Charter Communications says that as part of the effort to help people deal with impacts of coronavirus, it will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps.

Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely.

To enroll you can call 1-844-488-8395. Charter says that installation fees will be waived for new student households.

For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.

Original post

March 13, 2020

Dear Members of the Chatfield community,

We are committed to the health and safety of our faculty, students and staff. Chatfield College will continue to follow CDC guidelines, health recommendations from the Ohio governor’s office, and what is in the best interest of our community. Currently, we are not aware of any reported cases of COVID-19 directly affecting our college community. However due to an abundance of caution, we will be shifting to remote learning for all classes beginning Monday, March 23. Classes that are already online will continue as scheduled. Students will hear from their faculty members by Monday, March 23. Students who do not hear from their faculty member by March 23 are asked to contact your campus Site Director or Dean’s office. The work of the College will continue and we will remain open during this unusual timeframe. With the exception of teaching remotely, all other College functions, including non-teaching responsibilities (committee work, faculty meetings, academic advising), will continue and all employees are expected to report to campus. All offices and on-campus resources will be available to students during this time, but the College may limit the number of students in any designated area. Registration for summer courses will continue as planned. Students should contact their academic advisor for assistance. Employees responsible for College operations are encouraged to utilize strategies to conduct their work while practicing recommended social distancing practices. We hope to resume in-person instruction on Monday, April 13, after the Easter holiday, but we will continue to evaluate the situation. A reminder: · If you feel unwell or believe you have been in contact with someone who has become unwell, do not come in to the campus. Instead, please consult your medical provider, and monitor your health conditions every day. An effective way to do this is to take your temperature: if it is at or above 100.4F, do not come to campus.

Please continue to check your Chatfield email daily.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Elmore, president

Peter Hanson, dean

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As we shared with you on March 4, Chatfield College has been closely monitoring the worldwide spread of the respiratory illness COVID-19 (caused by coronavirus). As of Monday, March 9, 2020, we know that there are at least 3 Ohioans who have tested positive for coronavirus and Governor DeWine declared a State of Emergency in Ohio. You may be aware that the CDC and Ohio health officials have shared that the United States is preparing for the possibility of widespread transmission of the COVID-19 virus (also known as Novel Corona Virus). If this occurs, plans could include the limiting of campus activities at Chatfield College. At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Chatfield College or the surrounding area.

Information provided by the ODH, including precautions, frequently-asked questions, and preparedness can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov .

Recommended precautions include:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout both Chatfield campuses in support of these precautionary measures.

In the event of course cancellation, faculty will communicate with their students using the communication plan they established at the beginning of the semester. While students will remain responsible for the work required to maintain academic progress, faculty will enable that work to take place in a supportive manner, without academic penalty. In the event that the College would close, regional radio and television stations will be notified. Notification of a cancellation will be also be made by One Call Now, email, and via messaging to students through Schoology. Last, employees should consult with their supervisor on plans related to closure.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide additional updates to the campus community.

Thank You,

Robert Elmore, President

Peter Hanson, Dean

Originally published by Wayne Gates, News Democrat

Elmore discussed his new job in an exclusive interview with The News Democrat.

“It’s exciting. I am ready to go. It’s a lot of hard work and long hours, but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. You really get regenerated when you see those graduates walk across the stage,” Elmore said.

When asked about future plans for Chatfield, Elmore said that there are some exciting changes coming.

“We have more programs on the way, including Early Childhood Education and Human Services. We have those programs developed and we are looking for our accreditors to come in and take a look at them,” Elmore said.

“We are also looking at a collaboration with other institutions for technology programs. We are very close to finalizing an agreement to be able to offer that at our campuses.”

Technology is also being considered that will help students save time and money.

“We are also looking at ways to improve the ways we teach and learn and connect with our students. We are exploring the idea of digital textbooks to make things easier and more affordable for our students,” Elmore said.

“Online courses are growing more popular. We have been teaching online for two years now and we are noticing that a more students are becoming interested in those types of courses. We want to expand that market and be more accommodating to our students.”

Elmore continued a theme of putting students first.

“I am very interested in helping students succeed. I think our students are special in that we have a mixed population of students. We have a lot of younger college credit plus students at our St. Martin campus and a lot of adult students at our Over-The-Rhine campus.”

Elmore said that Chatfield has a unique way to make sure those students are getting the attention they need.

“We have a mentoring program is designed to help students through those times of doubt. They are volunteers in the communities from both campuses. I think it’s something that sets us apart.”

As far as other future plans, Elmore said that Chatfield will be looking at trying to find extension classrooms in Clermont County to help reach the population there.

“I also plan to have some town halls for feedback from staff, faculty and students. I also like to get to know people by name and get to know them. You have to make the effort to make sure people know who you are,” Elmore said.

He added that he is looking forward to a special celebration later this year.

“This fall, the Ursulines of Brown County will celebrate 175 years in the community. So we are going to have a huge celebration with their alumni association. We have been very fortunate to have their legacy to follow,” Elmore said.

Robert P. Elmore’s formal investiture as President of Chatfield Collage will be held April 17 from 3 to 5 pm at Ursuline Academy in Blue Ash.

# # #

Robert P. Elmore has been named President of Chatfield College by the college board of trustees.

Elmore, had previously served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Chatfield since 2014. He becomes the sixth President in the college’s 48-year history.

“We are extremely excited to have Robert Elmore leading us in the coming years. We were very pleased to have a number of very talented candidates to consider for the position, but Robert was the clear choice. His leadership skills and enthusiasm will serve Chatfield well,” said William Montague, Chair of Chatfield’s Board of Trustees.

Elmore was chosen among six finalists who were named from 115 applications for the job.

According to Search Committee Chair and Board Vice Chair Victoria Parlin, “We undertook a national search to ensure that the next President of Chatfield would be positioned to lead the college in an era of change and challenges. We believe that we found the right person in Bob Elmore who has the experience, the vision, and the commitment to the mission of Chatfield which will make his tenure as president a transformative moment in the history of the college.”

As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Elmore led the institution through major capital improvements including the historic renovation of the Over-the-Rhine campus, and more recently, the renovation of the Welcome Center at the St. Martin campus. Elmore also oversaw transformational improvement in the information technology capabilities of the institution that enabled the introduction of online learning and digital content delivery in the classroom, including an upgraded student information system.

“I am delighted and honored to be selected as the next president of Chatfield College and build on the success and legacy of the Ursulines of Brown County. I want to thank the search committee for their work and the Board of Trustees for their support as we work together to create more educational opportunities for people in the communities we serve,” Mr. Elmore said upon his being named the new president.

John Tafaro, Elmore’s predecessor said, “The Chatfield Board of Trustees has made an outstanding decision with its selection of Robert Elmore as the college’s sixth president. Bob’s skills, experience, and appreciation for Chatfield’s students and unique mission make him the perfect choice to lead this important Catholic institution of higher learning for the years to come.”

Mr. Elmore is a graduate of the University of Louisville and a Certified Public Accountant. He assumed his new role effective January 23, 2020. Elmore has 35 years of higher education experience and has held numerous leadership roles at various institutions and non-profit boards.

KipFaith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by the word of God. The biblical verse serves as the foundation for the book, The Sound of Faith. Terry addresses the idea that faith begins with listening first, rather than seeing. He shares memories of multiple events he experienced as he rediscovered God. Example stories such as, what took place when police caught him praying in a graveyard; how an angel caught him in the middle of the air as a baby from falling off a table; the challenge he faced when talking to an atheist; and more. Throughout the book, you will read many topics addressed, such as, visions and dreams; what to do when God is silent; discovering God on a personal level; and many more. This book is easy-to-read and nonfiction. If you enjoy stories of modern day believers, you may want to add this one to your collection. The book is highly recommended for those new to faith or for those who are looking to increase it.

What inspired you to start writing?

Since I was a teenager, I always had a vision of one day writing a book. I didn’t know where to start or what to write about so I kept the idea in the back of my mind. However, last year, I decided to finally take on the challenge. I wanted to write something I am passionate about, in this case, it was on faith.

When did you start writing?

I started in January 2019.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Though, I had the thought of one day completing a book, I would not say it is something I wanted to do on a full-time basis, but hearing the testimonies about how much the book has blessed people has been my driving force to continue writing.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I do not consider myself a writer, just a messenger.

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by the word of God!

What is the significance of the title?

Just as mentioned, faith comes by hearing. This means faith has a sound.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I am working on a companion book to follow THE SOUND OF FAITH!

Where can readers purchase your book?

Right now it is exclusively on Amazon, but other retailers are in the works.

Black History “Museum” – Commences on Monday, February 3rd

• Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to bring in African American/Black History paintings, sculptures, drawings, pictures, biographies, portraits, etc. which will be posted throughout the campus. The start date will be  February 3rd, but submissions will be accepted and displayed through out the month. All art work/contributions from St. Martin will be transferred to OTR for set-up and display
• The “Museum” display will begin in the common area, 1st Floor at OTR

Black History Month Luncheon February 6th 11am – 1pm (OTR campus)

Catered by Ollie’s Trolley

Guest Speaker – TBA February 11th (OTR campus)

• Streaming of the live video will be available to St. Martin campus

Reading/Speaking Days

Thursday February 13th  11:30-12:30pm (OTR Common Area)

Wednesday February 19th  3:00-4:00pm (OTR Common Area)

• Sign-up sheets posted in LRC at OTR (Name + Literature piece)
• Poems, Small Literature pieces, Articles, etc.
• Faculty, Staff, and Students from St. Martin who wish to participate may email me with information.
• Refreshments and Snacks will be provided both days!

Underground Railroad Freedom Center February 25th @ 11am

• “Rags to Riches” (Free Concert)
• Following the  concert, there will be a Free tour of the Freedom Center
• 50 person Limit
• Open to Faculty, Staff, and Students at OTR and St. Martin campuses.
• Chatfield will assist with transportation for St. Martin students to OTR and for all students from the OTR campus to URFC
• Departure  from OTR campus will be between 10:15-10:30am (via Streetcar)

The Chatfield College Board of Trustees has elected Robert P. Elmore as the next president of Chatfield College. Mr. Elmore, who has served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Chatfield College since 2014, becomes the sixth President in the college’s 48-year history.

“We are extremely excited to have Robert Elmore leading us in the coming years. We were very pleased to have a number of very talented candidates to consider for the position, but Robert was the clear choice. His leadership skills and enthusiasm will serve Chatfield well,” said William Montague, Chair of Chatfield’s Board of Trustees.

The process of selecting the new president began in August, when President John P. Tafaro announced his retirement effective December 31, 2020. The Presidential Search Committee, led by Gilman Partners and comprised of twelve members including trustees, faculty, staff, and members of the community, narrowed the list from over 115 initial applicants to six semifinalists who were interviewed by the committee in early October. In a final series of interviews with three very qualified finalists, Mr. Elmore emerged as clearly the best candidate to lead Chatfield both now and in the future.

According to Search Committee Chair and Board Vice Chair Victoria Parlin, “We undertook a national search to ensure that the next President of Chatfield would be positioned to lead the college in an era of change and challenges. We believe that we found the right person in Bob Elmore who has the experience, the vision, and the commitment to the mission of Chatfield which will make his tenure as president a transformative moment in the history of the college.”
As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Elmore led the institution through major capital improvements including the historic renovation of the Over-the-Rhine campus, and more recently, the renovation of the Welcome Center at the St. Martin campus. Elmore also oversaw transformational improvement in the information technology capabilities of the institution that enabled the introduction of online learning and digital content delivery in the classroom, including an upgraded student information system.

“I am delighted and honored to be selected as the next president of Chatfield College and build on the success and legacy of the Ursulines of Brown County. I want to thank the search committee for their work and the Board of Trustees for their support as we work together to create more educational opportunities for people in the communities we serve,” Mr. Elmore said upon his being named the new president.

John Tafaro, Elmore’s predecessor said, “The Chatfield Board of Trustees has made an outstanding decision with its selection of Robert Elmore as the college’s sixth president. Bob’s skills, experience, and appreciation for Chatfield’s students and unique mission make him the perfect choice to lead this important Catholic institution of higher learning for the years to come.”

Mr. Elmore is a graduate of the University of Louisville and a Certified Public Accountant. He assumed his new role effective January 23, 2020. Elmore has 35 years of higher education experience and has held numerous leadership roles at various institutions and non-profit boards.
Chatfield College is a private, faith-based, liberal arts college offering the Associate of Arts degree in Brown County and Cincinnati and is an open enrollment college. The Brown County campus is located at 20918 State Route 251; St. Martin, OH 45118; the Cincinnati campus is located in historic Over-the- Rhine at 1544 Central Parkway; Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, visit the website, at www.chatfield.edu, call (513) 875-3344 or e-mail admissions@chatfield.edu.

Emilia with Fr. Kammerer and her brother Ben in 2013 at Chatfield’s graduation.

Fall 2012. It was my second year at Chatfield College, and I had American Government with Fr. Kammerer. I’d heard a lot about him of course, as he was a fixture at the college. It was an election year, and I was the only kid in a class full of College Credit Plus, or CCP, (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options then) students who was eligible to vote for president. That did not stop Fr. Kammerer from impressing upon all us the vital importance of voting in local and national elections, and making your voice heard in the political process. His enthusiasm and joy in bringing history and concepts to life in the classroom made more effective to us his often weighty and intricate teachings of government and the Constitution. His jokes helped too, but no one was more tickled by them than he was.

He had many real-life examples of the decisions made by “the somebodies” and how they affected our day-to-day lives. He brought in speakers who were in ‘the trenches’ of the political process and the interpretation of the Constitution, including a member of Romney’s campaign staff and our own college president, John Tafaro. He knew everybody and happily showed off his extensive collection of artifacts to the class.

He had so much pride in his connections and his collections.  He was full of pride the day he took the class over to the recently-renamed Fr. Kammerer Library and Learning Center. The dedication would be that evening, but because we were ‘somebodies’ to him, he’d give us a sneak peek.

Giggling with anticipation he led us to the sign out front.

‘Well” he said, “that’s wrong!”

“What’s wrong?” We asked. Mentally I was trying to recall how he spelled his last name thinking that was what had caught his eye.

He gestured to the sign. “It’s supposed to say Fr. Raymond Kammerer Memorial Library!”

We took to giggling ourselves and gently reminded him that he was still alive.

“Well,” he said shaking a finger at us. “I’m entrusting you all to make sure they change it when I am no longer of this mortal plane!”

The last time I saw him was last year in his home in Waynesville. He was as proud of his collection and his work as ever, having retired from teaching in 2016. He might have left the classroom but the classroom never left him. It was like being back in American Government, listening to the same enthusiastic stories, and getting a refresher on all the imparted wisdom from nearly a decade ago.  He was delighted a former student of his would be watching over his library. He was kind enough to pretend he remembered me, but he’d had my mother and my grandmother before me in class, so I can’t fault him for forgetting a face.

“You’ve read my book?” He asked in a way that wasn’t really a question. He didn’t wait for an answer but grabbed one of his own copies of his autobiography. He flipped until he found what he was looking for and pointed. “There is my favorite part. If you get nothing else out of this little book, remember that.”

The section about the library read: “It is my hope and desire that students of the future will view the art items, replicas, daggers and all else I used in class and gain some information from this collection. Perhaps some future history professor will make use of them. I hope too that they will take from the shelves my books that I so loved, and gain some light of knowledge and enrichment in their lives. And just perhaps, this or that rare professor or student will stop for a moment and wonder about the man who acquired, owned and used them.”

Father, nearly every day I walk into the Chatfield library, your library. It is quiet and still in the morning, but bustling with student’s laughter and camaraderie by noon. They study and they goof off at the tables in the ‘new’ section of the library and like all good students, they ask questions.

They ask for help finding books.

They ask about the artifacts already housed in a glass-doored shelf in the addition.

They ask who the guy in the portrait over the circulation desk is. Others will say that should be obvious, that’s Fr. Kammerer, didn’t you read the sign?

They wonder and they learn new things every day, and they keep me on my toes like we did you (and you did us).

I promise you Father, that they will keep wondering about you, and that the students you taught won’t forget your lessons.

And I promise to change the sign.

Father Raymond Kammerer, 81, died at his home in Waynesville, OH on January 4, 2020. Father earned graduate degrees from both the Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary of the West) and Xavier University in Cincinnati. He was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati by Archbishop Karl J. Alter in May 1964. Appointed Associate Pastor of Saint Peter Parish in Huber Heights (1964-1971) and to the faculty of John Carroll High School in Dayton, he began a long teaching career along with his pastoral ministry. In 1971, Archbishop Paul Liebold appointed him to the Campus Ministry at the College of Mount Saint Joseph, now Mount St. Joseph University, in Delhi Hills (Cincinnati) and at the same time as an instructor at the College. In 1977, Father Kammerer became an adjunct professor at the College Seminary of Saint Pius X in Erlanger, Ky. In May of 1978, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (then Archbishop of Cincinnati) appointed Father Kammerer to his first pastorate, the Church of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus in Covington, Ohio. He continued to teach at the Erlanger College Seminary until 1982 when he joined the faculty of Chatfield College in Brown County, Ohio, where he continued for the next 35 years. In July 1988, Father Kammerer was appointed Pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Cincinnati, and in July 1995, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk appointed him to the pastorate of Saint Augustine Parish in historic Waynesville, Ohio. In 1994, the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities, upon nomination by Chatfield College, awarded Father Kammerer the honor of “Distinguished Professor of the Year”. In March 2003, Chatfield College, in recognition of his long teaching career, promoted Father Kammerer to the rank of full Professor. During his long tenure at Chatfield, Father served as Chair of the History Department and then of Religious Studies. Both as a Pastor and as a college teacher, Father Kammerer was well known by students and parishioners alike for his literary works. His publications, “Old Mission San Juan Capistrano” and “A Portrait of Mission Life,” created for the tourist trade at California’ s Old Mission San Juan Capistrano, continue to be best sellers at the California Missions, and are found in many libraries throughout California as standard references. By his parishioners and college students both, Father Kammerer will be remembered as a tireless educator and promoter of Catholic education. A bibliophile, Father Kammerer collected a huge library over the years, a great many titles in history and art he used constantly in the classroom. The entire collection, along with the many historic artifacts he acquired in his long teaching career, will now be housed in Chatfield College’s library, renamed the Father Raymond Kammerer Library and Learning Center in 2012.

A visitation will be held 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday, January 9 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Waynesville. A second visitation will be held 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Friday, January 10 at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial service at 11 AM Friday at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Following a luncheon at the church, a committal and graveside service will be held 2:30 PM Friday at Saint John the Baptist Cemetery in Cincinnati. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family.

Memorials for Father Kammerer may be sent to Chatfield College to be added to the Father Raymond Kammerer Library Fund. Give a gift online here or mail a check to 20918 State Route 251, Fayetteville, OH 45118.

Maybe you’ve been considering going back to school to start or finish your degree, but it never seems like the right time. Between family commitments and work responsibilities, finding the time to make college work can seem like an impossible challenge. Maybe you are anxious about going back after being out of school for so long, or you’re worried that you will not be able to keep up. Even if your schedule is hectic and you have doubts, NOW is a great time to get started! In this new year, make it a point to focus on you! If your goal is making a positive change in your life, there is no better way to achieve that than earning a college degree!

Now that you have decided you are going to take the plunge, finding the college that is the best fit for you and your family is key. While there are many choices out there, read below to see why Chatfield is an excellent option for anyone.

Affordability- With more than 35 endowed scholarships, students have access to free money! Along with our scholarships, students can also take advantage of the work-study program on campus, grants, and loans. Our financial aid counselors are there to help students navigate the process of getting the most money to apply toward their degrees. Take a moment to view the types of aid available to you at Chatfield.

Accessibility- Chatfield is an open enrollment college, meaning there is no requirement for ACT or SAT scores. Even better, you can complete the FREE application online in minutes! The admission counselors and advisors will help students with the enrollment process and answer any questions. Click here to request more information about starting the process.

Another significant aspect of Chatfield is the flexibility when it comes to taking classes. The classes at Chatfield are offered on a block schedule, meaning each class is scheduled once per week. If taking classes on campus does not work with your schedule, you have the option to register for courses that meet online!

Support- Chatfield’s dedicated faculty and staff’s top priority is to help you succeed! Your academic advisors are there to help you keep on track and assist in solving any academic issues you may face. On both Chatfield campuses, free mentoring and tutoring services are available. Our small, close-knit community on campus ensures everyone has access to the support they need!

Although the thought of attending college can be scary and overwhelming for anyone, you can do it! We will be there every step of the way until you walk across the stage on graduation day!

“I chose to join the Miriam Society because I believe in Chatfield’s mission. Chatfield is a truly special place. One that prepares students for a better future, and embodies the spirit of hardworking women and men, who wish to make a difference in the lives of others. I decided to make a planned gift  because I see how empowering Chatfield is for its students, allowing them to achieve their dreams and accomplish their goals through education.”

-Natasha Richiron, Chatfield staff

About the Miriam Society. The Miriam Society was formed in honor of Chatfield’s founder and first Dean, Sr. Miriam Thompson, to recognize individuals who have chosen to leave a planned gift for Chatfield College. The Miriam Society’s members are women and men committed to the mission of Chatfield College to transform lives and families through education.  That transformation can only be achieved through private financial support and the building of the endowment fund.

A planned gift, left to Chatfield through your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy or other means, can provide the difference.

It’s easy. Ensuring that you make a difference can be as simple as adding a sentence to your existing will or adding Chatfield College on a beneficiary form.

Every gift will make a profound impact. Whether your gift is $1 or $1,000,000, we can empower more students through education to better themselves, their employability and their future.

You can help you and your family now and others later.  You can increase lifetime cash flow for you, your spouse or other loved ones through a charitable remainder trust.  After your death (or your spouse’s death), whatever remains in the trust goes to Chatfield.

You have the flexibility to decide what is best. Your gift can come to us only after your other needs are met.  It can also be a percentage so it remains in proportion to other desires you wish to fulfill.  You can change your gift at any time if your circumstances change.

You can choose how you want to make your impact. Your gift can be unrestricted, placed in our endowment, or you can designate that it pay for specific needs at Chatfield… whatever means most to you.

Getting Started Is Easy

To learn more about planned giving at Chatfield please contact Development Director Kelly Watson at (513) 875-3344 ext. 117, or email Kelly at kelly.watson@chatfield.edu.

The information above is not intended as legal or financial advice. Please consult your attorney and/or advisor.