Blazing Our Path
ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 ACADEMIC YEAR
“Do not go where the path may lead-go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Our Vision
To be the leader in preparing exceptional health care professionals who positively impact society.
Our Mission
The Corporation is formed for the purpose of preparing men and women for careers in nursing and other health- related educational programs.
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a health-system affiliated institution of higher learning committed to meeting the needs of nursing and allied health students by providing a coherent general and professional educational experience to prepare individuals for service and leadership roles.
Message from the
Board of Directors
The 2008-2009 academic year was marked by celebration. We kicked off the year by gathering with alumni from the class of 1958 to celebrate their entry into the “50-Year Club.” The two-day event included a dinner gala followed the next day by a luncheon and tour of Aultman Hospital and Aultman College. The visit coincided with Aultman College’s New Student Orientation Day. What a pleasure it was to honor the past and the future of Aultman College nursing education at the same time.
In February, more than 110 guests joined together to celebrate the College’s Higher Learning Commission Initial Accreditation and five-year anniversary. We were pleased to honor Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume for the support and partnership Walsh has provided to Aultman College. We were also pleased to recognize Aultman College President Rebecca Crowl for her ongoing leadership, which has led to the College’s amazing growth and accomplishments.
The true cause for celebration can be seen every day in the halls of Aultman College, where students are engaged in an outstanding learning environment that not only focuses on quality academics, but also on the compassion and kindness that are such important characteristics in our future health care professionals. Our dedicated staff has worked hard to create a caring culture with many opportunities for fellowship between students and service to our community. We are proud that our students, faculty and administrators have contributed 3,600 volunteer hours over this academic year.
It has definitely been a year to celebrate … a year to pause for a moment and marvel at what has evolved since 1892 when Aultman Hospital first opened its doors and began training nurses. But we know that while we celebrate our accomplishments, we must continue to forge ahead. Our future includes the expansion of our educational offerings and a further refining of our goals. On behalf of the board of directors, I congratulate the administration, our professional and teaching staffs, our students and our community partners on a year of remarkable success. I look forward to many exciting achievements ahead.
Sincerely,
Teresa Purses, M.Ed.
Chairperson
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Board of Directors
Message from the President
On Feb. 11, 2009, I was thrilled to announce that Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences (ACNHS) was granted Initial Accreditation through academic year 2013-2014 from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This accreditation was the culmination of five years of hard work capped by an evaluation visit by the HLC conducted Nov. 10-12, 2008. At the conclusion of their visit, Dr. Irene H. Kovala, the team’s chairwoman, summarized the preliminary findings of the evaluators. She began her announcement by reading
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, a poem she felt reminded her of the College and the ambitious path its founders chose to take toward accreditation. Dr. Kovala commended the organization for the tremendous progress made in just two years since the HLC’s first visit. She observed that Aultman College’s “collegial and energetic”
faculty and staff, combined with student involvement and enthusiasm, leads to a vigor “like a spirit in the halls” of ACNHS.
We are proud of the successful path we have forged in our effort to achieve Initial Accreditation. It was the direct result of the dedication of our board of directors, students, employees, alumni, community members and administrators. I am extremely grateful for their efforts.
But our greatest source of pride comes from working with and for our students. They are
the force that drives
us to continue on the Te Road Not Taken
path to excellence. Robert Frost (1874–1963) We are grateful that
they have chosen Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, Aultman College as the And sorry I could not travel both launching point for their And be one traveler, long I stood nursing careers and we And looked down one as far as I could vow to do everything in To where it bent in the undergrowth;
our power to help them
achieve both personal Ten took the other, as just as fair, and professional And having perhaps the better claim, success. It is for them Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
that we push forward Tough as for that the passing there with renewed energy, Had worn them really about the same, pride and enthusiasm,
because helping And both that morning equally lay each student become In leaves no step had trodden black.
exceptional is our Oh, I kept the frst for another day!
ultimate destination. Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
Sincerely, I shall be telling this with a sigh Rebecca Crowl, Somewhere ages and ages hence:
M.S.N, N.E.A.-B.C. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
President I took the one less traveled by, Aultman College of And that has made all the diference.
Nursing and Health Sciences
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Board of Directors
Teresa Purses, Chairperson
Sheila Markley Black, ESQ Vice Chairperson and Secretary
Christopher E. Remark Treasurer
Rebecca J. Crowl, President, Aultman College Janet B. Baker
Laurence F. Bove, Ph.D.
J. Nate Cooks
Pamela Drummond-Ray, M.D.
Eileen W. Good Patricia A. Grischow Revered Robert W. Kaylor John McGrath, Ph.D.
Roslyn E. Messerly Edward J. Roth III William W. Wallace, M.D.
Aultman College 2008 - 2009
Fast Facts
Enrollment:
246
Average student age:
25 years
Female students:
208
Male students:
28
December 2008 graduates:
44
May 2009 graduates:
50
NCLEX (Nursing Licensure Exam) passing rate:
88% (through 2008)
Forging Their Own Paths
Walk the halls of Aultman College, and you’ll see a healthy mix of traditional and nontraditional college students. A glimpse into their lives reveals many different paths that led to ACNHS. Meet some of our students who have blazed their own trails on the way to their health care careers.
KAYLEE ROLKO and ADAM JOHNSON
This husband-and-wife duo have joined forces to accomplish their goal of becoming nurses. “I had started my nursing education once in the past,” Adam explained. “I found it pretty difficult to do on my own.”
Enter Kaylee, who had already earned her business degree but was still searching for the right career. “I chose business despite the regular comments from my dad that he thought I would make a great nurse,” Kaylee recalled.
After marrying in 2007, the two decided they would pursue their dream together – and they enrolled at ACNHS. Their partnership allows them to share a parking pass, textbooks and notes, along with having a permanent study pal. They hope their Aultman education will one day lead them to jobs
as traveling nurses. “To travel and work together sounds like a pretty interesting career,” Kaylee said. “We’re looking forward to it.”
QIANA WALLACE
As a wife and mother of four with a baby on the way, Qiana Wallace knows a thing or two about juggling schedules. Most school nights find her and her children, ages 5-10, working side-by-side on homework and reading assignments. “My kids think it’s cool that I have homework, too,” Qiana shared. “It gives us a reason to all sit down together.”
After getting an associate’s degree in medical assisting technology and working in an Akron hospital, she decided that nursing was her true calling.
“I saw the impact that nurses had and the way they were able to interact with their patients,” Qiana said. “Nurses truly make a difference.”
Qiana chose Aultman College because of the straightforward, “no-nonsense”
curriculum and the ability to schedule her classes while her children are in school. Her advice to other mothers who wonder if they can handle raising children and being a college student? “Go for it,” Qiana exclaimed. “I was 17 when I had my first child, but I didn’t let that stop me from going after my goals. You can still go to college and do what you want to do. Your children will admire you for it.”
ERIK AHBEL
During his final semester at Aultman College, Erik Ahbel referred to himself as the “senior” senior. Even though he has been the owner and operator of the successful Erik’s Grocery Bag in North Canton for 30 years, Erik longed for a career that fulfilled his desire to work in the medical field. His research for a suitable education program led him to Aultman College.
Although he learned alongside classmates half his age and younger, Erik says his fellow students did not make him feel out of place. “I didn’t get treated as though I was older,” Erik explained. “I was just a fellow student.”
A May 2009 graduate, Erik now works in the Dialysis Unit at Aultman Hospital.
With the help of a reliable staff, he still operates his grocery and deli business.
“My story proves that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” Erik said. “If you have the commitment, you can make it happen.”
2008 - 2009 Accomplishments
Fall 2008
• Welcomed Dr. Barbara Ake, Ed.D. as Chief Academic Officer. As the academic leader of our growing college, Dr. Ake is responsible for the development and support of our educational offerings.
• Raised more than $1,000 at the inaugural Aultman College Golf Outing, held at Wilkshire Golf Club.
• Recorded an unprecedented level of participation in Student Senate nominations and voting during Constitution Week. Student Senate is a student-led, student-run group formed to encourage student engagement, professional development and service.
• Held a community Open House on Oct. 17 inviting visitors to learn about our programs. The Open House included tours of the Aultman Health Sciences Library, Aultman College Simulation Lab and the Skills Lab.
• Hosted a team of evaluators from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Nov. 10-12 as they
conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the College. At the conclusion of the visit, the team announced their decision to recommend Initial Accreditation.
• Instituted a prepaid meal program for students to help them juggle their budget and time by using their Aultman College ID badges for food purchases at Aultman Food Service locations.
• Welcomed Vi Leggett as Director of Campus, Community and Public Affairs.
• Raised funds and awareness for American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness and American Cancer Society Relay for Life by involving more than 75 alumni, students, faculty and staff in walks benefiting these causes.
• Co-hosted a Career Expo with Aultman College Alumni Association. Alumni and community members who currently work in a variety of nursing fields were available to answer questions regarding their chosen nursing careers.
• Collected more than 220 food items for Thanksgiving meals through the Student Senate Community Harvest Food Drive, along with holiday gifts for a family in need through the Adopt-a-Famly program.
• Selected Aully the Owl as the official ACNHS mascot. The cheerful owl was selected by students, faculty and staff due to the symbolism of wisdom and a representation of the pet owl, Athena, kept by Florence Nightingale.
• Began offering nursing tutoring three times per week to provide extra support for students.
• Celebrated the graduation of 44 students on Dec. 17th, 2008.
Aultman College 2008 - 2009
Fast Facts
Total scholarship awards:
$90,378
Financial aid awards:
$2.4 Million+
Average award per student:
$8,772
Total pledged in Annual Campaign:
$16,800
Total number of community service Hours:
3,600
Total number of faculty promoted to assistant professors:
5
Nearly 97% of all Aultman College students receive some form of financial aid.
Endowed Scholarships
Mary Roden Nursing Scholarship (est. 1991) Ella Mae Kuecher Nursing Scholarship (est. 1999) Helen Rajkovich Scholarship (est. 2002)
1892 Scholarship (est. 2007) Bettie Sponseller Memorial Scholarship (est. 2008) Kathryn L. Greer Nursing Scholarship (est. 2009)
Gifted Scholarships
Alice Ott Memorial Scholarship Charity School of Kendal Scholarship
Dianne J. Gibbs Geriatric Scholarship
Eileen Welker Williams Scholarship
Margaret Lazar/Emma Lupher Scholarship
SAL Compassion Award T. Raymond Gregory Family Scholarship
2008 - 2009 Accomplishments
Winter/Spring 2009
• Received notification of Initial Accreditation through academic year 2013-2014 from the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation was a result of a two-year self-study showcasing the College’s
achievements and progress since incorporation in 2004.
• Celebrated our HCL accreditation and the five-year anniversary of the incorporation of Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences on Feb. 17, 2004 with a gathering of members of the College, Aultman Hospital and community stakeholders.
• Launched the Modern Alumni, a subgroup of the Aultman College Alumni Association, consisting of alumni who graduated within the last 10 years.
• Led the second Annual Aultman College Summer Science Camp for Canton Local Schools. Twenty faculty members led 30 curious students in lessons and hands-on experiments covering topics such as gas pressure, food properties and ecosystems.
• Hosted a Donor Luncheon where 15 students expressed their gratitude to the scholarship sponsors who made their Aultman College education possible.
• Initiate a pilot NCLEX Review course to support students with test-taking strategies and skills to help them perform well on the Nursing Licensure exam.
• Matched more than 200 students in the Aultman College Mentorship Program.
• Supported Student Senate in hosting Stress-Free Study Day on April 20. Students participated in academic competitions while enjoying lunch, chair massages and other pampering activities.
• Collected more than 200 nonperishable canned goods for Community Harvest Food Bank.
• Joined the online social networking revolution by introducing Facebook pages for Aultman College and Aultman College Alumni.
• Raised a pledged amount of $21,792 for the 1892 Annual Campaign. Students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteers manned the phones for a phone-a-thon in March, with proceeds added to funds acquired through the golf outing and individual donations. Total contributions for the year increased by more than 26 percent.
• Gathered more than 65 guests together at Skyland Pines for the 2009 Alumni Spring Dinner.
• Began offering Open Skills Lab on Saturday mornings to be more responsive to student schedules.
• Co-staffed Canton Local Schools 5th Grade Camp with two learning stations: “Got Health?” and “Got Gas (pressure, that is)?”
• Celebrated the graduation of 50 students on May 9, with a ceremony that featured an inspiring speech by graduation candidate Naomi Schukert. This marked the debut of a new tradition of including a student speaker at Aultman College commencement programs.
Our Generous Donors
Thank you to the following individuals and families for their financial contributions to Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Mr. and Mrs. Fuad Abraham Mr. and Mrs. L. Scott Adkins Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Andrews Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Arends Brenda Ashcraft
AT&T Foundation
Aultman Health Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Bagent Marilyn J. Baker
Cynthia E. Baker
Dr. and Mrs. Roger E. Baker Donna Barber
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis D. Belden Audrey M. Bender
Mr. and Mrs. D. Gene Bennett Isabel Bennington
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Betro Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Blass Mr. and Mrs. Roy L. Blind Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Boughton Joyce A. Bowman
Diana L. Boyd
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Brahler Kimberly W. Bricker
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Brothers Mr. and Mrs. Everett L. Brothers Bruner-Cox LLP
Ruth Anne Firm Bruzzese Charity School of Kendal Mr. and Mrs. Elmer F. Chicky Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Clark Darlynn Clark, RN
Kathleen Clunk
Mr. and Mrs. Russell M. Cole Sheila Colte
Perri-Anne Concialdi Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Cook Jonathan Cooks
Carole Cortez Nancy A. Cross Rebecca J. Crowl Nancy Cuartas
Dr. and Mrs. J.L. Danner Mr. and Mrs. John A. Day Lucille Vaughn DeMatteis Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Devies Mr. and Mrs. Allan E. Dickerhoff Marilyn Doenges
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Downie Mr. and Mrs. John Easterday Maxine Eaton
Tina M. Efinger John R. Ellsworth Brittany J. Fehlman June E. Fiddler
Mr. and Mrs. George Film Dominic R. Fischio Susan E. Fitch
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Fleischman
Myra Fowler
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Frazier Myrtle Fricke
Hilda Gantz Marjorie Garaux Freda Gerber Anne R. Gergel
Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Getz III Dianne J. Gibbs
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M.
Gipperich Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Jesus F. Godoy Mr. and Mrs. Clair Good Marlene Goodenow
Shirley Stanford Goodman, RN Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Grainger Joanne Granquist
Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Greb Mary M. Green
Mr. and Mrs. William K. Grischow Ryllis Guist
Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Gunther Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Haas Reverend and Mrs. Gerald Haglund Mr. and Mrs. Rick L. Haines Ruth Hallett Shook Roger and Jane Hammond Kathryn Hamsher Dawn E. Hanna Donna Hansen Mrs. Sheila R. Hare Mr. and Mrs. Ed Harnish Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Hasapis Deanna Hatfield
Virginia L. Hazard Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hein Mr. and Mrs. Willie J. Hickman Mr. and Mrs. Earl A. Hicks Mary Holland
Judy Hoover
Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Horning Mr. and Mrs. Terry M. Huret Mr. and Mrs. Guido Ianni Sandra L. Ionno
Mr. and Mrs. David E. Jaquay Patricia A. Joliat
Harriet Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Brendan S. Jordan Father Robert W. Kaylor Mr. and Mrs. Lowell E. Kee Marlene Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence T. Kent Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kessel Mr. and Mrs. Vern A. King Mr. and Mrs. Kittredge R. Klapp Jenny Kohler
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Kohmann Mr. and Mrs. Walter Konsevick Kathryn M. Konz
Donna M. Lake
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Lawrence Don and Vi Leggett
Nancy L. Lenarz Lela H. Lengacher
Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. Lenhart Lori Leonard
Patsy Lewis Margorie L. Lindberg Joanne Littlefield
Mr. and Mrs. J. Eugene Lowe Dr. and Mrs. Rogelio G. Marcial Mr. and Mrs. Franklin G. Markley Mrs. Sheila Markley Black Eileen Marshall
Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce
Dena F. Mastrangelo Anna Mauch Beverly A. McCall Angela McGee Iva I. McParlane Violet Meager Mildred Mellon Carol A. Menon
Mr. Matthew and Dr. Susan Mercer Audrey W. Merle
Dr. Lori L. Mertes Roslyn E. Messerly Robert C. Metcalf
Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Miller Susan Miller
Nancy J. Miller Toni Mishler Darlene Mohler Suzanne Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Muckley Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Novak Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Novelli Susan Olivera
Dr. Allison M. Oprandi and Mr.
Doug Wilson Robert C. Ott
Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Ott Mr. and Mrs. David C. Oyler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Paddock Sue Palaski
Carol Patterson Amy B. Patton Jane Paumier Claire L. Pennell-Hall Eileen Pennisi Peggy J. Perkins
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Pontrich Kimberly E. Poorman Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Psolla Teresa J. Purses
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Quesnel
Linda L. Reber Margaret K. Reese Mr. and Mrs. Christopher
Remark Marilyn Revoldt Patricia Rice Susan J. Riggs Sherry Ritchie
Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Roach E. Neal Roberts Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Roth III Terri Sabo
Kathi Schmidt Linda Schneider
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scott Jennie Self
Bob and Jeannine Shambaugh Mr. and Mrs. Keith Shelton Brad and Sue Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shrock Julia A. Sisco
Caroline Soldatis
Mr. and Mrs. Sean A. Speedy Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Stanek Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Steele Mr. and Mrs. Scott A.
Steepleton Clara E. Steinbach Mr. and Mrs. George W.
Stewart
Mr. and Mrs. Marc D. Stimmel Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Stockburger Evelyn L. Stuart Sierra L. Sulzener Kerry Swanson Joyce A. Teeple Mr. and Mrs. David Thiel Marilyn M. Thompson Clara S. Toledano
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy F. Toms Karen A. Toohey
Michelle Vaden Carol Vaughn Carolyn Wagner
Dr. and Mrs. William R. Wallace Shirley J. Warburton
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Webb Joann Weinland
Jenna Lou Weitzel Margaret A. Whiteford Louise Williams Paula Wise
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Witmer Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Wright Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Ybarra Mr. and Mrs. James L.
Zimmer Jr.
2600 Sixth Street S.W.
Canton, Ohio 44710 www.aultmancollege.edu
Incorporated by the State of Ohio as of February 2004
Authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents to confer an Associate
of Science Degree in Nursing (effective January 2005 – December 31, 2011) Granted Initial Accreditation from the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission (February 2009 through Spring 2012)
