Malone Alumni News

  At 79, Ken Hyland '69 seems stoked about his 53rd season at the Canton campus sandwiched by 25th Street and Route 62.  “I definitely would like, God willing, to go through with this group,” he said. “I tell my wife. ‘I’m going through with this last group.’ She tells me, ‘You say that about every group.’”  His office (first one on the right after coming through the front doors of Osborne Hall) is a mini-museum. International golf legend Bernhard Langer smiles from a picture on the wall.  Langer has been a guest at Hyland’s home in Marlboro Township. The property includes a six-acre, par-3 golf course with three artificial-turf greens and nine tees arranged to make holes as short as 54 yards and as long as 270. Stark County has been Hyland’s home for a long time. Early on, he found the county to be full of scratch players. Locals Don Nist, Alex Rotar and Jim McFarren could match him on his best days. Hyland and those three all won Ohio Publinx champions during ...

“What I love most about these experiences is that they connect generations and allow individuals to express their creative sides. I believe that our God is very creative as He created all the Heaven and Earth according to Genesis 1:1. This is how God first introduces Himself and I believe that He gave us the ability to work creatively as well. Working creatively with nature allows us to marvel at what God did and can do.” We’re proud to celebrate Brianna Longo “B” ʼ25, for her article “A Buzzing Revelation” which was published in Bee Culture Magazine! B’s full article is available for access here (Subscription Required). https://beeculture.com/digital/april-2025/ Congratulations to B on this amazing accomplishment! Keep up the good work!

  Dr. Jaclynn "Jackie" Marie Krum-Frisch '87, 58, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on April 14, 2025 at the Ebeid Hospice Center. A longtime Toledo resident, Jackie grew up in Toledo and returned after earning her bachelor's degrees at Malone University.  Dedicating her life to the church, she was the first woman to receive a Doctor of Ministry degree from Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Complications from vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome led to her medical retirement, where she spent the rest of her days crafting and spending time with her loving husband.We pray for the family of Jackie during this difficult time.

  Michaele "Mickey" Spreeman *61 passed away on April 11, 2025.  Mickey grew up in Canton, Ohio as a tomboy on a farm with her toy six-shooter, and graduated from McKinley High School (1960) excelling in marching band. She began studies at Malone College while working for Firestone Tire where she met and married her first husband, Joseph P. Hayden in 1962.   She played the guitar, piano, trumpet, and French horn. She remained active in bowling, often travelling to tournaments throughout the state. Mickey enjoyed the role of wife and mother but also held the position of park manager of Hillan Lake Village in Brooklyn, MI. Eventually she retired from the county health department as a Children's Special Health Care Representative.   Mickey remained a faithful and doting wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister bringing joy and love to her large family. We send our prayers to the family of Mickey during this difficult time.

  The trustees of the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation have approved grants totaling $161,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations. Among these grants, Malone was the beneficiary of a $20,000 grant that will be used for equipment within the exercise science department to help students  in their academic and/or fitness pursuits. We wanted to say thank you to the Austin-Bailey Foundation for this generous grant, and we can't wait to see the ways in which God will help our students with new equipment!

  Wilma Jean Grams, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Altercare of Navarre.  After graduating from Westmont High School in Johnstown, Pa., Wilma attended Cleveland Bible College, where she met her beloved husband, Robert Grams. The couple united in marriage on Aug. 9, 1952, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose.  Wilma’s passion for helping others extended beyond her professional life. She volunteered alongside her husband at the surgical unit of the Salem Community Hospital, now known as Salem Regional Medical Center, providing comfort and support to patients and staff alike.  A lifelong member of Salem First Friends Church, Wilma’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. Her love for gospel music filled her home and her heart, often serving as the soundtrack to her other hobbies, which included reading and crocheting.  A funeral service to celebrate Wilma’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturda...

  Abbie Millard '00 was recently named the Educator of the Year for the Mahoning Valley. Abbie was selected for the recognition out of a pool of recommended educators from the 33 schools that comprise the Mahoning Valley.  Millard earned her bachelor’s degrees in grades 1-8 primary education, and K-12 special education from Malone University, and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Nova Southeastern University in 2005 and has been a proud member of West Branch Local Schools for her entire 24-year career in education.  Millard said that she discovered her passion for teaching while she was still a student herself by helping other students with learning disabilities.  “I found a passion for working with other people in school while I was in upper elementary. I would spend my recess and spare time in multi-handicapped classrooms helping. That was really when I realized, and it’s all grown from there,” said Millard.  “I’m thankful for the privileg...