All those alumni, all that jazz

 
Alumni heard the last formal address in the interim presidency of Dr. Jim Troha and were the first to hear remarks from incoming President Dr. Rob Huntington, who takes office July 1. Both spoke about the importance of community and alumni engagement.
 
Prior to the luncheon speeches, alumni kicked off the weekend Thursday, June 18, with the annual Heritage Society Dinner, honoring alumni and friends who have designated Heidelberg as a beneficiary in their estate plans. Alumni began to arrive on campus in large numbers on Friday, June 19. Those who returned to campus to celebrate (or have celebrated) the 50th anniversary of their graduation were inducted into the Medallion Club during a luncheon that day.
 
From there, and again on Saturday, a series of Classes Without Quizzes allowed alums to return to the classroom without the pressure of a quiz or a final grade. Alumni, current and retired faculty, staff and students gave presentations on a variety of topics:

• Richard C., ’49, and Anne (Rathbun) Warner, ’50 -- “Olympic Travel”
• Dr, Vicki Ohl, ’72, and students Autumn Arp and Zaia Thombre – “Student Study Abroad Options”
• Jane (Heistand) Magers, ’54 – “Our Youth: How Can We Engage Them?”
• Dr. William T. Brandy, ’59 – “How Our Hearing Changes as We Age”
• Dr. Mark Peeples, ’74 – “How Do Viruses Work?”
• Jack Kramer, ’69 – “National Center for Water Quality Research”
• Janine (Johnson) Mille-Delany, ’89 – “Journaling To Live Your Authentic Life”
• Dr. Kenneth Davison, ’46 – “remembering Heidelberg Faculty from the ‘40s and ‘50s”

During the annual BBQ picnic Friday night, alumni were treated to the sweet sounds of the Alumni Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. John Owen. Saturday morning, alumni had the opportunity to have breakfast with senior administrators in a lively question-and-answer session.
 
Taking center stage on Saturday was the 50th reunion class of 1959 and the 2009 alumni award winners, which included:

• Vice Adm. Anthony “Tony” Less (ret.), ’59, -- the Alumni Career Excellence Award.
• James Evans, ’58 – the Alumni Service Award
• Members of the Kellermeyer-Ahrens-Higgins-Long-Lynn families – the Legacy Family Award.

The award winners shared the stage with the outgoing and the incoming presidents. Troha, in a reflective mood, said his year leading the institution “has allowed me to be witness to the extraordinary family and community that is Heidelberg.”
 
In his eight years at Heidelberg, Troha said he has come to know many students, faculty, staff, friends and alumni, but it wasn’t until this year that he understood the depth of commitment that each person has for Heidelberg. Traditionally, ‘Berg presidents use this event to deliver their “State of the University” address. For Troha, the “state of the university” rests squarely on its people.

The attractive campus, outstanding academic programs and athletic success wouldn’t be possible without people – the right people. “For me, it’s about the genuine care that all of you have toward the success of our students and the continued momentum of 159 years of a place called Heidelberg,” Troha said.

“This past year, serving as your president, I am so impassioned to share with you, our alumni that your Heidelberg has the right people carrying out the mission of this great institution.”
Troha called his year as interim president “a remarkable blessing” in many ways, one of which has been meeting friends and loyal alumni who continue to be engaged with their alma mater. He also told alumni that Heidelberg has weathered the economic storm, but that their help is needed now more than ever.
 
“Yes, your annual financial support is essential but there are numerous ways you can assist this institution,” he said, citing the need for alumni to help recruit students, stay engaged with classmates and get them re-engaged, and stay in touch regarding internship or employment opportunities.
 
Troha reiterated the core and fundamental ingredient for meeting economic challenges and continuing to move the institution forward – the right people – are in place, including the incoming president, whom he said will “bring the same level of commitment, unselfishness and passion to the Heidelberg community.”
 
Huntington began his remarks, telling alumni about his background, and personal and professional values with humorous anecdotes sprinkled into his serious message about what he will bring to Heidelberg.
 
His philosophy centers on values-based leadership, which he said “is the only way to work and the only way that makes sense.” That style leads to respect for the rights of others and decentralized decision-making.
 
“It is more about the 10-year marathon than about the first 100-day spring,” he said.
 
From his previous employer, Dunkin’ Brands, Huntington said he will emphasize employee engagement through authentic, caring leadership. About his new employer, he added that he finds the sense of shared values, purpose and family spirit at Heidelberg “truly incredible.”
 
“I want to rise up to your level and hold onto Heidelberg’s rich heritage simultaneously with reaching to a great future,” he said.
 
Reflecting on higher education, he shared three promises and with each, a set of challenges and questions.
 
First, higher education is a promise about universal human ideals and global possibilities. This ideal forces institutions to focus on their core values, mission and vision to ensure success, and to determine how leadership, management, governance and stewardship work hand in hand.
 
Second, higher education is about the core business of past, present and future student success. The challenge to institutions is to prepare students to integrate thinking and synthesize rapid change, and find ways to make academic offerings more distinctive to reach more generations.
 
Third, higher education is a shared endeavor that elevates individual lives and uplifts humanity. To maintain this promise, institutions are charged with engaging more alumni in meaningful ways of stronger interest and support, and are challenged to create “our dream platforms and legacy runways” for transformational gifts.
 
One such “transformational gift” was presented by the Class of ’59 as their 50th reunion gift to the university. Dr. Bill Brandy presented a check for nearly $1.6 million that represented the creation of a legacy family scholarship ($201,000) and the class’s combined contributions over the past five years toward capital improvements and annual giving.
 
Other highlights of Alumni Weekend were the annual planting of a remembrance tree in honor of classmates who died during the past year. This year, a red birch tree was planted in front of Brenneman Music Hall in honor of Reginald Pancoast, ’36, who, throughout his lifetime, was a staunch supporter of the department and its students.
 
Members of Nu Sigma Alpha opened a time capsule in honor of their 150th anniversary. The time capsule, buried in the front lawn of University Hall, contained memorabilia from the group’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1959.
 
Alumni also had an opportunity to tour the campus, hear plans for the renovation of Laird Hall into the Adams School of Business, attend class dinners, a tree walk and worship services. The second annual Tiffin art festival, “A Masterpiece in the Making,” was held on campus in conjunction with Alumni Weekend.

Photo Slideshow: Friday events
Photo Slideshow: Saturday events