Homecoming 2018 celebrated with ribbon-cuttings and alumni recognition
October 16, 2018
DEFIANCE, Ohio - A warm, sun-filled weekend set the stage for Homecoming 2018 at Defiance College on Oct. 5-6. It was the perfect setting for alumni reunions, recognition of alumni achievements, and celebration of campus renovations.
The first of four ribbon-cutting ceremonies unveiled the college’s eSports Arena in Pilgrim Library. This is the inaugural year for the eSports program.
The eSports arena will have 12 new optimized gaming computers and gaming chairs as the college moves into the realm of eSports. Students will use hand-selected mice, keyboards, and headsets. The arena also includes two 70-inch televisions to develop strategy, review demos, and practice teamwork. Overall, the eSports arena will create an environment for our students to succeed in-game and out-of-game.
The next ribbon-cutting ceremonies took place in the Karl H. Weaner Community Center for men’s and women’s locker rooms for basketball, volleyball and wrestling, and a wrestling practice area.
The 4,156 square foot addition includes:
- Renovation and expansion of men’s and women’s locker rooms, public restroom improvements, new display area, and enhanced security to existing spaces in the Weaner Center.
- Addition of four locker rooms designed to allow for future expansion in the McMaster Center.
- An interactive TV in the Weaner Center lobby was donated by Alumni Varsity D.
Design Collaborative, an architecture and engineering firm, and Weigand Construction, both of Fort Wayne, Ind., teamed together to create these state-of-the-art athletic support spaces. Also working on the project were Highland Electric and Leever Glass of Defiance.
Another ribbon was cut to celebrate the completion of a state-of-the-art classroom in Defiance Hall. The new active learning classroom was made possible by a grant from Steelcase Education.
Outstanding alumni were recognized during the annual alumni awards dinner on Friday evening.
The Alumni Citation for Academic Excellence was presented to Alice Busson Rote, Doylestown, class of 1972. Alumni Achievement Award recipients were Karl Ideman, Hebron, Conn., class of 1967; and Joseph Lynch, Wapakoneta, class of 1985. Rachel Baker, Pittsburgh, Pa., class of 2008, received the Emerging Alumni Leadership Award. The Schauffler Legacy Award was presented to Darnell Parker, Findlay, class of 1979.
The annual Alumni Varsity D breakfast on Saturday honored 2018 Hall of Fame inductees and Coaches of the Year. Hall of Fame inductees included Jerome Floyd, Antioch, Tenn., class of 1985; Norman Gladieux, Toledo, class of 1978; Robin Groves, Kettering, class of 1989; Darnell Parker, Findlay, class of 1979; and the 1964, 1965, and 1966 baseball teams.
Coaches of the Year for the 2017-2018 season were Garry Rodenberger, Defiance, class of 1984; and Tim Shock, Hicksville, class of 2008.
Baseball and softball alumni reunions, the class of 1968 golden reunion, and TKE dinner were well-attended.
The 2018 Homecoming Court was led by queen Ely King and king Grant Vickery. The court included seniors Shelby Stamm and Jared Guerra; seniors Emma Bedan and Noah Goodrich; Grant and Ely; juniors Jacob Vorce and Brooke Gostomsky; sophomores Lucas Thomeier and Megan Ortiz; and freshmen Elias Rogers and Sophia Moller.
Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 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.
