Balancing the budget, achieving financial health and the installation of Flock cameras were among the topics º£½ÇÔ´´ President Todd Diacon discussed while taking questions during the final Talking With Todd session for the spring semester."Our challenges are not bigger than the other challenges at the other Ohio public university by any measure," Diacon said in addressing the university's finances. "When I say we have a balanced budget, I mean we don't spend more than we bring in in revenue. We don't balance the budget with savings or reserves."To close an $18 million gap on a ro...
º£½ÇÔ´´â€™s Office of Global Education has recently wrapped up their series of Cultural Cafes for the 25-26 school year. The Germany-themed Cultural Cafe took place on Wednesday, April 22 12:00 pm- 1:30 pm.April’s Cultural Cafe featured Emilia Pekarek, a Ph.D. student from Germany giving a presentation on aspects of German culture that may not be as well known. She was inspired to give the presentation after realizing the cultural difference in humor after arriving in the U.S. Emilia loved the idea of the event, being able to share her culture and some of her favorite dishes ...
College of Communication & Information
Assistant Professor Kathryn "Kaatie" Cooper took home the championship at this year's Great º£½ÇÔ´´ Teach-Off, a university-wide competition celebrating innovative classroom teaching.The annual event, hosted by º£½ÇÔ´´'s Center for Teaching and Learning, invites faculty to present a five-minute demonstration of a teaching strategy, tool or technique they use in their courses. Viewers across campus cast votes for their favorites, with the champion crowned at the CTL's End of Year Celebration.Cooper was honored for her presentation, "Video response assignments: Circumvent AI and get to kno...
During Flashes Give Back Week, over 1,100 volunteers strengthened our communities and more than 700 donors raised $165,000+ to support º£½ÇÔ´´ causes.From April 13-18, Golden Flashes once again came together to make a meaningful impact during Flashes Give Back Week, a weeklong initiative celebrating the many ways the º£½ÇÔ´´ community gives back.Joining in as a Compassionate SamaritanThroughout the week, alumni and friends stepped up to be Champions of Kindness on campus and in communities nationwide. In partnership with campus and nonprofit organizations, more than 1,100 Golden Flashes ...
Gary Fincke, Ph.D. '74
Gary Fincke, Ph.D. ’74, Selinsgrove, PA, published "The Necessary Going On: Selected Poems" (Press 53) and "After Arson: New and Selected Essays" (Madville) in 2025. His forthcoming book, "The Comfort of Taboos: More Selected Stories," will be published in 2026 by Braddock Avenue Books. Recently, Susquehanna University honored him with an endowed fund established in his name to support an annual visiting writer series.
David Murray, '91
David Murray, ’91, Chicago, IL, is the author of "Soccer Dad" (Disruption Books), a memoir about raising his daughter through the pressures and challenges of the youth sports system while striving to maintain balance and perspective. The book, released April 14, 2026, reflects on the experience of navigating competitive athletics as a parent, culminating in his daughter’s collegiate soccer career at Ohio University, where she scored a MAC Tournament–winning goal in 2023 against º£½ÇÔ´´.
Tara Jefferson, '07, MA '13
Tara Jefferson, ’07, MA '13, Stow, OH, released her first traditionally published book, "Bloom How You Must," in December 2025. The work blends research, personal storytelling and interviews with more than 100 Black women ranging in age from 19 to 99. Framed as an instruction manual for building new generational legacies, the book focuses on healing, wellness and self-care. "Bloom How You Must" received the 2025 Book of the Year award from the Living Now Awards, which recognizes excellence in personal development and lifestyle publishing.
Michael Lebowitz, '99
Michael Lebowitz, ’99, Arlington, VA, combined his experience in law and journalism to write "Second Wave: Inside al Qaeda’s Post-9/11 Attack Plan and America’s Secret Effort to Stop It" (Diversion Books). Marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the book examines al Qaeda’s plans for a potential follow-up attack on the United States, including efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon, as well as a previously unreported account of these threats.
Trish Stukbauer, '91
Trish Stukbauer, ’91, Mooresville, NC, is a writer and communicator who has applied her journalism background to author two devotional books, "God, Give Me Today" and "Kindred Spirits." Her work focuses on supporting readers through difficult life experiences, including anxiety, depression and coping with a loved one’s addiction. Drawing on her experience in writing, editing and communications, Stukbauer brings a reflective and storytelling approach that emphasizes honesty, understanding and emotional support.