Malone Alumni News

Cory Kromer-Edwards '18 was co-guest-editor for the May 2025 of Current Psychology (Volume 44, Issue 9), which was recently published by Springer. Current Psychology has long been an international forum for peer-reviewed, cutting edge research. It's exciting to see one of our very own Pioneers working alongside longtime professor Lauren Seifert, Ph.D., as co-editors on this meaningful initiative.  This special issue includes articles on a variety of topics including Humor Understanding, Attitudes Towards AI, Loneliness and Substance Use. Congratulations to Cory on this accomplishment! You can view the issue here . 

Paul Johnson '78 (front row, far right) was enshrined into the Stark County Amateur Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025.  Phil Johnson, Paul's son, shared that his acceptance speech highlighted "the importance of investing in relationships... to see the eternal value that each person possesses." We celebrate Paul in this accomplishment and in the meaningful legacy he has left both on and off the court!  Congratulations Paul! You can read more about the ceremony and other inductees here in the Canton Repository .  

  Lawrence (Larry) Alan Lyman '63 joined his Savior on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Larry was born in Buffalo, NY on May 4, 1940, the son of the late Rev Harold and Helen (Stairs) Lyman. On August 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Ellen (Alexander), who survives him.  Larry graduated in May 1963 from Malone College with a Bachelor's degree in Religion.  Larry served as a pastor within the United Methodist Denomination in Dewittville, NY, and then continued by pastoring at churches in Bradford, Oil City, Johnstown, Freeport and Sharpsville, PA. He was often lovingly referred to as "preacher man".  He loved to surprise his parishioners on his motorcycle (his favorite way to travel). Another favorite pastime was taking pictures of any and everything throughout the years.  Our prayers go to the Lyman family during this time and to all of Larry's community during this difficult time of grief, eve as we celebrate that he is with the Lord and living in glory forever....

  Jasmine '21 and Clayton '21 Cooper recently welcomed the first addition to their family in their wonderful daughter Lucy Mae Cooper. Congratulations to the new parents; the Pioneer community is praying for continued blessings and grace as you adjust to life with your new little one! 

Lee D. Hartline '77 of Bolivar, OH passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the age of 72. He was born on October 28, 1952 in Massillon to the late Dale and Mary (Ream) Hartline.  Lee graduated from Malone College with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Lee was heavily involved during his time on-campus, including serving the class of 1977 as Senior Class President. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Janet Hartline; children, Seth (Tamara) Hartline and Amanda Hartline; grandchildren, Levi and Emmett Hartline; sister, Faye (Doug) Heintz; and several nieces and nephews. Our prayers go to the Hartline family during this difficult time. To view the full obituary, please click here . 

Wilbur F. Amacher, Jr., 97, of North Canton, passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Wilbur served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 until he was honorably discharged. He worked for Plain Local Schools as a 6th grade teacher for many years and then went on to serve as an Elementary Principal at Ransom Barr School for 27 years until his retirement in 1991. Wilbur loved his career in education, especially working as a teacher, and was very grateful for the wonderful staff he had as principal that kept him alert, not knowing what to expect next, which was all in good fun. Wilbur was married to Kathleen Krieg for 44 years before she passed on June 9, 1994. Two of Wilbur’s proudest moments were the births of his and Kathleen’s two sons, Bill and Brett. On November 25, 1995, he married Joyce “Joy” Cuthbertson, and they have enjoyed almost 30 years of marriage together. Our prayers go out to the Amacher family and all of Wilbur's community duri...

Kylee Crislip '16,  senior director of outpatient behavioral health services at   CommQuest Services Inc ., has been chosen as one of the 2025 Twenty under 40! recipients.  Through her work at CommQuest, Kylee tackles some of the community's toughest mental health challenges. She has recognized a shortage of clinicians in the industry and is helping develop the next generation of professionals. "It is vitally important to me that everyone in our community has access to high quality mental health assistance and services, no matter the circumstance or financial situation," said Crislip, a licensed professional clinical counselor-supervisor. Congratulations to Kylee on this meaningful accomplishment! We are so thankful for alumni like Kylee who keep Christ's Kingdom First in their workplace and community.  To read the full article about Kylee, click here . 

Justin Troyer, '14, was recently appointed as market president by Farmers National Bank for their Ohio West region.  Justin has served in various roles with Farmers since his graduation in 2014, and most recently held the position of commercial banking team leader.  His new role will carry over several of the same components--such as team leadership and working with business customers on financing and deposit needs--while also elevating him as a local leader for Farmers.  Congratulations to Justin on this accomplishment! 

Born June 5, 1948 in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Linda graduated from Mount Vernon High in 1966 and Malone University in 1970 with a degree in elementary education. She taught in the Canton City Schools for a few years then changed careers and retired after 28 years from Stark County Department of Jobs and Family Services as a Program Administrator. Linda enjoyed traveling, reading, volunteering with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program, tutoring children through different churches and organizations, volunteered at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and was a member of Mercy Hospital's ANGEL Network who did outreach to women and men regarding breast cancer. We send prayers for comfort and peace to Linda's family and friends during this difficult time. To see the full obituary, click below.  https://www.cantonrep.com/ obituaries/pwoo1177842

  The 2025 Women's Impact Awards were recently held this past Saturday, May 3rd at Prestwick Country Club in Green. Among the honorees was Sue Grabowski '91. The Women's Impact Awards honor individuals who have advanced women in both the workplace and in the community. Sue was awarded the Connection Award as one of five award recipients out of 23 individuals nominated for awards this year. Sue currently serves as the CEO of Desidara, a marketing firm with several clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Sue also serves on numerous regional boards, such as Malone University and ArtsinStark. Congratulations to Sue on this outstanding achievement!

  Congratulations to Carlie & Vincent Leone '19 on the birth of their baby boy, Enzo James Leone! Enzo was born at the end of March and is doing well!! Thanks be to God for this amazing blessing and we are so happy for Carlie and Vincent! 

  Dianna Ramsay, 61 of Paris, Kentucky, departed this life on March 29, 2025 at University of Kentucky Medical Center. She was born Oct. 1, 1963 in Canton, Ohio, a daughter of the late Richard Zimmerman and Margaret Good Zimmerman. Dianna was a 1981 graduate of Salem High School and 1985 graduate of Malone College and 2017 graduate from Kentucky Community Technical College as her lifetime dream of an RN. Dianna taught preschool, elementary school and adult education. Then after becoming an RN, she worked at Bourbon Heights Assisted Living Facility and St. Joseph Hospital and Norton Audubon Hospital in Kentucky. We send our prayers and condolences to the family of Dianna during this difficult time!