June 2023

Dear Friends,

Forty years ago, graduating senior Debu Purohit ’83 spoke to his classmates at Commencement. This year, he came full circle, returning to campus and delivering a moving address to our class of 2023 graduates. Dr. Purohit is also a graduate of The Doon School in India, where a Muskingum delegation and I had a wonderful visit earlier this spring.

The beautiful Commencement weekend we enjoyed with our students and their families was truly a celebration of our calling, as we saw our mission to “educate the whole person for the whole world,” fulfilled within our new undergraduate and graduate alumni.

As the Spring semester ended, we found many opportunities to honor our students and educators for their scholarship, leadership, service, and athletic achievements, as well as to experience their talents as musical performers and visual artists.

We look ahead to a vibrant summer on campus of welcoming incoming first-year students to Muskie Preview days, hosting arts and athletics camps, and preparing for the upcoming fall semester.

If you are in the area, I hope you will join us for our Alumni Summer Social at the East Market in Columbus on June 8 and for our annual Booster Golf Outing on July 14 at EagleSticks in Zanesville.

Thank you, as always, for your support of Muskingum and for the many ways you impact the world, blazing trails for our newest alumni to follow.

With best wishes for a wonderful summer ahead,

President Sue Hasseler

IMPACT

Celebrating May Commencement

The undergraduate-graduate ceremony featured Debu Purohit '83. Weekend events included Baccalaureate, Master's Degree Hooding, Nursing Pinning, and the Student-Athlete Commencement for seniors with competition conflicts.

Honoring Scholarship and Leadership

The Celebration of Excellence and the Magnus Award ceremonies honored outstanding academic achievements and leadership by students, student organizations, and educators whose efforts help create a campus environment of dynamic engagement.

The Power of Relationships

President Sue Hasseler, Trustee Nik Deogun '91, Director of Cultural Engagement & Inclusion Valerie Yonker Smith '00, and VP for Institutional Advancement Paul McClelland recently visited The Doon School, furthering our 45-year connection.

Greek Organizations Serve the Campus and Community

2022-23 Greek Life highlights included Relay For Life, Haunted Hollow, 5K Color Run, Greek Week, and fundraisers and projects supporting veterans, food pantries, animal shelters, and other community needs.

ACADEMICS

Faculty Awards Announced

The 2023 honorees are Dr. Karen Dunak, William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching; Dr. Melissa Conroy, William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship; and Dr. Keith Eberly, Cora I Orr Service Award. Congratulations!

Research Week Showcases Work

Student scholarly work from across the curriculum was highlighted during the James R. Bradford Colloquium of senior capstone presentations, the Homer A. Anderson Lecture, and the annual Poster Presentation.

Dr. Jane Varley Brings Poet Laureates to Classes

Students in Professor of English Jane Varley's classes engaged with Ohio Poet Laureate Kari-Gunter Seymour, U.S. National Beat Poet Laureate John Burroughs (left) and his reading partner Ohio poet Dianne Borsenik (right).

ALUMNI

Alumni-Student Networking Boosts Career Preparation

Alumni shared an evening of networkin g with current juniors and seniors, helping them make career connections and develop skills for professional social events.

ARTS

Vibrant Performances, Exhibit Energize End of Semester

Performances featured Muskie Rocks, Wind Ensemble, Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds, Concert Choir, SEOSO, Jazz and other Ensembles, and senior recitals.The Class of 2023 Senior Art exhibit showcased works in multiple media.

ATHLETICS

Muskie Teams Capture National Championships, Top Finishes

Men's bowling took first place and esports Madden swept the top 3 spots in their respective National Championships. STUNT and esports garnered national Runners-Up spots, and women's bowling and cheer each finished fourth at their nationals. Congratulations to all!

Muskie Golden Hook and Athletic Department Awards Bestowed

The Student-Athlete Advisory Council hosted the 7th Annual Golden Hook Awards and Athletic Department Awards ceremony on April 25, 2023. Congratulations, Muskies!

GIVING

Muskies and Friends ALL IN for Record-Breaking Day of Giving!

During the 5th Annual Day of Giving, 297 donors contributed $105,626, setting new records for total and average gifts. Muskies were ALL IN to support Student Scholarships and Financial Aid, the PLUS Program, Greek Muskingum Fund Scholarships, Leaders of the Line, and Muskingum Athletics.