Defiance College recognizes
five alumni during Homecoming

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College presented five alumni awards as part of last week’s Homecoming celebrations. Alumni honored included Charles Beard, Defiance, Alumni Achievement Award; Dee Ann Balser, Bryan, Alumni Achievement Award; Dr. Floyd Knoop, Omaha, Neb., Alumni Citation for Academic Excellence; and Jeremy Ball, Columbus, Young Alumni Service Award.

Dr. Floyd Knoop, a 1966 graduate, has been teaching and researching for more than 30 years. He joined the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha in 1975 and has focused his teaching and research efforts in medical microbiology and immunology. Dr. Knoop was named full professor in 1992 and became Component I director in 1996.

Jeremy Ball is a 2004 alumni and has balanced his passion for service with a successful career. After graduation, he incorporated his passion into his profession as capital campaign director and development manager for MAP Furniture Bank, providing free furniture to Columbus residents in need. In 2007, Ball was named administrative services manager for Big Lots Stores, Inc. in Columbus where he directs and manages five departments, directs charitable giving, and assists with corporate communications.

Charles Beard has spent a bulk of his career as an administrator in private and public school systems in Defiance. He is currently director of the Middle Childhood Education Program at Lourdes College in Sylvania.

Dee Ann Balser, a 1967 alumnus, has spent her career teaching in Northwest Ohio, including Edgerton Schools from 1967-1974, North Central Schools from 1980-1984, and Montpelier Schools where she still teaches. Her career has centered on music education, and her high school show choir has competed and performed all over the U.S. and Canada

Also being honored was Schauffler Legacy Award winner Frannie Millward, Schauffler College class of ’47, Christian educator and Defiance College Schauffler Advisory Board member.

Alumni award winners each gave presentations on Friday as part of the Alumni Leadership Symposium and received their awards at the “Celebrate DC” dinner that evening.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

October 15, 2009