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Pioneer Highlight

Malone Spring Speaker Series 2026

Malone Spring Speaker Series 2026 Join us this spring for an exciting lineup of nationally recognized leaders, scholars, authors, and practitioners who will be coming to campus this semester. They’re experts on timely topics and eager to engage with us in thoughtful dialogue about relevant issues shaping faith, leadership, culture, and society. These events will include keynote addresses, lectures, Community Worship services, Q&A sessions, book signings, and special events designed to encourage reflection and meaningful conversation. Topics will include immigration, adaptive leadership, women in ministry, sexuality and faith, virtue and character, education, family and marriage, and spiritual formation. Details for each speaker’s appearance are available at  www.malone.edu/news , and reminders for each speaker will be shared in our monthly newsletter as well as on social media channels. Any recordings will be added to this blog post as they become available.  For your ease...
Recent posts

Charity Rysak '19 appointed as State Commissioner for New African Immigrants Commission in Ohio

  Congratulations to Charity Rysak '19 on her recent appointment from Gov. Mike DeWine to be the state commissioner for the New African Immigrants Commission. Charity began her term on December 19th of 2025, and will serve until at least 2028 in this capacity. Charity is originally from Angola, Africa, and she moved to the Canton area almost a decade ago, obtaining her U.S. citizenship in 2022. Charity spent part of her childhood as a refugee in Zambia due to the civil war that was taking place in Angola. Charity is also a licensed realtor and a substitute teacher. In Charity's new role, she will be advocating for community integration, access to services, and elevating African immigrant voices in policy discussions. Rysak’s long-term goal is executive leadership, where she can shape statewide policy, build sustainable partnerships, and lead community-centered initiatives. Since her time at Malone, she has been heavily involved in civic engagement in Stark County, and her dete...

Abigail Bontrager '25 paving her path as a freelance cellist

  Abigail Bontrager '25 has been building very strong connections throughout Northeast Ohio as she pursues a symphony position as a cellist. She plays for the Canton Symphony Orchestra, the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, and with Azure Strings, a chamber group that plays at weddings and other special events. Abigail grew up playing chamber music with her mother, who is a freelance violinist in the Stark County area for many years, and her two siblings. Abigail has played the cello since she was 3 years old, and this training and expertise has given her amazing opportunities. Abigail graduated from Malone with a double major in cello performance and business administration. Abigail was also able to spend her last semester abroad in Austria, learning both musically and academically. Her favorite pieces of music to play are Tchaikovsky's No. 5 & ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) pieces with her tribute band. She is currently planning to audition for symphony positions while contin...

Welcome to the world Rosie Malone Dendinger!

  Congratulations to Jonathan '20 and Haleigh '20 Dendinger on the birth of their baby girl, Rosie Malone! She came into the world on Super Bowl Sunday (February 8th), weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 oz, and was 19 inches long. Sending our happiness and prayers to the family as they adjust to this new chapter of life! We are so excited for them.