December 2012

(Posted December 31, 2012 )

Mazey@BG Alumni and Friends Archive

Dear Alumni and Friends:

Like many of you, I like to take a few minutes at the end of the year to reflect on the past, and to think about the future. We've had moments of sadness, but we have also had many occasions for happiness. For me, one of the most joyous times is always Commencement. As we begin a new year, our December graduates are embarking on a new stage of their lives, and I want to share a couple of their stories

Kayla Cyr, from Castalia, Ohio, completed her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders while running her own charitable organization and managing medical challenges. Dave Ruhl, a non-traditional student who is assistant director of facilities of The Toledo Zoo, took a longer, but just as rewarding path, to his degree in construction management. Kayla and Dave were among the 972 students receiving degrees. Graduation was a special time for the students, their families and friends.

Falcon Hatchery, a business incubator program in The Dallas-Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the College of Business Administration, has launched and will give our students the opportunity to obtain funding to help pursue business ventures. Students with the top 10 ideas will go on to work with alumni mentors to develop a pitch for funding at an April event. Consider getting involved by contacting Dean Ray Braun at rwbraun@bgsu.edu.

It is so impressive to find the innovative ways BGSU students give back to the community. More than 100 of our students had their heads shaved to raise more than $22,000 for childhood cancer research.

On January 21, we expect another strong turnout by students, faculty and staff for the annual MLK Jr. Day of Service Challenge. Last year, more than 40 community organizations got a helping hand from more than 500 BGSU volunteers. If you’re participating in your community, please let us know about it on my Facebook page.

I also invite you to join me at the Falcon Florida Getaway 2013 at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Naples, Fla. on February 10-11. The event combines two alumni favorites: the Doyt Perry Classic and the BGSU Alumni College. I hope to see you there!

Did you see our football team last week in the Military Bowl? While the outcome was disappointing, the Falcons had a great season. A special thanks to all the Falcon fans who made it to the game despite the challenging weather conditions!

Thank you for your support of Bowling Green State University. Happy New Year!

Regards,
Mary Ellen Mazey, Ph.D.
President