Class Notes

Robert Knisely has gained statewide recognition for his performance as principal of Perry Middle School.

The Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators recently chose Knisely as its 2023-2024 Ohio Principal of the Year.

Knisely was among a field of 18 Ohio principals who were nominated for the annual honor. He said his nomination was submitted by Perry Middle School Assistant Principal Amy Stavar.

The school, located in Perry Village, consists of students in grades 5 through 8. Knisely has served as the school’s principal since 2013.

I’ve recently accepted an opportunity to join Hubspot as a Growth Specialist / Account Executive, bringing 10 years of Startup Tech Sales Experience to the #1 Global Software Company according to G2 in 2023. (https://www.hubspot.com/company-news/hubspot-named-1-global-software-company)

After graduating from Muskingum in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, I decided to move to Houston, TX where I joined one of the fastest growing startups in the country in Shiftgig, quickly becoming the highest producing Rep and helping the company grow from Series A to Series C funding stages. (https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/17/shiftgig-raises-20m-more-to-connect-hourly-workers-with-open-jobs/amp/). Shortly after, I decided to move to New York City and help a couple other early stage startups in Jitjatjo, Instawork, and ANVYL before ultimately deciding to accept an opportunity of a lifetime from Hubspot.

Currently, I live in Southbury, Connecticut with my Wife, Victoria, my 7 month old daughter Giulia, and my Golden Retreiver, Teddy. Connecticut is perfect for our family because we’re just a quick train ride away from both NYC and Hubspot’s HQ in Boston.

The future is incredibly bright for this opportunity with Hubspot, as the first Muskingum Alumni to work for Hubspot and definitely not the last as this opens the door to recommend others for consideration to be able to advance their careers with one of the fastest growing, reputable companies in the country.

Looking back on my time at Muskingum where I played Football for Four Years while studying under one of the most influential people of my life in Mr. Gary Golden, I couldn’t be more thankful and proud of the time I was able to build a foundation for success in Sales in the corporate world. Not only was I able to head out into the world after graduation with the utmost confidence and ability to earn opportunity that would’ve have been possible otherwise, but I was also enjoyed networking with Alumni by meeting such influential figures as Vince Ekleberry in Houston.

People used to tell me that after Muskingum, you can go anywhere, and I’ve carried that with me carried that with me ever since!

Jamie Berilla-Macdonald has completed an MLS degree from Emporia State University this summer.  

Ulster fraternity brothers, family and friends of David W. Litt ’78 established a memorial fund in Dave’s honor. The David W. Litt Memorial Fund recently granted $1,750 scholarships to Patrick Kline and Andrew Schneider for the 23-24 academic year. Grants are given to students who demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic performance while at Muskingum and who are involved in leadership activities or otherwise active in campus life. Those wishing to contribute to The David W. Litt Memorial Fund may send their checks payable to Muskingum University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 163 Stormont St., New Concord, OH 43762. Questions may be directed to advancement@muskingum.edu or 740-826-8130. 

COL/Dr. Jared A. Farley (Class of 1998) has been named the recipient of the John K. Funk Professorship at the New Mexico Military Institute (N.M.M.I.) for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. The central basis for selection is the faculty member’s professional performance. Such factors as outstanding teaching, mentorship, professional development, research, writing, service, and general contributions to the Institute are carefully weighed and documented. The professorship is named for the late N.M.M.I. alumnus John K. Funk, Class of 1933, a well respected oilman, aviator, and philanthropist, who helped provide the endowment for the professorship.

Cheryl Montgomery is currently serving the United Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, IN as Transitional Pastor. Her service began on May 1, 2023.  

Caryn has completed three masters degrees in music history and literature (MM, 2006), curriculum and instruction (MS, 2020), and instructional design (MEd, 2021).  In 2022, started position of Associate Director of Institutional Research at Kenyon College.

September 2021

Michael Klamo arguing before the Ohio Supreme Court

Marne has recently been promoted from Director of Human Resources to Vice President of Human Resources at Rivers Casino located in Des Moines, Iowa. She began her career at Rivers Casino (Pittsburgh, PA) in 2011.

Carolyn has completed three masters degrees in music history and literature (MM, 2006), curriculum and instruction (MS, 2020), and instructional design (MEd, 2021).  

In 2022, started position of Associate Director of Institutional Research at Kenyon College.
 

Herb Fitzer retired from Zanesville City Schools in June of 2014. During his educational career, Herb taught at Meadowbrook High School, Zanesville High School and The Muskingum County Juvenile Detention Center. One of the duties Herb enjoyed was coaching young people--he coached Track, Cross Country and Wrestling at Meadowbrook, Swimming, Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track at Zanesville and coached Cross Country and Track at Tri-Valley High School after he retired from teaching. He ended his paid coaching career in 2019 and is presently a volunteer coach at Muskingum University.

Rev. Robert Martin received a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Reformed Spirituality from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, in May of 2022. Rev. Martin has served Presbyterian churches in Chicago, Il., South Bend, IN., Plainfield, NJ, and currently pastors the First Presbyterian Church in Athens, Ohio.

During the 39th Annual National Neurotrauma Symposium held in June in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Corina Bondi, PhD, Assistant Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh, was awarded the 2022 Rosalind Franklin Award. Established in 2021 by Mary Ann Liebert Publishers (Journal of Neurotrauma), it aims to recognize a female researcher who has made a notable scientific contribution to the field of neurotrauma. The recipient is selected based on the impact of their research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury, educational efforts such as mentoring, outreach and dissemination of neurotrauma knowledge, and significant contributions to the mission of the National Neurotrauma Society (NNS) beyond research and educational activities. Dr. Bondi was selected due to “her research contributions to our understanding of executive function impairment across sexes and age after TBI, her mentorship of 42 trainees, and outstanding service as a leader in NNS.”

Jaliah Oglesby, Class of 2018, recently received a Philanthropy award from the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio Young Professionals. Jaliah is the Vice President of Program Delivery and Impact of Rosemary's Babies Co, a teen parent (13-19) and family support organization.

Other accomplishments:

30 under 30 award winner for Community Service May 2019

Founded Fluidity Solutions LLC, a marketing and branding agency for small business in August 2020

Company,  Fluidity Solutions nominated best in Cincy Business Magazine for Marketing, November 2021

Licensed Zumba Instructor April 2022

Adam Brown wishes to announce his employment at Ohio University as an Academic Supervisor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Stags and Kianus from the 1970's gathered at Homecoming 2021.

The American Baseball Coaches Association has announced seven individuals to be inducted to the
ABCA Hall of Fame in January 2022.

The ABCA Hall of Fame Class of 2022 includes:
John Altobelli, Orange Coast College (Calif.)
Dave Barnett, Flagler College (Fla.)
Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina University (S.C.)
David McDonald, Wheeler (Ga.) High School
Marty Miller, Norfolk State University (Va.)
Paul Page, Ohio Dominican University
Marty Paulsen, Fond du Lac (Wis.) High School

The 2022 ABCA Hall of Fame Banquet induction ceremony will be held during the 78th annual ABCA
Convention on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois. The 2022 ceremony
will also include the induction of the eight-member ABCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021 due to the
cancellation of the in-person 2021 ABCA Convention.

Tickets for the event will be available for purchase online. ABCA members will be able to purchase
tickets through their Convention registration. Those wishing to attend the banquet only will be able to
purchase tickets beginning September 1.

Induction to the ABCA Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The ABCA
was founded in 1945 and the Hall of Fame began in 1966.

Paul Page, Ohio Dominican University
Paul Page served 29 seasons as head coach at Ohio Dominican University before retiring in
2016. The winningest coach in school history compiled a career record of 1,007-552-7 (.643)
and ranked among the top 13 in career NAIA wins (864) and fifth in win percentage (.683) prior
to the program transitioning to NCAA status.

Under Page’s leadership, Ohio Dominican won at least 30 games in a season a remarkable 22
times, including 10 seasons of 40 or more wins. His teams played their way into six NAIA
World Series appearances and captured 11 regular season and nine conference tournament
championships.

In his time at Ohio Dominican, Page produced 39 All-Americans and 20 Academic AllAmericans. Under his tutelage, former Panther southpaw Jonathan Sanchez reached the big leagues and helped the San Francisco Giants to the 2010 World Series title.

The five-time conference Coach of the Year and two-time district Coach of the Year also
served as Ohio Dominican’s Athletic Director from 1988-2004. As Athletic Director, Page
initiated several of the athletic department’s fundraisers and helped improve and expand
many of the school’s athletic facilities.

A native of Williamstown, West Virginia, Page graduated from Muskingum College (Ohio) in
1973, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and was an all-conference catcher.
After his days as a Muskie, Page continued his education at Mississippi State. He coached for
two seasons under ABCA Hall of Fame coach Ron Polk as a graduate assistant before
receiving his master’s degree in health and physical education in 1978.

Page would go on to serve as an assistant coach at Marietta College (Ohio), helping to guide
the program to NCAA Div. III national titles in 1981 and 1983 before taking over at Ohio
Dominican in 1988.

Kelly Dempsey has been promoted to Vice President of Consulting at The Phia Group in January 2020.

Kristin (Lynch) ‘99 and Robert Martin ‘00, celebrated the graduation of their daughter, Lauren Marie, from Dublin Scioto High School in May of 2021. Lauren has overcome much in her life with grace, laughter, and a smile, including an Autism diagnosis at age 5.  She will attend the PATHS program at Emerald Campus through Dublin City Schools in the fall.  Lauren’s goal is to show the world that people with Autism can do great things.

Kristin (Lynch) ‘99 and Robert Martin ‘00, celebrated the graduation of their daughter, Lauren Marie, from Dublin Scioto High School in May of 2021. Lauren has overcome much in her life with grace, laughter, and a smile, including an Autism diagnosis at age 5.  She will attend the PATHS program at Emerald Campus through Dublin City Schools in the fall.  Lauren’s goal is to show the world that people with Autism can do great things.
 

Dr. Jared A. Farley '98 has been awarded tenure and promotion at the New Mexico Military Institute. His military rank is now colonel (from lieutenant colonel) and his academic rank is full professor (from associate professor). Faculty at the Institute serve as aides-de-camp to the Governor of New Mexico. Dr. Farley will start his sixth year teaching political science at the New Mexico Military Institute in August, which will be his sixteenth year of full-time teaching at the university level. He earned his Ph.D. from Miami University (Oxford, OH) in 2006.

Diamond Crystal Brands Appoints Bill Goetz as CEO

Bill Goetz’s appointment complements Diamond Crystal Brands’ growth trajectory and
continued emphasis on excellence in sales, marketing, and operations.

Savannah, GA – (August 13, 2020) – Diamond Crystal Brands® – an industry leading manufacturer of dry and liquid portion control condiments, seasonings and dry blended mixes – today announced that Bill Goetz has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Goetz joins Diamond Crystal Brands with significant experience in the foodservice industry, recently serving as SVP of Sales and Marketing at Sysco, where he oversaw the National Accounts business and significantly increased sales during his tenure. Most recently, Mr. Goetz was President & COO of Carriage Services. Previously, he spent 23 years at Cintas in various executive leadership roles, including President & COO of Global Accounts and Strategic Markets. Mr. Goetz’s other prior experience includes leadership positions at Ecolab.

Peter Leibman, a member of the Board of Directors at Diamond Crystal Brands, stated, ““We are grateful to Tony Muscato for his dedication and contribution to Diamond Crystal Brands, from the successful carve-out and stand-up of the business to his leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to announce Bill’s appointment as CEO and are confident that his industry expertise will further empower Diamond Crystal Brands to achieve its strategic goals, while positioning itself for long-term success.”  Mr. Goetz added, “Diamond Crystal Brands is a clear leader in the foodservice industry, providing best-in-class foodservice solutions and services to its blue-chip customers. I am excited to join Diamond Crystal Brands as CEO and to work alongside the strong team to accelerate our growth trajectory.”

About Diamond Crystal Brands
Diamond Crystal Brands is a privately held leader in portion control condiments, seasonings and dry blend mixes to the foodservice industry. Based in historic Savannah, GA, Diamond Crystal Brands is a premier company specializing in right-size packaging, wet and dry-blended products and custom printing. Their product portfolio includes brands such as Single Serv, Chef’s Companion and Flavor Fresh as well as licensed properties. Diamond Crystal Brands is known for consistent quality, service, flexibility and innovation.
 

Corina Bondi (’03), Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was awarded a five year, $1.4 million grant entitled “Traumatic brain injury and aging: targeting the cholinergic system for deficits in sustained attention and executive function” from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bondi holds a BS in Neuroscience and Physics from Muskingum University (2003), where she was proud recipient of a John Glenn scholarship, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Neuroscience from the University of Texas Health at San Antonio (2008), mentored by Muskingum alumnus, David Morilak (’82), Ph.D. She undertook a postdoctoral position in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by a second postdoctoral position at the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research (SCRR). She transitioned to faculty in PM&R in 2015 and became an Associate Director in Executive Function and Neuropharmacology at the SCRR in 2017.  

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect 2.8 million individuals each year in the United States and often cause long-lasting cognitive and mood alterations, with the greatest external cause for TBI being falls, especially in older adults over 65 years of age. Therefore, the project aims to characterize alterations in sustained attention, behavioral flexibility, and anxiety-like responses after TBI in young adult and aged, male and female rats, and to address mechanistic questions regarding altered cholinergic neurotransmission responsible for such behavioral impairments by restoring behavioral performance and cholinergic signaling with NS 1738 - a positive allosteric modulator of alpha-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors – alone or in a combination with enriched environment, a preclinical model of neurorehabilitation.
 

Alexis (Christman) Wells '18 received her Master of Education degree in school counseling from Ohio University in May of 2020. She accepted a position at Caldwell Exempted Village Schools located 30 minutes from Muskingum in Caldwell, OH.

Lucas J. Kaspar, class of 2010, has recently accepted a teaching position at Cameron University in Oklahoma.

Michael (Mick) Amicone '78 and Harriet Kainaroi Amicone '80 have announced their retirement from The Fieldhouse Family of Companies after 31 years as CEO and President respectively.

Muskie Grads, Alainna Amicone Durfee '06 has taken over as CEO for her Dad, and Adam Fitzerald '06 has assumed the position of President/Director of Operations.

The elder Amicones founded the corporation in 1988 after Mick left the accounting/finance field and Harriet left teaching 4th grade.

The Fieldhouse Family of Companies consist of:

*a 115,000 sq ft Sports and Recreation Facility,

*The Fieldhouse Group Limited Consulting  

*SportCO, Institutional Sporting Goods Company

The Fieldhouse Foundation, Founded by Harriet in 2010 as a Ohio 501,c.3 non-profit organization, provides physical and recreational therapy for physically handicapped, disabled and special needs children ages 5 to 21. 

Harriet will remain with The Fieldhouse Family of Comapnies on a limited basis overseeing the Fieldhouse Foundation. Mick will consult and will become more involved with the company's mission and faith based ministry for youth.

Harriet, an active Kianu, was an RA and RD during her time at Muskingum and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Mick was a letterman in Soccer, Baseball and Track. Years later he returned to college at OUZ where he set a college baseball record by making the Ohio Regional College Conference, 2nd Team as a Second baseman and becoming the oldest college baseball player at 61 years of age to play the game.

Mick also retired from high school coaching and refereeing after 40 years of service.                                                                                

Michael (Mick) Amicone '78 and Harriet Kainaroi Amicone '80 have announced their retirement from The Fieldhouse Family of Companies after 31 years as CEO and President respectively.

Muskie Grads, Alainna Amicone Durfee '06 has taken over as CEO for her Dad, and Adam Fitzerald '06 has assumed the position of President/Director of Operations.

The elder Amicones founded the corporation in 1988 after Mick left the accounting/finance field and Harriet left teaching 4th grade.

The Fieldhouse Family of Companies consist of:

*a 115,000 sq ft Sports and Recreation Facility,

*The Fieldhouse Group Limited Consulting  

*SportCO, Institutional Sporting Goods Company

The Fieldhouse Foundation, Founded by Harriet in 2010 as a Ohio 501,c.3 non-profit organization, provides physical and recreational therapy for physically handicapped, disabled and special needs children ages 5 to 21. 

Harriet will remain with The Fieldhouse Family of Comapnies on a limited basis overseeing the Fieldhouse Foundation. Mick will consult and will become more involved with the company's mission and faith based ministry for youth.

Harriet, an active Kianu, was an RA and RD during her time at Muskingum and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Mick was a letterman in Soccer, Baseball and Track. Years later he returned to college at OUZ where he set a college baseball record by making the Ohio Regional College Conference, 2nd Team as a Second baseman and becoming the oldest college baseball player at 61 years of age to play the game.

Mick also retired from high school coaching and refereeing after 40 years of service.                                                                                

Jeffrey G. Reed, Retired Organization Psychologist and Educator, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education and organizational psychology.

Dr. Reed entered his profession to follow in the footsteps of his mother, who was a teacher. He attended Muskingum College and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He later received a master’s degree from Towson University and a subsequent PhD from Kansas State University, both in psychology. His educational background set him up for a full and prosperous career. Dr. Reed worked as an assistant professor of industrial and organizational psychology at the State University of New York, Geneseo, from 1979 to 1983. Later, from 1985 to 1996, Dr. Reed worked his way up the professional ranks of Xerox Corporation, holding titles such as user interface developer, electronics and system software manager, and ultimately, planning and process manager. He then transitioned to a career in education at Marian College in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin, where he taught and directed in the management program from 1998 until 2019. Dr. Reed was also the dean of the Marian University School of Business in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 2008 until 2017. He cites his moves through the higher education and consulting industries as the highlights of his career.

Dr. Reed is additionally an accomplished author and has contributed to many professional articles and papers throughout his career. In recognition of his success, he has been honored multiple times by the Xerox Corporation, those honors include the Teamwork Award and the Special Merit Award. In 2008, he was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, and he is currently the president of the Fond Du Lac Morning Rotary, among several other professional organizations in which he participates. He has been featured in numerous editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who in the East, as well as the 27^th edition of Who’s Who in the Midwest and the 12^th edition of Who’s Who in the World.

Jim Uszynski 2018 Lorain Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 

Olentangy Liberty High School Head Football Coach Stephen Hale was recently named the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association (OHSFCA) Head Coach of the Year.  

Heather Frese '04 wins the Lee Smith Novel Prize for her novel The Baddest Girl on the Planet.

More about this award can be read in the official press release.

Bryan Gulley (2008), Amanda Gulley & Son Bryan

On October 24th, I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation, “Defining Post-Katrina Literature: Hurricane Katrina and Experiences of Disaster, Race, and Environment,” and will be graduating on Dec. 15th with my PhD in Literature and Criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  

Pictured Left to right: Reader Susan Comfort, Dissertation Chair Mike Sell, Brandon Galm, and Reader Veronica Watson

Dr. Alisha Lenning Solan recently published a book Brain Changers 365: Build a Better Brain Use Your Brain 7 Activities Each Day. The book offers a year’s worth of activity sets to keep your brain active and healthy. It has been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation. The book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Alisha lives in San Diego, CA and can be reached at alisha.lenning@gmail.com

Benjamin E. Davis '88 was promoted to Operations Manager for Gannett Publishing Services at the Indianapolis Star. This promotion involved moving from Anderson, SC to Indianapolis, IN. The Indianapolis Star is a Gannett owned newspaper and part of the USA Today Network.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Glaspell has been selected by the Department of the Army to command 3rd Battalion, 410th Engineer Regiment, 5th Armor Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas.  He is currently the Capabilities Analysis Branch Chief, U.S. Army Joint Modernization Command

Cathy has been promoted to full Professor of Kinesiology in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation at the University of Arkansas.

Ulster fraternity brothers, family and friends of David W. Litt, a member of the graduating class of 1978, have established a memorial fund in Dave’s honor and will begin the awarding of scholarships from that fund. The David W. Litt Memorial Fund now exceeds $50,000 and will award its first grants in this 40th anniversary year of Dave’s graduation. Annual grants will be given to students who demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic performance while at Muskingum and who are involved in leadership activities or otherwise active in campus life. Also, an equal amount each year will be contributed from the Fund to Muskingum’s Annual Fund to provide general financial aid in Dave’s honor for all Muskingum students. Those wishing to contribute to The David W Litt Memorial Fund may send their checks payable to the Fund to the Office of University Advancement, Muskingum University, Attention: Paul McClelland, New Concord, OH 43762 or call/email: 740-826-8468; paulm@muskingum.edu with questions about tax advantaged gifts to the Fund.

On July 8, 2018, Sarah Bishop will be installed as the Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Family Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, Florida.