Care died in 2020 after
a battle with COVID-19, a Franklin College
your family student’s photo was found on a table in
more, and keep his room.
in contact with The student had taken a 2019 College seminar called “Life Examined:
people from
In Pursuit of Your Best Self.” The seminar paired students with
residents at Morning Pointe’s Franklin location to encourage visits
home,’ which I
and dialogue about the differences and similarities between genera-
tions. The student whose photo was found came back to the College
should do more.”
the next semester with an interest in gerontology.
Associate professor of sociology Jason Jimerson, Ph.D., decided to
continue the course in the fall of 2020, even though students could
KOSMO WOJACK ’24 not visit the senior citizens in person due to the pandemic. Jimerson
10 Franklin College MAGAZINEand Mary Beth Piland, life enrichment Kosmo Wojack ’24, from Hawaii, Markiah Miller-Kees ’24 learned her
director at Morning Pointe, encouraged considered the importance of keeping Morning Pointe acquaintance died in
correspondence via personal letters, in touch. October after contracting pneumonia.
and helped coordinate intergenera- Miller-Kees never was able to meet her
tional video calls and Zoom chats. “Gordon taught me to always stay in person. Still, she gained a lot from
active,” Wojack said. “Gordon’s advice the interaction.
Jimerson said, “My inspiration for this was, ‘Talk to your family more, and
was that I was very close to my grand- keep in contact with people from Miller-Kees said, “She acknowledged
parents and my great-grandparents, home,’ which I should do more.” stuff happening in my life, and how
but also my father and mother. They amazing it was I overcame it. I’ve been
recently passed away, and I learned a Other conversations led to insights through a lot not many kids have, but
great deal from them.” about what life was like growing up she made me feel smart and strong.
in the first half of the 20th century. She always told me to live your best
Jimerson hoped his students also The new technology was exciting, life because you don’t know when
would benefit from socializing with recalled Virginia Tyte. you’re going to be here, or not.”
elders. Conversations overheard
included admiration and advice. “We were one of the first houses to In 2019, Jimerson had students con-
have TV,” Tyte said. “Every weekend, clude the course by telling the senior
Gordon Dunn, 99, said, “The pre-World everyone in class would come to our citizens what they learned from them.
War II culture that I was born in and house. We would put it in the window,
the culture we have today postwar and people outside and in the neigh- “The Morning Pointe residents came
are completely different in many borhood would watch.” to campus and watched the students
ways. It’s difficult to understand and give presentations,” Jimerson said.
accept the culture of younger people. In an effort to relate, Ty Wright ’24 “They were almost like eulogies for
What they believe and do is different recalled a time when he didn’t have the living.”
than the way I was raised. I appreci- access to TV.
Students who took the 2020 course
ate the younger ones, I believe in the
“I got in trouble when I was younger, asked the senior citizens to reflect on
younger ones — they’re our future.
and I couldn’t watch TV. It was the when they were younger, and lessons
Regardless of how I feel, they’re going
worst week of my life,” he joked. they learned.
to be all right.”
Joye Hardin, 94, said she would tell her
MARY BETH PILAND
younger self to enjoy life to the fullest.
“I remember going to a seminar
years ago,” Hardin said. “One thing
the speaker said was, ‘If you want to
be successful in life, when you meet
someone make them feel important,
and you will be successful.’ I think I
have been successful. Life is good. Life
is fun. There are ups and downs. I’ve
enjoyed life to the fullest. I’m happy
with my life, and I’m happy with what
I’ve done with it.” J
Haley Pritchett ’22 and Mary Miler began
building a camaraderie in 2019.
SPRING 2021 11FELLOWSHIP AWAITS
QUINN FITZGERALD ’20
A competitive postgraduate fellowship program
aimed at developing the next generation of
business leaders and entrepreneurs, and support-
ing the talent pipeline for innovative Indianapolis-
area companies, has selected Erica Irish ’21 for
participation. Irish will begin her Orr Fellowship
this June, after graduation.
With an average applicant pool of 1,200 product research, branding, marketing
and an acceptance rate of only 6%, the and design. Irish will serve as a
program primarily recruits from top marketing partner during her two-year
seniors at universities in the Midwest. Fellowship. Erica Irish ’21
Fellows receive a full-time salaried
position with a host company and “I couldn’t be happier or more world requires. I’m eager to be
ongoing opportunities for professional humbled to accept this incredible challenged and find countless chances
development, executive mentorship opportunity to serve my home city, to grow when I join the team in June.”
and civic engagement. Indianapolis, on teams as forward-
thinking as Innovatemap and Orr Irish will graduate with a bachelor’s
Irish’s host will be Innovatemap, Fellowship,” Irish said. “Innovatemap degree in multimedia journalism and
an agency north of downtown is actively leaning into the work, political science. Journalism professor
Indianapolis, specializing in digital strategy and bold thinking our digital emeritus Ray Begovich encouraged
PURPOSE-DRIVEN
CAREERS
patient outcomes in rural and other
medically underserved communities.
Fellowships are two–year commit-
ments and supplement collegiate
medical programs.
Stephanie Hautsch (MSPAS ’24) and As Fellows, Hautsch and Greiner will
PHOTOS BY CHAD WILLIAMS
Rebecca Greiner (MSPAS ’24), first-year undergo online, observational and
students in the Master of Science experiential training to build skills
in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies supporting a holistic approach to
Program at Franklin College, were patient care that takes social, cultural,
selected for health-care fellowships behavioral and economic factors into
through the Indiana Area Health consideration. They should com-
Education Center (AHEC) Scholars plete the program well-prepared to
Program. help broaden health-care access and
Stephanie Hautsch Rebecca Greiner improve patient outcomes in under-
(MSPAS ’24) (MSPAS ’24) The program is part of a national served areas. Hautsch and Greiner are
initiative aimed at helping states eager to learn and make an impact.
recruit and specially train a workforce
well-prepared to address regional “Our PA program director informed
health-care disparities and improve us about the Fellowship program, and
12 Franklin College MAGAZINERITE of PASSAGE
her to apply for a Fellowship. She also Twenty-four students in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant
found inspiration in the example set Studies (MSPAS) Program received white medical coats Dec. 18, 2020,
by those previously in the program. symbolizing their halfway point of completion in the 25-month endeavor.
Brody Perrine ’17 was Franklin’s White coats also mark the transition from classroom instruction to
first-ever Orr Fellow. clinical rotations, the next step in their professional journey as health-care
providers.
Irish’s collegiate professional develop-
ment experiences have included Due to the pandemic, the ceremony was conducted virtually, with congrat-
staff positions with The Franklin, ulatory remarks from Franklin College President Kerry Prather, and with
Chalkbeat and the Indianapolis family members, rather than professors, enjoying the honor of presenting
Business Journal. Irish also worked the MSPAS students with their white coats.
for TheStatehouseFile, a news
website powered by Pulliam School The MSPAS Program draws a diverse pool of applicants from across the
of Journalism students. In June 2020, country. The 2022 cohort includes students from New Hampshire to
she was part of a team that received Oregon, as well as working professionals seeking career change.
an Emmy from the National Academy
One of them is Class President Michelle Bartlett (MSPAS ’22), who has
of Television Arts & Sciences Lower
worked in special education for nine years, but also always had an interest
Great Lakes Chapter for “The Children’s
in the medical field. Now she is combining her passions.
Crusade Revisited: Slaughterhouse-Five
at 50,” a documentary based on the Bartlett said, “I always heard my students’ parents remark that most
book by Kurt Vonnegut. J medical professionals have a hard time understanding their children.
I decided to pursue a degree to become a PA for this reason. I hope to
work with families and children with special needs.”
In her White Coat Ceremony address, Bartlett urged classmates to “keep
pushing beyond what you think you can handle because uncertainty is
the essence of life, and it fuels opportunity. This year, 2020, sure was an
I felt like it would be a great way to uncertain and difficult time in our lives, but we pushed on and persevered
dive into the community. I am looking through all of the chaos.”
forward to the opportunities it opens,”
said Greiner, a native of Merrimack, The MSPAS Program is made possible by a nearly $1 million grant from
New Hampshire. She earned an Lilly Endowment, as part of its Initiative to Promote Opportunities
undergraduate degree in biomedical Through Educational Collaborations. Franklin’s graduates are eligible to
engineering from North Carolina take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and become
State University prior to enrolling licensed as a PA in any state.
at Franklin. Hautsch earned a bio-
Congratulations to the following white coat recipients, two of whom have
chemistry degree at the University
Franklin College bachelor’s degrees and are indicated with asterisks:
of Evansville and hails from Jasper,
Indiana.
Madeline Atkinson Stephanie Hautsch *Alexandra Short ’19
Hautsch said, “The program is a good Michelle Bartlett Kaleb Johnson Brittany Spaulding
opportunity to better understand Chaz Casey Katelyn Bowman Jacob Stemper
the medical needs of the underserved *Mallory Cast ’19 Lacy Emma Stout
populations surrounding Johnson Tyler Cichowski Cassidy Mull Quentin Tingle
County and similar counties in Sierra Corbin Mohamad Nazari Brittny Vandevander
Indiana, like where I grew up, and Mercedes Cox Rachel Payne Mackenzie Norder
where I hope to practice.” J Josiah Dick Andrea Salemi Willman J
Rebecca Greiner Elizabeth Severns
SPRING 2021 13EMPLOYEE
APPREC
It takes a community of dedicated employees to deliver
the exceptional liberal arts experience and life-changing
opportunities Franklin College students count on receiving
when they enroll.
To recognize and thank valued for helping others, project because I know he
employees for all the ways was a two-way tie, with will be patient, communi-
in which they deliver on the Jason McHenry and Chris cate effectively and execute
CHAD WILLIAMS
College promise, there has Shaff ’96, receiving mutual with precision.”
been an annual appreciation honors. Both men received
multiple nominations from Another nominator appre-
event for 27 years.
Jason McHenry colleagues who praised ciated McHenry’s efforts
Traditionally, employees their work ethic and to help secure laptops for
gather in December for a notable contributions amid all faculty and students as
campus luncheon to unprecedented challenges COVID-19 concerns and state
acknowledge exceptional created by the pandemic. restrictions heightened
individual contributions last spring, and the College
and career milestones, as McHenry, currently the transitioned to distance
well as to celebrate the interim director of Informa- learning. “During that time,
semester’s end. As a tion Technology Services manufacturers were run-
COVID-19 precaution, the (ITS), joined the staff in ning short on laptops. Our
latest event was transi- 2014, advancing rapidly classes could not have gone
tioned to a virtual gathering from application developer online as smoothly had we
RENEE KEAN ’06
hosted by President Kerry to database administrator. not switched over prior to
Prather. He recognized three His reputation is synony- the pandemic,” wrote the
Chris Shaff ’96 individuals with College mous with excellent client nominator.
awards of distinction and service.
Shaff is the College’s head
thanked 33 others for their
One nominator wrote: “He athletic trainer. Prior to
significant service, ranging
is the go-to person for all working at his alma mater,
from five to 45 years of
things in ITS, and is always he earned a master’s degree
employment.
willing to help. I have never in athletic training from
The Margaret A. Hommell seen him lose his patience, Valparaiso University. He
Staff Service Excellence even when much is asked also gained valuable career
Award, named in memory of him. It is always a plea- experience working with
of an employee deeply sure to work with him on a professional baseball
14 Franklin College MAGAZINEECIATION
CHAD WILLIAMS
players and high school Further, he helped develop One nominator wrote:
athletes, and selling phar- a new mental-health policy “She is highly creative and
maceuticals. Numerous to help support student- strives to make learning
nominators praised Shaff athletes, coaches and staff. interactive for students by
for his selfless-service Nominators also noted using humor and visual
and passion for helping Shaff’s commitment to components, like images
student-athletes. professional development and videos. As a result,
through his participation students routinely praise
One nominator wrote: in conferences, webinars her on their course evalua-
“Chris has a positive, upbeat and independent reading tions, citing her dedication
attitude that helps any of research. He also repre- to their learning, and her
athlete work through an sented the College last year approachability.”
injury or ailment keeping as a participant in Leader- Katie Burpo
them from the playing field/ ship Johnson County, and One student said, “I don’t
court. The athletic-training was involved in developing even have a good grade in
staff, under his leadership, resources for men coping her class, and it’s one of my
consistently follows best with grief. favorites.”
practices.”
Assistant professor of Other nominators recog-
The nominator continued: English Katie Burpo was nized Burpo for her enthu-
“Chris and his colleagues the distinguished recipi- siastic engagement across
have taken on a critical ent of the Adjunct Faculty campus, including outreach
role in providing COVID-19 Excellence Award. Only to first-year students and
testing for student-athletes, non-tenure track professors prospective students with
staff and faculty. He has who have taught two or interest in creative writing,
excelled in his efforts to more semesters and at least and upper-class students
become knowledgeable and 12 credit hours at Franklin seeking academic advice.
well-trained in the areas are eligible. Burpo has a Burpo also was involved in
necessary to take on these bachelor’s degree in the creative writing depart-
new tasks.” English/writing from ment’s curriculum revision
DePauw University and and helps manage its social
Shaff also was praised for media accounts.
a master’s degree in
improving several processes
fine arts/creative
in the athletic training View the full list of honor-
writing from Western
department, including drug ees in the news section at
Michigan University.
testing and appointment FranklinCollege.edu. J
scheduling with trainers.
SPRING 2021 15GIFTS OF GE
WOMEN IN SCIENCE Barbara’s namesake scholarship will
be awarded annually, beginning in
Marston ’92 and Melissa (Marston)
Schulz, as well as eight grandchildren.
The Dr. Barbara Hummel Weil ’47 fall 2021. Recipients will be selected
Memorial Scholarship is the result of according to criteria established by “On behalf of my entire family, I
a $100,000 gift from Edward D. Weil, her family, with first preference given am pleased and proud to be able
Ph.D., in remembrance of his spouse. to a female student demonstrating to provide this type of support for
academic excellence and majoring in deserving Franklin College students
Barbara grew up in Marion, Indiana, and members of the education depart-
chemistry or other related field.
and enrolled at Franklin College to ment,” said Michael. “My parents were
pursue a degree in chemistry, a field very proud of their Franklin College
few women explored at the time. history, and our entire family loves
She also faced physical and social EMPOWERING EDUCATORS the institution as a result.
challenges resulting from a childhood
An estate gift of $100,000 from Ted L. “They worked tirelessly in support of
illness that caused blindness in one
Marston ’51 (HD ’92) and spouse Alma education, human rights and equality.
of her eyes, but she persevered. She
“Elaine” (Harrison) ’52 has endowed The fact that we will be able to have
earned a graduate fellowship with
the Ted Marston Teaching Fund. an impact on future educators is
the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign, where she also received particularly fitting, as those are the
The Marstons had a lifelong passion
a doctorate in organic chemistry. very people who will shape young
for education, and initially estab-
minds, and ultimately, make the world
lished a fund in 2011 to assist Franklin
While raising two children with a better place. I know my parents
College students pursuing careers as
Edward, Barbara built a successful would be gratified to see this gift
educators. Their estate gift joins the
scientific career that included supporting Franklin College in this
fund to create a permanent endow-
material research for Bell Aircraft and way.”
ment enabling greater impact through
pioneering work for Union Carbide
student financial assistance, virtual
on one of the earliest systems for
technology resources, department-
computerized information retrieval.
Later, as director of clinical affairs
related travel and the Marston Educa- INTERFAITH PROGRAMS
tion Curriculum Resource Center.
for Lipha, a French pharmaceutical The Indianapolis-based Allen Whitehill
company with an office in New York The Marstons met at Franklin College, Clowes Charitable Foundation award-
City, she produced the substantial wed in 1950 and celebrated 65 anniver- ed the College a $15,000 grant to
documents used to gain the Food saries prior to Ted’s death in 2016. support “Interfaith Understanding
and Drug Administration’s approval Elaine died in 2020. Over his lifetime, Through the Arts and Humanities”
of Metformin, an oral diabetes Ted served in many College roles, program development, to highlight
medication. In Washington, D.C., including trustee for 20 years, with various faith traditions expressed
her arguments advocating the drug’s five years as board chair. He received through dance, visual arts, music,
safety diminished the objections an honorary doctorate in 1992 and poetry and filmmaking.
of those unable to back their opinions was elected a lifelong Honorary
with proven science. The drug contin- Trustee in 2002. The couple are Professor emeritus of philosophy
ues to save countless lives today. survived by their children, Michael and religion David Carlson, Ph.D.,
16 Franklin College MAGAZINEENEROSITY
and director of religious life and
chaplain Hannah Adams Ingram, Ph.D.,
TOWN-GOWN RELATIONS “The College has been a good avenue
for us not only to make inroads with
developed the concept with creative When New Jersey-based Radwell® students but to get more involved in
guidance from assistant professor of International established a branch in local programs, such as Leadership
fine arts and theatre Nick Crisafulli. Franklin in 2014, the leadership team Johnson County, and to network with
took note of the College, only two supporters of the Grizzlies’ athletic
“We are extremely grateful for this blocks away. The prospect of recruiting teams,” said Tiedeken.
grant because it allows us to plan a interns and graduates was encour-
cohesive convocation series over the aging, said general manager Robert Today, two alumni are on the Radwell
next three years,” Adams Ingram said. Tiedeken. sales team, Beth Hurm-Hatchett ’97
and Bruce Kittle ’81. Radwell stocks
Last fall, Franklin College Trustee With operations fully running by 2016, and sells industrial automation, elec-
Emeritus Bill Brown ’61 and his the branch welcomed two Franklin tronic, hydraulic, heating/ventilation/
spouse, Sue Ann, along with Sandra College interns, one in technical air conditioning and electrical control
(Corbin) Hinshaw ’66 and her spouse, production and one in sales/market- equipment that helps keep a variety of
Tom, and Bob Epstein ’67 and his ing. For one student, the internship manufacturers running.
spouse, Louise, generously underwrote morphed into a part-time position
the College’s debut event, “Interfaith while he finished his degree, then
Understanding Through the Art of he joined the company full time.
Storytelling.” It was held virtually due ADMISSIONS BOOST
to the pandemic, and was a featured “One of our takeaways was that
For the second consecutive year,
presentation in Central Indiana’s Franklin students were unbelievably
Franklin College Trustee John Auld ’76
distinguished Spirit & Place Festival. well prepared and able to apply them-
and his spouse, Beth, have made a
selves right out of the gate, which we
Allen Whitehill Clowes (HD ’64) was gift in support of admission efforts
didn’t typically experience recruiting
a longtime Franklin College friend in Johnson County. The College
from other colleges,’ said Tiedeken.
and art program supporter. After has a long, successful history of
“While the students lacked some
receiving an honorary degree from providing a transformational liberal
technical knowledge, they had the
Franklin, he was a periodic visitor, arts experience to students recruited
mindset to learn quickly.”
attended social functions and from within a 50-mile radius of
arranged for the display of artwork The same year the interns were campus. Historically, these industrious
from his personal collection on hired, Radwell began offering a students choose to build their homes
campus. Upon his death in 2000, he corporate scholarship to Franklin and careers in Indiana after they
bequeathed an endowed fund to assist College students. When that four-year graduate college, thereby helping
promising art students who wanted commitment ended in 2019, the strengthen the state’s talent pool and
to attend Franklin College. company renewed its support with economy. The Aulds’ gift enables the
the promise of four future annual gifts College to offer one-time grants to
to the Franklin Fund. current high school seniors in Johnson
County who demonstrate financial
need and desire to be a Grizzly. For
more details, call, 888.852.6471. J
SPRING 2021 17KALYN JOHNSON
PLANTING
KNOWLEDGE
Franklin College’s beautiful park-
AMBER YOUNT
like setting is often admired by
campus guests, and broadly enjoyed
by Grizzlies past and present. Main-
taining the grounds and caring for
MORE THAN the landscape and plantings take
WORDS
tremendous work year-round from
the physical facilities team. For many
years, biology professor Alice Heikens,
Ph.D., also has played a role not only
by sharing her botany expertise and
As work centered around diversity, counsel regarding native and invasive
equity and inclusion (DEI) continues at plants, but by involving science
Franklin College, the community has students in the College’s greening
taken time to acknowledge the impor- efforts. Students have previously
tance of Black history and agents of conducted tree and plant inventories Planting a tree in the foreground are Sergio
change, from the past and present. as well as planted saplings. Aguilar Vargas ’24, Robert “Tom” Shrader ’24
and Eddy Yousak ’24. Emily Newton ’24,
Recent opportunities to listen, learn, With Heikens’ guidance, Grizzly Kara Woodard ’24 and Samantha Schick ’24
discuss and unite included virtual are in the background.
Park was envisioned not only as the
programs honoring the legacy of athletic complex it is today but an urban forest, where a variety of trees
Martin Luther King Jr., Ph.D., on Jan. 18. provide shade and surround walking trails with beauty. More than seven
A morning chapel service was followed years ago, Heikens began the tradition of engaging students in planting the
by a guest-panel discussion on young trees that continue to flourish. The efforts have enabled the College
economic equality, and readings by to qualify as a Tree Campus Higher Education designee of the Arbor Day
spoken-word artist Taylor McElwain ’19. Foundation for eight consecutive years.
The day concluded with the lecture,
“No Man is an Island: Social Justice is Meeting the Arbor Day Foundation’s standards requires five criteria: a campus
Everyone’s Work” by Alexandria White, tree advisory committee, a tree-care plan, a tree program with dedicated
Ph.D., director of diversity for ReBoot annual expenditures, an annual Arbor Day observance and a student ser-
Accel, a woman-owned consulting vice- learning project. The COVID-19 pandemic presented some challenges
company in Silicon Valley. Concurrent that nearly thwarted the efforts in fall 2020, but Heikens, assistant professor
with the MLK Day observance, the of biology Amber Yount, Ph.D., and PE instructor emerita Doreen St. Clair
College hosted a children’s book drive. rallied around the cause. St. Clair made a generous private gift, and Yount’s
students did some additional fundraising. The collaborative effort enabled
DEI programming continued in the purchase of six red maples for Grizzly Park.
February with the presentation
“Inspired to Lead Through Uncertain Yount said, “The students involved in this project were enrolled in my
Times,” by Terri M. Hurdle, Ed.D., exec- first-year seminar course on climate change. There’s a lot of misinformation
utive director of TMarie Consulting out there about the issue, and I saw this course as an opportunity to help
and a featured writer in the book students explore the facts and see how they could take an active role in
Our Stories: The Experiences of Black their own communities to mitigate climate change.”
Professionals on Predominately White
Campuses. The students underwent training on proper tree planting procedures and
participated in class discussion with Heikens about the connection to
For more, visit FranklinCollege.edu, sustainability and conservation efforts. The culmination enabled students
and search for “President’s Council on to dig into the process with their own hands. J
Diversity and Inclusion.” J
18 Franklin College MAGAZINENEW ATHLETIC FACILITY
CHAD WILLIAMS
The Johnson Memorial Health Athletics Annex at Franklin
College is on the horizon thanks to a $1 million commit-
ment from the Franklin-based health-care network.
The indoor multiple-use annex will be located on the
College campus, at the southwest corner of Park Ave. and
Second St. Retractable batting cages, golfing surfaces, a
weight room and ample indoor spaces will accommodate a
variety of athletic practices to support skills development
and conditioning year-round. Nearly 44% of the student
body participates in the College’s 21 men’s and women’s
athletic programs.
“This generous gift is the latest endorsement of our
wonderful working relationship with JMH,” said Franklin
College President Kerry Prather. “We partnered with JMH
on the creation of our Graduate Health Sciences Center,
and again with the employment of our campus nurse.
The hospital and its staff have been incredible partners
in hosting undergraduate interns and graduate-level physi-
cian assistant studies majors for clinical experiences. Athletically, our student-athletes are extremely Franklin College
well-served by JMH, as the preferred provider of health-care services for our athletic department.” President Kerry
Prather and JMH
President and CEO
JMH President and CEO David Dunkle ’94, M.D., said, “Our intent is to always provide greater access
David Dunkle ’94, M.D.
to resources students can use to maintain and improve their physical health. The Johnson Memorial
Health Athletics Annex is an example of our ongoing commitment to be invested in the well-being of
not just the Franklin College community, but the surrounding community as a whole.”
The College previously made athletic facility upgrades in 2011, when outdoor venues for tennis,
softball and track and field were built in Grizzly Park, and Stewart “Red” Faught Stadium received turf
and lights for football, soccer and lacrosse. J
HOSTS OF CHAMPIONS
Franklin College and Indiana Sports Corp. will host the committee, per division, selected the host sites it believed
2026 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving National would provide the ultimate experience for the respective
Championships, scheduled at the IU Natatorium in down- student-athletes, resulting in more than 450 championship
town Indianapolis. sites selected. The four championships not included in the
process due to preexisting arrangements were Division I
Franklin College previously hosted in 2012 and 2018. The baseball, football and softball, and Division III women’s ice
2026 event is projected to bring more than 500 student- hockey.
athletes from around the country to compete in 40 events
over a four-day period. Indiana Sports Corp. leads the statewide initiative Team
Indiana, whose mission is to promote the state as a premier
Hosts were announced in October 2020, but bidding for destination for sports-related events. Team Indiana also
86 of the 90 NCAA championships began in August 2019. has involvement with past, present and future NCAA
More than 3,000 bid applications were received. Each sport Championships. J
SPRING 2021 19RETURN TO PLAY
With the start of spring semester also came an unusual practice and game schedule result-
ing from postponed seasons caused by the pandemic. In addition to the traditional spring
competitors, the football, soccer, tennis and volleyball teams are recouping their seasons, in
accordance with Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference guidelines.
“Grizzlies always display grit through adversity, and the early-season wins posted in basket-
ball, swimming and diving, track and field, and volleyball indicate this year will be no
exception. We are very proud of our student-athletes, coaches and athletic training staff for
their adaptability,” said Andrew Hendricks, director of athletics, and head swimming and
diving coach.
“The coaching staffs are fully committed to helping student-athletes stay focused on
academics, as we continue to work on synchronizing the limited practice areas, playing
spaces and locker rooms, and navigate the unpredictable weather.”
Hendricks wants to remind fans that live coverage of most home games is shared free on
the GRIZTV streaming service. At present, coverage includes Grizzlies’ football, soccer, volley-
ball, lacrosse, basketball, baseball and softball. Additional team coverage is in the works.
To access GRIZTV, start at the athletic website, FranklinGrizzlies.com. Next, look for the
Fan Zone in the menu across the top of your computer screen and select GRIZTV, or scroll
to the bottom of the page on your smart phone and click the GRIZTV logo. Then, you should
see a schedule of upcoming broadcasts, plus archives of previous games. J
ON THE
RUN
The men’s and women’s
cross-country teams
had a memorable fall
season in 2020.
To prioritize safety yet enable competi-
tion, the Heartland Collegiate Athletic
Conference (HCAC) conducted a Virtual
Racing Series. Teams competed inde-
pendently at their respective campuses
and recorded times that were reported
to the HCAC and compiled to reveal the
winners and leaders.
The first race in September was a
Angelina Gregory ’23 and Wyatt 3200-meter run at Grizzly Park.
McCullough ’24 pace their respective Franklin’s men placed second in the
teams.
eight-team field with 84 points, while
the women took fifth place with 116
PHOTOS BY RYAN THOMAS points. Four additional races followed,
with the season closing in November.
20 Franklin College MAGAZINEbig heart
MIKE LEONARD
FOR GOOD CAUSE
The fifth annual Big Heart 5K run/walk founded
by the Franklin College football team in memory
of former player Wes Shambaugh ’15 was held
in November 2020. Shambaugh died from an
enlarged heart, at age 23, in March 2015.
Over the years, supporters of the fundraiser
have enabled the College to purchase eight
automated external defibrillators and install
them in facilities across campus. The portable
devices can help those experiencing sudden
cardiac arrest by analyzing the heart’s rhythm
and, if necessary, delivering an electrical shock,
to help re-establish an effective rhythm.
Due to the pandemic, the official 2020 event
was virtual, but several participants showed up to “Walk for Wes” in person at
Meadowood Park in Speedway, Indiana, where his mother resides. Pictured
are Jeremy Parker ’15, Joey Pasquale ’15, Jonny Hession ’15, Joe Rush ’14, Jonny
West ’14 and Kyle Linville ’13. J
SUPPORTING
STUDENT-ATHLETES
In the final event, a 6K, the women’s time of 26:20.0. In 14th place was Chris For the second consecutive year,
team racked up 106.5 points to take Graham ’20, who clocked in with a Niel Ellerbrook and his spouse,
fifth-place overall Two women cracked time of 26:50.0. Karen, made a generous gift
the top-15, Angelina Gregory ’23 and to the athletic department to
Taylor Wooten ’22. Gregory earned In his inaugural 8K, Jack Sells ’24 provide charter bus transportation
sixth-place overall and set a new earned 20th-place overall with a time for coaches and student-athletes.
personal best of 24:52.0, and Woo- of 27:22.0. Jaycee Wilburn ’23 and Their support helps ensure safe
ten placed 12th while setting a new Parker Mullins ’24, who claimed and comfortable travel for Grizzlies
personal best of 25:24.0. identical times of 27:52.0, shared 29th competing away from home.
place. Other participants included
Other runners included Jill Anspaugh Drew Hargis ’24, Jordan Johnson ’22, “We thank the Ellerbrooks for
’23, Bessie Kerr ’24, Grace Esterline ’21 Eli Cochrane ’24, Henry Davidson ’22, their philanthropic hearts and
and Josie Lyons ’24. Ethan Bequeret ’23, Matthew Lee ’22, generosity,” said Director of Athletics
Brayden Devenport ’24 and Steve Andrew Hendricks, also the head
In their final race, an 8K, the men Bellamy ’24. swimming and diving coach.
collected third-place overall with 87
points. Matching the women’s team, Watch video-recorded interviews “Athletics play a major part in
the men had two runners make the with the runners and get more shaping lives, and thanks to the
top-15, Wyatt McCullough ’24 and cross-country news at Franklin- Ellerbrooks we can offer students
Chris Graham ’20. For the fourth time Grizzlies.com. J even greater life-changing experi-
in five races, McCullough paced the ences that build confidence, lead
field. He finished ninth overall, with a to success and create lasting
memories.” J
SPRING 2021 21You can also read
