Wilmington College alumni awards presentations recognize professional distinction and service

Wilmington College alumni were front and center when the Alumni Association presented service awards and recognized established and emerging career excellence on Sept. 19 at the Homecoming Alumni Awards Brunch.

Honored were Kameron Rinehart, Class of 2020, Young Alumni Award; Tara Clark Durbin ’01, Alumni Citation for Distinguished Professional Achievement; James Mandle ’72, Alumni Citation for Distinguished Contributions in Education; Alan Frankel ’65, John Frazier Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service; and Randy Sarvis, associate vice president for communication and public relations, the recipient of the first Friend of Wilmington College Award. Wil Overholt ’21, assistant director of alumni & parent engagement, presented the alumni awards.

Since Kameron Rinehart graduated six years ago, he has earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. while building a career dedicated to education, leadership and now agricultural finance. His commitment to serving others is evident through his extensive volunteerism and dedication to strengthening the rural communities and agricultural industry,

“When I think about my time at Wilmington College, I think about the people who challenged me, believed in me and helped shape the person I am today,” Rinehart said. “My passion for agriculture, community development and leadership grew deeper because of the incredible mentors and professors who invested in me.” He cited then-agriculture faculty members Corey Cockerill, Monte Anderson and Harold Thirey. “They taught me to think critically, to lead with integrity and to recognize the importance of serving something greater than myself.”

Throughout her career, Tara Clark Durbin has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the agricultural finance industry, rising to chief lending officer for agriculture at Farm Credit Mid-America and helping shape the future of agricultural lending across a multi-state region. Her commitment to excellence also extends through her distinguished service with organizations like the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation and Ohio 4-H Foundation.

“Wilmington College gave me so much more than an education. It gave me a foundation — where I learned to think critically, learned to lead and to believe in myself,” Durbin said. “The education I received certainly prepared me for my career, but the experiences and lessons I gained outside the classroom have been just as meaningful.” She also noted that her WC experience included meeting her future husband, Dustin Durbin ’01. “The path to professional achievement isn’t about one accomplishment or a career milestone,” she added. “It’s about the people who invest in you, the opportunities you’re given, lessons learned and decisions you make along the way. WC was an important part of the beginning of my journey, and I’m proud to remain part of the Wilmington College community.”

James Mandle enjoyed a successful professional career highlighted by his founding ownership of the marketing and communications design firm JS Mandle & Co., which, for 25 years, designed consumer products, packaging and marketing services for Fortune 100 companies. In 2010, through his founding vision and dedication, the Adirondack Folk School at Lake Luzerne, NY, became a living educational resource. It preserves traditional arts while inspiring thousands of students through the hands-on teaching of the arts, crafts and traditions of that unique region of New York. 

“Starting the Adirondack Folk School and having the joy of giving back is the culmination of my education at Wilmington College,” Mandle said. “Teaching, working with my hands, creativity, marketing and, hopefully, making the world a bit better.” Mandle praised as mentors and lifelong friends Ralph McKee ’61, who taught industrial education at WC, and alumnus Bob McClain ’64, who helped him start his teaching career in Carlisle, Ohio. 

Like Mandle, Alan Frankel graduated from the College to become a successful business leader as the chief operating officer of a start-up that, over 20 years, grew into the country’s largest healthcare finance company. In 2016, the College presented him with its Alumni Citation for Distinguished Professional Achievement. This day’s John Frazier Award, which recognizes Frankel’s post-retirement service and volunteerism, “feels like an even greater honor,” he said.

Frankel cited his WC English professor, Clifford Hardie, as a mentor who “had the greatest influence on the course of my life.” Hardie taught him to think critically and communicate effectively. He continues to keep his mentor’s legacy alive by funding the English Department’s annual Cliff Hardie English Essay Awards.

Frankel also lauded the “greater life lesson” from the College’s ethos and Quaker heritage. 

“Giving back, especially after retiring, became the driving force for me,” he added, noting he has served on several nonprofit boards and has been involved as a pro bono consultant to nonprofit companies. He has worked with more than a hundred organizations, from assisting with the incorporation and nonprofit process to helping identify potential foundation resources, grant writing, marketing programs and strategic planning.

Finally, in a surprise announcement, Randy Sarvis was presented with the first Randall Sarvis Friend of Wilmington College Award, which recognizes individuals, though not necessarily WC graduates, who “have demonstrated exemplary loyalty and commitment to the College, and whose devotion to service embodies the true meaning of being a Friend of Wilmington College.”

Tammy Shadley ‘90, vice president/chief alumni and advancement officer, stated that, since Sarvis arrived at the College in 1995, he has been “dedicated to telling the story of Wilmington College: through the lens of his camera, on paper and in the digital world.” 

Longtime WC colleague Bud Lewis, men’s soccer coach for 43 years, said, “Randy’s generosity and goodwill are unique and treasured. The College has been greatly blessed by Randy’s work and dedication, and I am hopeful that he will stay connected to WC after his retirement this winter — because he is truly irreplaceable.”