MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 4.......Franklin News Congratulations to our Newest Graduates Franklin University Ranked #1 In Memoriam: Dr. Souren Soumbatiants Board of Trustees Updates 11......Alumni Spotlight Judge Terri Jamison 13.....Student Spotlight Carmalita Geter and Roland Slade III 14.....Doctoral Programs 16.....Faculty Feature Dr. Karen Miner-Romanoff 18.....Making A Difference Memories and Motivation Alumni Military Scholarships We DO Make It Possible Corporate Connections 1902 Leadership Circle & Scholarship Recipients 21.....Class Notes In Memoriam Office of University Advancement Bonnie Quist ’00 Vice President for University Advancement & Strategic Relations Kevin L. Greenwood Director of Alumni Engagement and Development Joella Henry ’09 Advancement Services Coordinator Deborah Lyons University Advancement Work Study Student Sarah Jorgenson ’09 Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for University Advancement & Strategic Relations Jody Noreen ’09 Director of Advancement Services & Strategic Relations Betty Scipio University Advancement Work Study Student Editorial Staff Editor Bonnie Quist ‘00 Copywriters Kevin L. Greenwood Bonnie Quist ‘00 Graphic Designer Amber Mabry Contact Information Franklin University Office of University Advancement 201 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, OH 43215 614.947.6062 1.877.341.6300 alumni@franklin.edu alumni.franklin.edu University Leadership Dr. David R. Decker President Marv Briskey Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Christi Cabungcal Chief of Staff & Senior Vice President, Administration Dr. Godfrey Mendes Senior Vice President of Global Programs & Strategic Initiatives Dr. Pam Shay Senior Vice President of Accreditation & Institutional Effectiveness Linda Steele Vice President of Enrollment & Student Affairs Rick Sunderman Vice President & Chief Information Officer Dr. Christopher Washington Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Luis Galarza Executive Director, Market Development Department of Alumni Engagement and Development T here’s been a great deal reported about higher education over the past few years and, unfortunately, not all of it good. Public funding of schools has decreased while enrollment has declined. For-profit institutions have experienced challenges, too, and in the midst of it all, some institutions have found it impossible to continue operations. As a nonprofit, private institution, Franklin University has been able to weather these storms far better than many. In fact, while some colleges and universities have been forced to cut offerings, we’ve just added three new doctoral programs, expanding opportunities for adult learners in central Ohio and around the globe. How can Franklin do this? The answer is quite simple: It’s who we are. For 115 years, our University has worked to not only address, but to also anticipate the needs of students and the communities we serve. We work hard to structure flexible schedules and design relevant majors that will benefit students by imparting real-world, practical instruction. As a result, Franklin has become known as an industry leader that others seek to follow. I am proud of our faculty and staff who work so hard to make the goal of an affordable, quality education possible for so many people. As president, I am equally proud of our thousands of students throughout the world who daily demonstrate the drive and perseverance necessary to make their dreams a reality. They are the reason we are here and our motivation for doing all that we can to improve our services. Finally, I am equally proud and grateful to each of you, our alumni and friends. Your generous sharing of your experience, talent, time and financial support provide us with resources found nowhere else. Thank you. We recently brought back into our marketing a phrase that has become synonymous with our institution: “Franklin Makes it Possible!” It is all of us, the Franklin Family past and present, that make it possible for men and women of diverse backgrounds and experiences to reach a common goal. As each new alumnus crosses the stage on graduation day, it is one, unified effort that has made that short walk, but ever-so-long journey, a reality. Working together, Franklin really does make it possible. Best regards, Dr. David R. Decker President Contents Table of 1. A magazine for alumni and friends of Franklin University | Clocktower 2017 | alumni.franklin.edu