WinterHighlights SummerHighlights FRANKLIN NEWS 2016 COMMENCEMENT 2016BaileyAwardWinners FallHighlights Joseph Gawronski “Mr. G merged theory and practice application better than any professor I’ve ever had and really helped me to want to succeed. His straight-forward approach to teaching really helped me stick with my plan to earn my degree.” Undergraduate Student Nomination: Roger W. Engle Jr. “Professor Engle changed the way that I approached situations in the workplace and significantly improved my understanding of real world information technology policies and environments.” Graduate Student Nomination: Omar Alomari “Professor Omar Alomari possesses a powerful and inspiring enthusiasm for teaching. I have the utmost respect for him and I appreciate and cherish the time I’ve spent in his class.” Undergraduate Student Nomination: Dr. Jeffrey M. Ferezan “Dr. Ferezan helps his students grow not only academically, but professionally and personally as well. I am truly blessed to have had an instructor who cares this much about his students.” Graduate Student Nomination: Denise Kestner “Professor Denise Kestner demonstrates a passion for teaching by relating her vast work experience to our course material and shows her dedication through the endless encouragement she gives to students.” Undergraduate Student Nomination: Joseph Cable “Professor Joseph Cable is an amazing instructor who generously shares his time and knowledge with every student. His use of real work experience deepened my learning and his support encouraged me to have more faith in my abilities.” Graduate Student Nomination: President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Rita Soronen gave the keynote address. For more than 30 years, Soronen has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children, providing leadership for local, state and national efforts to improve the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, while striving to assure safe and permanent homes for children. Graduating Student Speaker: Bret Prange (M.S. Human Resource Management) Keynote speaker Thomas C. Barbee’s career as a Wendy’s franchisee spans more than 40 years, during which time he owned and operated up to 32 restaurants in Iowa and Illinois. Barbee was a 12-year member of the Wendy’s Franchise Advisory Committee and served two years as the committee’s president, representing franchisees across the country. He also served six years on the Wendy’s National Advertising Committee and was elected to the Wendy’s Hall of Fame in 1998. Graduating Student Speaker: Robert Garrett (Master of Healthcare Administration) Michael B. Coleman was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. A partner and member of Ice Miller LLP’s Public Affairs and Government Law groups, Coleman serves as the firm’s director of business and government strategies. He draws upon his 15 years as mayor and chief executive officer for the city of Columbus to guide clients in creating partnerships between business and government. Graduating Student Speaker: Rupa Singh (M.S. in Accounting) Franklin University proudly honors all the recent graduates for their academic successes. Earning a diploma is a tremendous accomplishment that is often balanced with many responsibilities – full-time work, a busy family life and community commitments. Graduates, supported by friends and family, gathered at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in celebration after the fall, winter and summer terms. Nearly 2,000 Diplomas Awarded in 2016 WelcometotheFranklinFamily! A long-standing tradition during commencement ceremonies at Franklin University is the Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award. Each trimester, graduating students nominate an undergraduate and a graduate faculty member who highly influenced their educational experience. The award recognizes those who have challenged students intellectually and conveyed the significance of course content for both personal and professional growth. 4. 5. | Clocktower 2017 | alumni.franklin.edu A magazine for alumni and friends of Franklin University |