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Homecoming 2019 celebrated and alumni recognized

October 16, 2019

DEFIANCE, Ohio - This year, more than 600 people attended homecoming festivities and celebrations. Five Defiance College alumni were recognized for their accomplishments on Friday, Oct. 11.

The Alumni Citation for Academic Excellence was presented to Dr. Holli Seabury, Churubusco, Ind., class of 1997 and 1998. Alumni Achievement Award recipients were Lynn Alexander, Bloomfield, Mich., class of 1973, and Royce Henderson, Colorado Springs, Colo., class of 1975. The Schauffler Legacy Award was presented to Rev. Dr. Marian Plant, Defiance, class of 1973, and Pastor Steve Bauerle, Waterville, class of 1978.

The annual Alumni Varsity D breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 12, honored 2019 Hall of Fame inductees. They included: James Beaverson, Bowling Green, class of 1990 and 2003; Doug Huffman, Celina, class of 1968; Juanita Osby, Suffolk, Va., class of 1984; and John Smith, Corydon, class of 1995. The 1969 football team was also inducted in the Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony was held at halftime during the DC versus Hanover football game in Justin F. Coressel Stadium.

Also recognized on Saturday were four DC alumni selected as 2019 Coach of the Year recipients: Joe Frank, Archbold, class of 1983; Jerry Keifer, Delta, class of 1988; Seth Newlove, Findlay, class of 2000; and Doug Rakes, Sherwood, class of 2009.

The 2019 Homecoming Court was led by king Zac Brazen, Oxford, and queen Jessica Mello, Vermilion. The court included seniors Jason Santora, Avon, and Whitney Webb, Troy; seniors Chris Keys, Pontiac, Mich., and Blake Newman, Jackson, Mich.; juniors Lucas Thomeier, Wickliffe, and Kalyn Pickens, Fort Wayne, Ind.; sophomores Matt Cline, Fostoria, and Kelsie Shafer, West Alexandria; and freshmen Noah Svanberg, Grand Rapids, and Julia Yeager, Defiance.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College 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 is guided by the four pillars of its mission: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve. The College website is www.defiance.edu.