For more than six decades, Bowling Green State University Firelands has been expanding access to higher education, strengthening our region and changing lives. What began as a vision to bring affordable, high-quality education closer to home has grown into a vibrant campus serving students of all ages and backgrounds.
As we reflect on a meaningful milestone in our history, we honor the people, partnerships and perseverance that shaped BGSU Firelands and continue to define our future.
Year after year, BGSU Firelands continues to bring its community together to reflect on its history and look ahead to what comes next.
Believe in Firelands
One such opportunity is Believe in Firelands: 60 Years of Impact – A Future of Service, a campus and community gathering focused on conversation, connection and shared purpose.
The event will take place Thursday, March 12, at the Cedar Point Center at 1 University Dr, Huron Ohio.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the program starting at 5 p.m. The evening will follow a Great Schools Partnership-style format, featuring guest speakers, a panel discussion and the unveiling of the annual report and the Promise Scholarship.
Business casual attire is recommended.
Alumni, community partners, faculty, staff and friends are invited to take part in events like this that honor our past, celebrate our impact and help shape the future of BGSU Firelands.
Together, we continue a legacy of access, service and opportunity at BGSU Firelands.
Panelists
Julie Chase-Morefield
President & CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio | Huron, Ohio
Julie Chase-Morefield has led Second Harvest since 2004, expanding food distribution sixfold, launching the Nordson Distribution Center, and introducing innovative programming like Food Forward Lorain. During the pandemic, she oversaw services for more than 236,000 people and helped distribute over 14 million pounds of food.
Julie chairs the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and has received multiple honors for civic leadership and nonprofit innovation. She is a two-time Nonprofit Executive of the Year and was named one of the Smart 50 by Smart Business Magazine.
A proud BGSU alumna, Julie lives in Huron with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog.
Marcus Harris
Director of Programs and Services, Greater Cleveland Works | Sandusky, Ohio
Marcus Harris oversees Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker programs under WIOA for Cuyahoga County’s workforce board, where he builds systems to meet employer needs and expand access to high-quality jobs.
A graduate of Sandusky High School, Marcus began his college journey at BGSU Firelands before completing his bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration from BGSU. He serves on the boards of the United Way of Erie County, Second Harvest, and Leadership Ohio.
His lived experience and cross-sector work make him a passionate advocate for equitable talent development in the region.
Caleb Wiedenheft
Vice President & Chief Estimator at Mack Iron Works
Caleb Wiedenheft is a graduate of BGSU Firelands who began his college journey through the College Credit Plus program while attending Margaretta High School. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and graduated debt free.
Today, Caleb serves as Vice President & Chief Estimator at Mack Iron Works, a custom metal fabrication company specializing in industrial strainers. In his role, he leads technical sales, pricing analysis, purchasing, and project management. Caleb credits his Firelands education with helping him build practical business skills, gain early career momentum, and step confidently into leadership within a growing regional company.
Michael Uher
Michael Uher is a BGSU Firelands student pursuing an associate degree in Digital Content Creation. He works as a student employee in the technology department, assisting with special events planning and supporting faculty with classroom technology.
Michael manages McBride Arboretum’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, creating photo and video content. Beyond campus, he speaks nationally on disability advocacy through the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI), and as the Ohio Youth Advisory Committee Coordinator, which is advancing cross-agency youth influence statewide.
In his free time, he enjoys photography, volunteering, video games, movies, obscure trivia, and time with family and friends.
Noah Jamison
Noah Jamison is a senior in the Early Inclusive Education program at BGSU Firelands and a 2022 graduate of Vermilion High School. A proud Vermilion native, Noah earned his Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Firelands and is now completing his bachelor’s degree in education. His decision to stay close to home reflects his deep commitment to Northeast Ohio and the community that shaped him.
At Firelands, Noah discovered the power of close faculty mentorship, small class engagement, and hands-on learning opportunities that allowed me to work in diverse placements.
His goal as an educator is to create an inclusive, supportive classroom where every child feels valued, challenged, and capable of success. He is passionate about meeting students where they are, fostering academic growth, and building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Noah served as the president of the Education Club and is helping lead a local nonprofit initiative, Operation Christmas Joy, supporting families in need. Firelands has strengthened his professional preparation while deepening his passion for service, leadership, and investing in the region he proudly calls home.
Briana Kurdinat
Briana Kurdinat is a first-year student at BGSU Firelands, majoring in Visual Communications Technology, also known as Digital Content Creation. A graduate of Western Reserve and Townsend Community School, Briana chose Firelands after encouragement from a close friend and quickly found a welcoming, supportive community.
She is passionate about graphic design and hopes to build a career that blends design, film, and creative storytelling. Briana is the founder of the campus Improv Club, launching the organization to help rebuild student engagement and inspire others to get involved. She recruited 27 members in its first interest push, including students and faculty.
In addition to her academic work, Briana is a musician who plays guitar, bass, and keyboard. She enjoys sushi, pasta, and double dark chocolate Milanos, and finds inspiration in music that motivates creativity and self-expression.
Location
BGSU Firelands
1 University Dr.
Huron, Ohio 44839
Map and directions
Contact Us
For more information about event-related inquiries, please contact: firelands@bgsu.edu
Events
A campus built on opportunity
BGSU Firelands was founded to meet the educational needs of the Firelands region, providing pathways to degrees and careers while allowing students to remain connected to their families, jobs and communities. From the beginning, the mission was clear: create opportunity through education.
Over the years, the campus has evolved alongside the region it serves, expanding academic programs, modernizing facilities and embracing new modes of teaching and learning while staying true to its student-centered roots.
1965–1970s
The early years of BGSU Firelands saw the BGSU Board of Trustee's decision to open a regional campus in 1965, the construction of the first buildings in Huron, and marked a commitment to access and affordability, laying the foundation for academic growth and community engagement.
1980s–1990s
The campus expanded its academic offerings and facilities, responding to workforce needs and strengthening partnerships across the region.
2000s–2010s
Program innovation, technology integration and enhanced student support services positioned BGSU Firelands as a leader in serving post-traditional and place-bound students.
Today
BGSU Firelands continues to adapt to the changing needs of students and employers, offering flexible pathways, hands-on learning experiences and strong connections to the community.
Impact beyond the classroom
The influence of BGSU Firelands reaches far beyond campus. Graduates serve as educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, business leaders and advocates throughout the region and beyond.
Through partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and local employers, BGSU Firelands plays an essential role in workforce development and community vitality.
At the heart of BGSU Firelands are the students, faculty and staff whose stories reflect resilience, determination and possibility. Many students balance coursework with careers, families and other responsibilities, finding support and encouragement along the way.
These stories are not just part of our history. They are the reason BGSU Firelands continues to grow and evolve.
As BGSU Firelands celebrates this milestone, the focus remains on the future. The campus is committed to expanding access, strengthening academic programs and deepening partnerships that support student success and regional growth.
The next chapter of BGSU Firelands will continue to be written by the people who learn, teach and lead here every day.
Updated: 03/13/2026 08:47AM