Defiance College homecoming nears; honorees are announced
October 10, 2016
DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College will celebrate 2016 homecoming activities Oct. 13-15 with reunions, award presentations, and a gala dinner. The highlight of the week will be inauguration ceremonies installing Dr. Richanne C. Mankey as 19th president of the College.
The inauguration will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Weaner Community Center. Faculty, students, and staff, along with community members and delegates from numerous colleges and universities will participate. In addition, there will be a service of inaugural blessing for President Mankey at 7 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ on the eve of the inauguration.
Friday’s gala alumni homecoming dinner begins at 5 p.m. in the Weaner Community Center. At 7:15 p.m., awards will be presented in several categories.
The Alumni Citation for Academic Excellence will be presented to Kevin Miller, Toledo, class of 1983. Alumni Achievement Award recipients are Darline Clemens, Defiance, class of 2000; Jeffrey Wilson, Toledo, class of 1989; and Marlin Younker, Lake Worth, Fla., class of 1965. Christopher George, Peachtree Corners, Ga., class of 2003, will receive the Young Alumni Service Award.
The Schauffler Legacy Award will be presented to Mary Wenner Young, Defiance, class of 1990, and Elizabeth Apkarian Agbabian, Los Angeles, Calif., class of 1952.
Also on Friday, the 1966 Yellow Jacket football team will hold a 50th reunion dinner.
Saturday’s events kick off at 9 a.m. with a Project 701 Color Run with proceeds to benefit Project 701.
Alumni Varsity D holds its annual breakfast on Saturday morning to honor 2016 Hall of Fame inductees and Coaches of the Year. Hall of Fame inductees include Mike Groll, Colorado Springs, Colo., class of 2000; Jason Lee, Zanesville, class of 1995; Roxane Kruse Kippen, Grand Rapids, Mich., class of 1998; Jodi Hybart, Defiance, class of 1994; Jim Bailey, Roswell, Ga., class of 1981; the 1966 football team and the 1961 baseball team.
Inductees will take part in a bricklaying ceremony in front of the football stadium and will receive their plaques during a football halftime program.
Coaches of the Year for the 2015-16 season include Thomas Held, Defiance, class of 1985; Frank Kill, Lima, Ohio, class of 2002; Kenny Krouse, Defiance, class of 1987; Brett Hammons, Delphos, class of 2007; Joe Frank, Archbold, class of 1983; Seth Newlove, Arlington, Ohio, class of 2000; and Harold (Sonny) Lewis, Toledo, class of 1970.
Special events are planned throughout the weekend. Baseball and softball alumni reunion, women of McReynolds Hall reception, the class of 1966 golden reunion, and an “all Greek and more” happy hour and dinner are all scheduled on Saturday.
President Mankey will host a brunch for leadership donors on Saturday, recognizing the newest members of the Kevin McCann Circle.
Coronation of this year’s homecoming queen and king and their court will take place at 1 p.m., prior to the Yellow Jackets football game with Anderson University. Before the game, all are welcome to a Yellow Jacket tailgate at the stadium. Reunion groups meeting at the tailgate lunch include the classes of 1966 and 2006; the 2001 track and field team; football teams from 1966, 1976 and 2001; and all McMaster School Scholars and Fellows.
For a full list of homecoming events and registration information, visit the Defiance College alumni website.
Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.
