Volume VII, Issue I
Fall 2010
THE ASOCIATION OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON RETIREES
MEMBERSHIP YEAR 2010-2011
http:www.uakron.edu/hr/auar
AUAR Executive Board
2010-2011
PRESIDENT
Look for your individual 2010-2011
AUAR membership card attached to
the inside of this Newsletter.
Our Motto
People say interns and new hires are the promise of the future.
Let’s not forget that retirees are promises kept.
AUAR Website is on the web
http:www.uakron.edu/hr/auar
President
Hank Nettling
330.686.2411
President Elect
Robert Gandee
330.864.4659
Vice President
Frank Thomas
330.928.4938
Treasurer
Robert Blankenship 330.923.7313
Recording Secretary
Hans Zbinden
330.836.3566
Corresponding
Secretary
Barbara Banks
330.882.4045
Public Relations Officer
Alberta Hensley
330.867.2029
AUAR Newsletter printed and designed by The University of Akron
Printing & Copying Services 2010
Members at Large
William Beyer
Marilyn Carrell
Loren Hoch
Ed Lasher
Pamela Rupert
Michael Sugarman
330.836.5394
330.966.0625
330.644.7566
330.836.3852
330.928.1810
330.864.1834
Immediate Past President
Tom Vukovich
330.733.4608
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Program
Tom & Diane
Vukovich
330.733.4608
Membership
Jim Fee
330.864.0442
Political Action Affiliates
Hank Nettling
330.686.2411
Robert Gandee
330.864.4659
University & Community Service
William Beyer
330.836.5394
Finance
Robert Blankenship 330.923.7313
University Benefits
Linda Sugarman
330.864.1834
Faculty Senators
Robert Gandee
Ed Lasher
330.864.4659
330.836.3852
Parliamentarian
Carl Lieberman
330.864.2569
Newsletter Editors
Alberta Hensley
Pamela Rupert
330.867.2029
330.928.1810
From the President
Upcoming Events
2010-2011
Hello everyone, everywhere. I hope you all
AUAR Luncheon
had a good summer. Some of us just returned
Speakers
from a river cruise in France so we have lots to
September 8, 2010
talk about. In May, a number of our members
Tim Matney
also went on a trip to China. World travelers,
Archeologist
we are.
October 13, 2010
While we have had good personal times,
Jim Sage
your Executive Board has also been carefully
VP Information
Technology
following articles about Ohio pension plans
which appeared in eight of the largest newspapers in the state. The
November 10, 2010
articles, aimed primarily at the “double dipping” issue (retire and return
David Carrell
FBI Agent
to work), also pointed out that STRS and the four other retirement
systems in Ohio need to make dramatic changes in order to protect
December 8, 2010
member benefits. All five systems have presented proposals to the
Holiday Luncheon
Ohio Retirement Studies Commission (ORSC). This body will need to
January 12, 2011
review and approve the plans before submission for legislative
Tom Wistcrill
action. No action is expected before the November elections.
Director, Athletics
However, we will keep you updated on this important project.
February 9, 2011
Watch your local media as well.
Betsy Kling
You no doubt have also heard the term “golden pension package”
Weather Person
for public retirees. Those of us who are involved in the process like to
March 9, 2011
use the term “deferred compensation” instead. Ours and our former
China Travelogue
employer’s contributions toward retirement are simply a savings
Jane & John Gwinn
account on our behalf. Keep that in mind as you discuss the issue
Velma Pomrenke
with your friends and legislators.
April 13, 2011
Your Executive Board is in the process of developing what we hope
Tentative
will be exciting programs for the 2010-11 fiscal year. Speakers for the
Dr. Michael Sherman
Sr. VP, Provost, &
Robert Ferguson Luncheon Series are nearly all scheduled. Other
Chief Operating Officer
activities are being finalized as we go to press.
At this time I have no new news about the university’s retiree
Other Events
dependent benefit plan for 2011. The university has requested
November 5, 2010
proposals from carriers and it is our hope that we will receive word
Soup and Chili Supper
about the plan much earlier than last fall. That request has been
officially made to Human Resources.
Feb 13, 2011
Brunch & Theater
By now, you have all received membership applications for AUAR for
Coachhouse Play
the 2010-11 year and I hope you will decide to join us. As of this writing
Unexpected Guest
we have 196 members who have paid their dues. Contributions are also
May 13, 2011
coming in for the AUAR endowed scholarship fund to which you have
Lobster & Suds
contributed nearly $40,000 over the last three years, and I thank you for
TBA
that. Our annual scholarship is now at $1,000 and we have selected the
2010-11 recipient. She is Angellette Bokman who is pursuing a degree
in accounting.
Members of your Executive Board continue to serve on the board
of Ohio Conference of Higher Education Retirees (OCHER). This
Scholarship Recipient
organization advocates for our Ohio benefits and provides excellent
information that we pass on to you.
The 2010-2011 recipient
So, join us and become an advocate as well. Please keep in touch
of the AUAR Scholarship
with your Board on any issues about which you have concerns.
is Angelette Bokman, an
accounting major with a
POWER IN NUMBERS, ALWAYS!
3.9 GPA. She works fulltime while going to
school full-time, so that
President
she can provide for
herself, her father
QUOTE OF THE DAY
(disabled & unemployed
since October 2008), and
“Garden: one of a vast number of free outdoor restaurants
her younger sister. She
Run by charity-minded amateurs in an effort to provide
is also active in her
Healthful, balanced meals for insects, birds, and animals.”
church and community.
-Henry Beard & Roy Mckie, American authors
The Association of The University of Akron Retirees
The University of Akron
Human Resources
Akron, OH 44325-4730
330-972-7096
First Class Mail
U.S. Postage Paid
The University of Akron
A Glimpse of Our Hope for the Tomorrow
- Robert Gandee
AUAR President Elect, OCHER Past President
After a very subdued late spring and early summer, a degree of insight seems to be emerging from Columbus relative to the
discussions surrounding the sustainability of the state’s pension systems. As you recall, the Ohio Retirement Study Council
(ORSC) is the legislative pension over sight committee providing guidance to the state legislators and governor for the
formulation of sound public pension policy. In 2009, the ORSC requested and received from each of Ohio’s five public systems
its respective plan for maintaining its system’s viability into the future. The ORSC’s role now is to consolidate the components
of the various plans into one unified bill before the legislature. It was hoped that a bill would have been submitted during the
summer of 2010, but to date nothing has appeared.
The ORSC Director, Aristotle Hutras, speaking before a July 1, 2010 meeting of PERI, provided a glimpse of the anticipated
contentious issues relative to the retirement systems in the coming months. Because approximately 70% of the public pension
income was generated by the investment returns, the continued depression of the national economy is a major concern. (The
STRS Fiscal 2011 Investment Plan is available at the STRS Ohio web site www.strsoh.org.) As the Great Recession of 2008
took hold in Ohio, the resulting job losses in the private sector and the associated pension and healthcare cuts combined with
the hatchet job on defined benefits pension plans perpetrated by the major newspapers of Ohio has created much “pension
envy.” However, as the debate relative to changes in Ohio’s pension systems begins to boil in late 2010, you must keep
yourself apprised and ready to enter the discussion for you and your pension system are valuable contributors to the economy
of Ohio. You should feel great pride in defending your “differed compensation plan” for it is a great moral and economic asset
to Ohio. More specifically, your deferred compensation plan provided through the STRS Ohio Defined
Benefit Plan:
1. Provides a stable source of revenue for local economies; STRS Ohio pays more than $3.6 billion in
benefits to Ohio residents each year that they then spend mostly in Ohio.
2. Supports the services provided by state and federal governments through the taxes paid on these
benefits.
3. Reduces the likelihood that STRS participants will have to turn to taxpayer-funded public assistance,
Medicaid, or social services in retirement, in turn, relieving taxpayers of future obligations.
Be positive, be constructive, and be concise. Encourage those educators who are retired and those who are
actively teaching in the public schools to write their legislators requesting their support for the public pension
systems of Ohio.
At the Senate
- Robert Gandee
AUAR President Elect, OCHER Past President
With Don Gerlach’s resignation from the Senate effective September, 2010, the Senate will lose a long term and committed
member who had great dedication to the enhancement and preservation of the faculty’s role in the governance of the
University. Don’s departure creates a void in the Senate for the wisdom of his contentious orations will be most difficult to
replace. After a thirty-two year (1962-1994) teaching career with the University including many years of service to the Senate,
Don is leaving the comfort of his Akron home and his beloved University to return to his southeastern Nebraska, childhood
hometown of Harvard. Who will step forward?
During Don’s comments in response to receiving a certificate of appreciation for his service to the Senate presented by
Chair Harvey Sterns during its May, 2010 meeting, he rose near the close of the meeting and said,”I would like to thank you
and the Senate for this certificate. However, I feel a bit like Mark Twain in his reading the premature announcement of his
death in the local newspaper, for you see, I am not leaving the Senate until September.” The sedate Senate roared with
laughter. With that, the Senate was adjourned.
After several years of observation, there is found a caring and loving soul beneath that curmudgeonly façade. With much
admiration and respect, Don, thank you for being there; your wisdom gave the Senate a “Touch of Class.”
The most pertinent information to come before the Senate in recent months was Chair Sterns’ advisement of the
appointment of Dr. William M. Sherman, effective June 1, 2010, as Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Operating Officer,
University of Akron, following the departure of Dr. Elizabeth Stroble to become the President of Webster University in the St.
Louis area.
The Senate continues to prod along in an evolutionary manner with the University Council (UC) Exploratory Committee’s
structural and bylaws recommendations. (The recommendation may be viewed at the University’s website in Appendix E
of the University of Akron Chronicle, No. 6, March, 2010.) As was reported earlier, the Senate has approved these
recommendations. The Senate was informed by Associate Provost Ramsier at its April Meeting that the University Council
Exploratory Committee Recommendations had been submitted to the President for consideration. However, discussion of
the composition of the Implementation Committee remained. Chair Harvey Sterns advised the Senate during its 2010 May
Meeting that the UC recommendations have been delayed by the President’s placing said recommendations in the Rules
Committee of the University Board of Trustees.
The University is planning to launch a computer literacy assessment of beginning freshmen students during the summer
of 2011. It was reported to the Senate that students lacking in computer skills drastically affect student retention.
It was reported the University is in the process of upgrading the Curriculum Process System in order to speed up the
Curriculum Review procedures. Continued scrutiny of the Student Withdrawal Policy will also engage the Senate during the
coming academic year.
Chair Harvey Sterns remonstrated against the slow and often untimely decision-making by the University Administration
without consulting the Senate.
AUAR
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Fall 2010
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Page 2
AUAR 2010-2011 Membership Form
In Memoriam
Ruth Clinefelter, Professor Emeritus, University Libraries,
passed away August 12, 2010 after a brief but heroic effort
to survive a severe illness in the aftermath of surgery. She
was employed at UA in 1952 and retired in 2000. She
donated her time and energy to many organizations
devoted to historical causes and professionalism, such as
The Summit County Historical Society, Progress Through
Preservation, and the American Association of University
Professors, as well as AUAR.
Name:
Spouse:
Address:
Phone:
Ruth Fee, wife of Professor Emeritus James Fee, died
unexpectedly in February after a short illness. Ruth was
very active in University affairs, helping Jim with AUAR
newsletter and membership responsibilities. She was
active in UA Women’s Club, and worked tirelessly for the
Akron Symphony and its Guild functions.
E-Mail:
Dept. or Office Before Retirement:
Dominic Guzzetta, President Emeritus and Professor of
Higher Education, passed away May 12, 2010. Dr. Guzzetta
had many title changes during his tenure at UA. He was
first employed as Assistant Dean of Evening and Adult
Education in 1954, but continued to climb the ladder with
stops as Vice-President and Provost. After a brief 3 year
term as President of Marian College in Indianapolis, he
returned to UA as President in 1971 for “a second tour of
duty,” as he would say, until retirement in 1985. He
remained active in civic and University affairs, and served
on the AUAR board for many years.
Please 3 one:
Please 3 one:
q New
q SERS
q Renewal
q STRS
q Other
If other please list:
Please list my membership application in/on
3 all that apply):
q AUAR Directory
q AUAR Web Site
Membership Dues for 7/1 to 6/30:
David H. Hoover, Professor Emeritus, Fire Protection &
Emergency Management, passed away August 10, 2010 in
Columbus after a sudden illness. Hired in 1983, he became
Director of Center for Emergency & Homeland Security
Research before his retirement in 2005. He then became
Director of Disaster Readiness for the American Red Cross
of Greater Columbus. He maintained contact with UA
through attendance at AUAR lunch meetings and
established the Dr. David H. Hoover Fund of the University
of Akron.
Scholarship Donation (optional):
TOTAL enclosed:
We invite you to serve on one or more of our committees.
Please 3 any that interest you:
q Political Action/Affiliates
q Programs
q University & Community Services
q Scholarship Committee
Josephine Livers, secretary in the College of Engineering,
passed away in August of 2010. She was hired in 1985 and
retired in 1993.
Marlene Miller, Records Management Supervisor, Academic
Advisement, passed away June 8, 2010. She was employed
in 1978 and retired in 1997.
Please return this form with check payable to
The Association of The University of Akron Retirees to:
AUAR Membership
Human Resources
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-4730
Harold Schwartz, Director of Health Services, passed away
August 5. He Came to UA in 1977 and retired in 1987.
Please notify any AUAR Board member if you are aware of
a death or serious illness among our retiree membership so
we can send a card and include them in our newsletter.
Thank you for your assistance.
AUAR
•
$10.00
Fall 2010
•
Page 11
The University of Akron
School of Music
Fall 2010-2011
[email protected] • 330-972 8301 • www.uakron.edu/music
Dr. W. Michael (Mike) Sherman
Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Operating Officer
The University of Akron
INTRODUCTION
Most events are free in Guzzetta Recital Hall (across from E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall)
For events in other venues there may be a charge: $8 for seniors & faculty. Call for further information.
Parking is free in nearby decks and surface lots (with the exception of E.J. Thomas Hall parking deck if there is an
event at E.J. Thomas Hall). If a parking attendant is on duty, please inform him/her that you will be attending a
concert in Guzzetta Hall so that you will be permitted to park at no charge.
SEPTEMBER
19
27
3 p.m. Idle Twittering Kulas Concert Series
7:30 p.m. UA Symphony Orchestra
with faculty clarinetist Kristina Belisle Jones
14
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
20
21
OCTOBER
3
4
5
6
10
11
14
15
17
20
21
24
26
3 p.m. Symphonic Band
8 p.m. Percussionist Neeraj Mehta
8 p.m. Faculty flutist George Pope
with pianist Eric Charnofsky and
cellist Regina Mushabac.
8 p.m. Concert Band
3 p.m. UA Symphony Orchestra and
UA Concert Choir with faculty oboist
Jack Cozen Harel and Singers Companye
7:30 p.m. Guest clarinetist Kevin Schempf
Professor of Clarinet at
Bowling Green State University.
8 p.m. University Band
8 p.m. Classical Guitar Ensemble
3 p.m. Faculty soprano Laurie Lashbrook
Guest pianist Timothy Cheek and
dancer Bohuslava Jelínková.
8 p.m. Jazz Ensembles
8 p.m. Jazz Combos
3 p.m. Bandorama
7:30 p.m. Collage Kulas Concert Series
21
23
29
30
30
DECEMBER
1
2
2
8 p.m. Concert Band/University Band
8 p.m. UA Symphony Orchestra
with faculty hornist William Hoyt
Early Action Scholarship Auditions
38th Annual Ohio Band Directors Conference
3 p.m. Jingle Jazz Kulas Concert Series
Join Joe Augustine, Jack Schantz and others from
the UA School of Music for a jazzy celebration
of the holiday season.
2 shows: Noon and 2:30 p.m.
Akron’s 31st annual TubaChristmas
3
3/4
12
NOVEMBER
1
Music Careers Day and Fall Visitation Day
8 p.m. Brass Choir
12 p.m. NEOFA Flute Festival
7:30 p.m. UA Symphony Orchestra
with faculty bassoonist Cynthia Cioffari
3 p.m. Freedom Brass Band
7:30 p.m. Solaris Woodwind Quintet
8 p.m. Composers Forum
8 p.m. Woodwind Ensembles
8 p.m. Jazz Ensembles
8 p.m. Classical Guitar Ensemble
8 p.m. Opera Scenes
3 p.m. Men’s Chorus
4 p.m. Vocal Chamber Ensembl
3 p.m. Verlezza Dance
with pianist Laura Silverman and
soprano Patricia LaNasa
7:30 p.m. Jazz Guitar Ensemble
8 p.m. Percussion Ensemble
8 p.m. Concert Choir/Chamber Choir
7 p.m. University Singers
8:30 p.m. Brass Choir
3
5
7
8
8 p.m. Symphonic Band Chamber Winds
with trumpeter Scott Johnston and Solaris
Woodwind Quintet
8 p.m. Flute Ensembles
18
Want to be on our mailing list? 330-972-8301 or [email protected]
AUAR
•
Fall 2010
•
Page 10
Following a meteoric rise through The Ohio State University administration from Assistant Professor to Vice Provost,
Dr W. Michael (Mike) Sherman assumed the duties of Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Operating Officer,
University of Akron, June 1, 2010, following Dr. Elizabeth Stroble’s departure to become the President of Webster
University in the St. Louis area.
Dr. Sherman comes to The University of Akron from a rich and productive 25-year career at The Ohio State University
and with a great depth of administrative experience in academic and research institutional growth. Before moving to
the Vice Provost Office, he was actively involved in his third four-year appointment as Director of the School of Physical
Activity and Educational Services. As the Inaugural Director of this School, Dr. Sherman administered the integration of
four previously separate programs into one school supervising approximately fifty-one faculty and administrative staff as
well as 100 graduate associates with an approximate operating budget of $6M, plus $1M in contract and extramural
funding.
While Director of the School Mike also, served as the Director of the Center on Education and Training for Employment,
College of Education, The Ohio State University. The Center employed approximately 30 administrative and
professional staff and supervised 12 Principal Investigators with $3-8M in grants and $160,000 in general funds.
This Center generated $6-13M annually in grants.
As Vice Provost, 2005 to 2010, Dr. Sherman had two major assignments: Vice Provost for Academic Administration
(2005-2009) and Vice Provost for Academic Planning (2009-2010). These assignments involved monitoring various
campus units with a total budget of $80M including Regional Campuses (Newark, Marion, Mansfield, and Lima),
University Libraries, John Glenn School of Public Affairs, Battelle Endowment for Technology and Human Affairs grant
program, and the Ohio Eminent Scholar Program, among others. Sherman also provided the leadership for the OSU
Strategic Planning and the Academic Facilities Planning Initiative.
In addition to his wealth of administrative experience, Dr. Sherman also brings to the University of Akron an academic
experience rich in research, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism relative to diabetes and exercise. Exemplary of his
strong commitment to research, between 1993 and 2007 he served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of
Sports Medicine. Before becoming an administrator, while actively engaged in full-time teaching and research Sherman
often secured external funding to support his research endeavors permitting him to publish over 145 peer-reviewed
articles and abstracts in such areas as, but not limited to, muscle metabolism, obesity, Creatine supplementation, and
water ingestion and thermoregulation.
Sherman’s post-secondary, formal education and training was a premiere experience under the tutelage of some of the
most notable scholars in the field during that era. Under the direction of Dr. Fredrick C. Hagerman, he received his 1978
Bachelor of Science, with a Major in Health Education and Minors in Botany and Zoology, from Ohio University, Athens,
Ohio. Sherman’s Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 1980 Masters of Science in Biology, with specialization in Human
Bioenergetics, was mentored by Dr. David L. Costill. Turning to the southwest to the flagship institution of the state, he
earned his 1984 Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology under the scrutiny of Dr. John L Ivy at the University of
Texas, Austin, Texas.
The accolades commanded by his stellar career are many: 1988 and 1991 Visiting Research Scholar Awards at the
College of Education, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia and College of Medicine, East
Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, respectively. Others are: elected 1976 Member of Omicron Delta Kappa,
national leadership honorary, elected 1985 Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine, and selected 1988 Athletic
Specialist to Chad and Cameroon by “Sports America,” United States Department of State, United States Information
Agency. However, of all of his accolades, the most memorable and complimentary was his home department’s
nomination of him for the prestigious The Ohio State University Distinguished Scholar Award.
Moving to Akron, Mike remains in the state in which he grew up having been very involved in 4-H, and working with his
grandfather on his cattle farm, as well as with his father in the meat department at local grocery stores. His mother also
supported him in many ways often trekking to the local libraries for copies of articles not otherwise available. His wife
Betty, whom he met at Texas A&M University, has a doctorate in technology education and has served as an elementary,
middle, and high school administrator. His daughter Lindsay will be a freshman at the University of Akron this autumn.
It is said, “She saw the light before he had the opportunity.” You have heard of “helicopter parents”; he is a “stealth”
dad.
The Association of University of Akron Retirees wishes Dr. Sherman well with much success in his leadership of our
University in the coming years.
AUAR
•
Fall 2010
•
Page 3
A Conversation With Don Gerlach, Professor Emeritus, History –
By Pamela Rupert
“The time has come, the Walrus said
To talk of many things
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing wax-Of cabbages--and kings….”
Lewis Carroll, as quoted by DG
Pam: After a long tenure in Akron and the University
environs (you arrived in l962, I believe) “the time has
come” for you to depart our city and return to your
roots in Harvard, Nebraska. What is drawing you
back?
Don: Well I have such fond memories of my
childhood. I still have my grandparents’ home and
farm where I grew up. I have grown tired of
managing properties both there and in Akron. I
dearly loved the place, always liked going out there
and hated to leave. Now I can go out and not leave!
Pam: Now let’s back up and look into your life
before UA. Your bachelors, masters and doctoral
degrees are from the University of Nebraska, and
you were awarded a Fulbright Scholarship at the
University of London in 1956-57. What impact did
that have on you?
Pam: It’s always a good sign when you don’t want
to leave a place! Your grandparents had settled
there years ago.
Don: Oh, it was a tremendous experience, one of
the great events of my life! I had told them in my
application that I wanted to do “The Grand Tour of
Europe” as was popular in the
preceding century, and I got my
chance! I kept a diary and listed
everything I paid for, including even
every donut! I had a record of what
it cost to do anything. I still keep
travel diaries. They afford me a lot
of pleasure looking back at them.
It’s funny what you remember and
don’t remember! Things can be
humorous. I have brought them
out on a few occasions when I had
company, and they provided some
laughs.
Don: Yes, they made their home there
in 1885-86. They emigrated from a
little town on the Volga River called
Norka. By coincidence, Norka is
Akron spelled backward! So I came
to Akron and spent 48 years here!
Pam: Well, before you go it seems
appropriate that we talk with you and
refresh some other memories. You
taught mostly upper level and
graduate courses, with a specialty in
Early American history, I believe.
Don: Oh, I did quite a bit of survey courses as well.
I also taught some English history, which I’m very
fond of. I still like to read English biography, history,
and English mystery writers! (laugh)
Pam: Many of us also recall your leadership in the
Faculty Senate both during your teaching years and
as our AUAR representative these past years.
You were a strong advocate of faculty rights and
the maintenance of high academic standards. I
understand you were honored at the last Senate
meeting.
Don: Yes, they gave me a certificate citing my
service as the first chairman and my years as
parliamentarian as well as retiree representative.
Pam: I hear you brought down the house?
Don: Well, they gave me the certificate at the
beginning of the session, and I thanked them. But
at the end, I got the floor to say that I felt somewhat
like Mark Twain, in that the news of my departure
was a little premature, as I hadn’t turned in my
resignation yet! I then gave it to them. It did cause
a little amusement.
AUAR
•
Pam: I know you also had a tour of duty with the
army which took you to another part of the world.
Don: Yes, the draft board finally got me and sent
me to Korea with the 1st Cavalry. Although trained
as a medic, I was fortunate to be sent to their
Division Headquarters where someone noticed my
credentials and decided I would be most useful in
their Education Center. I worked with professors
from the University of Maryland Overseas Program,
and got a chance to teach some history courses
myself.
Pam: You also got involved with the Anglican
Church while there.
Don: Yes. I had started on the path toward the
Anglican Way while in Nebraska where a University
chaplain had influenced me. Then I became
acquainted with the chaplain in Korea who knew
the bishop in Seoul. We visited the cathedral and
sometimes stayed overnight in the Bishop’s Lodge.
I ended up being confirmed by that bishop in Seoul!
He was a lovely man and I have seen him since in
his visits to both Akron and England.
Fall 2010
•
Page 4
What a Way to Celebrate a Birthday
China Trip by Velma Pomrenke
What a way to celebrate a birthday – cruising down the Yangtze River through
the spectacular gorges with their sheer precipices, boarding motorized sampans
to navigate the mini-gorges and catching glimpses of the 2000 year-old coffins
suspended high upon the cliff face! And that was only one of a whole host of
adventures experienced by our group as we traveled far and wide in China and
Tibet from May 26 to June 16, 2010. Included in the group were Tom and Diane
Vukovich, Minnie and Bill Pritchard, Carolyn Cox, Mary Ann Winders, Bev Cinovec
and Velma Pomrenke, plus three other couples from various parts of the US.
We wandered through the Forbidden City in Beijing, a 9000 room maze of
courtyards, palaces and ceremonial halls where emperors forbade “commoners”
for nearly 500 years. We stood at approximately the site of the iconic picture of
a
student challenging a huge tank during the protests and tragic killings at
Back row: Tom Vukovich and Bill Pritchard
Middle row: Velma Pomrenke, Bev Cinovec, Diane Vukovich,
Tianamen Square in 1989, under the gaze of the huge portrait of Chairman Mao.
Minnie Pritchard and Mary Ann Winders
There too, was the Great Hall of the People where decisions affecting 1.3 billion
Front row: Sally our Chinese guide sporting an AU t-shirt,
cap and stuffed Zippy
people are made by a small group of Communist leaders.
To give us a taste of how most Chinese travel, we took an overnight train from
Beijing to Xian. Each sleeping compartment has four berths which are shared by fellow travelers – male or female, single or
married, all strangers to one another. Wisely our tour company realized that this would be a bit much for us Americans so we
had the whole compartment to ourselves but did have to use the common
facilities at either end of the railway car.
Xian is the location of the famed Terra Cotta soldiers. In 1974 local farmers
drilling a well discovered pottery fragments and ancient bronze weapons. In
excavating the area, more than 1000 larger than life size terra cotta warriors and
horses have been unearthed and restored. This army was the creation of Emperor
Qin some 2200 years ago, an army that was to accompany him into the afterlife.
This same Emperor Qin also constructed the Great Wall which we had ascended
a few days earlier near Beijing. Amazingly, each soldier has a unique facial
expression. To add to the experience, the farmer on whose land the well was
dug was present to autograph our books.
What is more delightful than watching a family of teen- age pandas peeling
their bamboo stalks and chowing down 16 hours a day. This was in the city of
Diane Vukovich and furry friend
Chengdu. Appropriately panda means bamboo eater. The panda is an endangered
species – only about 1000 pandas still live in China. Hence the Giant Panda
Sanctuary – not a zoo – but a simulated natural habitat. On Diane’s “bucket list” was having her picture
taken holding a panda. When you see the picture you wonder who is sweeter – Diane or the panda.
Tibet was an experience, altitude wise and culture wise. Twelve thousand feet elevation severely depletes the oxygen
supply and we felt it immediately, each of us to varying degrees. I was a “wet noodle” - that is, little endurance, while others
climbed the 300 steps to the top of Potala Palace, the former residence of the long exiled Dali Lama. At a Buddhist monastery
we watched a lively scene of monks debating one another. China is undermining the traditional Tibetan culture, hence the
unrest. It is chilling to see groups of Chinese soldiers in the streets of Lhasa in riot gear, fully armed.
A word about our guide. Qu Yi – Sally, to us. She was fluent in English, cared for us like a mother hen with her chicks,
instructed us in Chinese history and culture and shared heart rending stories of her family’s experiences during the Cultural
Revolution. I had little feeling of her adhering to a “party line”. She talked often of the current government’s mistakes
and challenges.
There were many other wonderful experiences: Chinese food – the ever
present lazy Susan with at least a dozen dishes usually ending with a plate of
watermelon; Yak burgers in Tibet; learning Tai Chi; an overnight stay with a farm
family; visiting a school and an orphanage; seeing the Three Gorges Dam and
talking with a family (one of one and a half million people) relocated by the
project; walks through local markets; after dinner shows by the talented crew
of the Victoria Star; a visit to an herbal Chinese medicine wholesale outlet; and
so on.
Our trip ended in Hong King – vastly different from most of Mainland China.
Our local guide told of his father’s multiple attempts and final success in leaving
Mainland China in the 1930’s and of his brother going to Canada because he
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
feared what would happen when Hong King reverted from British to Chinese rule
on July 1, 1997. But Hong Kong continues to be the huge commercial and
financial center with nothing but high rises built on the hillsides.
Tom’s Tours and Overseas Adventure Travel have once again provided experiences we will not soon forget.
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Au Revoir Memorial Hall - Ken MacDonald
Director Emeritus, Sports Information
My boss for over 19
years at UA, the late
George Ball, who most
of you reading this piece
will remember, would
say on occasion,
"There's nothing more
Memorial Hall 1954
consistent than change."
I was reminded of George's profound words when I first
heard, with heavy heart, that Memorial Hall would be
demolished once the Department of Sports Science and
Wellness Education (formerly the Department of Health and
Physical Education) was moved into InfoCision Stadium.
As I write this, the demolition is in process and Memorial
Hall probably will be gone by the time this latest edition of
the AUAR Newsletter is published.
Memorial Hall was the culmination of some 30 years of
student and alumni demands for a new physical education
facility. Crouse Gymnasium, which was demolished in 1965
to make room for Gardner Student Center, was constructed
in 1888 and had long exceeded its usefulness. I like to think of
Memorial Hall, dedicated in 1954 at a cost of $1,400,000, as
the "House that Cochrane built." I am, of course, referring to
the much revered Kenneth "Red" Cochrane, UA's Director of
Athletics from 1948 to 1968, although I'm sure that University
President Dr. Norman P. Auburn had a huge influence on this
multi-purpose building being constructed, as well.
Named in honor of the 1,534 Summit County veterans
who died during World War II, the Hall was not only used to
educate students but, to showcase its athletic teams in
competition, for graduation ceremonies, for musical
concerts, hosting U.S. presidential and other political
candidates, for cultural events such as "Town and Gown"
and a myriad of other events too numerous to mention.
In its day Memorial Hall was referred to as a "pit," where
opponents had difficulty winning. During those 29 seasons
of basketball, the UA men compiled 308 wins and lost only
78 games for a remarkable winning percentage of 79
percent! The Zip cagers only suffered two losing home
seasons and had winning streaks of 17, 18, 39 and an alltime school mark of 52 games. The latter amazing streak
occurred between 1964 and 1967 and was ended due to the
play of Winston-Salem's Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, who
scored a Hall record 49 points in an 88-80 victory over UA in
the NCAA Mid-East Regional Championship.
My first introduction to Memorial Hall came during
freshman orientation in the fall of 1958 but that was just a
prelude to the thousands of hours I spent there as a student,
athlete, and as an employee. For 16 of my 25 years as
director of sports information my office was in the Hall. It
was where I met and dealt with such great coaches as
Cochrane, Andy Maluke, Tom Evans, Russ Beichly, Tony
Laterza, Wyatt Webb, Gordon Larson, Jim Dennison and
Jim Tressel. It is where I watched the performances of
outstanding UA athletes such as Alex Adams, Bill Turner,
Don Williams, Bob "Sumthin" Smith, Len Paul, Joe Jakubick
and hundreds more. However, it was not all about the
coaches and players, it was also about the students, the
support staff, the alumni, the fans and the memorable
games. It was the assistant coaches, the secretaries, the
managers and the athletic trainers, everyone involved in the
experience of Memorial Hall!
Now, a moment of silence for Memorial Hall- so many
memories and so aptly named!
2010 Roadtrip: Historic Massillon, Ohio
The annual road trip once again proved that you never know what you will find in your
own backyard. On April 23, 2010 twenty-eight AUAR members and guests traveled the short
distance to Massillon and learned that there is more to this Stark County city than high
school football and the legendary Paul Brown.
Our first stop was the Five Oaks mansion, which is now the home of the Massillon
Woman’s Club. Five Oaks was built between 1892-94 for Mr. & Mrs. J. Walter McClymonds
at a cost of $200,000. It was designed by noted Cleveland architect, Charles F. Schweinfurth
Hans Zbinden, Don Gerlach and Tom Vukovich
and exhibits features of Gothic, Romanesque, Tudor and French Renaissance architecture.
Five Oaks was given to the women of Massillon in 1924 by the McClymonds’ daughters,
Edna McClymonds Wales and Ruth McClymonds Maitland.
We then went outside for a walking tour of historic Fourth Street with local resident and guide, Margy Vogt. This street
contains a variety of houses with fascinating histories covering over 170 years. It includes a house once lived in by movie star
Lillian Gish.
After lunch at Kosmo’s Grille, which features a large picture of Cosmo Kramer of Seinfeld fame, we visited the Ohio Society
of Military History Museum. This small museum on Lincoln Way contains a Hall of
Honor, which is dedicated to Ohio recipients of the Medal of Honor, contains
displays and artifacts from each U.S. war period and houses a research library.
Later in the afternoon our bus took us to Exploration Gateway and the Ralph
Regula Canalway Center on Sippo Lake. Here we learned about life on the Ohio &
Erie Canal via a guided tour and the use of many interactive exhibits.
As usual, several of our attendees added to the educational process. Don Gerlach
reminded us that Massillon was the place from which Cox’s Army began its protest
march to Washington D.C. in January 1932. Ruth Clinefelter recalled a postcard
from her collection that mentioned a town called “Lock 17”, which existed along a
stretch of the canal in the 1830’s or ‘40’s.
On the way back to Summit County, we made an unscheduled stop at the
Road Scholars
Riverbank General Store off Route 21 for ice cream and other interesting organic
foods & snacks.
From our experiences we learned that, much like Akron, Massillon owes its existence and growth to the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Its “movers and shakers” entertained such notables as President William McKinley. He and his wife were guests at the
wedding of Edna McClymonds and Arvine Wales at Five Oaks on October 25, 1900. We also discovered that in the early
twentieth century the city fathers were given a choice by Ohio politicians of building either a new college or a state hospital in
Massillon. They chose the state hospital. The city of Kent gained a state college.
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Pam: Are you still involved with the church?
Don: I was very fond of it for many years until the
changes were instituted in 1996-97. Now I am
active in an organization of us Loyal Episcopalians
trying to bring back the Old Ways. Our
Anglican/Catholic organization has prospered
worldwide!
Pam: What we haven’t heard yet is how you came
to UA.
Don: Following my PhD I had to find a job. I
taught a year at my alma mater while looking,
attending history conventions and the like. One of
the most promising positions was here in Akron. I
interviewed, and that was that! Nothing better ever
came along, so I stayed and have never regretted it!
Pam: You have many publications and presentations
to your credit, but one caught my eye for its
controversy: “The Myth of the Declaration of
Independence.”
Don: Oh, yes, I’ve spoken on that a number of
times. There are so many stories. I used to like to
challenge my history classes to think that maybe
we had made a mistake in declaring independence;
might we not be better off still with England? What
did we lose? For one, the slaves would have been
freed in 1833 when Britain did it, so we wouldn’t
have needed the Civil War. Also their system of
government provides just as much freedom and
rights as ours, and we’d have a lovely Head of State,
the Queen, instead of a president that has to be
both head of state and head of government!
Pam: And we wouldn’t need a passport to go to
Canada! But I see you do like to stir things up!
And you’re a Hamiltonian!
Don: Indeed! And am an avid anti – Jeffersonian.
(That’s a big divide among historians.) I think
Jefferson was a bit of a phony. All that talk about
rights and freedom, but he didn’t release his slaves.
At least Washington did when he died. King George
got a bad rap. It was parliament that caused most
of the problems.
Don: I did. Fortunately, a member of the office
staff, Garnett Dorsey, took pity on me. She came in
saying, “Okay, where’s this manuscript?” She did a
heroic job.
Pam: Indeed. In between writing and teaching, you
have traveled a great deal, frequently to England.
Don: I started my travels in my Fulbright years
when I did “The Grand Tour.” I’ve had a number of
additional interesting trips to England. Once we
looked for all the ancient cathedrals in the GB.
Another time Dr.Gary Oller and I searched for all
the Christopher Wren buildings in London. We
had a high old time, but such exhausting work
necessitated frequent stops at pubs to revive our
spirits! I also did an English Theatre Tour with Dr.
Dunlap which was great fun. When in Korea I got to
Japan, and have since been to Australia, Alaska,
Hawaii, Greece, and more. And of course the
wonderful trip to the Tuscan Hill towns with the
Vukovichs’ group. France is next.
Pam: You’ve had an interesting life! What will you
now do in Nebraska? Will you be involved locally?
Don: I have already been involved with
preservation of historical buildings in Harvard.
We got restoration of the old city jail which Charlie
McCartney once had part ownership in. And we
saved the historical old school bell, so there are
always things to be seen to. Also I have a big
library of books to read or reread. And I plan to
continue traveling, including trips with the
AUAR group.
Pam: I’m sure the group will be delighted to keep
seeing you. You have contributed much to the
University and have left an indelible mark on many
students, faculty, and administrators! The AUAR
has benefited from your endeavors, and we shall
miss your wit as well as your service. Many thanks
for all the years you gave us.
Farewell Luncheon
Pam: You’ve written a lot of articles about that
period in American history, and have also several
books to your credit. You won an award for one:
Proud Patriot: Philip Schuyler & the War of
Independence. The UA Alumni Association also
gave you its Outstanding Researcher Award in 1988.
I understand you also have a book in press. But
those of us who know of your aversion to
typewriters, computers, and the like, wonder:
did you do all your writing longhand?
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The AUAR Board attended a luncheon hosted by The
Department of Devolpment to honor Don Gerlach and thank
him for his many years of service and contributions to the
University. Don was given a UA tee shirt to help him
remember us as he jogs around Harvard, Nebraska.
He in turn shared his usual wit with us all. It was also
Alberta Hensley’s birthday so that was celebrated as well
with a lovely cake enjoyed by all.
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AUAR Events
Dr. David Ayers January Luncheon Speaker
Rev. Robert Denton April Luncheon Speaker
Our January 13th Luncheon took on a global atmosphere when
Dr. David Ayers, Director of the Office of International Programs at
The University of Akron, spoke to us about the University’s programs
involving our exchange students studying abroad and students from
other countries studying here. Dr. Ayers is responsible for all areas of
international education including international student services, study
abroad, undergraduate international student academic advising and the
establishment of exchange programs for students and faculty. He serves
as liaison between the university and the community, has led
annual study/tour Asian trips for students and faculty members and has
led study/tour delegations of
Tom Vukovich, Velma Pomrenke and
luncheon speaker Dr. David Ayers
students and faculty members in
South Korea and China.
Dr. Ayers brought Dr. Young Lin, Director of the Confucius Institute.
Dr. Ayers’ and Dr. Lin’s visual presentations gave us a good look at
international education and, judging from the large number of questions
asked by luncheon attendees, created much interest in both overseas
travel and in visitors from other countries.
Our final luncheon speaker in the 2009-2010 series was Bob Denton,
Executive Director and Co-founder of the Victim Assistance Program in Akron.
Bob is well known to the community and his many colleagues and friends at
The University of Akron.
Bob has been involved in the criminal justice and social work fields for
over 30 years. He earned a Ph.D. in social welfare from Case Western Reserve
University, is a 1970 graduate of the Akron Police Academy, and holds a
commission with the police department. In addition, he is an ordained
minister and a licensed independent social worker. Bob recognized the
support he has received from UA retirees Leona Farris, Velma Pomrenke, and
Dave Hoover in helping him establish a certificate program in victim studies
Luncheon speaker Rev. Bob Denton
at UA. The local Victim Assistance Program annually provides financial,
emotional, and physical support to over 20,000 people in Summit County who
are affected directly or indirectly by violent crime.
A very moving part of Bob’s presentation was a DVD interview with a husband and wife who were in need of
assistance after the husband was the victim of a brutal beating. Their unscripted emotional comments captivated the
audience. The wife’s comments clearly brought home the value of the Victim Assistance Program and expressed the
great need of victims and their families to find their “first form of justice” through the Program.
The 15 staff members of the Victim Assistance Program are a valuable asset to our community, and Bob Denton is
the driving force behind this essential program that is recognized nationally for its services.
Luncheon speaker Dr. Young Lin
Valentine’s Day at Coach House Theatre
Valentine’s Day was on Sunday this year, and what better reason to enjoy a wonderful brunch at the Akron
Woman’s City Club and a matinee at the Coach House Theatre. The 52 AUAR members and guests filled more
than half of the sold out theatre for Agatha Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution”.
Carl Lieberman and Ruth Clinefelter recalled the original movie version of the play starring Tyrone Power,
Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton and directed by Billy Wilder in 1957. Don Gerlach had his keen historian
eyes on the British court room scenes and commented that the justice (played by UA’s own Alfred Anderson) and
barristers did not wear the correct style of wigs! It was later explained that to rent the correct attire would have
cost over $1,500 – a little steep for this production.
It was good to see Caesar and Linda Carrino, Evelyn and Roger Garver, Chuck and Helen Candea, and John and
Paula Troche in attendance as well as Irv Brandal and his guest, Linda along with many of our regular attendees.
AUAR’s theatre events have been gaining in popularity over the past several years. This one brought several
“first timers” to the Coach House Theatre, which is one of the oldest continuing community theatres in the
country. It was founded in 1928 by members of the Akron Woman’s City Club. We hope to see you at our next
AUAR theatre event!
March Speaker Outlines UA/Thailand Connection
Our luncheon speaker on March 10, 2010 was former UA Associate V.P.
for Information Services, Dr. Frank Thomas. Frank outlined for us the
program he and several UA library and computer center personnel
developed at Ubon Ratchantiana University in Thailand from 1986-1998.
The initial connection resulted from contacts made by Dr. John
Hirschbuhl and approved by former UA Presidents Dr. William V. Muse
and Dr. Peggy Gordon Elliott. These agreements brought several faculty
and computer specialists from UA to Thailand to work on science and
mathematics curricula and improvements in computer capabilities at
Ubon Ratchantiana University. In addition, UA gained numerous Thai
graduate students, who earned masters and doctoral degrees from
Luncheon speaker Frank Thomas
our institution.
Frank also gave us insight into Thai culture as he reviewed his travels throughout the country and trips into
several surrounding countries.
10 Years of Lobster & Suds
The 2010 version of the old University of Akron Faculty Club Lobster &
Suds event was held at a new venue. Thanks to the efforts of John and Betty
Miller, we were able to move the event from Heisman Lodge at the Rubber
Bowl to the party room of the condos at Hampton Woods.
Seventy-three guests filled the space and appreciated the easy access and
excellent parking. They were also happy not to have that hike up the steep hill
to Heisman Lodge and not to face going up and down several flights of stairs
to use the “facilities”.
The lobsters were again expertly prepared by the “crew” of Bud Marston,
Bob Fritz, Ed Lasher, Don Rupert, and Tom Vukovich. AUAR’s president-elect,
Bob Gandee, assisted as “the rookie” this year.
The Lobster and Suds Gourmet Chefs
Attending direct from Florida were
Hugo and Janet Lijeron. First time guests were Beverly Cinovec, a frequent
traveler with the Vukovich group, Bill and Jane Landis, who were guests of
Velma Pomrenke, and long time UA friends, Sam and Raghda Halasa.
President Emeritus, Dr. Marion A. Ruebel and his wife Neoma joined the
party again this year. Everyone enjoyed the many desserts and salads that
were brought to accompany the main courses. Now we are all looking
forward to Lobster & Suds 2011.
Hank and Arlene Nettling
Edie and Norb Weisend and Mel Vye
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