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In a week dedicated to Ohio University’s past, present and future, the community paused to celebrate the impact the University has had on a distinguished group of Bobcats and the impact they have had on their alma mater and throughout the world.
The 2019 Alumni Awards Gala, the Ohio University Alumni Association’s signature Homecoming Week event, paid tribute to 13 graduates for their remarkable contributions as students, professionals in their fields, and stewards of OHIO values.
“Each year, Homecoming brings together Ohio University graduates and the Bobcats following in their footsteps to revel in their shared and unique experiences — the moments that help define and continue to shape who they are today,” Erin Essak Kopp, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the Alumni Association, said.
Erin Essak Kopp, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the Alumni Association, welcomes everyone to the 79th annual Alumni Awards Gala, held Oct. 11 in the Baker University Center Ballroom. Photo by Max Catalano, BSVC ’20
“Tonight, we celebrate Ohio’s first and finest university by recognizing a distinct group of Bobcats who exemplify the highest levels of professional success, whose service to others defines the Ohio University spirit, and whose commitment to their alma mater are the pillars of the University’s past, its present and its future,” Essak Kopp said in kicking off the 79th annual event.
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
The most prestigious award of the evening was presented to a 1982 graduate who, President M. Duane Nellis said in introducing him, “has devoted himself to a life of service – to his country, to his career in business, to his community and to his alma mater.”
The 2019 Alumnus of the Year Award was bestowed upon retired Brig. Gen. Mark C. Arnold, BSISE ’82 , whose dual careers include climbing the ranks of the U.S. Army and corporate America. Arnold’s 37-plus years of military service began as an enlisted soldier, ended as a commanding general and earned him the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal, the nation’s highest award for military service. His 30-year corporate career saw him recruited by business titans like General Electric and GSE Environmental, a multinational manufacturing company that saw record profits under his leadership as president and CEO.
At OHIO, Arnold has given of his time, talent and treasure, including serving on The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees, the Russ College Board of Visitors, and the OHIO Army ROTC Society of Alumni and Friends Board of Directors.
“His unparalleled career and remarkable support for the University have earned him OHIO’s Medal of Merit and induction into the Ohio University Army ROTC Hall of Fame and the Russ College Academy of Distinguished Graduates, and it is my distinct honor to be presenting him with our institution’s highest honor this evening,” Nellis said.
Alumnus of the Year Mark C. Arnold, BSISE ’82, (center) is pictured at the 2019 Alumni Awards Gala with (from left) Erin Essak Kopp, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the Alumni Association; Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis; Casey Christopher, BSC ’02, chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors; and Kyle Triplett, BA ’12, chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors’ Awards Committee. Photo by Max Catalano, BSVC ’20
In accepting the award, Arnold expressed gratitude to his wife and fellow Bobcat Karin, BSCS ’81; the highly talented people with whom he’s had the opportunity to work; and the mentors at Ohio University who supported him on his path to success.
“When I was notified by the Alumni Association about this award, it made me reflect on why I remain connected to Ohio University,” Arnold said. “It’s the amazing people who make this University, and that goes back to my fond memories of faculty when I was a student — specifically, the professors who were marvelous at teaching and mentoring.”
MEDAL OF MERIT
Five Ohio University alumni joined a growing list of the University’s Medal of Merit recipients – Bobcats who have achieved exceptional success in their chosen professions. The 2019 Alumni Awards Gala Medal of Merit recipients are: Jeffery Baran, BA ’98, MA ’98; R. Emmett Boyle, MS ’70; Elizabeth Campbell, MFA ’97; Mona Miliner, BSH ’92, MHA ’94; and Abdul Williams, BSC ’94.
Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis (front center) is pictured with the 2019 Alumni Awards recipients. They are (front, from left) Abdul Williams, BSC ’94; Ryan Kyes, BBA ’02, MBA ’03; Mona Miliner, BSH ’92, MHA ’94; Kyle Kondik, BSJ ’06; Elizabeth Campbell, MFA ’97; Jeffery Baran, BA ’98, MA ’98; (back, from left) Garry Hunter on behalf of his brother, Larry Hunter, BSED ’71, MED ’73; retired Brig. Gen. Mark Arnold, BSISE ’82; Julia Winkfield Stover, BSRS ’06; Anthony Webb, BSC ’76; and William Axline, BBA ’71. Photo by Jim Downard
An Honors Tutorial College graduate, Baran is one of five Senate-confirmed commissioners who head the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and only the 34 th individual to serve on the independent federal agency. Before joining the NRC, Baran spent 11-plus years at the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as counsel to the Oversight and Government Reforms Committee, writing and negotiating key provisions of the first comprehensive climate change bill to pass either chamber of Congress, and coordinating efforts to clean up uranium contamination in and around the Navajo Nation.
“Looking back on the big decisions I’ve made in my life so far, I’d say that coming to OU was definitely one of the best,” Baran said. “I learned so much about writing, debating, and thinking critically and creatively. That foundation launched me in the right direction for law school and beyond.”
A graduate of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Boyle was recognized for a nearly 45-year career highlighted by notable achievements in the field of human space flight and in business, as well as distinguished service to OHIO. His career began as a design engineer on the Gemini Spacecraft project and ended as CEO and chair of the board for Ormet Corp., which under Boyle’s leadership soared to the top of its industry and secured jobs in the Ohio Valley. Boyle has served on The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees, chairs the Russ College’s Board of Visitors and was inducted in the Russ College Academy of Distinguished Graduates.
A College of Fine Arts graduate, Campbell is an award-winning artist known for her drawings, sculpture and architectural interventions. Her work graces the collections of art destinations that include New York’s Museum of Modern Art and has been featured in exhibitions worldwide. Campbell has served as a visiting artist, faculty member and mentor at universities and art institutions throughout the country.
In reflecting on her graduate years at OHIO, Campbell said, “My time at OU was undeniably significant in the development of myself as an artist. I don’t recall my time here through nostalgia, but rather as a benchmark for a way of moving through the world, digging deep into ideas, asking questions – practices of which I access on a regular basis.”
A two-time College of Health Sciences and Professions graduate, Miliner was lauded for a 23-plus-year career dedicated to enhancing patient experiences and broadening access to health care in Southwest Ohio. The chief of operations and finance for University of Cincinnati Physicians and executive director of business and administration for UC’s College of Medicine, Miliner has obtained many of the highest credentials for health care executives and earned fellowship status with several of the industry’s professional membership associations.
Medal of Merit recipient Mona Miliner, BSH ’92, MHA ’94, acknowledges family and friends who have supported her in her journey to success. Photo by Mack Wagner, BSVC ’21
“I chose to pursue a career in the health care industry because it gives me an opportunity to not only be in a position of leadership but of influence where I can help improve a patient’s experience, ensuring a positive outcome for them and their family,” Miliner said.
A graduate of the Scripps College of Communication, Williams is an award-winning screenwriter and producer who has spent the past 20 years developing and penning stories for film and television. His first feature film, “Lottery Ticket,” debuted in 2010, but it was the screenplays he wrote for two BET miniseries that earned Williams back-to-back NAACP Image Awards. “The New Edition Story,” BET’s first scripted miniseries, aired in 2017 and drew a record-breaking more than 30 million viewers. It was followed in 2018 by Williams’ “The Bobby Brown Story,” which again drew millions of viewers.
“OU is a special place,” Williams said upon accepting his Medal of Merit. “You know it the moment you hit campus. Athens felt like home to me, and it still does even after all this time. Thank you for this honor and for allowing me to look back on one of the best decisions I ever made – becoming a Bobcat.”
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Casey Christopher, BSC ’02, chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, introduced this year’s Distinguished Service Award winners, calling them Bobcats “who champion Ohio University’s students, faculty and programs, celebrate our achievements and embrace their roles as proud alumni.”
This year’s recipients are William Axline, BBA ’71, and Anthony Webb, BSC ’76.
A graduate of the College of Business, Axline, whose accomplished career includes serving as a major executive at several Fortune 500 companies, was recognized for his record of helping others on their paths to success. In the 1990s, Axline partnered with his fellow alumni to develop the College of Business’ Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre, which he has steadfastly served and supported for 20-plus years and that has evolved from one of the first of its kind in the nation to one of the highest ranked. He sits on the centre’s Executive Committee and Professional Sales Advisory Board, mentors students in the program and participates in their activities – all while engaging in alumni activities and serving on the college’s Executive Advisory Board.
William Axline, BBA ’71, addresses those at the 2019 Alumni Awards Gala after receiving one of this year’s Distinguished Service Awards. Photo by Mack Wagner, BSVC ’21
“Giving back and never forgetting the people and institutions who helped me along the way is my purpose. I enjoy being active and focused on helping the current students of this special place,” said Axline who issued a challenge to the students in the room “to be committed to give back and keep Ohio U a very special place.”
A Scripps College of Communication graduate, Webb, a consulting school psychologist, was honored for being “a Bobcat who keeps the OU spirit alive in our hearts.” Building on his legacy as an undergraduate known for his outreach, encouragement and support of his fellow students, Webb in recent years has been instrumental in reconnecting OHIO’s black alumni while continuing to be a resource to students. He launched the Ohio University Black Alumni From the 70’s Facebook group, and for the past three years has played key roles in planning a 70’s Reunion in Cleveland.
“One of the reasons I have been actively involved in alumni activities is because OU love is forever. The relationships made on this campus have the ability to keep, shape and make you,” said Webb who noted he was accepting the award on behalf of OHIO alumni of the 1970s. “I can proudly state without a doubt, it was the best of times with the best of people.”
CHARLES J. AND CLAIRE O. PING RECENT GRADUATE AWARD
The Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award, given to graduates who have achieved extraordinary success within 15 years of earning their first bachelor’s degree, was presented to Kyle Kondik, BSJ ’06, who has become one of the nation’s foremost political and elections analysts.
A graduate of the Scripps College of Communication, Kondik began his career as an award-winning community journalist before joining former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray’s office as director of policy and research. Author of “The Bellwether: Why Ohio Picks the President,” Kondik is the communications director for the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics who is a regularly featured in and on the country’s leading news sources.
Kyle Kondik, BSJ ’06, accepts Ohio University’s 2019 Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award. Photo by Mack Wagner, BSVC ’21
In accepting the award, Kondik thanked his family, his Bobcat friends, and faculty who supported him and paid a touching tribute to his late father, who had nominated him for the award a few years ago.
“My dad was always a champion of my work, and he loved Ohio University, from which he graduated in 1968,” Kondik said. “While he was from Greater Cleveland, he always called Athens and Ohio U ‘home’ — it meant that much to him, and it means that much to me.”
ATHLETICS AWARDS
The 2019 Alumni Awards Gala also included the recognition of OHIO graduates who, as student-athletes, gave Bobcat Nation reasons to stand up and cheer and the presentation of a special honor to a legendary Ohio University coach.
The late Larry E. Hunter, BSED ’71, MED ’73, was awarded the Glen C. Randall Lifetime Achievement Award, given periodically in recognition of an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement and support of OHIO Athletics and who has achieved great success in the field of athletics or the sports industry.
A former OHIO basketball player (1967-71) and history-making coach, Hunter’s 47-year career included being named the 1977 NABC Division III Coach of the Year when his team won the NCAA National Championship, making him the first coach in NCAA history to secure that title in his first season at a school. He served as head coach of OHIO’s Men’s Basketball Team for 12 years, and under his leadership, the Bobcats secured a NCAA Tournament appearance in 1994 and won the preseason National Invitation Tournament in 1995. Hunter was named MAC Coach of the Year in 1994, and his record at OHIO places him second on the University’s all-time win list. He is one of only 40 NCAA men’s basketball coaches to eclipse the 700 career-win milestone and in 2016 was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
“Everywhere he went he not only was successful as a coach, but also as a consummate teacher of the game,” said Garry Hunter who accepted the award on his brother’s behalf. “All of his players were his family. Once you played for Larry, he followed you and your careers the rest of his life.”
Garry Hunter (second from right) accepts the Glenn C. Randall Lifetime Achievement on behalf of his late brother, Larry Hunter, BSED ’71, MED ’73, from (from left) Russ Eisenstein, director of broadcasting for Ohio Athletics; Tom Davis, chair of the Kermit Blosser Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame Awards Committee; and Julie Cromer, director of Ohio Athletics. Photo by Max Catalano, BSVC ’20
The evening also paid tribute to the 2019 class of Kermit Blosser Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame inductees: award-winning baseball player Ryan S. Kyes, BBA ’02, MBA ’03; outstanding volleyball player and former Ohio University Athlete of the Year and MAC Player of the Year Julia Winkfield Stover, BSRS ’06; and former quarterback and current Cleveland Browns offensive quality control coach Tyler L. Tettleton, BSSPS ’13.
The Ohio Women’s Ensemble caps off the 2019 Alumni Awards Gala, drawing the audience into a rousing performance of “Stand Up and Cheer” and a moving “Alma Mater, Ohio.” Photo by Mack Wagner, BSVC ’21
To see and download photos from the 2019 Alumni Awards Gala, click here.
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Know an outstanding Bobcat deserving of an Alumni Award? The deadline for nominations for the 2020 Alumni Awards is Dec. 31. Click here to read the guidelines and submit your nomination.