Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Alexa Soltes, of Oregon, was among 24 students who participated in Baldwin Wallace’s faculty-led study abroad seminar in Ireland, which combined travel, writing, community engagement and diversity education.
Soltes, a graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School majoring in dual primary and primary intervention specialist, participated in the 10-day experience led by Drs. Denise Kohn, Debra Janas and Lori Long through Dublin, Enistymon, Galway, Cork and Spike Island..
Students walked with Siul Eile, a program which combats rural isolation through community walking programs, and participated in a Dublin walking tour led by an individual affected by homelessness. They also planted apple trees with Tidy Towns volunteers.
Cultural immersion included traditional Irish music and dance, as well as learning hurling and Gaelic football at a local Gaelic Athletic Association club. Sightseeing components included visits to the Cliffs of Moher, Nano Nagle Place, the Rock of Cashel and Trinity College.
Through authentic cultural engagement and community service, the seminar helped students develop global perspectives essential for social entrepreneurship while gaining practical experience in travel writing and diversity in education.
The BW Center for Global Exploration engages students through global exploration and off-campus study that enhances personal growth, educational enrichment and career development as part of the university's liberal arts effort to cultivate contributing and compassionate citizens. Through faculty-led and independent study abroad opportunities, students can build strong communication skills, enhanced critical thinking and personal confidence from trekking the unknown. For more photos, follow @bw.explore on Instagram.
Eastwood bassoonist accepted to OMEA All-State Orchestra
Eastwood Senior Bassoonist Cameron Brinker has been accepted to the Ohio Music Education Association All-State Orchestra.
After 2-1/2 days of rehearsal, Brinker will perform with Ohio's top high school musicians at the OMEA Professional Conference at the Columbus Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 2 pm.
Joyce selected for Global Scholars Program
Jess Joyce of Oregon, is one of 21 first-year students at Ohio Wesleyan University selected for admission this fall into the university's Palmer Global Scholars Program.
The four-year Thomas W. Palmer '69 and Susan Palmer Global Scholars Program recognizes students' potential for high academic achievement and passion for international issues.
The competitive program is part of Ohio Wesleyan's Global Studies Institute, a hub where faculty and students from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts come together to explore issues from all academic disciplines and work toward real-world solutions.
All new Global Scholars participate in a special section of the first-year seminar, “How to Change Your World,” during which they explore global issues from multiple and diverse perspectives.
In their junior or senior year, the Global Scholars receive a $4,000 university grant to pursue an approved, semester-long study abroad experience of their choice.
As seniors, the Global Scholars complete a faculty-supervised thesis or capstone project, which they present during a year-end conference. Students who successfully complete all requirements of the Global Scholars Program graduate with a Global Studies Institute certificate.
The program is endowed with $2 million in gifts from Ohio Wesleyan graduate and university Trustee Thomas W. Palmer, Class of 1969, and his wife, Susan Palmer.
“This program not only enables experiences of global connection for those directly involved but also for others in sharing interaction,” the Toledo, couple said in announcing their gift. “In this, OWU continues to differentiate itself as a university dynamic in affording distinctive learning opportunities.”
Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan's Global Scholars Institute at www.owu.edu/globalscholars.
Graduate
Tyisha Amos, of Woodville, graduated from the University of Central Arkansas at a commencement ceremony held Aug. 9.
Amos earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Academic honors
Southern New Hampshire University: Dinae Collins, of Oregon; Christopher Terrell, Shannon Shumate, Stephanie Shaughnessy of Toledo; Anthony Derosia and Liseth Marquez Torres, of Elmore; Mary Janowiecki, of Walbridge.
