Remember when “dinner” came from a vending machine in Frasch Hall? When weekends meant group projects and papers? When you had to wonder whether all the time and effort were worth it? Alumnus James Westfall (B.S. Finance ‘98) remembers. “I know the challenges of balancing employment and classwork. As a full-time student at Franklin, I was also working full time. It was a long, lonely road, filled with many sacrifices. Sometimes, I’d wake up on Monday morning wondering where the ever-elusive ‘weekend’ my co-workers and friends spoke of had gone.” It’s because he remembers, that James has chosen to become more engaged with his alma mater. “Back in 2012, I had the honor of working with fellow alumni, faculty and staff, to create the Alumni Military Scholarship Fund (AMSF). That project has now awarded more than $18,000 in scholarships to current Franklin students serving in the military, their dependents and veterans. Because of that experience, and the positive impact the AMSF is making, I want to do more.” And he is. James is now working with other alumni and the Student Services Office developing a video series that provides encouragement to students throughout their Franklin experience. While there’s effort involved, James thinks it’s worth it: “I remember what it was like, so it fills me with a real sense of satisfaction that I can help, even in a small way, to make the path to a Franklin degree easier for someone else. There were people who definitely supported me along the way, and now I can do the same for others. It’s a great feeling!” If you “remember when”, and would like to be more involved, contact us at alumni@franklin.edu or if you want to make a donation to advance one of Franklin’s student assistance programs, visit alumni.franklin.edu and click “Give.” Each year, the Alumni Office works to find new opportunities to engage with our graduates and assist you in sharing your talents, treasure and time with our students. We’re looking for ideas on how to elevate the student experience, and alumni to help make those ideas possible. “Irememberwhatitwaslike,soitfillsmewitha realsenseofsatisfactionthatIcanhelp,evenina smallway,tomakethepathtoaFranklindegree easierforsomeoneelse.” 18. | Clocktower 2015 | alumni.franklin.edu Memories and Motivation: How One Person’s Past Impacts the Future for Many MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Alumni Military Scholarship was established in 2012 to “serve those who serve” and is open to military personnel of any branch, their spouses and dependents, and veterans. In its fourth year, the University’s generous donors were able to award five students $1,000 each. W I N N E R S MILITARY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP TERRENCE HUGHLEY U.S. ARMY VETERAN HEIDI VANGUNDY WIFE OF COMBAT VETERAN DAVID BARTHOLOMEW U.S. NAVY / U.S. ARMY RESERVE MICHAEL DISALVO U.S. AIR FORCE VETERAN JEANNETTE FRASHLER OHIO AIR NATIONAL GUARD Nogiftistoosmalltopositivelyimpactthelifeofsomeonewhohasservedourcountry. IfyouwouldliketomakeacontributiontotheAlumniMilitaryScholarshipFund,visit alumni.franklin.eduorcontacttheOfficeofAlumniEngagementandDevelopment. Corporate Connections Scholarship Winners Rodney Clarke Markeia Dover Carmalita Geter Yati Morales Amanda Ruddy Roland Slade III Each fall, the members of Corporate Connections, an African American men’s mentoring and networking group of Nationwide Insurance associates from across the United States, award scholarships to students from Franklin University and The Ohio State University. In November, six Franklin students were honored with scholarships totaling $9,000. This year’s recipients are: To learn more about the Corporate Connections Scholarship and two of this year’s recipients, see page 13. In May 2016, Franklin’s faculty, staff, new graduates and alumni joined forces to launch the “Make It Possible” Fund. The fund was created to provide discretionary money to assist students with immediate needs, such as books, tuition assistance and fees, and supply immediate resources to assist those who might not be able to continue with their Franklin education. Dean of Students Dr. Lynne Hull summed it up best: “Far too often, our advising team must try to aid students who are at-risk of dropping out due to some unforeseen financial hardship. To have ‘Make It Possible’ funds available will undoubtedly encourage students to remain on the path toward graduation.” In only a short time, “Make It Possible” has already lived up to its name. Recently, the Alumni Office received this message of gratitude from Daniele S., one of many students whose goals of completing their studies are challenged by unexpected financial hardships: Thank you for the consideration and support of the grant funds to help meet the gap between my financial aid and the completion of my degree. This semester is my last and I will be receiving my degree from Franklin in May, however this would not have happened without the assistance you have provided with this grant. I am 39 years old and there were times that I thought I would never hold a degree. When I realized that I was almost $600 short this semester, I thought I would have to postpone my degree again, and possibly never complete it. Thank you for ensuring that I was able to meet this dream and move forward to the next phase of my life. Your generosity will not be forgotten. – Sincerely, Daniele S. We’re inviting all of our alumni to share in the opportunity to “Make it Possible” for other current students like Daniele. To make a contribution to the “Make It Possible” Fund, please visit us at alumni.franklin.edu or call the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development at 614.947.6062. Together, WE DO “Make It Possible!” WE DO “Make It Possible!” 18. | Clocktower 2017 | alumni.franklin.edu 19. A magazine for alumni and friends of Franklin University |