Sept. 30, 2005, Findlay, Ohio —The University of Findlay will honor two graduates as Distinguished Alumni and name recipients of the Old Main Award and the Arch Award during the All-Alumni Brunch on Oct. 8, as part of Homecoming Weekend.

Dr. Stanley L. Swartz ‘70 of Highland, Calif., has been named Distinguished Alumnus. The late Lee Himmeger ‘56 of Columbus, Ohio, has been named the Gold Medallion Award winner.

Brant Rhoad of Columbus, Ohio, class of 2000, will receive the Old Main Award, which recognizes the distinguished accomplishments of alumni age 36 or younger.

The Arch Award, honoring service by a staff member of the University, will be presented posthumously to the late Dr. David L. Allen of Findlay, Ohio.

Stanley L. Swartz graduated from then Findlay College in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in education in 1972 and 1976, respectively, from Bowling Green State University.

Swartz is a professor of education at California State University, San Bernardino, and has been a public school teacher and university teacher and administrator. He teaches graduate courses in special education, education administration and literacy for children with special needs.

Swartz was director of a residential treatment program for Emotionally Disturbed Children and director of the University Clinic for Children with Disabilities.

He is a member of the American Psychological Association, American Association on Mental Retardation and the Autism Society of America.

Swartz has published more than 100 articles and 15 books, including: “Interactive Writing and Interactive Editing” and “Guided Reading and Literacy Centers.”

Aside from his years of university service, Swartz is committed to researching treatments for children with autism and the inclusion of children with disabilities in school and community. His funding for his research exceeds $25 million.

Since 1995, Swartz has received the Distinguished Service Award from California State University, was named Distinguished Teacher Educator by the Association of Teacher Educators and, in 2005, was named the Distinguished Professor by the Universidad Autonoma de Baja, California (Mexico).

Lee Himmeger graduated from then Findlay College in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in science.

Himmeger assisted student athletes for more than 25 years. He was president of Ohio High School Coaches Association (OHSCA) for three years, District 7 basketball director for eight years, co-manager of the North/South Cage Classic for 13 years and coach of the North Team in 1962 and 1977. He was also a football official for 20 years and District 7 secretary for 12 years.

Himmeger was honored as the basketball coach of the year in 1961 and 1962. He was named to then Findlay College Hall of Fame in 1972 and the OHSCA Hall of Fame.

According to Himmeger’s biography, his philosophy remained very basic. When a student athlete is given the basics of scholarship, leadership, character and service combined with discipline, dedication, determination and desire, he believed “teamwork will get the job done.”

Himmeger retired from coaching and teaching in 1990. He passed away in 2003.

The late Himmeger and his wife, Billie Jo, have four children, Bernie, Brad, Jody Gorman and Julie Kiplinger, and seven grandchildren. They are members of Trinity United Methodist Church of Delphos, Ohio.

Brant Rhoad graduated from The University of Findlay in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He earned his juris doctorate in 2003 from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

While at Ohio State, Rhoad was chief justice of the inter-professional council, associate editor of the Delta Theta Phi law journal and interned at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

After his graduation in 2003, he began his practice with the law firm of Decker, Vonau, Sybert, Lackey and Viets, focusing on plaintiff’s trial work.

Since then, Rhoad has moved his practice to Christensen and Christensen where he focuses on complex litigation, plaintiff’s trial work and professional ethics.

Rhoad is also very active as a founding member of the Columbus Regional Alumni Committee. He has helped plan several alumni receptions, and is chairing the Young Alumni Committee.

Dr. David L. Allen received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the College of Wooster in 1965. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in 1967 and 1970 respectively from Case Western Reserve University.

He began his career at The University of Findlay as an assistant professor of sociology in September 1970. He also served as professor of sociology and director of UF’s sociology program.

Over the years, Allen held many academic leadership positions and served on various campus committees. He was the director of the Social Science Division for many years and later served as director of the Freshman Seminar Program. He served as faculty marshal, leading the procession of faculty and students at University commencement and academic year opening ceremonies. Allen loyally supported The University of Findlay as a member of the C.T. Fox Society and The University of Findlay Associates, until his death on Jan. 18, 2005.

Allen was also a member of the American Sociological Association, the North Central Sociological Association and the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

Through his involvement with students and attendance at various arts, culture and athletic events, Allen received the Findlay-Hancock County Outstanding Educator Award in 1995. In 2002, he established the David L. Allen Award for Teaching Excellence, an endowed award given annually to a deserving UF faculty member.

Don Collins, assistant professor of psychology, will accept The Arch Award in honor of Dr. Allen.

For more information, contact Rebecca Shell, public relations officer at 419-434-4345.