Lake Erie College Celebrates its 170 Anniversary
As Lake Erie College celebrates its 170th anniversary, we are reflecting on the people and moments that have shaped our history. Since 1856, generations of students have built lifelong memories, discovered new passions, and prepared for meaningful futures.
As you think back on your own time at Lake Erie College, you surely remember a favorite class, a defining academic experience, or a professor who had a lasting influence. While faces have changed over the years, the impact of our faculty remains at the heart of the Lake Erie College experience.
Today’s outstanding faculty are prime examples including:
Dr. Cari Ritzenthaler, who teaches environmental science courses such as aquatic ecology, as well as research-based technical writing courses. She created and is the advisor for the Bug Club while also overseeing the Sustainability Club. In just a few years at Lake Erie College, she has established partnerships with organizations such as the Holden Arboretum and the Nature Conservancy, bringing valuable research and academic opportunities directly to our students.
Professor of English Dr. Amy Kesegich, who teaches literature and creative writing courses. She advises the Creative Writing Club and founded the college’s brilliant literary magazine, Lake Erie Echoes. Throughout her career, Dr. Kesegich has received numerous teaching awards, and it’s no wonder. She continues to enrich our academics by inspiring students through poetry, literature, and the power of storytelling.
Professor Tina Pernus, who began as an adjunct and visiting professor while obtaining her MBA and is now our Assistant Professor of Accounting. Prior to teaching, she spent nearly 30 years in public accounting, retiring as an Audit Partner. Today, she is focused on growing the accounting program and ensuring students have access to reputable internship opportunities that can lead to real jobs. She also oversees LEC’s tax clinic, a program that has served the community for over 20 years, providing students with valuable real-world experience while helping the local community with tax returns.
Dr. Amy Markijohn-Fabian, an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education and Literacy, who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses that prepare educators across multiple licensure areas. She has aligned her coursework with current Science of Reading research and Ohio requirements, helping Lake Erie College achieve 100% compliance. She works with school districts across the country, helping educators understand how the brain learns to read and to strengthen reading achievement through effective literacy instruction.
Dr. Bethany Baxley, who joined Lake Erie College as an Assistant Professor in the Equine Studies program last year. With a strong research background, she has helped place all LEC horses in an active, federally compliant research program. Dr. Baxley also established a partnership with Equine International, providing students opportunities to conduct ethically accountable research with the College’s horses. She also leads LEC’s Therapeutic Riding Program, which now includes 60 community volunteers and is projected to double the number of riders from last year.
Your gift to Lake Erie College helps ensure that today’s students have access to the same life-changing educational opportunities that shaped your own experience. Unrestricted support allows us to invest where the need is greatest, strengthening innovative teaching, enhancing the student experience, and attracting and retaining exceptional faculty and students.
We invite you to honor the faculty who helped shape your journey by investing in the next generation of students. Thank you for your continued support of Lake Erie College.
Together, we have built a proud legacy.
Together, we are shaping tomorrow.
Together, we rise.
