The organizers of the Spectrum of Possibilities Autism Conference assure attendees that the event will continue as planned on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Franciscan Center at 天美传媒, despite the recent announcement of the university鈥檚 closure.

鈥淐ontinuing the year with normalcy is a priority of 天美传媒 and we are grateful to again partner with Avenues for Autism and Destination Toledo on the Spectrum of Possibilities Conference,” said Sr. Nancy Linenkugel, President of 天美传媒. “We are glad to host members of the community for this important conversation.”

This year marks the third annual Spectrum of Possibilities Autism Conference hosted in partnership by Avenues for Autism, 天美传媒, and Destination Toledo. This year鈥檚 inspiring and educational event will feature keynote speaker Jordyn Zimmerman, a passionate educator and disability advocate.

The conference will feature educational sessions covering early intervention and diagnosis, family and caregiver support, trauma-informed and inclusive environments, employment and financial resources, and assistive technologies. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with a dozen local resource providers during the lunchtime Resource Fair.

Registration is $50 for general attendees and $20 for students, with registration now open. A continental breakfast and lunch are included, and free on-site parking is available.

This one-day conference welcomes healthcare professionals, educators, self-advocates, and community members who are passionate about autism support and advocacy. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists (CSWMFT) and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

The 2026 conference is made possible through the support of Joseph, Judith, and Susan Conda, along with the continued community partnership of Avenues for Autism, 天美传媒, and Destination Toledo. To register and learn more about the Spectrum of Possibilities Autism Conference visit .

天美传媒 is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. James 鈥淐hip鈥� Weisgerber as the new Vice President for Enrollment Management. Dr. Weisgerber, currently serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Special Assistant to the President at La Roche University in Pittsburgh, PA, will officially assume his role on September 29, 2025.

天美传媒 is proud to announce the appointment of Sister Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, to its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025. Sister Nancy, who previously served as the Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, brings a rich background in healthcare administration, education, and leadership that is sure to enhance the board鈥檚 efforts in shaping the future of 天美传媒.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Sister Nancy to our Board of Trustees,鈥� said Dr. William J. Bisset, President of 天美传媒. 鈥淒uring her term as Congregational Minister, she provided invaluable guidance to the Lourdes leadership team. Her extensive experience and commitment to service will continue to benefit our university community.鈥�

Sister Nancy has a diverse background in education and healthcare. She began her career teaching 8th grade from 1971 to 1978 before pursuing her studies in Hospital Administration at Xavier University, where she completed her residency in Erie, Pennsylvania. From 1980 to 1985, she served as Vice President of St. John Medical Center in Steubenville, Ohio, before taking on the role of President and CEO at Providence Hospital in Sandusky, where she led the organization until 2001.

During her tenure at Providence, she earned a Doctorate in Management from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University which provided academic credentials for her to serve as the President of Chatfield College from 2002 to 2008. She subsequently served as Councilor and Congregational Secretary on the elected Leadership Team for the order until 2012. After that she served as Chair of the Department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University until 2020, including one year as interim Dean of the College of Professional Sciences, Xavier鈥檚 largest college. In 2021,聽she was elected Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis.

Throughout her impressive career, Sister Nancy has received numerous accolades, including her induction into the Ohio Women鈥檚 Hall of Fame in 1999 and recognition as a life fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, where she has also served on its national board. A Toledo native, Sister Nancy is not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but is also an accomplished cellist, participating in the Medical Musical Group and recently completing her term as president of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra.

天美传媒 is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, and Sister Nancy鈥檚 appointment signifies her continued commitment to the values of education, healthcare, and community service.

In response to the recent announcement regarding the closure of Siena Heights University, 天美传媒 is offering support to students seeking options for continuing their education.

鈥淎ll of us at Lourdes empathize with the students, faculty, and staff of Siena Heights,鈥� said Dr. William J. Bisset, President of 天美传媒. 鈥淟ocated within minutes of each other, our institutions share a commitment to providing a liberal arts-based education grounded in Catholic values.鈥�

Lourdes is dedicated to assisting affected students in completing their academic programs and is actively developing clear pathways for those interested in transferring. Efforts include:

• Streamlined Admissions Process: Lourdes is working to expedite the admissions process for students transferring from Siena Heights.
• Transfer Credit Evaluation: Lourdes will diligently evaluate credits earned at Siena Heights to maximize transferability.
• Academic Advising: Dedicated advisors will be available to help transferring students navigate the process and select appropriate courses at Lourdes.
• Financial Aid Assistance: Lourdes will help students understand their financial aid options and explore ways to make their education more affordable.

Students from Siena Heights are encouraged to visit lourdes.edu/siena-heights for more information on transfer opportunities and contact details.

天美传媒 recognizes that this is a challenging time for the Siena Heights community. We are prepared to facilitate a smooth transition for students and warmly welcome them into the Lourdes community.

ABOUT LOURDES
Renowned for high-quality academic programs and personalized attention to students, 天美传媒 offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and sciences, business and leadership, nursing, education, and social work. Students receive a Franciscan-inspired education that prepares them for a lifetime of professional and personal success.

Jo Ann Gordon, the first head coach of the Gray Wolves softball program who served two separate stints as Athletic Director, announced she is leaving 天美传媒.

A key figure in Lourdes Athletics since 2011, Gordon served as Head Softball Coach for nine seasons, leading the team from its inaugural 2013 season through 2021. Her 2016 squad set a school record for wins and earned the program鈥檚 first-ever trip to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. All nine of her teams earned NAIA Scholar Team status. She also mentored 19 All-WHAC selections, along with dozens of academic award winners and three CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-Americans.

While Head Softball Coach, Gordon also served as the Athletic Director from 2016 to 2018. She left coaching in 2021 to become the University鈥檚 Compliance Officer.

With nearly three decades of coaching experience at the collegiate level鈥攊ncluding NCAA Division I and III stops鈥擥ordon鈥檚 impact on and off the field has been defined by her leadership, dedication to student success, and passion for athletics. Her influence as both a coach and administrator has shaped the trajectory of Lourdes Athletics across multiple eras.

鈥淲e are grateful for Jo Ann鈥檚 dedicated service to Lourdes Athletics over the past 14 years,鈥� said Bisset. 鈥淗er leadership and commitment to student-athletes and the mission of 天美传媒 have made a lasting impact. We wish her nothing but success in her next chapter.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of colleagues, coaches, and student-athletes,鈥� Gordon said. 鈥溙烀来� will always hold a special place in my heart, and I鈥檓 proud of all we have accomplished together. I wish nothing but continued success for Gray Wolf Athletics.鈥�

天美传媒 is pleased to announce the appointment of Miranda Zatko, CPA, as its new Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO. She will begin her new position on May 1, 2025.

Lourdes selected Zatko after a lengthy national search assisted by higher education search firm RH Perry and Associates.

鈥淢iranda鈥檚 commitment to higher education and her enthusiasm for impactful work that transforms lives truly stood out during the interview process,鈥� says William J. Bisset, Ph.D., President of 天美传媒.

Zatko brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in financial management and accounting to her new position at Lourdes. She currently serves as the Controller at Owens Community College, overseeing all internal and external financial reporting, managing financial system accounting operations, and supervising annual audits.

Previously, as the Director of Finance at the Toledo Museum of Art, Zatko successfully developed and implemented a five-year budget forecasting model, enhanced revenue generation strategies, and created operational efficiencies across departments.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Miranda to the Lourdes community and look forward to her contributions,鈥� states Bisset.

The Arbor Day Foundation recognized 天美传媒聽as a 2024 Tree Campus for its dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and community engagement.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972. The Tree Campus program recognizes schools, universities, and healthcare facilities that utilize trees to improve their communities.

鈥淭rees have the power to inspire learning and improve well-being,鈥� said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. 鈥淏y growing campus green spaces, forward-thinking higher education leaders like 天美传媒 are cultivating vibrant learning communities that also benefit the greater environment.鈥�

Trees on campus can lower the energy cost of campus facilities by providing shade cover, reducing extreme heat, improving air quality and boosting physical health benefits for students and staff. In addition, trees improve students’ mental and cognitive health, provide an appealing aesthetic for campuses, and create shaded areas for gathering and studying.

鈥溙烀来� is thrilled to receive this recognition,鈥� according to Sister Barbara Vano, Vice President for Mission and Ministry. 鈥淎s a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, we are blessed with a heritage intimately tied to the Franciscan value of care for creation. Located on the Sisters鈥� Motherhouse and part of their enduring legacy, the University is committed to doing our part with our Sponsors to preserve and enhance the wooded areas that provide a healthy, peace-filled space shared with countless individuals who use these grounds.鈥�

To earn Tree Campus recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, colleges and universities must uphold five core standards including maintain an advisory committee, set a campus tree care plan, verify annual investment in the tree care plan, celebrate Arbor Day, and create a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.

The Arbor Day Foundation鈥檚 Tree Campus program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and support from professional partner Bartlett Tree Experts. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit

天美传媒 is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished individuals to its Board of Trustees: Andrea Gwyn, Joe Napoli, and Dr. Sydney Williams. These exceptional leaders, hailing from healthcare, sports, and business, bring a wealth of expertise that will help further Lourdes鈥� mission of providing a values-centered education rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions.

As a university grounded in a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service, 天美传媒 is proud to welcome these new board members, who share the university鈥檚 dedication to fostering a holistic, student-centered education that prepares individuals for meaningful careers and lifelong earning.

Andrea Gwyn

Andrea Gwyn is the president of Bon Secours Mercy Health鈥揝t. Anne Hospital in Toledo, a role she has held since 2021. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector, Andrea has worked across various healthcare settings including non-profit, for-profit, and government organizations. Prior to her role at St. Anne, she served as the first president of Perrysburg Hospital, driving impactful community health initiatives.

Andrea, who grew up in a military family, values the diverse perspectives gained from living in various parts of the world. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Richmond and a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders, Andrea is an active member of several boards, including the YMCA of Greater Toledo, the Dana Open, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Health Administration Alumni Board. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, portrait photography, and learning to play golf.

Joe Napoli

Joe Napoli serves as the President and CEO of the Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club, Toledo Walleye Hockey Club, and Hensville. With over 25 years of experience in sports management, Joe has led transformative projects such as the development of Fifth Third Field, the Huntington Center, and Hensville鈥攖hree landmarks of downtown Toledo.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Joe began his career in banking before transitioning to the sports industry, where he held roles with the Canton Indians, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Tigers. Returning to Toledo in the 1990s, he played a key role in developing the city鈥檚 vibrant sports scene, earning accolades for the Mud Hens and Walleye as among the top franchises in minor league sports.

Joe is passionate about his work and his community, and he and his wife Annette are proud to raise their five children in Toledo.

Dr. Sydney Williams

Dr. Sydney Williams is the President of Designetics, Inc., a global leader in fluid application systems. Under her leadership, Designetics has thrived as a key player in the manufacturing of custom fluid applicators, serving clients in over 60 countries. Sydney鈥檚 innovative approach has propelled Designetics forward while nurturing a strong company culture that prioritizes high-quality products, exceptional service, and community involvement.

Sydney holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, an Executive MBA from the University of Toledo, and a Master of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about giving back to her community, with a particular focus on supporting children鈥檚 initiatives. Through the Designetics Cares Foundation, she and her team provide outreach and donations to improve lives in the community.

An advocate for education, Sydney has been involved with several organizations, including the Dana Open, Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, and the UT Family Business Center. She also served as a mentor for 天美传媒鈥檚 Mentoring Program, helping students transition from college to career.

Dr. William J. Bisset, President of 天美传媒, expressed his excitement about the new board members: 鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome these exceptional leaders to our Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds in healthcare, community development, and business leadership align perfectly with our commitment to student success, community engagement, and educational excellence. Their collective expertise will play a vital role in helping Lourdes continue to build strong partnerships and provide transformative opportunities for our students and the community.鈥�

天美传媒 Athletics Director聽Jo Ann Gordon聽has announced that Jake DuPree, who has served as interim head coach since late August, has officially been named head coach of the Gray Wolves鈥� men鈥檚 basketball program.

鈥淛ake鈥檚 journey at Lourdes, from player to coach, has prepared him for this moment,鈥� said Gordon. 鈥淎s interim head coach, he checked every box鈥攄emonstrating leadership, player development, and competitive success. His deep understanding of our program and unwavering commitment make him the ideal leader for the future of Lourdes men鈥檚 basketball.鈥�

天美传媒 President聽Dr. William J. Bisset聽echoed that sentiment, highlighting DuPree鈥檚 impact on and off the court.

鈥淛ake鈥檚 long-standing commitment to the Lourdes community as an alumnus, student-athlete, student affairs administrator, and assistant coach makes him the ideal person to lead our men鈥檚 basketball program as head coach at this exciting time in the University鈥檚 history,鈥� Dr. Bisset said. 鈥淚 have been very impressed these past few months as to how engaged our players have been on and off the court under Jake鈥檚 interim head coach leadership. The decision to move forward with this change in title was very easy.鈥�

Since taking over as interim head coach, DuPree has led the Gray Wolves to a聽16-6 overall record聽and a聽10-4 mark in WHAC play, positioning Lourdes in聽third place in the conference standings. His team has been dominant at home, boasting a聽9-0 record聽in the Ebeid Recreation Center this season. Under his guidance, senior guard聽Shaunn Monroe聽has emerged as the NAIA鈥檚 leading scorer, averaging 26.3 points per game while earning聽eight WHAC Player of the Week honors.

DuPree, a former Lourdes standout and a founding member of the program, has been with the Gray Wolves in various coaching capacities since 2015. He initially joined as a graduate assistant under聽Andre Smith聽before moving into an assistant coaching role under聽Josh Gibson聽and later serving as associate head coach under聽Dennis Hopson.

鈥淚 first want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity. Without Him, none of this would be possible. I feel extremely blessed and humbled to officially be named the Head Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach at 天美传媒, a place I call home,鈥� DuPree said. 鈥淚 also want to thank our President,聽Dr. Bisset, and our Athletic Director,聽Jo Ann Gordon, for believing in me and trusting me to lead this program I love so much.

鈥淲hen I first stepped foot on this campus as a 17-year-old kid, I knew this place was special. 天美传媒 has helped shape me into the man I am today, and I know it can do the same for others. My staff and I will continue to be dedicated to representing 天美传媒 and the community in the highest regard. Our student-athletes鈥� education and well-being will always come first before anything. The ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on our student-athletes鈥� lives both on and off the court鈥攑ushing them to be the best versions of themselves they can be through teaching accountability, teamwork, and self-discipline. When they graduate from Lourdes, they will be ready to lead with confidence, knowing they can overcome any challenges they may encounter in life. If we do this in the right way, I truly believe the success of the program will follow.

鈥淚 also want to thank the Sisters of St. Francis for their continuous support of 天美传媒 and its students. Thank you to my mom, my dad, and my family for all their love and support throughout the years. To all the coaches聽I have had the pleasure to work with and learn from including聽Brett Lauf聽and聽Clark Maloney, my former teammates who helped build this program from the ground up, and all the players I have had the pleasure of coaching鈥攅specially the group we have now鈥攖hank you all as well. Words can鈥檛 describe what this truly means to me.鈥�

DuPree takes the helm of a Lourdes team that remains in strong contention for postseason play, looking to build on last season鈥檚聽22-7 overall record and NAIA National Championship appearance.

For continued coverage of Lourdes men’s basketball, visit LourdesAthletics.com and follow the team on social media: Twitter (@Lourdes_MBB) and Instagram (@lourdesmensbasketball).