Marietta College observed its 191st birthday on Thursday, Feb. 12, with the annual Founders Day Awards Ceremony, celebrating the faculty and staff whose dedication and leadership continue to shape the Pioneer experience.
Though Marietta College was officially chartered Feb. 14, 1835, the campus community gathered Feb. 12 in The Gathering Place to mark the occasion, reflect on the College’s long history and honor those carrying its legacy forward.
Colleagues began gathering at 3:30 p.m. for a reception before the 4 p.m. ceremony, reconnecting and celebrating the work that shapes advising, teaching, scholarship and service across campus.
President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty opened the ceremony by reading from the original charter that formally established Marietta College in 1835, grounding the event in the words and vision that first launched the institution. She reflected on the determination of the College’s founders, whose sacrifices and perseverance shaped an institution equipped to meet the demands of a changing world. Dougherty noted that the same Pioneer spirit endures today through the faculty and staff whose daily work ensures students are supported, challenged and prepared for what comes next.
Provost and Dean of Faculty Suzanne Walker presented the Douglas Putnam Faculty Service Award and the Douglas Putnam Collaborative Staff Service Award, recognizing colleagues whose steady commitment to collaboration and leadership strengthen the Marietta College community.
The 2026 Douglas Putnam Faculty Service Award was presented to Dr. Lynn Bostrom, McCoy associate professor, adjunct faculty member in physician assistant studies and chair of the Department of Biology and Environmental Science, while the Douglas Putnam Collaborative Staff Service Award was presented to Franci Bolden ’11, physics and planetarium lab technician.
Bostrom was recognized for her steady presence and commitment to students, remaining engaged throughout the summer months and actively supporting campus events, particularly those in the fine arts. Bolden was recognized for her positive attitude, willingness to step beyond her regular responsibilities, collaboration across departments in support of students and consistent volunteerism with both campus and the surrounding community.
The ceremony also spotlighted excellence in teaching and scholarship, honoring faculty whose work transforms learning well beyond the classroom.
Ann Nicely ’03, MCM’05, chair of the Faculty Development Committee, presented the Recognition of Teaching and Scholarship Awards. The Innovative Teaching Award was presented to Sara Rosenstock, McCoy professor of graphic design, in recognition of her forward-thinking approach to curriculum design. Rosenstock was honored for developing self-paced graphic design coursework and interactive teaching modules that allow students to navigate complex material at their own pace, reflecting a thoughtful pedagogy designed to have lasting value.
The Research Award was presented to Jolene Powell, McCoy professor of art and director of Gallery 310 in recognition of her scholarly and creative accomplishments. Powell’s work has earned national recognition and respect from established galleries, including her recent selection to curate a statewide exhibition. Her ongoing research, professional service, and rigorous teaching continue to elevate both her discipline and the College’s presence in the broader arts community.
Dr. Michael Morgan ’10, chair of Faculty Council, presented the Edward G. Harness Outstanding Educator Award to Dr. Amy Elliot, interim dean of the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business, and Ann Nicely, instructor in communication.
Elliot was recognized for bringing applied leadership expertise into the classroom, including redesigning LEAD 101 to deepen students’ understanding of leadership in practice, coordinating the NextGEN program, and co-teaching courses in which students write nonprofit grant proposals that serve real organizations.
Nicely was recognized for her dedication across disciplines and her leadership of 5th Street Consulting, where she builds meaningful community partnerships and creates experiential learning opportunities that connect students with real-world clients, approaching each day with professionalism and a willingness to support the College wherever needed.
The ceremony also honored the faculty and staff who guide students through academic and personal milestones with the Recognition of Advising and Mentoring Awards, presented by Casiha Felt, chair of the PioPath Committee, assistant professor of theatre and chair of the Theatre Department. The Advising in the First Year Award was presented to Dr. Mitchell Krumm, associate professor of political science; the Advising in the Major Award to Dr. Amanda Rider, chair of the Education Department and McCoy associate professor of education; and the Staff Award for Mentoring to Mirya Hanes, athletic operations supervisor.
Krumm was recognized for going above and beyond for first-year students, bringing energy, humor and a welcoming presence that helps students feel at home from the start. Rider was recognized for her flexibility, accessibility and deep commitment to supporting students across disciplines, serving as a trusted mentor who cares about their growth well beyond the classroom. Hanes was recognized for her patience, encouragement and steady support of student-athletes, consistently stepping in wherever needed to ensure their success.
Marietta’s commitment to the region was also recognized through awards honoring partnerships that extend beyond campus. Heather Miller, director of Community Engagement and instructor of communication and leadership studies, and Shannan Tschopp, director of the Nonprofits LEAD Program, presented the Marietta Community Leadership Award to Larry Hiser, director of athletics. The Outstanding Education Volunteer Award was presented to Dana Hermann of the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition, while the Linsley Community Partner Award was presented to Connie Huntsman, executive director of the O’Neill Center.
Hiser was recognized for modeling service to student-athletes and strengthening connections between campus and community. He mentors students through the Building Bridges to Careers program and supports local food redistribution efforts. Hermann was recognized for reshaping how high school and college students engage with STEM, developing a dynamic internship program in the Mid-Ohio Valley’s manufacturing sector that expands experiential learning opportunities. Representing the O’Neill Center, Connie Huntsman was recognized for advancing the Linsley tradition of meaningful connection, advocating for adults 50 and older while deepening community engagement and strengthening the Center’s local impact.
Staff achievement was further celebrated with the 2025 InSPIRE Awards presented by Joe Bergin ’86, chair of the Marietta College Staff Advisory Council. The awards honor staff members whose initiative, professionalism, and service exemplify excellence in their roles.
The 2025 InSPIRE Award winners include:
• Mirya Hanes, athletic operations supervisor
• Cody Castle, groundskeeper
• Marshall Smith, applications programmer/analyst
• Zack Votra, head women’s soccer coach
• Robbie Chulick, associate dean of students and director of community living and campus involvement
• Kim Gandee and Stacey Fairbanks, staff nurses
• Randy Hesson, interim physical plant director
• Caprice Hudson, director of human resources
• Larry Hearn, skilled tradesman
• Lisa Amrine, business office manager and Datatel coordinator
• Kirk Stump, IT technician
• Steven Wilson, administrative services manager
The 2026 Founders Day Awards Ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Dr. Jean A. Scott Staff Award for Distinctive Service, an honor recognizing sustained excellence and high-quality service to the College. Presented by President Dougherty, the award was given to Robbie Chulick, associate dean of students and director of community living and campus involvement, and Sarah Long, director of philanthropy.
Chulick was recognized for his unwavering commitment to student well-being, partnering across campus to ensure students feel supported, safe and connected. From redesigning the Care Team structure to strengthening communication and coordination within Student Life, his work consistently centers on creating an environment where students thrive.
Long was recognized for exemplifying cross-campus collaboration and elevating a culture of philanthropy across Marietta. By aligning philanthropic strategy with institutional priorities and fostering meaningful partnerships, she advances initiatives that strengthen Marietta’s mission while building lasting connections between the College and the region.
Each Founders Day celebration honors the College’s legacy and affirms that its next chapter is written collectively, by faculty and staff, students, alumni and the broader community that continues to invest in its mission.