Heidelberg board elects new chair

TIFFIN - There's a new leader at the helm of the Heidelberg College Board of Trustees.

Sondra Libman of Champaign, Ill., a 1967 alumna of the college, was elected chair at the board's May meeting. Her first official event as chair was an address to alumni during the college's annual Alumni Weekend celebration June 23-25.

Libman, a trustee since 1998, replaces alumnus and Cleveland attorney Gary Bryenton, who stepped down after serving as chair the past 12 years. A board member since 1990, Bryenton will remain on the board.

Heidelberg President F. Dominic Dottavio said that while Bryenton's leadership will be missed, the college is fortunate he will remain on the board. "Gary was tremendously helpful during my transition to Heidelberg three years ago," Dottavio said. "He has provided steady leadership and bold decision making during his 12 years as chair."

Bryenton has been instrumental in changing the campus landscape with the construction and renovation of facilities, including Heidelberg's new Gillmor Science Hall. Less visible, he has concentrated in recent years in improving the composition and functionality of the board, elevating it in size, stature and structure - and leaving his successor, Libman, in a position to hit the ground running.

Dottavio said those who know the new chair are impressed by her passion for her alma mater as well as her energy and dedication to the board.

"Sondra's zeal for this new challenge is unmistakable," he said. "Her enthusiasm for Heidelberg, her institutional knowledge and her business experience make her a terrific choice to lead the board and help the college move toward achieving its strategic goals."

At its meeting in May, the board also elected Trustee Tony Paradiso of Lehigh Acres, Fla., as vice chair; Elizabeth Smith of Columbus, class of 1981, secretary; and Roger McManus of Westfield Center, class of 1976, treasurer.

The board held a recognition dinner for Bryenton and outgoing board members Robert Parmelee of Roswell, Ga., class of 1950; Alumni Council representative Donna Overholt of Tiffin, class of 1957; and Gerald Edwards of Ann Arbor, Mich., class of 1972, in May. Collectively, the outgoing trustees had served for 43 years, with Parmelee serving a total of 32 years.

"A grateful college will certainly miss the wisdom and commitment these three individuals brought to the board," Dottavio said.