Pictured in a spring competition are, from the left, Ryan Washburn, Brad Brown, Jake Stein, Adam Moneypenny, and Zach Sizemore. WILMINGTON, Ohio (May 5, 2025)— The Underground Game Room was buzzing on a Friday evening this spring when the 12 computers designated for Esports were manned and a crowd of onlookers watched as excitement waxed and waned with the action on the screens. Wilmington College’s Esports Club, which boasts about 60 members, was founded before the introduction of the Esports management minor in the fall of 2023. It is designed to create an accepting community for casual and competitive gamers to share their interests. That night in The Underground, a dozen club members were playing Marvel Rivals with six teammates aligned side by-side at the bank of gaming computers, faced off against six more on the other side of a partition. “Some students spend every free moment playing games,” Zach Sizemore said. He is both a WC student and an employee in the College’s Information Technology area. “Team members normally specialize in a title — we have nine titles, including the super popular Call of Duty Black Ops 6. Some are good at big picture games and others at other types of titles.” So, the next competition likely featured a different group of team members based on their preference for the video game selected. While simply being interested in Esports is the primary motivation for club members, keen dexterity and good hand-eye coordination are also helpful, as players engage in “coordinated actions translated in real time,” Sizemore said. Team member Adam Moneypenny noted, "Esports on campus has helped us build a community within the one we already have. The addition of the Esports Club has helped friendships grow out of our events and has allowed me to connect with a lot of people that I probably would have never talked to before. I am not the most social person, so it is nice to be able to connect with fellow gamers on a personal level with a large hobby in common." Ryan Washburn added, “The friends I’ve made along the way have been great, and the lifelong friendships I’ve built through the club are something I’ll always cherish." As club president, Sizemore organizes campus competitions and plans for the team to compete against other colleges soon, ideally next year. “It’s a growing sport,” he said. He hopes to outfit the club with team jerseys and offer travel accommodations similar to athletic sports teams. He also sees the College being more intentional in recruiting students interested in Esports and has started that outreach by inviting local high school students to learn about the club. On the road to transitioning from a club to a varsity sport, the Esports Club is partnering with the College’s Advancement Office. The office has established a vehicle for those interested in providing financial support at https://www.givecampus.com/schools/WilmingtonCollege/esports-evolution-help-us-level-up . The College is offering a minor in Esports management as the booming industry approaches an audience of a billion globally, with revenues of more than $1.5 billion. The popularity of Esports lends itself to the more and more technology- driven society of today. Esports is especially inclusive and accommodates persons with physical disabilities, while also providing competitors with many of the benefits of traditional, athletics-oriented sports: teamwork, camaraderie, self-motivation, work ethic, goal-setting and a shared experience. The academic minor is designed to be completed in four semesters and is open to students in all majors; however, those majoring in WC's popular sport management area would only need to take three additional courses to earn the minor. The minor features four four-credit-hour courses and three two-credit-hour courses. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Corey Cockerill, Wilmington College President On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Wilmington College (WC) inaugurated their first female president, Corey Cockerill. Corey grew up in rural Knox County Ohio. She received her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and then began working as a journalist. After writing a story about the accidental death of a child, Corey decided that she “didn’t have the skin for journalism” and went back to OSU to earn her Masters and Doctorate. During this time, Corey also drove to WC to see her now-husband, Tate.  Her first job after receiving her doctorate was at the Ohio Department of Wildlife. However, once she began having children, the commute led her to seek a job locally, which landed her at WC. She even brought her young son, now a WC student, to the interview on her hip. Throughout her time at WC, Corey served as a professor, Chair of the Agriculture program, and Assistant Dean for the College of Sciences. In 2023, the Board offered her the position of interim-president. She stated, “I’ll love WC from any angle no matter what,” and accepted.  Corey leads with Quaker values, including “consensus based decision making”. She stated, “The outcomes are incredibly powerful. You get full buy in from the room because everybody has contributed to the solution.” WC values everyone having a voice, including students. Corey shared that WC believes in finding a student’s purpose, not just their career. She stated, “Often we try to push students toward a career path, I think that’s a mistake unless they know very specifically.” Corey believes students come in with a skill set and that it’s WC job to help them find their “superpower.” During inauguration, Corey announced WC’s upcoming campaign, ‘Purpose Can’t Wait,’ which will highlight WC’s bright future, including their accreditation, balanced budget, prison program, new Masters in Agriculture program, and new AG building coming in 2028.  To learn more about WC’s new campaign, visit purposecantwait.com .

Left to Right: Robin Britain, Brook McBee, and Dustin Pearce Robin Britain and her daughter, Brook McBee, join the podcast to share their story of owning and operating Anytime Laundry and Anytime Car Wash in Wilmington! Robin is a Clinton County native who lives on a small farm in New Vienna with her husband, Larry. Before leaving her career in logistics to run her own business, Robin served in the Air Force Reserves on active duty during 9/11 and at Airborne during the time DHL left Wilmington. Both Anytime Laundry and Anytime Car Wash offer clean and convenient services in Wilmington, Ohio that are available 24/7. Anytime Laundry also offers, "pickup and delivery" or "drop-off and pickup" to making getting laundry done even easier. Listen to episode 70 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'Anytime Laundry & Anytime Car Wash' with Robin Britain and Brook McBee, on your favorite podcast player below: 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

Roxy is a friendly, playful one-year-old who loves walks and adventure. She is good with other dogs and loves meeting new humans. She would be a great addition for an active person/family. Meet Roxy and her friends by visiting pawshumane.weebly.com.

Hannah Gaines and Mackenzie Snarr are the new managers for the Clinton County Farmers’ Market for the 2025 season. They will be filling in for Elise Snarr, who took on the position in 2024 after Sally Buchanan stepped down. Elise will not be returning because she is graduating from Wilmington College (WC) this May and taking a position within her major at a local state park.  Hannah grew up in Wilmington, graduated from Wilmington High School (WHS), and then attended WC. She is currently a teacher at East Clinton High School. She wanted to get involved with the farmers’ market because of a previous internship she had with the Clinton, Fayette, Greene, and Warren County Farm Bureau. Hannah looks forward to getting more involved with the community.  Mackenzie also grew up in Wilmington and graduated from WHS. She attended Muskingham University and is currently a Kindergarten Intervention Specialist at Greenview Elementary. Regarding her interest in the farmers’ market, Mackenzie stated,  “Going to the farmers’ market has always been something that my family did.” She recalled fond memories of her grandfather owning a farm when she was younger and also looks forward to getting more involved. Hannah and Mackenzie shared that there will be a new produce and a new baked goods vendor at the farmers’ market this season to join other returning local vendors. They plan to continue the same weekend activities, like the Kid’s Market, and even plan to host a day featuring art and craft booths. They also hope to involve local high schools and Wilmington College this year.  The market will run every Saturday from May 10th to October 18th from 8:30am to 12pm. To learn more about the farmers’ market, visit clintoncountyfarmersmarket.com .

WILMINGTON, Ohio (May 2, 2025)— Wilmington College-Community Summer Theatre will present the musical, Guys and Dolls, on July 17, 18, 19, at 7:30 p.m., and July 20, at 2:30 p.m., in Hugh G. Heiland Theatre, Boyd Cultural Arts Center on the campus of Wilmington College. Based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys and Dolls is considered the quintessential Broadway musical. Billed as a "musical fable," two love stories are interwoven with gambling gangsters, nightclub dancers and the work of missionaries. Guys and Dolls will be directed by alumna Cherie Cooper-Darragh with musical direction by Matt Spradlin, choreography by Cole Haugh and Abby Bowman, lighting design by Becky Haines and scene design by Gary Smith. Ticket information will be forthcoming. Auditions will be held May 18 and 19, at 7 p.m., in Heiland Theatre. Auditions are open to anyone 16 and older. More information can be found at bareboardstheatre.com . Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Dustin Pearce & Corey Cockerill Corey Cockerill will be the first inaugurated female president of Wilmington College tomorrow. Randy Sarvis, their amazing PR Director, gave us an exclusive interview with her before the big day! We learn about her life growing up in rural Knox County, being a journalist in Chillicothe, meeting her husband at 4H camp, and owning her own coffee roasting business that she later sold to Kava Haus. Corey also shared the college’s vision for a new agricultural and equestrian center on Fife Road in 2028, as well as a strategic plan for an even greater partnership with the local Wilmington community. This is not an episode you want to miss! Plus, stay tuned this summer for ‘Part 2 of 2’ once Corey gets more settled in—and gets access to all the secret rooms. Listen to episode 69 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'Wilmington College Inaugurates First Female President (Part 1 of 2)' with Corey Cockerill, on your favorite podcast player below: 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

At last year's Forum, Hannah Gaines speaks about her research, “Creating a Positive Public Perception of Zoos Through Social Media,” which won the Best in Class award for Fine Arts & Communication Arts. She also presented research on "Recovery Times of Caribbean Hermit Crabs after Exposure to Perceived Predatory Scenario," for which she offered demonstrations with live crabs. WILMINGTON, Ohio (April 30, 2025)— No basketballs will be bouncing, or volleyballs set for spikes, or wrestlers scoring points on takedowns and escapes, yet Fred Raizk Arena in Herman Court will be buzzing with activity on Saturday morning (May 3), from 10 a.m. to noon,, as Wilmington College stages its 14th annual Student and Faculty Research Forum. Scores of individuals and teams will display their research via posters and other presentation media, transforming the normally athletics-oriented venue into a strictly academic setting. Their research projects span academic disciplines, while faculty, staff, students, and members of the greater community have a chance to peruse the presentations and learn firsthand from student researchers. Dr. Angela Mitchell, professor of business administration and associate vice president for academic affairs, is one of the Research Forum coordinators. “This event allows our students to put into practice the expertise they have developed in their academic program,” she said. “They get to apply the classroom work to real-world research questions. And through the Research Forum, they have the platform to showcase the relevance of their work to their field.” Awards will be presented to the Best in Class for Agriculture, Business Administration/Accounting, Education, Fine Arts/Communications, Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science, Sport Sciences, and Graduate Programs. Also, there will be special recognition for Best Student/Faculty Collaboration, a President’s Council Award, and an Athletics Award. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Veronica Grabill, Chaplain and Volunteer Coordinator “What’s important is [to] just let people know that they’re cared for, and they’re valued, and they’re not alone… My passion is to come alongside and just be there and meet their needs,” said Veronica Grabill, Chaplain and Volunteer Coordinator at Clinton Memorial Hospital, about her positions. Veronica began as a Chaplain at Clinton Memorial. When their previous Volunteer Coordinator retired, Veronica took on the position of Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers at the hospital are able to work in each department. “Every department could probably use somebody,” Veronica stated. She mentioned that there are volunteers in the gift shop, medical records, front desk, financial services, emergency room, and more. According to Veronica, volunteers complete tasks such as counting supplies, putting bracelets on individuals in the emergency room, checking people in, helping in the mother and baby unit, and many other tasks. She also acknowledged that some volunteers read to patients, refresh water and blankets, or simply provide “a hand to hold.”  According to Veronica, volunteers range in age from 18 to 93. She stated, “There’s just something for every age group.” An ideal number of volunteers needed for the hospital ranges from 40 to 60 individuals. However, the hospital currently has under 30 volunteers.  When speaking of challenges in volunteer retention post-pandemic, Veronica mentioned that the elder volunteers were nervous to return to a hospital after the pandemic. To combat this challenge,  Veronica has encouraged high school and college students to participate, as many need service hours for graduation requirements.  To become a volunteer, an individual must speak with Veronica to discuss which department interests them. They must also complete an application, background check, sign the Volunteer Pledge, and participate in training if necessary. Additionally, volunteers must complete a HIPAA packet and a media release form.  Listen to Veronica’s full story on episode #67 of the Real Change Wilmington podcast. Learn more about Clinton Memorial Hospital or become a volunteer at cmhregional.com/volunteers .

Cutting the ribbon are, from the left, President Corey Cockerill, Emma Kaplan, Benjamin Kaplan, Board of Trustees Chair Daniel Buckley, Trustee and Buren Center namesake Tim Buren and Rachel Kaplan. WILMINGTON, Ohio (April 24, 2025) — Wilmington College’s large green handled scissors and seven feet of wide, lime-colored ribbon took center stage Wednesday (April 23) when WC’s Buren Center for Business was christened as the newest academic facility on campus. Housed on the main floor of Bailey Hall, the center features a large conference room, a lobby/lounge area with a stock ticker and illuminated, world time zone display and offices for Wilmington College Online, the Master of Organizational Leadership program and the Center for Career Services. Tim Buren, a WC alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees, provided the financial support to transform what previously housed the Campus Health Clinic and a student lounge into the shining new Buren Center for Business, which was opened and fully functional earlier this spring term. Buren said the main floor of Bailey hadn’t changed much since he was a student in the 1980s in marveling at the new space. “Our business program is the second largest academic area on campus. I want our business students to think of success when they walk in here,” he said, noting his role as trustee has served to enhance his affinity for his alma mater. “In the years since I was a student at Wilmington College, I’ve especially grown very fond of the College’s values and principles.” Buren is a 1983 Wilmington College alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He heads The Buren Insurance Group Inc., which employs 32 associates across four locations. His largest focus is working with agencies all over Ohio and the surrounding states “to help them grow their revenue, build their agencies and perpetuate their life’s work.“  President Corey Cockerill thanked Buren for his extraordinary dedication to his alma mater and support for WC students. She mentioned that the renovation of Bailey Hall, which was constructed in 1909, will be completed this summer, when the entryways will be made ADA-compliant. Another major part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was attended by the Board of Trustees, College administration and guests, was the dedication of the Career Services Office in memory of Barbara Kaplan. She served as director of career resources for many years during her 32 years of dedicated service to the institution. Kaplan, a 1972 WC alumna, pivoted from her career as a school teacher and returned to her alma mater in 1981 as executive assistant to the president and director of alumni affairs before becoming dean of students and, ultimately, serving as director of career resources. She retired from that position in 2013 and, sadly, passed away in 2021. Benjamin Kaplan, also an alumnus of the College, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony with his and Barbara’s daughters, Emma and Rachel, and their guests. He noted that Barbara was "committed to the dreams and potential" of Wilmington College students. “Fifty-five years ago, Barbara and I were on this campus together — we fell in love here,” he said, noting his wife’s progression of positions at WC to, ultimately, director of career resources. “She thought the most important thing she could do was to help students find jobs and start their careers. “Barbara enjoyed everything about the College!” Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Performing at the Winter Concert with the Quaker Jazz ensemble are, from the left, Teddy Murphy on saxophone and clarinetists Mary Rose and Dayjah Davis. WILMINGTON, Ohio (April 24, 2025) — The Wilmington College Chorale, Quaker Jazz and Symphonic Winds choral and instrumental groups will present a program of old and new favorites at the Music Department’s annual Spring Concert on Tuesday (April 29), at 7:30 p.m., in Hugh G. Heiland Theatre. The event is free of charge and open to the public. The College Chorale is under the direction of Seth Parshall, adjunct instructor, while the College’s instrumental ensembles are conducted by Evan Hatter, assistant professor of music.

Sydney Murtland, Recent Graduate of the Master of Organizational Leadership program and Assistant Director of the Clinton County Homeless Shelter “Our programs are designed for busy adults who want to grow, develop, and expand their opportunities,” said Dan Noel, Program Director of the Master of Organizational Leadership program at Wilmington College (WC). Tammi Carpenter, Online Enrollment Coordinator, dubbed it a “big town degree with a hometown feel.” Before coming to WC in September of 2024, Dan worked at Wright State University for their online programs for 15 years. Tammi began working for the online program in October of 2024 but has worked at WC for 19 years. In addition, Eric McLaughlin, Director of Career Services, is also part of WC’s core team to support students in their online programs. WC’s online bachelor programs in Accounting, Business Administration, and Strategic Organizational Leadership began in-person at Cincinnati State (CS). CS’s two-year associates degree led into a four-year bachelors. WC’s masters program began in 2022 as a hybrid program, meeting once a week at CS. When WC quit renting space at CS after Covid, their masters program became fully online. However, it still includes an immersive “real-world” experience where students help an organization instead of write a traditional thesis.Dan stated,  “People want to be more flexible… the whole landscape has changed in how people learn and I think we’re doing a nice balance.”  Both the online undergraduate and master programs are trying to attract a nontraditional, adult learner. Tammi mentioned that they build on experience in the workforce. The programs offer six different start times a year (including the summer), plus offer accelerated courses that allow individuals to take full-time credit hours while still only taking one class at a time. According to Dan, WC's online programs have a diverse set of professors whose degrees include legal, marketing, business, management, and more. The professors are mostly adjunct, who are still in the workforce.  Learn more at wilmington.edu .