Student speakers are named for OU-C ‘Recognition of Graduation’ event

Chelsea Thornton

See and hear Chelsea Thornton discuss her ‘reflections’ remarks on the campus’ YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ouchillicothe

Student participants and faculty marshals have been named for the upcoming Recognition of Graduation event at Ohio University-Chillicothe. OU-C will salute students who have earned their college degrees during the 2010-11 academic year at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 in the Shoemaker Center. Admission is free.

Angelena McKenzie, an Associate Degree in Nursing student, will serve as the associate degree representative and will deliver the Pledge of Allegiance. Chelsea Thornton, who is earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education, is the bachelor’s degree student representative and will share her reflections.

Thornton, a Zane Trace High School graduate, plans to pursue a teaching position in Ross County or the surrounding area. She also plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree in computer education and technology.

“During my time at Ohio University-Chillicothe, I have come to realize two important things,” she said in discussing her reflections remarks. “First, our student body is incredibly diverse, which is one of the greatest strengths we have as a regional campus. Second, the perception that OU-C is completely different from the main campus in Athens is a great misconception.”

Faculty marshals for the graduation event include Joyce Zurmehly, associate degree; Dywayne Nicely, bachelor’s degree; and Barbara Mahaffey, master’s degree.

Music will be by the Great Seal of Ohio Band.

As previously announced, former Chillicothe High School standout student-athlete Garin Veris, who played professional football in the NFL, will deliver the keynote address. Also, long-time educator and historical enthusiast Beverly Gray will receive the Richard Bebee Alumni Leadership Award.

Approximately 165 students are expected to participate in the ceremony on the OU-C campus.

A pinning ceremony for graduates of OU-C’s nursing program will take place at 6 p.m. on June 9 in the Shoemaker Center.

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Shoemaker room 215 for faculty and staff members, Regional Coordinating Council members and platform party participants. A reception for the graduates and their families will be held afterward in the Shoemaker Center.



Formal commencement activities are held on the Athens campus.

OU-C student overcomes obstacles en route to earning college degree

Jacinda and Kim DePugh

Ohio University-Chillicothe student Jacinda DePugh has overcome some difficult obstacles and looks to use the lessons she has learned from her struggles to help others in the future. The campus will recognize her and other members of this year’s graduating class during OU-C’s “Recognition of Graduation” ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 in the Shoemaker Center.

“Jacinda was diagnosed with ADHD when she was in the fourth grade” explains Kim DePugh, Jacinda’s mother and an adjunct faculty member at OU-C. “Her teacher discussed Jacinda’s inability to stay focused. She was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began having trouble, both academically and behaviorally, in the seventh grade.”

The bipolar disorder led to depression, which has dogged Jacinda throughout her college career. “It felt like it took over my life for a few months. I quit my job, couldn’t finish college and did not speak to anyone,” Jacinda explained.

Despite these hurdles, Jacinda refused to give up and graduated from Huntington High School in 2002. She has since earned an associate degree in Human Service Technology from OU-C in 2008 and is completing work toward a bachelor’s degree in Technical and Applied Studies.

“I am so happy to be graduating with my bachelor’s degree,” Jacinda said. “I feel lucky and very proud to have overcome the hardships I went through with bipolar disorder. It was a lot harder for me than for someone who does not have a disability, in my opinion. I just want to live a normal life; a life that I can control, rather than my disorder controlling me.”

Jacinda found the support she needed in the OU-C community while pursuing her college career.

“All of my professors were pretty understanding, but some really stood by me,” she said.

Kim DePugh said, “Her professors were very accommodating and extended her time to complete her coursework. Dr. (Veena) Kasbaker, in particular, allowed Jacinda to complete her assignments so she was able to move forward. I can’t thank her enough for her understanding and assistance.”

Now, Jacinda is focused on helping others.

“I plan to get a job working with trouble teens or people with disabilities,” she says when asked about her future plans.

“I am very proud of her. It’s difficult for anyone to earn a bachelor’s degree, but much harder for someone who suffers with a disability and, I might add, more rewarding too,” Kim DePugh said.

Kim DePugh, an adjunct faculty member, has a long legacy with OU-C. She earned her associate degree in 1995 and a bachelor’s degree in 1997 in elementary education, during which she was president of Student Senate. She later completed the Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology program through OU-C in 2003 and completed the Master of Education of Special Education partly through both OU-C and the Athens campus.

Six OU-C softball players earn All-ORCC recognition

Six players on the Ohio University-Chillicothe softball team earned All-Ohio Regional Campus Conference (ORCC) recognition this past season, including Andrea Morgan and Stephanie Wright, who made first-team all-conference for the second consecutive year. The Hilltoppers, under coach George Beck, won the ORCC tournament title in 2011. Those earning all-ORCC honors include:

First Team

• Andrea Morgan, first base, Sheridan High School (Batted .481 and led OU-C in RBI)

• Stephanie Wright, pitcher/catcher, Unioto High School (Batted .431 and won six games as a pitcher)

• Courtney Bloomfield, second base/shortstop, Zane Trace High School (Batted .545 to lead team in batting)

• Courtney Clever, pitcher/shortstop, Zane Trace High School (Batted .532)

Second Team

• Bethany Bloomfield, catcher/second base, Zane Trace High School (Batted .305 and had fewest strikeouts for the season)

• Carolyn Reiter, third base, Waverly

Traditional and non-traditional students find support and sense of community at OU-C

Ohio University-Chillicothe offers students a unique atmosphere. Since OU-C is a commuter regional branch, students say their experience is much different than those who are on the main campus. OU-C welcomes both traditional and non-traditional students, which creates a diverse atmosphere on campus.
Jody Wilson, a non-traditional student majoring in Technical and Applied studies, says the only difference between traditional and non-traditional students is their ages and life experiences.

“We both have an eagerness to learn and, when possible, help each other get though the tough parts of the course and the quarter,” said Wilson.

Traditional students say they appreciate the mix of both types of students. Brittany Leeson, a traditional student studying health communications, says OU-C offers a place where she can learn from her more-experienced peers.

 ”Having a mix of students of various ages makes for a great learning experience,” said Leeson. “The older students tend to be wiser and know the ropes a little more than younger students like myself.”

Kyle Kuntz, a third-year traditional student, says he finds the interaction with the non-traditional students intriguing. “I feel like I’m a little more prepared because they maybe grew up in a different era or have different experiences than ours. I get a lot of feedback and it’s intriguing to see how we all interact,” said Kuntz.

The varying stories and experiences in the classroom help add to the OU-C learning experience. Jessica Lowe, a non-traditional OU-C student, agrees and enjoys the differences.

“Non-traditional students can tell their life experiences since their lives are a lot more different than traditional students. That’s something I think I really like about it here. Everyone has something different to share,” said Lowe.

Leeson said these diverse experiences and voices are very helpful. “We communicate everyday with different styles of people and those with different beliefs. In the classroom it’s wonderful to have different opinions and beliefs. It makes for an exciting learning experience,” she said.

Not only do students learn from the diverse atmosphere, it may prepare them for future endeavors as well. “Having the experience of various age groups in the classroom gets students ready for the workplace,” said Leeson.

Both traditional and non-traditional can find a support system in this unique environment, too. “Due to the diversity here, the atmosphere is one of a family and is very supportive of each other,” said Wilson.
OU-C students of all ages can benefit from the diversity that thrives on this campus. The experiences of the students here continue to make a community of close-knit peers.

Health assessment identifies public health needs

The OU-C Health and Wellness Center has partnered with the Ross County Health District to help distribute a Community Health Assessment. The Ross County Health District hopes residents will complete the survey to offer a clearer picture of some public health need in our community. The assistance of a few thousand residents of Chillicothe and Ross County is needed.

To make it convenient, residents can complete the survey online, by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Rosshealth

Upcoming Campus Events

• Nursing pinning ceremony at 6 p.m. on June 9 in Shoemaker Center

• Recognition of Graduation event at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 in Shoemaker Center