Daily briefs

Owens to graduate 437 on Friday FINDLAY — Owens Community College will honor 437 graduates during its 60th Spring Commencement at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. For the first time in seven years, the commencement will include a keynote speaker, Amy Wachob, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio. Wachob is an Owens graduate with more than 30 years of business leadership experience in Toledo. Starting with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio in 1991, Wachob steadily rose through progressive leadership roles in the organization. She was named president and CEO in November 2016. Under her leadership, Goodwill has become a driving force in addressing key social challenges, such as reentry support, the Benefits Cliff, homelessness, anti-gun and gang violence, at-risk youth, young adults aging out of foster care, and the mental health and wellness of first responders. Commencement was moved off-campus to accommodate growing numbers of graduates and to create the best experience possible for graduates and their families. Tickets are not necessary for attendees, and graduates can invite an unlimited number of guests to the ceremony. Owens will graduate 437 students at the commencement, including 110 students from the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; 58 students from the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety; 64 students from the School of Liberal Arts; and 263 professions students from the School of Nursing and Health Professions, including 98 nursing students. The graduating class includes 47 students from the Findlay-area campus. A total of 184 students will graduate with honors, earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher. For more information, visit owens.edu/commencement. Naturalists to host program on rodents FINDLAY — The Hancock County Naturalists will meet at 7 p.m. May 14 at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Ave. The featured presentation, "Beavers, Squirrels and Mice, Oh My," will be led by Michelle Rumschlag, naturalist with the Hancock Park District. The program will explore rodents, the largest group within the mammal order. While many people think first of mice and rats, the presentation will highlight a broader range of species, including beavers and squirrels. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on learning with mounts, furs and skulls. Rumschlag has been with the Hancock Park District since December 2000. Prior to that, she worked as a naturalist at the Rye Nature Center in Rye, New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Central Michigan University. She lives in rural Hancock County with her husband, Steve, and their family and is currently the vice president of the Hancock County Naturalists' board. The meeting is free and open to the public, including youth ages 15 and older. Hancock County Naturalists' membership and events are open to those 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple and $10 for youth. For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697, emaggin117@aol.com or visit hancockcountynaturalists.org.