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Howald’s family helped her through her battle with cancer. Front row from left: brother Jay Howald; Jeana’s mother, LuAnne Howald; and Jeana. Back row from left: Jeana’s sisters–Jan Morten, Jill Hoagland and Julie Dunaway.

Jeana Howald is somewhat of a legacy at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Howald has coached the MVNU softball team since 1990, a period in which she has solidified herself as one of the winningest coaches in school history with nearly 500 victories to her name.

She was preparing for her 24th season as softball coach when she began to notice an abnormality in her vision.

In summer 2012 during faculty institute, a training and orientation meeting for University faculty members, she knew something was wrong.

“When I got in that room, the speaker was speaking, and I couldn’t see him,” Howald said. “It was like this darkness…. It almost felt like there was fluid on my eye.”

At the suggestion of local doctors, she visited a retina specialist, who immediately referred her to Ohio State for treatment.

After a six-hour appointment, the specialist returned with an unexpected diagnosis–a choroidal melanoma in Howald’s right eye.

Choroidal melanoma affects just six in every one million people and is usually discovered during routine eye examinations, as most patients experience no symptoms. This type of cancer can spread throughout the body. It is sometimes the result of cancer that has metastasized from a person’s vital organs.

In other words, a choroidal melanoma poses a life-threatening risk.

Immediate treatment includes radiation therapy, or, in some cases, removal of the eye.

“I had no idea–in any way, shape or form–that it was going to be cancer or anything like that,” Howald explained, detailing her utter shock upon hearing the news.

“At no point did I ever–no one had said anything to me like ‘hey there’s a possibility this might be….’”

Howald was unable to immediately tell anyone about her foreboding test results.

“To be honest, when I first found out about it, I was so shocked, I really couldn’t talk to anybody,” Howald said. “I felt like I had to come to grips with it before I tried to let my family or my friends or my kids on my team know…. It took me a couple days.”

Despite her battle with cancer, Jeana Howald returned to coach her team in 2013.

When Howald finally broke the news to her family, friends, players and colleagues, they were equally surprised.

“Total shock–never did we think that Jeana’s eye problem was cancer, let alone melanoma,” said Howald’s sister, Jill Hoagland–one of several healthcare professionals in the family.

“It was obviously devastating news when we first heard,” said senior utility player Kelsey Berryman. “We didn’t know how bad it was at first, or whether she was going to coach or not.”

Howald missed several practices during the fall because of the intensive process of treating the melanoma.

She spent five days in the hospital in October after undergoing a brachytherapy implant, in which radioactive seeds were implanted into her eye to shrink the cancerous cells.

Throughout the treatment process, Howald has received a tremendous amount of support from her family, who has always been her biggest support group.

She grew up one of five children–four girls and one boy. Her late father was a pastor in the Nazarene Church for 60 years. Howald and her siblings were raised to be strong and independent as well as compassionate and loving. They also learned to be ever-aware of the importance of family.

This family-centered upbringing has been the source of strength for Howald, her mother, sisters and brother over the trials of the last six months.

“At times, we would go back to feeling angry and fearful, but as our father used to say, ‘This is what we have, now how are we going to deal with it?’” said Hoagland.

Within 24 hours of finding out, Howald’s family had a plan. Howald’s sister Jan Morten, her mother and her brother traveled from Florida to Ohio to help see her through the surgery.

One sister rearranged her work schedule to be there for the surgery and the follow-up appointment. Howald’s mother stayed with her consistently in the weeks after her surgery, caring for her and driving her to appointments as needed. Her brother provided support as well.

Two sisters provided additional monetary support.

Howald also felt the generosity and love of her friends, players and colleagues at MVNU.

She recounted times where she was lying in her hospital bed and received visits from ex-players who had become nurses and worked in the hospital where she was receiving treatment. Her current players were in constant prayer for her well-being. Coworkers and friends were readily available to help in any way they could.

“Jeana and our family were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, prayers and acts of kindness,” said Hoagland. “Even though Jeana felt undeserving of the positive outpouring of love and support to her situation, we assured her that this was a result of the impact she has made in the lives of so many.”

Indeed, Howald’s legacy at MVNU is one of strong, Christ-centered leadership and love.

“Coach Howald is a great person,” Berryman said. “Not only is she a great coach, but, outside the field, she cares about her players genuinely. She really looks out for her players in all aspects.”

“Jeana is the ultimate woman of Christ,” said Angie Smith, a graduate assistant coach for Howald. “Her strength is phenomenal. She puts all of her hope and faith in the Lord. She’s caring to her team, and loyal to this program.

“She’s an excellent mentor and example of how to handle adversity. Both her team and her coaches look up to her.”

Howald is currently in remission, but she will never have full vision in the affected eye.

She returns to Ohio State every three months to have a full gamut of tests run on her eye in order to make sure the cancer has not begun to grow again. She also visits a dermatologist every three months to make sure the melanoma hasn’t spread to other parts of her skin.

“We are so thankful to the MVNU family for their love and support,” said Hoagland. “We will be eternally grateful.”

But perhaps it is MVNU that should be grateful for Howald.

Under her leadership, the softball team has made 10 appearances in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament–two times reaching the championship game, and one time bringing home the national title.

Howald’s success and tenure have merited the respect of her peers. She has won several coach of the year awards during her career at MVNU.

Howald even coached the MVNU women’s basketball team from 1989 to 96, leading them to their first NCCAA National Championship in 1994 and earning NCCAA coach of the year honors.

But Howald’s legacy in MVNU athletics had begun to form even before the start of her storied coaching career.

In 1982, she graduated from MVNC as a three-sport standout in basketball, volleyball and tennis.

In 1980, Howald was part of the only volleyball team in school history to win the NAIA District 22 title. In 1981, she competed in the NAIA National Tournament in tennis in both singles and doubles.

She was inducted into the Cougar Hall of Fame in 1998.

Howald has high hopes to continue coaching MVNU softball, a duty she has used to impact the lives of those around her in a positive way.

Jeana Howald loves dogs–especially her Yorkie, Wilson.

]]> http://lakeholmviewer.net/lvonline/2013/04/26/family-helps-coach-fight-cancer/feed/ 0 http://lakeholmviewer.net/lvonline/2013/04/26/senior-graphic-design-students-exhibit-work/ http://lakeholmviewer.net/lvonline/2013/04/26/senior-graphic-design-students-exhibit-work/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:30:56 +0000 lviewer@mvnu.edu http://lakeholmviewer.net/lvonline/?p=3725 By Emily Hardy

Staff Writer

Laurel Rings shows off her
packing project for her fictional bakery “Bonne Bouche,” French for “something delicious.”
Photo by Emily Hardy

Advertising is everywhere. Lobby walls are covered in collages of posters and papers. Each separate ad tries to convince the eyes that there’s something of interest from them. Visually unique and stimulating, the images draw you in and seek your attention.

The cover of a book, the home page of a website, the design on a T-shirt and even college and university logos­—all have something in common: They are ideas and concepts that the ordinary consumer wouldn’t think of creating. They are the works of a graphic designer.

This year’s senior graphic design students are presenting their work at the Graphic Design Portfolio Exhibition Reception at Schnormeier Gallery today, April 26. The reception begins at 6 p.m. Portfolios from Laurel Rings, Kayla Oswalt, Sabrina Bennett, Josey Finley, Zach Zeltman, Josh Falk, Katie Troyer, Sara Christensen, Heather Davidson, Jessica Shafer and Tiffiny Seemann will be displayed.

The graphic design show’s theme points to the fact that, while each project was assigned, each senior has interpreted it in various ways.
Photo by Emily Hardy

The students actually began working on pieces for their portfolios during their junior semester at MVNU, which shows just how much effort it takes to complete the entire project.

“A lot of work goes into creating our portfolios,” Rings said. “It shows a progression of our work throughout our four years here. “We have accomplished numerous projects in print and web design, such as posters, logos, branding, illustrations, brochures and many more,”

Book jacket design by Zach Zeltman. Photo by Laurel Rings

Rings said.

However, the portfolios contain only 10 to 12 of these projects, showcasing the designers’ strongest work. “These portfolios are a true test of how much we have learned and grown in our college education,” Rings said, “and it’s exciting to get to share them with family, friends and future employers.” Rings, who also serves as a spiritual life assistant in Maple-wood Apartments, plans on attending culinary school at Columbus State University after she graduates.

“It’s in the creative family, and I’m excited to get to use the skills I’ve learned here and apply them to a different medium,” Rings said. She also plans on doing freelance graphic designing and photography in the local area.

Josey Finley, another one of the 11 graduating graphic design students, expressed the challenges of doing his Infographic project. “It was a large quantity of information to go on a huge poster,” Finley said.

“The hardest part was taking all that information, finding what was most important and then creating a successful way to represent that information.” Although time consuming, each of the projects allowed students to exercise creativity and accomplish something that was fun and exciting.

“My favorite project would have to be my packaging project,” said Finley. “I made a juice line and thought it was really successful. “It was called ‘Dinomite’ and had five different types of juices matched with five different dinosaurs.

It was a project that was appealing to kids as well as adults.” Although their portfolios consumed large amounts of time and effort, the students will finally present their work in the exhibition this evening, where prospective employers will likely be stopping by.

By Hillary Scholz

News and Features Editor

Justina Williams was a young woman who affected many and was greatly loved.

In the fall of 2011, the MVNU campus suffered a tragedy when a car crash led to the death of Justina Williams, a fellow student and a nursing major.

Williams would be graduating this year with many of us, and so we are honoring her memory.

The 2012-13 Enerazan yearbook is dedicated to Williams with a page devoted to her memory.

“The yearbook staff has been considering all along the best way to honor Justina,” said Karen Vargo, yearbook adviser.

“We looked at several options, and the dedication seemed to be the most appropriate,” Vargo said.

“It is a way to recognize her life and what she meant to the people who knew her and to this University.

“While her friends and family still mourn her loss, we will always remember her kind spirit, giving nature, and, most importantly, her commitment to Christ.”

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences plans to honor Williams during its commissioning service at 6 p.m. on May 9.

A reserved chair decorated with flowers and a photograph of Willaims will remain empty at the ceremony to honor her memory. Her parents, Chris and Robyn Williams, will be in attendance as well.

Esther Rudolph, associate professor and chair of the nursing department, said that Williams “was very kind and quiet and had a nice smile. She worked very hard as a nursing student.”

Williams’ dedication was apparent in all that she did– and all that she did, she did for Christ.

Williams’ parents said that she had many “sticky notes to remind herself of the promises of God and who she was in Christ.”

One quote in particular speaks to many of us: “I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining. I believe in love even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God even when he is silent.”

The end of this year is a time to remember all that Justina meant to us and how many people she affected.

Outgoing Managing Editor

Bethany Flanagan will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Photo courtesy of Bethany Flanagan

Without knowing it, life can quickly pass by.

Two years ago I became managing editor of “The Lakeholm Viewer.” I was shy and timid. I loved to write, but didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into.

Without knowing it, you can find your strengths and weaknesses.

I realized that I can be stubborn and too serious at times. I also found that I become stressed easily. But by realizing my weaknesses, I realized my strengths. I found out that I am strong, organized, independent and passionate. I became a well-rounded writer, a fearless leader and an analytical thinker. I found an editor inside of me.

Without knowing it, you can find friends in unlikely places.

There are so many different personalities on “The Lakeholm Viewer” staff. But without all those personalities, working for the newspaper would be drab. I wish all my fellow writers the best of luck on their future endevors.

Without knowing it, it is time to move on.

I hope to take my experience at “The Lakeholm Viewer” and continue my growth in writing and in Christ. Being the managing editor of “The Lakeholm Viewer” has changed my view on media in today’s hectic society. I have learned that we all have a voice that deserves to be heard and that we have the gift of language to influence, to educate and to inform.

Without knowing it, the seed you planted will grow.

I hope that each of you continue to watch “The Lakeholm Viewer” grow and change. Zach Snider is the new managing editor.

He is determined to make a difference, and I encourage you, as readers, to contact him with story ideas, problems or concerns.

He is here to help you get your voice heard.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself and be heard. Because without knowing it, it could be the end.

Zach Snider is a double major in journalism and in video and radio broadcasting. He spent the fall 2012 semester at the CCCU Washington Journalism Center.
Photo courtesy of Zach Snider

By Zach Snider

Incoming Managing Editor

Next year will be my first and last year as managing editor of “The Lakeholm Viewer.”

I consider it a great honor to be the leader of the number one newspaper on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

To those of you who read “The Lakeholm Viewer,” thank you. I look forward to bringing you more of what you enjoy.

To those of you who don’t, you won’t be reading this anyway, losers.

To those of you who read in the bathroom, thank you and don’t forget to wash your hands. This has been a public service announcement from “The Lakeholm Viewer.”

In all seriousness, my goal for next year is to keep improving “The Lakeholm Viewer” product.

We will be more involved in social media, which will increase the timeliness of our articles–cutting down on the two-week-old news.

We are also in talks with the video department in the hopes of being more multimedia savvy than in the past.

Staff Writer

From left: Brian Brockly, Claire Decker, Julianna Ciccarella, Syanne Palmer and Lauren Davis enjoy the hot sun.

Granada is right on Lago Nicaragua, which is the largest natural lake in the world.

Yesterday morning we got up and went on a boat tour of some of the islands. There are 365 islands in the lake. We only got off at one, a state-owned island. I believe it was the island that the English used when they tried to invade Granada, but I could be wrong. Anyway, there was a fort and several cool places to explore.

The tour guide knew who owned just about every island (most of the islands are privately owned) and was able to tell us about the owners.

One of the privately owned islands is being used as a monkey sanctuary. The monkeys came really close to the boat; apparently many people feed them. They were showing off for us and were very cute.

Then we passed an island that was a cemetery. Our guide didn’t explain this, but it was pretty cool to see.

When we got back, we got something to drink at a little restaurant on the beach and tried to cool off a bit. It is incredibly hot in Nicaragua, much hotter than in San José because San José is in the mountains.

Yesterday it felt like 100 degrees according to the weather reports. I haven’t checked today’s.

Later, after lunch and a bit of rest, we went on a horse– drawn carriage tour of the city. They showed us a lot of incredible sights.

Granada is very important in the overall history of colonization in Central America. It has existed since 1524, so there was a lot of historical awesomeness to see and experience. And the horse-drawn carriage ride was great as well.

At one point toward the end of the tour, I wasn’t feeling well (I’ve had a nasty cough for about a week), so I stayed behind while everyone else climbed a bell tower at a church. Two kids – a little girl and a teenage boy – came over and started talking to me. I’m not really sure how to describe the experience. I couldn’t understand anything the girl said because she was mumbling and speaking quickly, so everything she said I had to run by the boy. But he was clear, and he wanted to know what my life in the States is like. I was a little frightened (I’m really awful with strangers) but it was mostly okay I guess.

Last night after dinner, we went walking through a marketplace we had visited the day before.

It was really great because we went with two of our professors, and we had to speak in Spanish the whole time. It was great practice, and we had a lot of fun.

Staff Writer

From left: Chris Rednour, Drew Chaltry, Ryan Stagg and Justin Nowicki performed in the traditional Weekend Update skit.
Photo by John Berk

Friday Night Live once again graced Thorne Performance Hall’s stage with a cast composed of new and veteran faces.

The show starred Matt Bowman, Dey’veon Carter, Drew Chaltry, Nick Dewalt, Nick Dillon, Sarah Dundar, Sean Dundar, Zach Ford, Sam Goodman, Annabelle Harray, Rachel Held, Kayla Ledford, Matt McPherson, Megan Morgan, Andrea Neuen­schwander, Chris Rednour, Aaron Turnbull and Megan Zaborski.

Former FNL writer and cast member Justin Nowicki was the evening’s host.

Zack Zaborski performed original songs between sketches.
Photo by John Berk

The cast performed at 8 and 10 p.m. on Friday, April 12, with a variety of guest stars, including the Rev. Scott Peterson, vice president for University relations; Travis Keller, director of student development; Kevin Peterson, resident director of Oakwood Hall; and alumnus and former FNL cast member, Ryan Stagg.

The show opened with a sketch inspired by the hit 2012 film “Pitch Perfect.”

The cast divided into two teams in an a capella battle of the sexes. The actors proved talented vocally, and effortlessly replacing lyrics of secular songs with Christian lyrics to humorous effect.

This got the night off to a great start, according to crowd reaction, and the momentum never let up until the end.

Nowicki’s monologue reprimanded students on the flippant use of Twitter to mock the University, without failing to make people laugh.

Throughout the night, jokes were made at the expense of all the usual targets: MVNU’s sports program, unnecessary University spending, admissions, West Virginia, Travis Keller and even “The Lakeholm Viewer.”

One of the biggest targets of the night was MVNU’s Zumba workouts.

Photo by John Berk

The night ended with a male version of Zumba, satirizing the fact that men have been excluded from attending Zumba classes.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the show came during the “Weekend Update” segment. Nowicki, who formerly performed Weekend Update during his earlier years, challenged current Weekend Update anchormen Rednour and Chaltry to a joke-off.

Surprise guest alumnus Stagg joined Nowicki in handily out-joking the sophomores. After this “victory,” Nowicki and Stagg bequeathed the responsibility of Weekend Update upon Rednour and Chaltry for future shows, having them swear on the “FNL Rulebook.”

Musical guest Zack Zaborski played four original songs between the comedy sketches, with folk-inspired music and lyrics that had no shortage of spiritual content.

Unlike previous FNL performances, no sketches were ripped wholesale from NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

Instead, the material was original.

“I was surprised at how well it came together in just the past week,” Chaltry said.

Staff Writer

The pizza smelled so good, the photographer lasted through only one photo before consuming the evidence.
Photo by Drew Chaltry

Out the back of campus, down on Coshocton Road, is a small restaurant you’d probably drive right by if you didn’t know it was there.

This hole in the wall called Dirko’s is a local joint that is not only serving up great pizza, but also a stromboli to die for.

First, let me say that I’ve never been so excited for a pizza based solely on the smell. The cardboard box contained a scent that kept me tantalized for the entire drive home.

Secondly, this pizza was in no way lacking in toppings. Edge to edge, the pie was covered in sausage, mushrooms, peppers, olives and pepperonis.

This pizza was outstanding. The crust was firm, the sauce was subtle and the toppings were out of sight. There was a great cacophony of tastes raging within my mouth from the first bite onward.

But the pizza itself wasn’t even the best part. The best dish, the item that “Put Dirko’s on the Map” was the stromboli.

Heavenly.

Dirko’s stromboli may be the best food there is anywhere in Mount Vernon. With one bite, dipped in the small cup of sauce, my taste buds were taken on the kind of ride that Cedar Point executives dream of.

This is not your everyday stromboli. No, this is the pizza pastry of kings. The crust is soft but with a nice crispy shell and just a slightly salty taste. Inside, pepperoni and sausage battle for your attention in a whirlwind of cheese and sauce.

Yeah, it was pretty good.

On the whole, Dirko’s is a little pricy. Unless you really like it or you plan to split the cost, $20 for a pizza is a stretch.

But don’t sleep on the stromboli. If you get the chance, get it.

And if you’re thinking a large is too much, stop. Get the large. Or the extra-large. It’s worth it.

Trying new places is good to break up a routine or just to throw a little spice into life.

So go out, try a new pizza, and who knows? You may just find the best stromboli this side of Italy.