A Publication for Alumni and Friends SPRING ISSUE 2006

A Publication for Alumni and Friends
SPRING ISSUE
2006
• Facilities to be
Renovated
• Board Appointments
• Thomas Steps Down as
Basketball Coach
• Class Notes
• Bickerstaff Roast
• Bookstore
Memorabilia
Dr. Gregory S. Sojka, and wife, Jane

DEAR RIO GRANDE ALUMNI,
Please let me introduce myself as your
very proud Interim President of the University
of Rio Grande. Dr. Dorsey departed
in January after 15 years of excellent
service to Rio Grande. During
the last 12 years I have served Rio’s
faculty and students as Provost and Academic
Vice President, My wife’s name
is Jane (the “other Dr. Sojka”) and we
are blessed with three daughters, Laura,
20; Ann, 17; and Joan, 16. My new position
will enable me to meet both on
and off campus with many alumni and
friends of Rio Grande.
Although snowflakes are flying
across the sky as I am writing, spring
cleaning will soon begin both in our
homes and at your alma mater!
Several campus improvement
projects are underway this spring. Dirt
will be moved and temporary inconveniences
will occur, but the results will
add many beautiful features to our campus
to serve students, faculty, staff, alums
and guests.
These projects are benefiting from the
current “Lighting the Way” Capital
Campaign which has raised $16 million
of the $21 million goal, with 18 months
to conclusion.
Through the generosity of Jack and
Jane Kidd, their son, Larry, and daughter-in-law,
Cindy, a totally renovated
greenhouse will sparkle in the Kidd
Math and Science Center. Other improvements,
including new classroom
furnishings and a comfortable lounge
with wireless Internet access will also
serve the many students who attend
classes in this facility.
Our swimming pool is undergoing a
complete infrastructure renovation.
Around 800 swimmers each week use
the pool, and all the lifeguard training
for local pools takes place at Rio
Grande. We also teach swimming lessons
for children and adults who fear
the water. A local community group,
headed by Tom Blodgett, M.D., his wife
Heidi, and Naci Bozkir, M.D., has volunteered
to chair the Swimming Pool
Campaign to raise the money for the
renovations.
Another project involves the expansion
of the Evan E. and Elizabeth E.
Davis University Center. Cafeteria seating
will increase from 350 to 500, and
additional student meeting and game
rooms and an open terrace will revitalize
the campus core. A Great Hall and
other special features will enable Rio to
host larger campus and community
events.
The admissions staff has moved into
new offices in a renovated home across
from Lyne Center.
The Campus Beautification Committee
works hard at making our campus
an even more attractive place for
living and learning. I plan to join them
in planting some additional perennials
and annuals around the President’s
Home!
I had the privilege to attend several
alumni meetings in Florida this February,
and enjoyed meeting our friends
there. This May, many former Rio
Grande basketball players will participate
in a “roast” hosted by Bob Leith,
honoring Bernie Bickerstaff, currently
head coach and general manager of the
NBA Charlotte Bobcats, and his former
coach, Art Lanham. Commencement
will follow on May 6, with a record of
500+ graduates receiving their diplomas
in a ceremony held on the Campus
Green.
For all the success we have had to
date with the Capital Campaign, we
must continue to “light the way” for future
projects. Included on this list are
equipping a psychology laboratory,
funding an endowed faculty chair in
technology, creating a simulated “trading
floor” in our School of Business, and
forming a School of Allied Health Sciences
with a new building to follow.
None of these projects can take place
without your assistance. When asked,
please volunteer your time, energy, and
resources. Accept my sincere thanks on
behalf of your alma mater. I look forward
to meeting with you in the future!
Dr. Gregory Sojka
About the Cover: Drs. Greg and Jane Sojka
are shown in the living room of the President’s
Home. The home, located on the URG campus,
has undergone a thorough and professional
cleaning, including a repainting of both
the first and second floors, carpet shampooing,
and drapery cleaning. The Presidents’
Home opened in 1994.
Pool Under Repair
Campaign Makes Upgrades Possible
More than two months ago, Rio Grande
was forced to close its swimming pool located
in Lyne Center.
The pool, built in 1969, is in good shape
structurally, but needs immediate repair of
its filter, filter houses, intake pipes, and circulation
pipes.
When operable, the pool is used by numerous
people on a regular basis, including
Rio’s athletic teams who use the facility
for training, conditioning and rehab, area
seniors for exercise and the ease of their
arthritis, and a competitive community
swim team.
While not an original part of the Lighting
the Way Campaign, the raising of
$500,000 has been undertaken by the
Campaign’s leadership and a committee
formed to assist in this effort.
Petrea
Brown
Named To
University
Board
Petrea Brown, Jackson, was named to
the University of Rio Grande Board of
Trustees on February 4.
The wife of the late Dean S. Brown
’65, Petrea received her Bachelor of Arts
degree in 1974, and her master’s degree
in classroom teaching, also from Rio
Grande, in 1995. Petrea is a teacher in
the Jackson City School District, where
she has taught for the past 20 years.
“I go back a long way with the University.
It’s been a major part of my life,”
said Petrea.
“I will do whatever I can (to help),
wherever I can.”
2/www.rio.edu A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
SPRING ISSUE 2006

Koby Named Interim
President Of Rio Grande
Community College
A long-time
former employee
of Rio Grande,
Dr. Herman L.
Koby, Gallipolis,
has been named
the interim president
of Rio
Grande Community
College by the RGCC trustees.
Dr. Koby served the institution in a
number of positions between the years
1966 and 2000. In 2002, he joined the
RGCC Board of Trustees, and for the
past two years has served as its chairman.
Koby said his new position would
enable him to further define,
strengthen, and solidify the relationship
between the two institutions.
Nursing Students Assist In
Katrina Relief
Service-learning project of the RN-BSN
Students in Pass Christian, Mississippi
after Hurricane Katrina
“It humbles you.”
This was a statement made by nursing
instructor, Kathy Carlisle, and a feeling
shared by those who accompanied her,
upon her return from Katrina-devastated
Pass Christian, Mississippi.
Four Rio nursing students organized and
funded the trip, taken in late 2005, as a community
service project. While in Mississippi,
the group passed out food and supplies
at a distribution center, and worked
in a soup kitchen.
The group included Sara Lash,
McArthur; Sarah Deel, Gallipolis; Lacey
Bunting; Gallipolis, and Danielle Thomas,
Asheville; Donna Mitchell, chair of the
Holzer School of Nursing; and Carlisle.
These students are enrolled in the Bachelor
of Science Nursing Program.
Of the trip all agreed that they got more
out of the experience than they gave.
SPRING ISSUE 2006
Danny Goes To College
Danny, a yellow labrador retriever and star
of his own adventure series written for children,
was accompanied by his owner, author
Mia Simpson Coulton ’72, upon their visit
to campus on November 30.
At a luncheon hosted by the Friends of
Davis Library and the URG Alumni Association,
Mia, a former reading intervention
specialist, and her husband Rob ’72, explained
the writing process that has resulted
in the publication of 26 children’s
books.
The Coultons reside in Shaker Heights.
Dorsey Says Farewell,
Undertakes New Challenge
Former President Barry M. Dorsey
addresses attendees at a farewell
reception held in his honor. At right is
Gregory Fields ’71, Chairman, URG
Board of Trustees
Dr. Barry M. Dorsey, immediate past president
of the University of Rio Grande/ Rio
Grande Community College, is now the executive
director of the New College of Virginia
Planning Commission in Martinsville,
Virginia.
Dr. Dorsey noted that the Planning Commission
has worked for nearly two years to
lay the groundwork for establishing a new
four-year state institution in the Martinsville-
Henry County region of Southern Virginia.
Said Dorsey, “My initial responsibility will
be to implement an evolving two-stage plan
to create the institution...literally ‘from the
ground up.”
Dr. Dorsey continued, “I will very much
miss…all of the alumni, friends, and supporters
of Rio Grande. I am grateful to each of
you for your work to grow and develop the
institution.”
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Kidd Family Extends
Further Support To Center
Major improvements to the Kidd Math
and Science Center are underway, due to
the extended support of the Jack Kidd Family
of Jackson, Ohio. A long-time trustee
of the University, Jack, and his wife, Jane,
have enlisted the help of their son, Larry,
and Larry’s wife, Cindy, in providing for
improvements to and the upkeep of the facility.
(See President’s Message, p. 2)
The Center’s greenhouse is receiving
new windows, cabinets, and floor, and a
new watering system is being installed.
New stools are being put in the labs, and
new desks in the classrooms. The lobby is
being redesigned to be more conducive to
study, and will have wireless Internet accessibility.
“We are just really enthusiastic about the
University and everything it represents,”
Jack Kidd said. Adds Larry, “We really
believe in Rio Grande.”
W. Todd
Johnson ’88
Named To
University
Board
W. Todd Johnson ’88, Gallipolis, became
a member of the URG Board of Trustees
during its October 2005 meeting. Todd is
serving as a representative of the Alumni
Board of Directors.
The former accounting major is an internal
controls coordinator for the Ohio Valley
Bank Co.
www.rio.edu/3

CLASS NOTES ☎CLASS NOTES ☎CLASS NOTES
1924
JOY BETHEL, Ontario, celebrated her
102nd birthday on January 22. A retired
elementary school teacher, Miss Bethel
gave piano lessons until her 100th birthday.
A resident of Outlook Pointe, an assisted
living center, Miss Bethel enjoys playing
the piano in her room, reading mysteries
and historical novels, and attending church.
1931
Deceased: DARLEENE OSBORN,
Columbus, on March 6, 2005.
1936
Reverend DR. W. LUTHER TRACY, Rio
Grande, was named Pastor Emeritus on
October 9, in honor of his 50 years of
service to Calvary Baptist Church.
1939
ELVIN E. HAMM, Seville, received his
50-year pin for faithful service from the
Masonic Order.
1942
Deceased: STANLEY D. KITTS, Upper
Arlington, in November 1998. While at Rio
Grande, Mr. Kitts served on the newspaper
staff. He was an Air Force veteran of
WWII, and received a second degree from
the Ohio State University. Mr. Kitts was
employed by the USDA as an agriculture
specialist. He and his wife had two
children, five grandchildren, and seven
great-grandchildren.
WARREN F. SHEETS, Gallipolis, died on
February 19. Mr. Sheets was a veteran of WWII, and
served with the Timberwolves of the 413th Infantry,
104th Division, U.S. Army. He attended Rio Grande
College, and graduated from Ohio Northern
University Law School in 1950. He practiced law in
Gallia County for fifty-five years, and is survived by
his wife, his college sweetheart, PHYLLIS
WILLIAMSON SHEETS.
1963
VIOLA GETTLES, Wellston, celebrated
her 90th birthday on August 14. Mrs.
Gettles retired from the Wellston School
District in 1985.
1975
JACOB BAPST, Gallipolis, was honored
with an Outstanding Community Leadership
Award at the annual awards ceremony
of the Ohio Educational Service Center,
held on November 14, in Columbus. Jake
was recognized for his work with project
CHAMP, a collaborative effort of URG and
the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher
Education to increase the college-going rate
in Appalachian Ohio.
1967
CHARLES MURRAY, Gallipolis, was the
recipient of the Jane Roush McCafferty
Award of Excellence in Genealogy
presented by the Gallia County Historical
and Genealogical Society, Inc. at its
Lineage Society Banquet on October 8.
Charles has served on the Society’s Board
for 24 years, and is the author of numerous
articles on the history of Gallia County.
1977
DALE and PAULA WHITT, Bidwell,
celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary
on August 24.
1980
M. STEPHEN MOSES, Lumberton, NC,
editor of the local newspaper, Red Springs
Citizen, was selected to participate in a live,
on-orbit interview with astronaut Commander
William “Bill” McArthur onboard
the International Space Station. McArthur
is a native of the Red Springs area, and is a
friend of Moses. The interview was carried
live on NASA television.
1985
Deceased: ROBERT SHAW,
Wheelersburg, in January.
1986
Married: RENEE WARD (also ’98),
Bidwell, to Mike Bastiani, in April 2005.
Born: to RUSSELL and DEBORAH
MINGUS SAUNDERS ’95, a son, Wesley
Allen, on December 5. The family resides
in Gallipolis.
CHRISTINE CAVALLARO, Ada, is a
full-time professor in the English department
at the University of Northwestern
Ohio.
1988
Deceased: JOETTA
RITCHIE TODD,
New Concord, on
December 16. While
at Rio Grande, Joetta
was active in ROTC,
and was a TKE ‘lil
sis. She had most recently been employed
as an RN at Marietta Memorial Hospital.
Joetta is survived by her husband, DAVID
’93, and her sister, JULIA RITCHIE
KIMBLE ’92.
1989
Deceased: KERRY WOOD, Dublin,
formerly of Wellston, in January.
1992
Born: to Dan and CHRISTIE WHITE
LAMPE, a daughter, Addison Paige, on
April 12. Christie teaches elementary
education courses at Southern Illinois
University Edwardsville. Dan is a senior
vice president at Phoenix Partners. The
family resides in Glen Carbon, IL.
4/www.rio.edu A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
SPRING ISSUE 2006

CLASS NOTES ☎CLASS NOTES ☎CLASS NOTES
1993
ELLEN BRASEL,
assistant professor of
history at the URG/
Rio Grande Community
College has been
named Teacher of the
Year in Ohio by the
Ohio Association of
Two-Year Colleges. The award was
presented during a ceremony at Lakeland
Community College in Kirkland, OH, on
October 21. Brasel also holds a master’s
degree from Ohio University.
WILLIAM G. McDONALD, III, M.D.,
Rio
founder of the Orthopaedic Surgical Care
Institute, practices in Connersville and
Richmond, IN. He is the author of an article
recently published in the American Journal
of Sports Medicine, and resides with his
daughter, Kyndle, 8.
1994
Born: to David and JENNIFER
TSCHUDI SIMPSON, twins, Gabriel
Paul and Greer Evelyn, October 6. Son
Graham is 3 1/2. The family resides in
Mt. Gilead.
Born: to DR. EDDIE and LORI DYE
SLOTER ’95, a son, Kyle Anthony, on
August 17. Son Cameron is 2. Eddie
received his Ph.D. in genetics and developmental
biology from West Virginia
University in 2002. He conducted his
graduate and postdoctoral research at UC
Berkeley and the Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory in Livermore, CA.
Lori was a third grade teacher and curriculum
leader for New Haven Unified School
District in Union City, Ca. The family now
resides in Ashland, OH, where Eddie is
employed by WIL Research Laboratories
as a study director in developmental and
reproductive toxicology.
1996
Married: CATHLEEN DEAL (also ’02)
to Ryan Adams, on November 11. Cathleen
teaches art and music at Huntington Middle
School. Ryan is employed by Citizens
SPRING ISSUE 2006
National Bank. The couple resides in
Chillicothe.
Born: to Mark and VICKY BUSH
SHEETS, Bidwell, their second son, Dylan
Andrew, on November 7. Son Nicholas
Allen is 5. Vicky is a substitute teacher.
Born: to BROOKE LIEVING YOUNG,
Pickerington, a second son, Braden Riley,
on September 18. Son Nathan is 2.
1997
DIANE ROGERS married Steve Presdee
on September 25, 2004, and completed her
MAE in 2005. Diane is a teacher at
Meadowbrook Middle School in Byesville.
1998
ANJEANETT GRANT, Columbus, has
been promoted to education coordinator at
Rosemont Center, Inc..
1999
Born: to JASON BROWN and wife,
Christie, a son, Dean Harrison, on
March 13. Siblings are Brooke and
Blake Kodem, and grandparents,
Petrea Brown ’74, ’95 and the late
Dean S. Brown ’65. The family
resides in Middletown.
Born: to Jay and STACIE LAMBERT, a
second son, Jance Stephen, on March 21,
2005. Son Jordan is 3. The family resides in
Gallipolis.
JOHN GUERINI, Niles, received his BS
in education from Youngstown State
University.
TIM and BECKY BENNINGTON
OSWALT reside in Tiffin with their
children, Ethan, 3, and Abigail Fae, born
October 7, 2004.
KRISTAL WION-ECKHARDT, Stuart,
FL, is credited with creating the drama
program at Martin County High School.
The program, which started with an
Introduction to Drama course resulted in
the opening of a new theater at MCHS in
1999. Kristal is the daughter of ROBERT
and LEAH THOMPSON WION ’59,
Gallipolis and Stuart, FL, and resides with
her husband, Peter, and daughter, Katie.
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
2000
Married: J.D. ROSS to Angela Gibson, in
July. J.D. is an accountant with Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, a position
he has held since February 2005. Angela is
an eighth grade language arts teacher at
Marysville Middle School, and is a
freshman volleyball coach. She is an ’05
graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University. The
couple resides in Delaware, OH.
BEN BARKSDALE, Savannah, GA, is a
realtor with Keller Williams Realty.
DANIELLE MOORE HIGGINS,
Thornville, has received her master’s
degree in curriculum and instruction from
Mt. Vernon Nazarene University.
2001
HEATHER BYERS, R.P.H., PharmD., a
May 2005 graduate of the Raabe College of
Pharmacy of Ohio Northern University, has
passed the licensure exam of the Ohio State
Board of Pharmacy. She is employed by
CVS Pharmacy in Columbus.
2002
Born: to SHANE and JENNIFER
JONES WOLFORD, a son, Cade
Paxton, on October 2. The family resides
in Jackson.
CHRIS and DEBRA DILLON GOOD,
Ashville, married August 8, 2003, and
bought The Gutter Genie franchise in
May 2005.
2003
The sculpture, Math Counts, a piece by
KEVIN WITHEE is currently on display
at the University of Connecticut’s Contemporary
Art Museum, and can be viewed on
the UConn web site. (Click Arts; the piece
features a large sphere with numbers.)
Kevin is a third-year graduate student at
Miami University.
2004
JODI BURRIS moved to London,
England on February 8, and plans to be
married on June 24.
continued on page 6
www.rio.edu/5

Classnotes continued
OTHER
Rio Grande alumni recently recognized by
the Academic Excellence Foundation of the
Gallia County Local Schools were: RUTH
WARDEN ’92, Kyger Creek Middle
School; WILLIAM WEBB ’65, South
Gallia High School; and LYNN ARNOTT
’79, Bidwell-Porter Elementary School.
Inducted into the Foundation’s Hall of
Fame were former URG president,
Barry M. Dorsey, and the late RON
TWYMAN ’72.
Grad Notes:
Jason R. Winters, Graduate Recruiter
The Office of Graduate Studies is
working hard to provide the teaching
professionals in our state with a simply
engaging, profoundly impacting,
and invitingly convenient masters program.
We are currently offering to bring
the Master of Education in Classroom
Teaching (Fine Arts Concentration) to
any school district that has 12 or more
graduate students who wish to enroll.
Spring Semester we began offering
the program at Logan-Hocking School
District (Hocking), and Western Local
School District (Pike).
At this time, the Fine Arts Concentration
is the only portable concentration.
However, we are working diligently
on converting the Educational
Technology, Mathematics, and Humanities
concentrations to a hybrid format
(face-to-face/online) that would
allow these concentrations to be offered
more conveniently.
For more information about bringing
the program to your district, contact
your superintendent, curriculum coordinator,
LPDC chair, or the Office of
Graduate Studies at 1-800-282-7201
ext. 7166 or jwinters@rio.edu.
Rio’s Professor Sofranko attends
“The Evolution of Psychotherapy:
The World’s Largest Psychotherapy Conference”
Dr. Edward Sofranko, professor at the
University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande
Community College, recently took part
in a psychotherapy conference in California
that brought together many
world leaders in the field.
Sofranko serves as a professor of psychology
at Rio Grande and is the chair
of the School of Social Sciences.
In December, Sofranko attended
“The Evolution of Psychotherapy: The
World’s Largest Psychotherapy Conference,”
in Anaheim, Calif. The conference
was sponsored by the Milton H.
Erickson Foundation. More than
10,000 people from around the U.S. as
well as representatives from 15 other
countries attended the conference,
which is recognized for the important
topics that are discussed, the leaders in
the field that attend and the ideas that
are exchanged.
“It was a golden opportunity to learn
from the masters,” Sofranko said about
the conference.
The keynote address speakers at the
conference this year were Hunter
“Patch” Adams, the renowned medical
doctor who was the subject of a movie
starring Robin Williams; Mary
Catherine Bateson, a writer and cultural
anthropologist who is the daughter of
the famous anthropologist Margaret
Mead; and Aaron Beck, a respected
psychiatrist and author who is the president
of the Beck Institute of Cognitive
Therapy and Research.
“The keynote addresses were outstanding,”
Sofranko said.
The conference offered topics from
all different areas of psychotherapy,
such as psychology, counseling and
social work.
“It brought all of us together,”
Sofranko said about the many different
types of psychotherapy professionals
who attended. The conference focused
on new concepts and techniques
in psychotherapy, while also discussing
the current issues and concerns. “It
was just phenomenal,” he said.
For Sofranko, the conference was important
for several reasons. First of all,
he keeps himself up-to-date on all of
the concepts and techniques in psychotherapy,
so that he can teach his students
at Rio Grande about the current
state of the field. By attending the conference,
he is able to pass on the knowledge
and experience from the leaders
in psychotherapy to his students.
Sofranko also is a practicing psychotherapist,
and attends educational conferences
and workshops in order to
keep his Ohio license current.
Sofranko serves as a licensed professional
counselor at the Center for
Healthy Living in Gallipolis, in addition
to his work at Rio Grande.
Besides giving professionals from
around the world a chance to hear
from renowned speakers, the conference
also gives the psychotherapists the
opportunity to talk with each other and
learn from each other in the workshops,
classes and other gatherings.
6/www.rio.edu A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
SPRING ISSUE 2006

Rio Shares “Improving
Teacher Quality” Grant
The University has received a
$121,000 grant to fund a program to
help regional math and science teachers.
The federal Improving Teacher Quality
Program is providing funds to 26
math and science education projects
across the state of Ohio.
Improving Teacher Quality Program
projects are designed to provide sustained,
high-quality professional development
opportunities for practicing elementary
and secondary school teachers
and administrators from high-need
schools, so that they, in turn, can provide
challenging learning experiences
for their students. Project activities
must focus on the Ohio Academic Content
Standards.
Dr. Barbara Hatfield, Interim Provost/
Vice President for Academic Affairs,
explained that Rio Grande is
working with other area colleges, such
as Ohio University and Shawnee State
University, to offer workshops for area
teachers. These workshops will focus
on methods of assessing the effectiveness
of math and science projects and
the meeting of class goals. The workshops
will also enable teachers to meet
professional development requirements.
Rio Employs New Method For Teaching Algebra
Many college students have problems
learning basic math and algebraic concepts,
but an innovative new class at
Rio Grande is helping students overcome
these difficulties.
The pilot program, conducted by Jean
Daniels, Associate Professor, is part of
the Title III grant-funded project to
improve programs across the campus.
The class uses educational software and
techniques being used at colleges and
universities across the country.
In the classroom, soothing music is
played to reduce nervousness and improve
concentration. Students also
travel to the Jenkins Center for Student
Success’ Smart Classroom. Here students
may use the 24 computers, either
individually or as a group. On-line quizzes
enable the students to track their
progress throughout the semester.
Tribe Has Recent Publications
Dr. Ivan Tribe, Professor of History, recently served as
associate editor of The Encyclopedia of American Gospel
Music, published by Routledge, Fall 2005. In addition,
he authored, or co-authored, some fifty-eight entries
in the volume. Three Rio alumni also contributed to
the volume. Andrea McCulty Gannaway ’03 contributed
three entries; Abby Gail Goodnite-Ehman ’01 and William
Plants ’97 each had one. The volume is designed primarily as a reference
book, and may be ordered through the publisher.
Dr. Tribe also contributed the chapter “Albany: From Farm Community to Virtual
Suburb, 1905-2005” to the book Athens County: The Second Century, 1905-
2005, which was published recently to commemorate the Athens County Bi-Centennial.
Greenwood Press is scheduled to release his book Country: A Regional Exploration
in late March. The 280-page monograph will be Tribe’s seventh book. Copies
of Rio Grande: From Baptists and Bevo to the Bell Tower, which Tribe coauthored
with Goodnite-Ehman in 2002 are available through the Alumni Relations
Office. ( Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the Alumni Association
Scholarship Fund.)
SPRING ISSUE 2006
LOOKING FOR LOST
ARCHONS
If you are a member of the Fraternal Order of Archon and are
not receiving mailings from Archon, please send your
information to:
Merle Hoover, Archon Alumni President
5181 Chenoweth Road
Waynesville, Ohio 45068
or
kmcmanis@rio.edu
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Staff Advance
Jennifer Merry Dyer ’90, a 12-year
veteran of the University’s Financial
Aid Office, assumed the leadership of
the office in the Fall of 2005. As Associate
Director, Dyer credits her own experiences
as a Rio Grande student in
helping her assist current students
through the financial aid process.
Assisting Dyer in her new position
are Michelle Alderman, assistant director,
and Dawn Cummings ’98, financial
aid advisor.
Debbie Browning ’02 assumed the
position of assistant registrar on July
1. Debbie has been with the Records
Office since 1999, and has just been
awarded her master’s degree.
www.rio.edu/7

Our Florida Folks
The annual gathering of Rio’s Florida-residing alumni was
held on Saturday, February 25, at the Anna Maria Oyster
Bar in Bradenton. The group welcomed Interim President
Greg Sojka, and new attendees John Lambcke ’91, Naples;
Ruth Burton ’62, Bradenton; and Lenore Evans Deak ’77,
Leesburg.
Fowler Alumni House
Pictured l-r: Ruth Burton, Delbert “Smokey’” Stover ’45,
Glenn Cundiff, and Lenore Evans Deak
The Alumni Office has relocated to the renamed Fowler
Alumni House, located on the campus on State Route 325. A
gift to the University, the structure is named in honor of Marie
Fowler Richards ’25, a loyal friend of the University and the
village of Rio Grande, who passed away in 2004, at the age
of 101.
Roberts House
Pictured l-r: Dr. Greg Sojka, Robert “Smokey” Wion,
Jim ’57 and Kathy Lemley Shaw ’54,
Alice Larter McNeal ’53, and husband, George,
and Leah Thompson Wion ‘59
“Upon This Land” Ornament
A limited edition, third in a series
(of six), ornament featuring an exact reproduction
of the Alumni Bell Tower’s
stained glass window “Upon This Land,”
showcasing the hills and valleys upon
which Rio Grande College was built, has
been issued, and is now available for purchase.
Ornaments are $15, and may be purchased
at the Alumni Office, or by mail using the form at right.
Please add $1.50 per item for postage. Ornaments are individually
gift-boxed.
The demolition of Roberts House will provide necessary
space for the impending construction and expansion of the
Davis University Center, set to begin in June 2006. In the
past, the facility had housed the Offices of Admissions and
University Relations.
Ornament Order Form
Mail ornament(s) to:
Name_____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
Or as a gift to:
Name_____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
Purchaser’s Daytime Telephone ________________________
# of ornaments ordered ______Amount enclosed __________
Checks made payable to: University of Rio Grande.
Mail to: Alumni Relations, University of Rio Grande, PO Box 500,
Rio Grande, OH 45674
(Major Credit Cards Accepted)
8/www.rio.edu A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
SPRING ISSUE 2006

UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE AND RIO GRANDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOOKSTORE
• White URG Mug White ceramic mug with red writing, ............................. $ 4.79
two-sided imprint
• Red & White URG Mug Two toned ceramic mug, red on white ........................... $ 5.49
with white writing
• Red & Black URG Mug Red thermal mug with black handle ............................... $ 8.99
• Red URG Mug with Red thermal mug with white writing .............................. $ 9.99
Stainless Steel
• Charcoal Alumni Tee 100% cotton screen printed tee..................................... $ 11.95
• Charcoal Alumni Long 100% cotton screen printed long sleeve tee ................. $ 15.99
Sleeve Tee
• Charcoal Alumni Crew 80% cotton, 20% polyester screen printed crew .......... $ 21.99
• Gray URG Alumni Tee 90% cotton, 10% polyester screen printed tee.............. $ 11.99
• Gray URG Tee 90% cotton, 10% polyester screen printed tee.............. $ 11.99
• Gray URG Crew 80% cotton, 20% polyester crew with front gusset ..... $. 22.99
• Gray URG Hood 80% cotton, 20% polyester screen printed ................... $ 25.99
hood with front gusset
For more information contact the Rio Bookstore at:
740-245-7274 or 1-800-282-7201 ext. 7274
Varney House
Reunion
To Be Held
The biennial reunion of the residents of the Varney House
and Davis Cottage dormitories will be held on Saturday, September
9. Persons wishing to serve on the planning committee
or to submit agenda items are asked to contact Hope Keller
’59, at 740-286-6728, or the Alumni Relations Office.
Alumni of the University can visit and reconnect with
friends and former classmates through the
University’s on-line alumni directory.
Visit www. rio.edu.
Susan Haft .......................................... Production & Copy
Jean Ann Vance .......................................Layout & Design
Kathy Musser ................................................ Photography
Mark Williams ............................................................Copy
Nick Claussen ..............................................................Copy
SPRING ISSUE 2006
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
www.rio.edu/9

Pictured l-r: Jerry Mowery ’86, Earl Thomas,
and Brad Barber ’86
Thomas Steps Down As
Basketball Coach
A 26-year veteran of the bench, Earl Thomas, has resigned his
position as head men’s basketball coach.
During Thomas’ tenure the Redmen captured two American
Mideast Conference regular season championships, two AMC tournament
titles, two berths in the NAIA Division II National Tournament,
including an appearance in the Final Four in 2001. He was
twice named AMC Coach of the Year.
“I’m going to miss the players and the
competition of trying to prepare a team to go
against somebody else. It’s going to be tough
to walk away, but I know it’s time, and I feel
very comfortable with the decision that I have
made.”
A surprise reception for Thomas has held
on Sunday, February 19, and was hosted by
Thomas’ wife, Annette ’92, and his daughter,
Rebecca Thomas-Long ’99.
A graduate of the Class of 1974, Thomas will remain a professor
in the University’s communications department.
Remaining 2006 Rio Grande Baseball Schedule
Date Opponent Site Time
April 7 Urbana Home 2 p.m. (DH)
April 8 Urbana Away 1 p.m. (DH)
April 11 Bluefield College Away 6 p.m. (1-9)
April 14 Tiffin Away 1 p.m. (DH)
April 15 Tiffin Away 1 p.m. (DH)
April 16 Fisher College Sienna Heights 1 p.m. (DH)
April 22 Ohio Dominican Away 1 p.m. (DH)
April 23 Ohio Dominican Home 1 p.m. (DH)
April 28 Mt. Vernon Nazarene Home 1 p.m. (DH)
April 29 Mt. Vernon Nazarene Home 1 p.m. (DH)
May 4-6 AMC Qualifier TBA TBA
May 10-13 NAIA Region IX Tour. TBA TBA
May 26-June 2 NAIA World Series Lewiston, ID TBA
Remaining 2006 Rio Grande Softball Schedule
Date Opponent Site Time
April 2 WALSH Home 2 p.m.
April 5 WV STATE Home 3 p.m.
April 8 SETON HILL Home 2 p.m.
April 9 SALEM INT’L Home 2 p.m.
April 10 Cedarville Away 3 p.m.
April 12 MT. ST. JOE’S Home 3 p.m.
April 15 URBANA Home 1 p.m.
April 18 Mt. Vernon Naz. Away 3 p.m.
April 20 OHIO DOMINICAN Home 3 p.m.
April 22 MYERS Home 1 p.m.
April 23 U. of Charleston Away 2 p.m.
April 25 Shawnee State Away 3 p.m.
April 26 Marietta Away 3:30 p.m.
April 28 POINT PARK Home 3 p.m.
April 29 Myers Away 1 p.m.
May 10-13 NAIA Region IX Tour. TBA
May 19-24 NAIA National Tour. Decatur, AL TBA
Remaining 2006 Outdoor Track Schedule
Date Event Place
Mar 31-Apr 1 Bobcat Invitational Athens, OH
April 8 Cincinnati Invitational Cincinnati, OH
April 14 Rio Grande Relays Rio Grande, OH
April 21-22 AMC Championships Cedarville, OH
April 29 Stan Lyons Invitational Indianapolis, IN
May 6 Ohio University Open Athens, OH
May 19 Baldwin Wallace Inv. Berea, OH
May 25-27 NAIA National Meet Fresno, CA
Dear Coach,
As a member of the Rio Family, you know that the University
of Rio Grande Men’s Basketball program is rich with history
and tradition. Our history is rooted in the successes of the Bevo
Francis teams of 1952-1954. These teams were assembled by
Coach Newt Oliver, a true visionary in coaching.
During December we honor Coach Oliver and his successes
with the Newt Oliver Classic. For next year’s event we are looking
to not only honor Coach Oliver, but his legacy as well. We
are looking to showcase the excellent teams that are coached by
Rio Grande alumni.
We hope to develop a showcase of great high school basketball
by matching schools coached by members of the “Rio Family”
against each other.
We are in the early stages of planning this event and are trying
to gauge the interest of our alums in helping make the Newt
Oliver Coach’s Classic happen.
Currently the “NEWT” is scheduled for December 15 and 16,
2006. On Friday December 15 there would be two college games.
On Saturday December 16 , two college games would be played
at 1:00 and 3:00, while the high school portion of the “NEWT”
would be held at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:30.
If you have any interest in bringing your team back to Rio to
participate in the Newt Oliver Classic please contact one of us
as soon as possible.
Thank You,
Ken French
Jeff Lanham
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Athletic Director
University of Rio Grande University of Rio Grande
(740) 245-7294 (740) 245-7485
kfrench@rio.edu
jlanham@rio.edu
10/www.rio.edu A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
SPRING ISSUE 2006

Roast and Relive
Coach Art Lanham
Coach Art Lanham, former head men’s
basketball coach, and Coach Bernie
Bickerstaff, one of Rio’s own and the general
manager and coach of the NBA Charlotte
Bobcats, will be dodging punches
without a “ref” to save them at Rio’s noholds-barred
dinner/roast. On Friday, May
5 at 6:30 p.m., Rio alumni and friends will
gather during a dinner to see both Lanham
and Bickerstaff get pummeled by friends,
peers, former students and teammates during
the inaugural Champions of Character
Roast on Rio’s campus.
The event will be hosted by the Lighting
the Way Campaign Office and the URG
Athletic Department. Bob Leith ’65 will
serve as Master of Ceremonies. It’s a classic
opportunity to relive, remember, reconnect,
and just have fun.
From football to baseball to track &
field, to basketball and much more in between,
alumni and friends will gather for a
night that will be marked by memories and
the recognition of two of Rio’s finest. This
year’s dinner/roast, with limited seating for
SPRING ISSUE 2006
Coach Bernie Bickerstaff
350 guests, will highlight a rich tradition
of men and women athletes and athletics
at Rio going back to the 40’s.
In addition to the roasters that will rip
both coaches that evening, photo tributes
to a legacy of Rio sports and legends of
Rio sports teams will be on display throughout
with live music to accentuate the night.
a 1940’s musical revue
On Saturday, May 6, following Rio
Grande’s commencement ceremony,
alumni and friends will gather to chronicle
their years at Rio through present times.
A limited number of hotel rooms have
been blocked for this event. For more information
or to make your reservations,
please contact the Lighting the Way Campaign
Office at 740-245-7009, or the Athletic
Department at 740-245-7293.
130th Anniversary
Commencement
May 5, 2006
2:00 p.m.
NAIA’s Champions of Character Program
Student athletes at Rio Grande are participating in the
NAIA’s Champions of Character Program, which promotes sportsmanship
and character at colleges and universities across the country.
The program was created to recognize schools for teaching character
along with athletic skills.
Rio Grande has been honored by the NAIA for meeting all of the
requirements to be recognized as a Champions of Character institution
in each of the last five years, and has begun distributing awards to deserving students.
The University is also currently raising funds for a Champions Scholarship Program.
The student athletes are also involved with, and available for, community service
projects throughout the area.
Ken French, newly-named men’s head basketball coach, serves as the director of
the Champions of Character Program.
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Rio Grande Dance Team
Wins Championship Title
The University of Rio Grande Dance
Team won the title Midwest Collegiate Division
II Hip Hop Team Champions Sunday,
February 26 at the Cheerleaders of
America (COA) Midwest Open National
Championships in Columbus, Ohio. The
Rio Grande Dance Team has been in existence
only 2 years, and this was their first
competition. “The team has been a great
addition to campus, and their game performances
are always a hit,” stated advisor
Julie Haines. “For them to now have competition
experience and a championship
title at their first competition is just a sign
of bigger and better things to come.” The
team performs at Rio Grande men’s basketball
games and choreographed the competition
routine while still preparing new
material for games.
The dance team season began last spring
with team auditions. Before classes started
in the fall, the team attended an intense
dance training camp held on the Rio Grande
campus. Several routines were learned at
the camp, and the team received technical
dance training. Once classes started, additional
tryouts were held to fill vacant spots
on the team. Most of the team’s routines
are choreographed by the members and are
hip hop infused, but they do include other
styles.
“Our musical selections this past year
ranged from Barry Manilow to the Beastie
Boys, and each member got to step outside
her dance comfort zone to perform various
styles,” Haines stated. “They all have great
ideas and varied dance interests and experiences
resulting in some great routines.”
2005-2006 Dance Team Members include
Katie Childs (Middleport), Sam
Adkins (West Portsmouth), Kara Caulley
(Oak Hill), Kandace Clark (Batavia), Sasha
Clarke (Cleveland), Brittany Dixon (Cleveland),
Alex Savage (Lewisburg), and Liz
Stevens (Gallipolis).
www.rio.edu/11

JUNE 29 – AUGUST 5, 2006
* Four or Five Week Program *
12 Hours Credit – All Levels!
Four weeks room & board in Puebla
MEXICO CITY TOUR
3 DAYS
(Hotel, tour, breakfasts, trip to Teotihuacan)
Books for classes in Puebla
All fees & deposits - $5,500
Deadline date for Registration:
April 20, 2006
Full payment or proof of Financial Aid:
May 13, 2006
• All levels of Spanish
• Financial Aid Available
• Travel to New Places
• Experience the culture and earn credit!
FULLY ACCREDITED
For additional information
or to register contact:
Professor Karen Hale Elliott
Wood Hall, Room 225
University of Rio Grande
Rio Grande, OH 45674
1-800-282-7201 ext. 7436 (OH, WV, KY, PA)
OR 740-245-7436
E-mail: kelliott@rio.edu
Check Study Abroad info at our site:
www.rio.edu
We Want To Hear About You!
If you recently found a job, were promoted, were married, moved,
had a baby or did anything else of interest, please let your University
of Rio Grande family know about it. Fill out the form below
and send it to the Office of Alumni Relations, University of Rio
Grande, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674.
Name ___________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________ Grad. Yr. ___________
Street ________________________________ City _______________
State _____________________ Zip ______ County _____________
Email Address _________________________
■ Check if this is a new address.
News: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Parents: If this issue of Tower & Times is addressed to your
son or daughter who has established a separate permanent
address, please notify us of the new address: 740-245-7431, or
800-282-7201, ext. 7431, or shaft@rio.edu
Nomination Form Request
The University of Rio Grande accepts nominations for the following
awards on a continuous basis. The deadline for nominations
within a given year is February 1 of that year. Nomination forms
are kept on file and reviewed yearly.
■ Alumni Awards (Distinguished Alumnus, URG Alumni, Atwood
Achievement, Faculty Citation, Citation of Appreciation)
■ Athletic Hall of Fame
■ Educators’ Hall of Fame
Please send the nomination form indicated above to:
Name ___________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________
Mail this request to: Office of Alumni Relations, University of Rio
Grande, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, OH 45674
The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College do not discriminate
against applicants, employees, or students on the basis of race, color,
creed, religion, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, national origin, ancestry,
citizenship, or disability. Questions about this policy should be directed to the
Human Resources Director, Allen Hall, 740-245-7228. Accommodations for persons
with disabilities may be made through the Human Resources office.
UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE
F-990 OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
PO Box 500
Rio Grande, OH 45674-0500
www.rio.edu
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit
Organization
PAID
Permit No.200
Chillicothe,
OH 45601