MANSFIELD — The Ohio State University at Mansfield will honor six alumni as part of its newly-created Alumni Hall of Fame Awards. The program recognizes graduates who have contributed significantly to their professions and communities.
The induction ceremony will be held on March 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Scarlet and Gray Café in Ovalwood Hall, 1760 University Drive in Mansfield.
This year’s honorees are:
· Christina M. Barnes, B.S., PHARM.D., DPLA (Class of ‘97 B.S. Pharmacy, attended Mansfield ‘91-‘93 )
After completing her undergraduate degree in pharmacy at The Ohio State University, Christina completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati. She currently serves as the director of pharmacy services for the Avita Health System.
· Veronica L. Groff, LISW-S, LICDC-S (Class of ’87 Social Work, ’88 Master of Social Work, attended Mansfield ‘82-‘86)
Veronica L. Groff graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in social work in 1987. She then obtained her master of social work in clinical practice advanced standing program in 1988. In 1997 she was named president and CEO of The Center for Individual and Family Service, INC. In 2010, Groff led the merger of the Center for Individual and Family Services and The Rehab Center to form Catalyst Life Services in Mansfield.
· Christopher L. Brown, ESQ. (Class of ’08 B.A. English, attended Mansfield ’04-‘08 )
Chris L. Brown earned his B.A. in english from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. In 2011, Brown was hired as an assistant law director for the City of Mansfield. In 2014, he was appointed deputy law director.
· Deborah Meese Schenk (Class of ’85 B.S. Business Administration, attended Mansfield ’76-‘81)
Deborah Schenk began her studies at The Ohio State University as a non-traditional student and completed the majority of her studies in Mansfield. After graduation, she began a successful career in banking, retiring in 2015 as president and CEO of Mechanic Bank.
· Daniel W. Freund (Class of ’70 B.S. Education, ’72 Master of Education, attended Mansfield ’66-‘67)
Daniel W. Freund started at The Ohio State University as a student in special education studies. He is a lifelong educator, who has served as superintendent for four area school districts and is a staunch supporter of public education. As superintendent of the Mansfield City Schools, Mr. Freund championed the Springmill Learning Center, a current Ohio State Mansfield and Mansfield City School District collaboration.
· Michele S. Gorman (Class of ’74 B.S. Education, attended Mansfield ’71-‘74)
Michele S. Gorman was in one of the early graduating classes at Ohio State Mansfield, after completing her entire degree at the local campus. After years of teaching elementary school, she was instrumental in founding the Richland Academy School of Excellence charter school in 2010 which had an integrated arts focused curriculum.
“The Alumni Hall of Fame is a way for the campus to first, recognize our regional alumni and their great works, and second, help connect these alumni and their stories with our students,” said Ohio State Mansfield Development Director Cindy Wood.
