Malone Alumni News

Congratulations to Dr. John Chopka ’89, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP)!  A 1989 graduate of Malone University, John earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts. He was involved in theater, the Aviso, and Student Senate, eventually becoming Student Body President.  After graduation, John built a distinguished career in higher education enrollment management and marketing.  John returned to Malone in 1997, serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing until 2007.  He then joined Messiah University--a fellow CCCU school--where he served as Vice President for Enrollment Management for nearly 18 years. Today, John serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. This well-deserved recognition celebrates John’s leadership and lasting contributions to higher education. Malone Univ...

Melinda Kay Talbott, age 63, of Newark, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital. She was born in Newark, Ohio on March 4, 1963, to the late Otto and Viola (Regoli) Talbott. Melinda obtained her undergraduate degree from Malone College and her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. She worked in higher education at several institutions and finally retired from Newark City Schools, Liberty Middle School, in 2024 where she taught health and physical education. In retirement she enjoyed operating her own home decor business, Rula’s, in Berlin, Ohio. Melinda was a devout Christian who attended church regularly. She loved gardening, traveling, and volunteering at the Licking County Humane Society. Melinda is survived by her sister, Darla Talbott; nephew, Blake (Gwen) Talbott; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held from 4PM-7PM Friday, October 16, and 10AM-12PM Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral H...

Claudia Jane Kieselhorst of The Moorings of Gray Oaks in Naples, Florida, formerly of Palmira Golf & CC in Bonita Springs, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026. Prior to living in Florida, Claudia lived in Catawba Island, Ohio and Annapolis, Maryland. Born on March 8, 1943, in Canton, Ohio, Claudia was the daughter of Parker & Arlene Schafer. Claudia graduated from Hoover High and continued her education at Malone College, where she received her teaching degree, both located in Canton. Claudia taught for over 30 years with most of her career at Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland. Claudia was married to James (Jim) Kieselhorst for 52 years before his passing in 2022. Their life was filled with countless dear friends and family. They enjoyed traveling, sailing and power boating on Lake Erie and the Chesapeake Bay. They led a very active social life in Florida and loved calling it their home. Claudia was a wonderful person and always the first to lend ...