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Students overcome obstacles to be named two of Ohio's best community college students
The ceremony took place March 29 at the Ohio Statehouse and is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year college students. Overall, 47 of the state's best two-year community and technical college students were recognized for their academic performance, leadership, and community service involvement. Cligrow was one of ten students named to the First Team, earning a $1,000 cash scholarship, a medallion, certificate and pin. Kerr was one of 27 students named to the Third Team, earning a medallion, certificate and pin.  Mary Beth Cligrow, a MHCDMR student, was named to the first team of Phi Theta Kappa's All-Ohio Academic Team. Mary Beth Cligrow Mary Beth Cligrow, a Mental Health/Chemical Dependency/Mental Retardation major, came to Columbus State after looking at several colleges and programs. "The Mental Health/Chemical Dependency/Mental Retardation program is considered the finest in Ohio and the classes transfer to several four-year institutions, where I can continue my education and fulfill my dream of becoming a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Social Worker," says Cligrow. Cligrow is the immediate past secretary and current president of the Alpha Rho Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and is described as a tireless, resourceful and well-organized officer. As a Phi Theta Kappa member, she has planned and implemented various events and fundraisers, served as a liaison to other student organizations, and served as the editor of the chapter's newsletter. She is also involved with the Ohio Youth Advocate Program, helping collect school supplies for needy neighborhood children. Through these efforts, enough supplies were collected to benefit 200 children. According to her MH/CD/MR Academic Advisor Dr. France James-Brown, "I have seen Mary Beth work quietly but effectively behind the scenes to assist those classmates in need of academic assistance. Whether it be a word of encouragement, a need for additional clarity and insight or some type of assistance, Mary Beth is always there for those peers in need." Cligrow also has participated in Columbus State's version of the Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Studies. She works with The House of Hope Outpatient Program in co-facilitating groups, providing education on drugs, and helping facilitate interaction among group members.Cligrow helps House of Hope's clients develop goals, objectives, and treatment plans, as well as provides referrals to community programs. In addition to the All-Ohio Academic Team, her honors include being named to the National Dean's List and recently being named one of Columbus State's ten Outstanding Women Student Leaders. Outside of Columbus State activities, Cligrow spends much of her free time with her fourteen-year-old-daughter Elizabeth and a seven-year-old daughter Kimberlie. When not with her children, she studies a variety of religions and their practices in order to grow spiritually, and attends weekly Al-Anon meetings to share her experiences of being a child of alcohol and drug users. As she continues to overcome her own issues resulting from childhood abuse, she leans on her friends, classmates, and teachers to help her deal with her past as she helps others with their current problems. "What is amazing is I have achieved so much growth at Columbus State and at an economical price. So, I can not only achieve my dreams, but save for my daughters dreams as well," says Cligrow.  David Kerr, Jr. spends some time at the Statehouse where he plans to glean information before becoming a Political Science major."Columbus State gave me the opportunity to grow and learn that it is acceptable to have comfort zones, but to learn to explore outside of those zones," says David Kerr, Jr. "The college took me in and taught me to be a leader. While Columbus State helped me build confidence, the school also taught me how to overcome challenges and empowered me to choose my own path of excellence." "Along with his academic successes, David has demonstrated leadership skills through his involvement with Phi Theta Kappa and as a Student Ambassador," says Dana Ogrodowski, instructor in Communication Skills. "He is enthusiastic about both organizations because he values student connection with instructors, staff, and his peers. David's personal philosophy and goals are driven by his commitment to his college community." While at Columbus State, Kerr has been very active in Phi Theta Kappa. He has served as the Ohio Region Officer and Columbus District Representative for Phi Theta Kappa, representing 11 community college chapters in Ohio. As vice president of Leadership, he coordinated chapter efforts for campus and community activities, and as president tripled the number of members in one year, earning the chapter the first in Ohio to receive the Pinnacle Platinum Award. For his leadership in Phi Theta Kappa, Kerr has been recognized locally and nationally. He received the Leadership Award for superior leadership and outstanding efforts contributing to the organization's growth, the Order of Athena: Regional for the most distinguished chapter officer demonstrating hallmark qualities and enthusiasm in support of Columbus State's chapter, and the Honors Scholar Award: National, for completing the 38 th Annual International Honors Conference investigating "Popular Culture, Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are." He serves as a Senior Ambassador in the Student Ambassador program overseeing campus involvement of the Junior Ambassadors, coordinating Student Ambassador activities, and conducting presentations at new student orientations and freshman seminar classes. For his efforts, he earned the Leadership Award for continued service to the Student Ambassador program. On campus, he has been actively involved in the Fantastic Friday Science Program assisting instructors with teaching experiments requiring hands-on participation, and coordinating the Welcome Back activities at the start of each quarter. According to Barbara Allen, Strategic Enrollment Management advisor, "He is definitely the type of student leader that has a real impact on this campus, whether it is with his peers, students, faculty, or staff." Allen continues, "He has worked closely with faculty, staff and students alike to improve service to students through the Welcome Team program, as well as our Student Assistance Center. "One of my first professors, Angelo Frole in Business Management, would challenge students to the edge of their opinion making them back up their theories and stand behind what they think," says Kerr. "He taught me that it is acceptable to be wrong sometimes as long as the outcome is one of enlightenment. The true learning experience is debating issues and opening the mind to see all sides of an issue." Because of lessons learned in Frole's class, Kerr changed his major to Associate of Arts with plans to continue his education. He plans to study political science, with an eye towards teaching Social Studies.
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