News Archive

(07/29/05)

Student Nurses Schedule Charity Walkathon

The Miami University Middletown MSNA (Miami Student Nurses Association) and 2006 Nursing Class will hold a charity walkathon Saturday, Aug. 13 at Smith Park in Middletown to benefit the American Heart Association, Hospice of Middletown and to support 2006 nursing class activities.

MSNA president Lisa McGuire said this is an exciting fundraiser involving community outreach. "We wanted to do something that would benefit the community as well as our class," she said. "We are delighted to be able to designate Hospice of Middletown and the American Heart Association as beneficiaries of the event."

Walkers can participate in three ways: they can walk themselves; they can recruit others to sponsor them; and they can recruit others to walk with them. A $5 donation is required for each walker or sponsor. Corporate sponsorships are also available for donations starting as low as $25.

Participants may register now by filling out and returning the official entry form available at Johnston Hall, Miami University Middletown. While all participants receive a free T-shirt, those who register early will be assured of theirs on the day of the event. Walkers may also register the day of the walk at 7:30 a.m. at Bicentennial Commons.

Hospice of Middletown serves those who have limited life expectancy, seeking to relieve the physical pain of the patient and meet the emotional, spiritual and psychological needs of both patient and family.

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

For more information contact Lisa McGuire, President of MUM MSNA, 4200 E. University Blvd., Middletown, OH 45042, or e-mail @ mcguirlk@muohio.edu.

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(07/29/05)

Thirteen Receive Scholar Incentive Awards

Middletown, OH -- Miami University Middletown has announced that 13 area high school graduates will receive Scholar Incentive Awards for 2005. The Scholar Incentive program provides a $1,150 scholarship to one newly admitted student from each of 13 area high schools. The student with the highest GPA among those admitted to Miami Middletown from each school automatically receives the award.

Recipients of the 2005 Scholar Incentive Awards are:

Sarah M. Abbott, daughter of Rick Abbott of Trenton and Linda Abbott of Hamilton. Sarah graduated from Edgewood High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society and German Honor Society and participated in concert, marching and pep bands and winter guard. She has been active in her church’s youth group.

Tara Bagford, daughter of Patricia Taulbee of Dayton and Terry Bagford of Lebanon. Tara graduated from Lebanon High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club, SADD and Scholastic “L.” Tara received the President’s Award, Principal’s Award, Board of Education Merit Award and an Honors Diploma. She volunteered as a tutor at Bowman Elementary School and is active as a Girl Scout Troop Assistant.

Jaysie Flaherty, daughter of Duke and Jennifer Flaherty of Mason. Jaysie graduated from Mason High School, where she participated in tennis for four years, earning the Comet Award and FAVC All-Conference 1st team honors. Jaysie graduated cum laude and was chosen as the Mason Kiwanis Club’s “Student of the Year.”

Laurie S. Flowers, daughter of Conrad and Connie Flowers of Middletown. Laurie graduated from Middletown High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Society, Thespians Troupe #918, Student Government and Spanish Club. She has also received a Miami University Middletown Leadership/Service Award, the Linda Shaffer Memorial Award, President’s Award of Excellence and Spanish Club Service Award.

Stephanie R. Garver, daughter of Greg and Nancy Garver of Liberty Township, graduated from Lakota East High School. She was Valedictorian at Butler Tech, where she was a member of National Technical Honor Society and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Stephanie was an OhioReads volunteer.

Kaitlyn A. Geise, daughter of Vic and Kathy Geise of Somerville. Kaitlyn graduated from Preble Shawnee High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, FFA’s Star Notebook and Star Farmer, Preble County Honor Scholar, Rotary Club Honor Scholar, Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete, Optimist Club Honoree and participated in basketball cheerleading, earning the Arrow Award for cheerleading. Kaitlyn volunteered for the “adopt-a-spot” litter control program, visiting the elderly and guidance office aide.

Jonathan J. Kinner, son of Harry and Sharon Kinner of Middletown. Jonathan graduated from Madison Junior/Senior High School, where he was a member of National Honor Society, Top Ten, Exit With Excellence, FCA, Youth Alive, SADD, jazz and marching bands. Jonathan was a delegate to Boys State and recipient of the Kiwanis Award. He volunteers with Gateway Ministries.

Christina Longworth, daughter of Ronald E. Longworth of Franklin. Christina graduated from Franklin High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, French Club, Student Government, SADD and the Ohio Math League and participated in softball and basketball.

Trisha Peters, daughter of Lonnie and Linda Peters of Springboro. Trisha graduated from Springboro High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, Muse Machine, SADD, Foreign Language Club, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and Principal’s List. She volunteers at her church and in her community as pianist.

Shelby D. Pettus, daughter of Skip and Marsha Pettus of Monroe. Shelby was salutatorian this year at Monroe High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, National Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among High School Students and Varsity “M” club. She was a delegate to Buckeye Girls State and participated in varsity volleyball, basketball and soccer. Shelby volunteered for canned food drives, Lions’ Club Pancake Breakfast and worked as a teacher and office aide.

Kurtis L. Russell, son of Lee Russell of Clarksville and Leeanne Russell of Lebanon. Kurtis graduated from Lebanon High School, where he was a member of National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Optimist Club and French Club. Kurtis received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, High Five Award, and Scholastic “L” Award/Gold Star. Kurtis volunteered for Warrior Closet by giving clothes to needy children in his school district.

Ashley Saltsman, daughter of Tom and Terri Saltsman of West Chester. Ashley graduated from Lakota West High School. She was active in peer counseling and was an honor roll member.

Ashton Schiavone, daughter of David and Amy Schiavone of Middletown. Ashton graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School, where she was a member of Key Club, Mission Club, Spanish Club, Fenwick Ambassadors and participated in basketball. Ashton volunteered for the YMCA of Middletown and Middletown Youth Council.

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(07/26/05)

Miami's regional campuses respond to 6 percent tuition cap

(Editor's note: The following is a guest column that was submitted to the Hamilton Journal News and the Middletown Journal.)

On June 23, 2005 theHamilton Journal-News and the Middletown Journal printed stories about Miami University Hamilton and Miami University Middletown each facing a $300,000 budget reduction due to a decision of the Ohio General Assembly to limit tuition and fee increases at Ohio's public colleges and universities to 6%. The Miami University Board of Trustees had previously approved a 9.8% increase for both campuses.

The articles have given rise to questions about why a tuition increase that exceeds the rate of inflation would require a reduction in budget. In short, why is more, less? The answer to this can be broken into two parts. The first concerns our expenses and the second, our revenues. In regards to expenses, Miami, as any other business, experiences continually increasing salary and benefits expenses, utility costs, new and changing technology expenses, and other increased costs of operation.

The other part of the answer centers on revenues that support campus operations. Nearly all of Miami's regional campuses' revenues come from two sources: state support and student tuition and fees. We do not have the additional source of revenue available to community colleges, namely a local tax levy.

While statewide enrollment has increased in recent years, the amount of state funds available to support higher education has not. The result is that a relatively flat amount of state support is being divided into increasingly smaller portions to support an increasing number of students enrolled across Ohio.

Between 1993 and 1999, before state limits on tuition and fee increases, Miami regional campuses' fees only increased $210 or 7% over a six-year period. There was no increase between 1993 and 1994, and the campuses reduced their tuition and fees 1.8% between 1996 and 1997.

As a result, Miami's regional campuses have had the lowest annual tuition rate for entering students among all of Ohio's 23 regional campuses for the past two years. The campuses have been below the statewide average for regional campuses since 1996, and in 2004 they were $1,000 below the statewide average.

The communities we serve in Butler, Preble, and Warren counties are telling us that more is desired of us - more academic programs; a greater diversity of classes, schedules, and locations; and more cultural programming. The students we serve, who range in age from 16 to 60, expect - and deserve - a richer array of services than offered in the past. Even more, they want these services to be convenient, accessible, and efficient.

While we are committed to providing these things, it is a challenge to expand programming and services during a period when state support is dwindling and we are not permitted to set tuition at a level that will provide the revenues needed to satisfy the needs of our communities. Where possible we are actively engaged in "belt tightening." But our Campuses are relatively lean operations and little tightening can occur without a reduction in services or programming. Of course, we will not act in any way to jeopardize the high quality education that is characteristic of Miami University.

Local support for campus initiatives has played a key role for almost 40 years. The generosity of two generations of local citizens has made possible locally supported and endowed scholarships that have benefited students at both campuses. The recent gift of the Richard J. Fitton family for the construction of The Conservatory at Miami Hamilton and the support of the citizens of the Middletown community in its goal to construct a Campus and Community Center are other examples.

Both campuses also actively seek, and are successful in obtaining, external support of teaching, research, and community service. As examples, last year the Middletown Campus received over $1.6 million in grant and contract funding, much of it designated for working with teachers to improve instruction in the classroom. Together with the Hamilton School District, the Hamilton Campus received a $750,000 award from the U.S. Department of Education to improve the teaching of history in Hamilton schools and the Hamilton Community Foundation renewed its support of the Colligan History Project.

Miami's regional campuses - your regional campuses - remain committed to providing high quality, affordable education to the communities we serve. As state support declines, we will continue to seek alternative revenue sources and new ways to economize. But, in the end, Miami Hamilton and Miami Middletown need state and community support to provide the quality liberal arts, technical, and workforce education, as well as the cultural and social programming, that has characterized the regional campuses for almost four decades.

Daniel E. Hall is Executive Director of Miami University Hamilton

Kelly Cowan is Interim Executive Director of Miami University Middletown

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(07/26/05)

Visit MUM on August 2

Miami University Middletown will host campus visit programs for prospective students on Tuesday, August 2 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Johnston Hall. Fall classes begin on August 23 and there is still time to register.

Discussions will include options for traditional first-time students, transfer students and adult students. Topics will include the application process, financial aid and scholarships, academic programs, student support services and campus life.

Prospective students will be able to apply for admission at the campus visit. If you cannot attend one of these sessions, you can call 513-727-3216 or 1-86-Miami-Mid (toll free) to set up an appointment to visit the campus or visit www.fall4mu.com for more information.

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(07/14/05)

Miami Middletown Launches Public Phase of Major Gift Campaign

Miami University Middletown has publicly launched a major fundraising campaign, seeking to raise $3.75 million for the campus by 2007. The campaign is part of Miami University's $350 million Campaign for Love and Honor.

Miami Middletown is seeking major gift support for a new Campus/Community Center, scholarships, new computer networking and mathematics/statistics labs and several student life initiatives.

A committee of more than 40 community leaders and volunteers has been leading the fund-raising efforts for campaign. Heading the committee is Honorary Chairperson Mrs. Barry Levey, joined by Operating Chairpersons William and Patricia Schaefer and Roland P. Ely, Jr. The Steering Committee includes Mike Dickerson, Mary Jane Palmer, David and Carole Schul, Perry Thatcher and Richard Slagle.

Of the $3.75 million goal, $2.5 million will go toward construction of the Campus Community Center. The Center will be the first multipurpose facility built since the Campus opened in 1966. It will also be the first time since the Campus was founded that Miami University Middletown has asked for community support to build a facility. The project is endorsed by the City of Middletown, the Middletown Board of Realtors and the Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton.

Funds for scholarships account for $925,000 of the goal, including provision for nursing, engineering technology, computer and information technology, childcare and general scholarships. Dedicated mathematics/statistics and computer networking labs will receive $150,000 from the campaign.

Student life initiatives that will be supported by the campaign include the student ambassadors program, a women's resource center and endowments for basketball and the opening convocation.

"We have already raised more than half our goal of $2.2 million, including $1.2 million for the new Campus Center, through the generosity of friends, alumni and community organizations, businesses and foundations," said Dr. Kelly Cowan, Miami Middletown Interim Executive director. "In the coming months, we will be asking everyone in our community to reinvest in their Campus, much like they did in 1966 when the entire community came together to raise the $1.6 million that established Miami Middletown. Every gift is important in getting the rest of the way to our goal. Now is the time to give."

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(07/05/05)

Middletown Rotary gives $50,000 to Building, Scholarships

The Middletown Rotary Club recently presented the first installment of a $50 thousand gift to Miami University Middletown, the largest single gift in the club's history.

Rotary Foundation President Michael McNeil made the presentation to Miami Middletown Executive Director Michael P. Governanti. The $50 thousand gift will be divided evenly between scholarships and the construction of the new Campus Community Center and will be made over five years.

"Education is an excellent way to invest in Middletown," said McNeil. "The Rotary has been supporting Miami Middletown for 20 plus years. This new commitment continues our support of this wonderful community asset."

Miami University Middletown is in the public phase of a $3.75 million major gift campaign that runs through 2007. For more information on this campaign or the new center, including how to make a donation, call Miami Middletown's Office of Development at (513) 727-3463.

The Middletown Rotary's Michael McNeil and A.J. Bently present a check representing $50,000 to Miami Middletown. Accepting are students Rebecca Kipus, Mary Buffenbarger and Julie Routson, along with MUM Development Director Sherry Pieratt and Executive Director Michael Governanti.

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(07/01/05)

Moore Named Student Affairs Artist in Residence

William "Kip" Moore will be the Student Affairs Artist in Residence for the upcoming academic year at Miami University Middletown.

The Middletown native has performed in theatrical productions including "Godspell," "The Dining Room," "The Odd Couple," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Blues Brothers 2000" and "Bell, Book and Candle." In television, he worked in production on the "Live in Hollywood" and "Talk Soup" programs. Moore directed "The Reason Why I Sing" and "Our Journey From Africa" at Miami Middletown in recent years.

In his role as Artist in Residence, he will give classroom lectures, meet with student organizations and conduct workshops.

"Kip Moore has a creative personality that is absolutely contagious," said MUM Student Affairs Director Dr. Jim Ewers. "In the shows that he directed here, he was great with our students. We look forward to having him around campus for an entire year."

Moore graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Communication Theatre Arts. He also trained with the Face International Commercial Workshop and Gene Buea Acting Scene Workshop in Los Angeles.

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