encounters encounters encounters - Owens Community College

Alumni Board
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Robert W. Clifford, Director
Corporate Director - Safety, Health & Security Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Bob Clifford is the Corporate Director of Safety, Health and Security for Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in Findlay,
Ohio. His responsibilities include overseeing worldwide safety, health, security and workers compensation matters
for the company. The Toledo native previously served in law enforcement as a police offi cer at the Ottawa Hills and
Maumee police departments. Additionally, Bob was a loss prevention investigator for Seaway Foodtown. His community
involvement includes the Safety Council of Northwestern Ohio and he serves on the board of the Findlay/Hancock County
Crimestoppers. Bob received his associate degree in law enforcement from Owens Community College in 1975. He and
his wife, Diane, reside in Findlay and are parents to Brad Clifford (35), Matt Clifford (32), Darick Ammons (37), Brent
Ammons (36), and Curt Ammons (34). He enjoys golf and Corvettes.
“I enjoyed my time as an Owens student immensely. The education I received at Owens was defi nitely a launching pad for where
I am today. Owens, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
T. Allen Gunn, Director
Senior Associate World Financial Group
Allen Gunn is a Senior Associate with World Financial Group. He is also a Branch Offi ce Supervisor for World Financial
Group’s affi liate Broker Dealer World Group Securities, Inc. His previous experience includes serving in the U.S. Marine
Corps, sales consultant for Toshiba and account executive for Innowave. Allen earned his associate’s degree from Owens
Community College in 2003 and majored in marketing and sales. He is active in his church, is a soccer coach for Perrysburg
Youth Soccer Association and has begun an organization for fathers called All Pro Dads. Allen enjoys golfi ng, driving and
playing with his kids. He and his wife, Fran, have four children, Thomas (13), Emily (9), Lily (7) and Luke (3). He resides
in Perrysburg.
“I received a world-class, relevant education from Owens that I was able to leverage when I went into business for myself right
after graduation. The level of professionalism and competence I experienced from every one of my instructors at Owens
was amazing.”
Andrea M. Gurcsik, SPHR, Director
Senior Human Resource Specialist The University of Toledo
Andrea Gurcsik is the Senior Human Resource Specialist for The University of Toledo. She is responsible for managing the
recruiting process for the University and employee relations. Previously, she was the Human Resource Manager at Harris
Health Trends and S.E. Johnson Companies, Inc. Her community involvement includes committee chair of the Ohio
Human Resource conference, volunteer at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, basketball coach for CYO, vice president for the
Toledo Area Human Resource Association (TAHRA) and director on the Board of Directors for Neighborhood Properties,
Inc. In 2005, she was named Young Alumni of the Year by The University of Toledo’s College of Business Administration.
Andrea received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Toledo in 2001 and earned an
associate degree in business administration from Owens in 1999. Andrea enjoys traveling, playing sports and card games.
She and her husband, Gary, reside in Maumee.
“ When I enrolled at Owens, I went to college because I felt like I should – all my friends were going to college. While at Owens,
I became so impressed with the dedication of the faculty, especially those who encouraged me to achieve more and continue my
education towards a bachelor’s degree. I am so grateful and know that I would not be where I am today professionally if not for
the dedicated faculty at Owens.”
Dr. Angela K. Jackson, Director
Doctor of Optometry Quality Family Eyecare, Inc.
Angela Jackson is a Doctor of Optometry and owner of Quality Family Eyecare, Inc. in Rossford, Ohio. Her private practice
serves over 5,000 patients providing primary eyecare including the treatment of many ocular diseases, contact lenses and low
vision. Previously, Angela was an associate with Maumee Eye Clinic. She is a member of St. Jerome Church, the treasurer
of the Toledo Area Optometric Society and a volunteer at Mildred Bayer Homeless Clinic. Angela received her Doctor of
Optometry from The Ohio State University in 1997 and an associate degree in applied science from Owens Community
College in 1991. Angela enjoys running, reading and playing with her children. She and her husband, Thomas, have two
children, Sophia (6) and Harrison (4), and are residents of Millbury.
“At Owens, I gained the self-confi dence it takes to want to go for something bigger than what I thought was possible.
The faculty and staff helped me take the next step, and I have been walking ever since.”
Kaye L. Koevenig, Director
Senior Accountant Owens Community College
Kaye Koevenig is the Senior Accountant at Owens Community College. Her responsibilities include coordinating monthly
closings of the general ledger, maintaining the accuracy of the general ledger balances through the review process or
the preparation of account analysis. She also ensures that the College is meeting the fi nancial recording and reporting
requirements established by outside agencies. Kaye has been an Owens employee since June 1986, working various
positions such as: Student Worker, Staff Accountant – Special Projects, Staff Accountant and Assistant Controller.
Kaye is actively involved in the Junior League of Toledo and is also a Board Member for Erie Shores Credit Union.
In addition, she is a volunteer at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and sits on the Northwest Ohio Komen Race
for the Cure Steering Committee. Kaye earned her associate degree is accounting from Owens in 1992. She then received
her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Heidelberg College in 1996, and in 1998, her MBA with an emphasis
on public administration from the University of Findlay. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor
activities, gardening and thoroughly enjoying and making the most out of life. Kaye is a Toledo resident.
“Owens was a great place for me to start my education, as well as gain practical work experience as a student worker.
Everything I learned continues to be applicable, even today as a Senior Accountant.”
Susan M. Litten, Director
MRI Senior/Supervisor Technologist St. Luke’s Hospital
Part-time Faculty, Instructor - Imaging Technologies Owens Community College
Sue Litten is an MRI Senior/Supervisor Technologist for St. Luke’s Hospital. Her responsibilities include performing
MRI/technical procedures and supervising the department. She also works as a part-time Faculty member for Owens
Community College. She is an Instructor for the Imaging Technologies where she serves as a Lab Assistant in open labs
during the evenings. Susan earned her associate degree in radiography from Owens Community College in 1979. She
also is actively involved in her community serving as chair for the ways & means committee for the Maumee High School
band. She has three children, Eric Heinze (20), Bradley Heinze (17) and Kirsten Heinze (16) and resides with her husband,
Jonathan Litten, in Maumee. She enjoys reading, organizing and planning, gardening and shopping.
“Owens gave me the foundation on which I built my career in medical imaging. I worked my way from staff technologist to
supervisor and I am now back at Owens teaching in the same fi eld, which brings it full circle. To add to my Owens legacy,
my two sons will be attending Owens in the Fall to start their careers.”
Michael W. Rickard, Director
Coordinator, Student Enrichment and Athletics Owens Community College
Michael Rickard is the Athletic Coordinator for Student Enrichment and Athletics at Owens Community College.
His main responsibility is to assist the director in performing department functions. Michael earned his bachelor of
education in athletic recreation from The University of Toledo in 1984. He is also an Owens graduate, having received his
associate of science in recreation in 1982. He enjoys spending time with his children, Alexa (11) and Austin (5), and is also
an avid golfer, poker player and enjoys baseball and softball. He resides in Toledo.
“My education and employment at Owens have led to rewarding community service opportunities and advancements in my
professional fi eld. My success was greatly impacted by my Owens experience.”
Allison M. Schroeder, Director
Assistant General Manager The Town Center at Levis Commons, Hill Partners Inc.
Allison Schroeder is the Assistant General Manager of The Town Center at Levis Commons, working for Hill Partners
Inc. In this position she is responsible for the daily fi nances and operations of the shopping center. Previously she was the
Assistant General Manager of Westfi eld Shoppingtown Franklin Park. She is involved as a member of the International
Council of Shopping Centers. Allison received her bachelor degree in business administration from Lourdes College in 2002
and earned an associate degree in marketing and sales from Owens in 2000. She and her husband, Nick, reside in Swanton.
“Owens provided a great educational foundation to help me as I continued on for my bachelor’s degree, as well as provided me
with the academic resources to start my career. Many of my instructors took a personal interest in my success and continued to
mentor me and push me toward my goals even after graduating.”
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