Ohio State University at Mansfield is set to honor three alumni for their contributions to their professions and communities, according to an announcement.
The Alumni Hall of Fame Awards will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at 1285 Winery in Mansfield. Carrie Rietschlin Kemerer, Steven Oster and Bertha Villa Bishop will be recognized.
Kemerer, a 2001 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, is the executive director of The Shelby Foundation. She has been instrumental in growing the foundation, particularly by organizing the annual "For a Brighter Tomorrow" fundraising gala, which raises significant funds for area nonprofits.
Kemerer also serves on the executive committee of the Community Improvement Corporation of Shelby and is a member of the Rotary Club.
Oster, who earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management in 2000, is the superintendent for the Knox and Coshocton County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. He also serves as the executive director for PAR - Professionals, Advocate, Resources.
Oster has held executive roles at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the County Board Association and the Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities. He has received numerous awards for his advocacy, including the Ron Kozlowski Award and Betty Macintosh Award.
Oster led the campaign to establish Harmony Park, an inclusive playground in Knox County, and holds board leadership positions in various community organizations.
Bishop, a 2011 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History, is a nationally recognized photographer in Mansfield. A native of Medellín, Colombia, she began her photography journey while pursuing a journalism degree there.
After moving to Mansfield, she quit her job as a Spanish teacher, returned to Ohio State Mansfield to earn a degree in history and founded her photography business full time.
Bishop earned her certification as a professional photographer through the Professional Photographers of America in 2019 and has been featured in several specialized publications.
She is dedicated to community service, engaging with the Richland County Dog Shelter and serving as president of the OSU Alumni Club of Richland County.
"The Alumni Awards Program at Mansfield recognizes Buckeyes who go to amazing lengths to make our community and region a better place," Ohio State Mansfield Development Director Cindy Wood said. "More importantly, these individuals signify for our current students exemplary career and community achievements, all built upon their foundation at the Mansfield regional campus. All of our nominees represent exceptional career or community service, and the selection process was difficult."
For event information and to RSVP, contact Delaney Buechner at [email protected].
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