Bill Murphy passes away Jan. 2

Bill and Bev Murphy

William R. Murphy passed away Monday, January 2, at Kobacker House after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was a 25-year veteran of the Department of Public Safety, having served in every section of the department. He started as a Police Officer on May 14, 1986, and progressed through the ranks to Sergeant and Lieutenant, where he supervised third-shift officers and contractors. After leaving the police section of the department, Bill served as a Security Specialist and most recently as a Communications Technician in the radio room. Bill was also a veteran of the United States Air Force. “Bill was an anchor, having served with distinction in multiple public safety roles. He was most appreciative of the support he received from the Columbus State family in his final months. He will be greatly missed," said John Nestor, Director of Public Safety. Murphy is survived by his wife Bev, account clerk in Student Accounting. A memorial service will be announced when finalized.

Welcome to Winter Quarter!

All the rain and warm temperatures we experienced last month had a couple of benefits, as Jason Stillion experienced over break when he took this photo of a double rainbow over campus.  Stillion, IT support specialist, was walking back from the Bookstore Dec. 21 when he noticed this colorful sight.

Staffing changes for Diversity Initiatives and Athletics areas

Scott Nichols

Kimberly Brazwell

The Student Life division is continuing to strengthen its infrastructure in order to provide the “necessary leadership and capacity to manage our large size as an institution with two campuses, multiple regional learning centers and distance learning,” according to Renèe Hampton, Dean.   

Kimberly Brazwell has been named Manager of Diversity Initiatives. In her new role Brazwell will be provide leadership for multicultural and diversity initiatives for the college.  “She will also administer diversity programs that will promote diversity and inclusiveness through college programming and community partnerships,” Hampton said.

Athletics will branch off from Student Activities and Scott Nichols will provide leadership as the Manager of Student Athletics and College Recreation.  In Nichols’ new role he will provide leadership for college-wide student athletics and recreation. “Scott will also take on the responsibility of managing and maintaining the college’s fitness center facilities,” Hampton said. 

Student photographer wins holiday card contest

Holiday card contest winner Doug Trott shows off his winning design.

Each year, Columbus State holds a contest for students to create a design or take a picture for the holiday card that is sent out by the president and other college officials. This year, the winner was Doug Trott. The 20-year-old lives in Columbus and is a digital photography major. As the winner of the contest, he received a $500 gift certificate to the college's bookstore and his picture of an ice-covered evergreen was featured on the front of the official card sent by the college. 

Officers promoted

Chief of Police Sean Asbury looks on as Columbus State Officer Dia Sopraseuth, (back) is pinned with his new insignia by his wife Tammy, and Tom Lewis receives his from his wife Olivia. The officers received their promotion to sergeant in a ceremony held December 21.

Think it's hard to remember to change your home smoke detector battery? 

Columbus State Department of Public Safety Security Specialist Laura Diamond inspects one of the 693 campus fire extinguishers with help from Dave from Silco Fire Protection Company.

Try changing hundreds of batteries, every quarter break, during the pre-dawn hours. 

Every quarter break, Public Safety inspects over 100 fire and alarm systems, 70 card access control panels, 172 emergency phones, 200 exterior lights, 693 campus fire extinguishers, and inspects all buildings for hazards. The result? Campus is safer and no State Fire Marshall citations are issued. Best of all, there has been no loss of life or buildings in the history of the college. All batteries are also recycled! Remember to replace your smoke detector batteries this New Year!

Cross country club team wraps up successful first season

Cross Country Team coordinators Spencer Gardner and Nicole Reese help out and gain publicity for their new club by volunteering at this year’s Kidney Walk for the National Kidney Foundation in October.

Columbus State’s inaugural cross country club team produced a number of great race times, as well as some great new friendships among the student athletes and team coordinators.

A club team is a registered student organization formed by individuals with a common interest in a sport and/or recreational activity. It differs from a varsity sport in that they don’t compete in regional or national NCJAA events or tournaments.

Otterbein graduate Nicole Reese, 23, and Spencer Gardner, 19, founded the club team and are now Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Club coordinators. They both have years of cross country experience as well as organizational expertise with their involvement in the Student Ambassador Leadership Program. Reese ran for Otterbein Cross Country and Track teams, and still holds the second fastest 5K time in Otterbein’s history of 17 minutes 48 seconds.

Gardner ran his first-ever half marathon this year, finishing in 1:34:09 for the 13.1 miles in the Cap City Half Marathon.

“The thing about running is that you don’t even have to be good at it,” said club member Katy Evans, a former high school cross country runner. “Just enjoying the company of other people and a willingness to improve is all that matters.”

“We have all had a lot of fun at the last few races this fall, supporting and cheering each other on,” said Phillip Cochran, who had some of the fastest team times this season, including a 16:02 in the Great Pumpkin 5K for first place. “We are fairly pleased with our results and our team seems to improve with each event.”

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our running and to increase interest in our club.”

Poetry reading at the Bookstore Jan. 18

Don’t miss Rhythm and Rhyme, a music and poetry open mic event, to be held Wednesday, January 18 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bookstore!  Read your favorite poem, perform your favorite song, or better yet, showcase your own original selection!

Beverages now better in Cafeteria

Your morning coffee and afternoon soda look better than ever at the newly renovated Cafeteria. Stop by Union Hall soon to see all the upgrades done over the break, designed to improve traffic flow and make it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite beverage any time of the day!