Malone Alumni News

Olga Jane Berk '62 passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, following a brief but valiant fight against pneumonia. She was surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren, who sang and prayed over her as she peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior. Olga earned her degree in elementary education from Malone College. On August 11, 1962, she married Clarence Berk in Onsted, Michigan. They shared over six decades of devoted marriage.  She dedicated her life to education, teaching for a total of 31 years-first in Canton and Springfield Schools in Ohio for a year at each school, and then for 29 years at Blue Mountain Schools in Pennsylvania, where she retired in 1997. We lift up the Berk family in our prayers during this difficult time. To read the full obituary, click here . 

Dana (Orr) Kocik '91 passed on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loved ones after courageously living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer for over 10 years. She was 57 years old. Her giving spirit always drew her to help those who needed it most, which was evident in her two careers as a therapist, and later in life as a special education English teacher at the local high school. Throughout her life, she was also known to reach out to anyone who needed support, whether that be through prayer, conversation, or personalized gifts. She touched the lives of dozens, if not hundreds, of people-guiding them through life's challenges, creating unforgettable memories, and always lending a listening ear. Dana also was an avid gardener, lover of animals, traveler extraordinaire, cooking expert, shopping enthusiast, reality TV fan, and a walking library. Because of her diverse hobbies, there was never a time when she couldn't find common ground with someone and...

Martha Ann (Lindquist) Wertz, age 93, of North Canton went home to be with the Lord Jesus, her Savior, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Martha earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Malone College and a master's degree in Sociology from The University of Akron. She served as registrar at Malone University, the Administrative Assistant for Sports Ministries at First Friends Church and the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries. Martha was a member of First Friends Church for over 60 years, and was active throughout her life playing in golf leagues until last summer and bowling leagues this past winter. She was an avid gardener of vegetables, fruits and flowers. Martha could always be found enjoying numerous church activities, photography, family reunions, crafting and quilting and an avid prayer warrior. We lift up the Wertz family and all of Martha's community during this difficult time, and pray that they feel the comfort and love of Christ. To read Martha...

Shawn James Hollister, age 54, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025 surrounded by the people who loved him most.  A proud graduate of Malone University, Shawn not only earned his degree but also forged deep, lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. For the past 17 years, he dedicated himself to his role as Senior Director of Operations at the Kenan Advantage Group, where he was respected for his leadership, integrity, and kindness. More than anything, Shawn found purpose and joy in being a father. Nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his children, nieces, and nephews on the field or court, cheering them on with unwavering support and pride. He was always present, offering steady guidance and encouragement. We mourn alongside Shawn's community during this difficult time. For the full obituary, click here . 

  Three Malone alumni, Quinn Parker '11, Allison Harvey '15, and Kylee Crislip '16, were named as  2025 Twenty under 40!  award recipients. This program recognizes twenty outstanding individuals each year based on business acumen, leadership, commitment to the community, volunteerism, and personal and professional achievements. A current Malone faculty, Andre Payne, was also named as an award recipient.  Quinn Parker '11 was recognized for his career at GDK & Company as well as his contributions to the Stark Community through multiple volunteer boards and service opportunities.  Allison Harvey '15 was recognized for her work with Habitat for Humanity and the efforts toward making affordable housing accessible.  Kylee Crislip '16 was recognized for her work at CommQuest combatting Stark County's mental health challenges.   We are so proud of these emerging leaders from our Pioneer community who are living out Malone's mission to our world and k...

  Allison (Hammerle) Harvey '15,  government relations and grants manager with  Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio ,  has been chosen as one of the 2025 Twenty under 40! recipients.  Allison has spent her years since graduation at Habitat for Humanity and in the Canton community, where she worked to increase access to affordable housing in Stark County and beyond. Her work has impacted thousands of individuals through the creation of new housing, demolition of abandoned or blighted structures, and working alongside local neighborhood priorities.  " I believe empathy for others is the foundation of being a good community member," Allison said in her interview with the Canton Repository. "Plus, it will save you time and energy, help you to learn and grow, and strengthen your connections with others. Congratulations to Allison on this meaningful accomplishment! We are so thankful for alumni like her who are living examples of servant leadership and keeping...

Why is "the Malone experience" so important--and what sets us apart from other schools? We had the opportunity to meet with several 2025 graduates during that last few weeks of classes and hear about what made their time at Malone unique and meaningful. True to the Pioneer spirit, their answers were thoughtful, authentic, and made several of us in the Alumni office reflect on our own college experience!  Here are a few of their answers; let us know in the comments if these match your Malone takeaways, or if there's something else that marks your formation as a Pioneer! Question: " What has been unique about your Malone experience?" Our 2025 alumni said...    The close community dorms I see familiar faces everyday Relationships across different departments and groups around campus My professors go above and beyond Spiritual Formation Opportunities  I actually know my advisor! The small class size; I'm more than a number.   Question: How has your Malone exper...

  Quinn Parker '11, principal at GDK and Company ,  has been chosen as one of the 2025 Twenty under 40! recipients.  Quinn has been very involved in Stark County and the Canton community, including service with Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Foundation, Malone University, ystark!, Canton Montessori, and Church Sport Recreation Ministries.  "My goal is to continue growing as a leader in both my profession and in the community," Parker said in his interview with the Canton Repository. "I want to keep building meaningful relationships with clients, mentoring younger professionals and finding ways to give back through coaching and service. "Long-term, I hope to help create opportunities for others in Stark County — whether through business, sports, or community outreach. My aspiration is to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and always look for ways to make a positive impact where I live and work."  Congratulations to Quinn on this meaningful accomplishme...

Brett Yeagley '04 will be the new superintendent at Lake Local Schools. According to a post from Lake,  " Yeagley plans to bring... a leadership philosophy that centers around collaboration, accountability, and a focus on what is best for kids. " Their post also shows excitement for Yeagley's leadership and presence following the retirement of Kevin Tobin.  "I am incredibly excited to be joining Lake Local Schools," Yeagley said in the post. "Lake has a proud tradition of academic excellence, an outstanding arts program, and a history of athletic success. I can't wait to meet the staff, students, and community members who make Lake such a special place."  Congratulations to Yeagley on this new position! We are excited to see another Pioneer keeping Christ's Kingdom First throughout the different seasons of their career.  You can read more about Yeagley and his role by clicking here .