Malone Alumni News

  Nancy Jo, age 80, of North Canton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026. Born on June 25, 1946, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Joe and Nettie (Todd) Zilla, Nancy Jo was a graduate of Glenwood High School. She went on to attend Malone College, where she earned a degree in elementary education and met the love of her life, David. Nancy Jo began her career teaching first grade at Waco Elementary in Canton before dedicating herself to being a wife and mother. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether she was baking something special, working on crafts, creating beautiful wreaths, or decorating her home for the holidays, Nancy Jo had a way of making things feel warm and welcoming. She loved spending time with friends, watching fireworks and hot air balloons, and relaxing with her favorite reality television shows. She was also a devoted member of John Knox Presbyterian Church. Above all, Nancy Jo had a special love for animals, especially her beloved dog, G...

Randy Claes '03 has recently been named the new Head of School at Wooster Christian School. Randy has been a valued member of the Wooster Christian School community since 2004, serving in a variety of roles and demonstrating a deep commitment to Christian education. As a PreK–12th grade Christian school in Wooster, Ohio, we are grateful for Randy’s years of dedication and look forward to the leadership he will bring to our school in this new role. Randy graduated from Malone University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. During his time at Malone, he was actively involved in campus life, participating in choral groups, jazz band, Pioneer Pep band, symphonic band, marching band, and the Ohio Music Teachers Association (OMTA/MTNA). He was also involved in Kappa Delta Pi, the Alumni Executive Board, Young Alumni Council, reunion volunteering, and other university activities. His college experience helped shape his passion for music, education, and serving others. In addit...

Samuel Herbert '10, 39, passed away on November 2, 2026. Born on September 8, 1987, in Brunswick, Ohio, to Mark and Pam Herbert, Sam was a 2006 graduate of Brunswick High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Malone University, where he participated in intramural sports and was involved in the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Sam built a career in technology, working as an IT consultant at FirstEnergy before becoming a courier for FedEx in Chesterland. He loved his job, especially the people and dogs he encountered along his delivery route. Known for his generous heart, Sam never hesitated to help a friend or stranger. He was incredibly knowledgeable, could talk about nearly any subject, and even became fluent in Spanish while living in Panama. He also enjoyed giving back to his community, volunteering regularly and working the polls year after year. Sam will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor, unbeliev...