The Ohio State University at Mansfield will honor three alumni March 25 as part of its Alumni Hall of Fame Awards. The program recognizes graduates who have contributed significantly to their professions and communities.
Carrie Rietschlin Kemerer, Steven Oster and Bertha Villa Bishop will be honored at 5:30 p.m. at 1285 Winery, 1285 Hanley Road, Mansfield.
This year’s alumni are:
Carrie Rietschlin Kemerer (Class of ’01, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology)
Carrie Rietschlin Kemerer, a dedicated community leader in Richland County, completed her entire degree at the Mansfield campus. Carrie is the executive director of The Shelby Foundation, where she leads the strategic investment of grants to better the Shelby community. She also serves on the executive committee of the Community Improvement Corporation of Shelby, playing a key role in revitalization projects like the $1.6 million Black Fork Commons Plaza. She is a member of the Rotary Club and acting treasurer for the United Fund of Shelby.
Carrie has been instrumental in growing The Shelby Foundation, particularly by spreading awareness and organizing the annual "For a Brighter Tomorrow" fundraising gala, which raises significant funds for area nonprofits. Her tireless dedication to service and ability to bring people together have made her a central figure in many transformative initiatives throughout the county.
Steven Oster (Class of ’00, Master of Arts, Public Policy and Management)
Steve Oster is a distinguished leader in developmental disabilities, serving as superintendent for the Knox and Coshocton County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and executive director for PAR - Professionals, Advocate, Resources. He completed his master’s degree in public policy from Ohio State with his first year at Ohio State Mansfield. Steve's career includes executive roles at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the County Board Association, and Summit County Board of DD. He has received numerous awards for his advocacy, including the Ron Kozlowski Award and Betty Macintosh Award. Steve led the campaign to establish Harmony Park, an inclusive playground in Knox County, and holds board leadership positions in various community organizations including the Knox Chamber, Coshocton United Way, and Mansfield Playhouse.
Bertha Villa Bishop (Class of ’11, Bachelor of Arts, History)
B.L. Bishop is a nationally recognized photographer in Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated for her exceptional talent in capturing life's most precious moments. Bertha is a native of Medellín, Colombia, and her journey in photography began with her passion for storytelling through images while pursuing a journalism degree there. After landing in 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. She earned her certification as a professional photographer through the Professional Photographers of America in 2019 and has been featured in specialized publications like Senior Year Magazine, Teen Years Magazine, Senior Muse Magazine, Infinity Photography Magazine and Shutter Up Magazine. Her work is known for its warmth, creativity and storytelling. Bertha is dedicated to community service, with energetic engagement with the Richland County Dog Shelter and as president of the Ohio State 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,” said Ohio State Mansfield Development Director Cindy Wood. “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 buechner.22@osu.edu