Malone Alumni News

  Erin Brown Thomas '07 will have six of her short films featured in the Cleveland International Film Festival, this Friday, April 4th.  " Shorts in Focus: A Retrospective of Films Directed by Erin Brown Thomas" will begin at 5:10 p.m. at the Allen Theatre at 1407 Euclid Ave. on Playhouse Square.  "I first played at the Cleveland Film Festival with my short 'Hotwire' in 2015," she said. "Since that time, I've come back almost yearly with them playing 11 films in total. While I was doing my press line at Sundance Film Festival in January, I got a call from CIFF programmer Paul Sloop," she said.  "He gave me the good news that not only would my new films 'Chasers' and 'Tacocunr' be welcomed into this year's competition, but they would screen alongside four of my previous films in a retrospective block."  Brown Thomas, a 2002 graduate of Revere High School near Akron, graduated from Malone in 2007. She and her hus...

Congratulations to Julie & Sean '03 Savage on the birth of their baby boy! Andrew Dean Savage was born on March 13th weighing in at 6lbs 6 oz. and was 20" long born 5 weeks early! What a beautiful blessing this is for Julie and Sean! Congratulations once again!

Emma graduated from McKinley High School and went to receive her MA in Special Education from Malone University. She retired from Canton City Schools as an itinerant teacher for children with special needs for over 29 years.  Emma enjoyed baking, sewing, cooking and keeping in touch with her church family. She was always available to share her wisdom from the Bible. We send our prayers to the family of Emma during this difficult time!  

Brian Landies '07 has been tabbed as the next head football coach for the Chardon Hilltoppers football team. Landies takes over after Mitch Hewitt, stepped down from his role as the head coach of the team last month. Landies has been a member of the Chardon coaching staff for 13 years, acting as the defensive coordinator for the team that captured back-to-back state titles in 2020 and 2021. Former coach Mitch Hewitt said "Very few have sacrificed more for Chardon football over the years than Coach Landies." Coach Landies is extremely grateful for the opportunity and mentioned "I was blessed to be able to play for Coach Doyle and Coach Dipofl, and coach alongside Coach Hewitt the past 14 seasons. Together, with the rest of our amazing staff, we look to continue to build on the rich history we have inherited, and continue to make our community proud to be Hilltoppers." Congratulations to Coach Landies!!

Congratulations to Madison Gilbert '21 and her husband George, as they welcomed their baby girl, Tatum Mae on March 18th! Tatum entered the world weighing 7 lbs 8 oz. and was 21 inches long. Congratulations to Madison and George on this wonderful blessing!

Beyond Giftology, a book written by Malone alumnus John Ruhlin prior to his tragic death in the summer of 2024, was released yesterday.  Building on the transformative principles of Giftology , Beyond Giftology  takes John Ruhlin’s timeless approach to relationship-building even further. While Giftology  introduced the power of radical generosity in business, Beyond Giftology  expands on those foundations, offering deeper insights into authentic connection, trust, and the art of giving without expectation. Written for business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs, this book distills John’s most impactful lessons, reflections, and personal stories into a practical guide for turning relationships into a word-of-mouth growth engine.  You can find Beyond Giftology on the Giftology website or on Amazon . 

  Congratulations to Hannah '17 & Noah '19 Fisher on the birth of their baby boy, Tatum Drake Fisher. Tatum was born on March 13th, and weighed in at 8 lbs. 4 oz., and was 20 inches!! Again, a big congratulations to Hannah and Noah!

Alma J. Moore, age 62 of Stow, Ohio entered into God's eternal rest on March 7th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Alma was a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, whose kindness, wisdom, and dedication to education left a lasting impact on all who knew her.  Alma was known for her caring heart, passion for sports, her love of cats and Barry Manilow, and of course her amazing faith. She was a member of Word of God Community Church in Canton, Ohio for over 20 years and found immense joy in teaching the Senior High Sunday School class. Outside of work and church Alma spent her time being a friend and mentor to many. She touched countless lives through her time spent at universities over the years both as a student and a teacher, as well as through the relationships she had with many friends that became like family. Prayers for Alma's family during this difficult time!

Joanne Lehman '96 has published an Amish-themed novel, the first book in an upcoming trilogy. "Leah's Faith" by Lehman tells the story of Leah Troyer, an Amish teen diagnosed with scoliosis. If untreated, the deformity could lead to disability, affecting her chances of marriage and family life, according to an announcement. When a surgeon in Cleveland offers assistance, Leah leaves her community to work as a nanny for the doctor's family. In Cleveland, she undergoes tests for potential surgery while grappling with homesickness and fear. Lehman will be holding a book launch party 11am-2pm Saturday, March 15, at Sonnenberg Village, 13497 Hackett Road, near Kidron. She will sign copies of the book, priced at $12, and greet attendees. Additional book signings are scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at Zenergy Pilates and Wellness in Canton and Saturday, March 22, at Gospel bookstore in Berlin. "Leah's Faith" will be available at local bookstores through In...

  Timothy R. Boyer, 71, of Vermilion, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Sepember 17, 1953, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to the late Clarence W. and Edmonia (Phelps) Boyer. He graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Malone College. Timothy served his country honorably as a member of the United States Air Force from 1974 to 1994. He had also worked for Chapter One Bank (Citizens Bank), and Step by Step Job Coaching. Tim enjoyed genealogy, cooking, and his birds and cats. He was a member of the Pearl Road United Methodist Church in Cleveland. Prayers for his family during this difficult time!

  Dr. Daniel J. Hoskins, faculty emeritus, passed away at the age of 90 on February 27, 2025 in North Canton.  Born Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 29, 1934, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Daniel Cyrus Hoskins and Mary Jenkins Hoskins, he was the youngest of four. He grew up in Ironton, Ohio, where he met and married his adored life partner, Ginny. A veteran of the Korean War, he worked to support his family after leaving the service, while he pursued his Bachelor's, Masters, and PHD degrees. Dan is remembered as a man who loved the Lord and his family. He enjoyed travel, photography, and many friends in his life. He lived his faith in his kindness towards others, looking for ways to be of help to those who crossed his path. He readily shared how he had seen God's Hand in guiding the choices he made that impacted his life path and led him to his career as a professor of 34 years at Malone University. We pray for the family of Dr. Hoskins during this time. See  www.legacy.com  for ...