University of Findlay Top Stories of 2023
University of Findlay’s newsroom is utilized as a place to find stories about alumni, community service, campus events, and more. As 2024 kicks off, we take a look back at the University’s top stories from 2023.
When University of Findlay’s Student Government Association (SGA) announced Yung Gravy as their headline artist for the Oiler Music Festival, campus and the surrounding community started to buzz with excitement. While Yung Gravy’s visit to campus was short, the story announcement was the most-viewed story of the year with more than 5,000 views.
At the end of 2022, University of Findlay entered into a partnership with Barnes & Noble College (BNC), allowing them to manage all course materials, retail, and online operations for the University of Findlay Ruscilli Bookstore. The bookstore closed Jan. 30 and reopened Feb. 4 fully renovated and with a new website.
The Ruscilli Bookstore wasn’t the only space on campus to receive a facelift. Derrick’s Hangout, previously a space to get snacks and smoothies, reopened as a recreational space for students. Inside, students can utilize tables, seating, board games, multiple TVs, streaming services, arcades, and gaming systems. Throughout the year, students have enjoyed watching sporting events, away Oiler football games, and ABC’s Bachelor viewing parties.
Timothy Burkart, Pharm.D. works with students in the University of Findlay’s College of Pharmacy as an associate professor. When he’s not being professional in the classroom, Burkart is playing drums in his punk rock band, commonly referred to as L.A.D’s. The band consists of four middle-aged dads who consider themselves to be “lame, silly, and goofy.” Turning 42 this past summer, he never thought he’d still be in a band and playing music.
One series that people seem to love each year is the Findlay Faithful stories which highlight those couples that met at UF and fell in love. This year we highlighted Matt and Lindsey Berger’s story which started at UF’s freshman orientation and blossomed into a wonderful life and family. When it comes to the title of “Findlay Faithfuls,” Matt and Lindsey fully embrace the honor. “I love the title because it’s exactly what we represent! We met each other at Findlay, we both have extremely fond memories of our experience at Findlay, and we have remained faithful not only to each other but also to UF,” the two said.
The University of Findlay athletics department announced a new multi-purpose practice field located in the heart of campus. Dick Strahm Champions Field provides 83,000 square feet of turf for the football program, serves as auxiliary practice space for many of the 22 NCAA-sponsored Oiler sports teams, and is utilized by UF’s intramural programs. “Coach Strahm left an indelible mark on the University of Findlay and we are honored to have this facility in his name,” said Jim Givens, director of athletics.
- Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D., Announces Retirement & Kenneth McIntyre Jr. Named Vice President for University Advancement
Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D. retired from the University of Findlay in May 2023, following 10 years of leadership for fundraising and alumni relations as the vice president for University Advancement. During her time at UF, she set records for revenue raised, the number of endowments created, and the number of donors engaged. Kenneth McIntyre Jr. was named vice president of Advancement, after serving as interim vice president following Latta’s retirement. McIntyre now continues the $75 million fundraising campaign “Together We Will,” having received more than $54 million in gifts before he was appointed as vice president.
Each year the city of Findlay holds Flag City BalloonFest. While most of the hot air balloons pass over University of Findlay on their way to Emory Adams Park for the event, this year UF’s women’s soccer team was surprised to see a balloon land next to them at the Russ and Peg Armstrong Sports Complex in the middle of practice.
“The Magic of Mazza” documentary was nominated for two Emmy awards, recognizing the partnership and hard work of the University of Findlay Mazza Museum and WBGU-PBS. The hour-long documentary explores the history of Mazza Museum – the largest and most diverse collection of original picture book artwork in the world.
University of Findlay’s College of Pharmacy partnered with Keypath Education to launch Findlay’s distance Doctor of Pharmacy program this past fall. The distance Pharm.D. program blends the convenience of online didactic coursework with valuable on-campus immersions and experiential learning in students’ communities to prepare them for licensure.
To see all of the stories in the University newsroom, visit newsroom.findlay.edu.