First class inducted into Lancaster Campus COMS Alumni Hall of Fame

Photo Above: (L to R) Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox, Delainey McIlwain, Dr. Pam Kaylor, Stacy Cesa Schindler and Dr. Niki Blau

��Ƶ Lancaster has inducted its inaugural class into the Lancaster Campus Communication Studies (COMS) Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors outstanding alumni who lead with purpose, give back to OHIO and inspire the next generation of students.

“This was a team effort to identify a way to recognize our Lancaster Campus COMS Alumni,” said Lancaster Campus Communications Studies Professor Candice Thomas-Maddox. “We are so proud of the accomplishments and the incredible generosity of our alumni who are always willing to give back.”

Each year, the Lancaster Campus Lambda Pi Eta students host COMS Day where they celebrate the achievements of Communication Studies students, and this is where the idea for the Hall of Fame was born.

“As we were planning this year’s event, we realized we also want to identify a way to recognize our alumni,” said Thomas-Maddox. “Time and again, when we ask them to speak with students, serve on advisory boards, or to plan or present at conferences, they respond with an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ They lead in their workplaces and communities, invite our students to complete internships, serve on nonprofit boards, volunteer with passion, and use their communication skills to create positive change.”

This year’s inductees were:

Delainey McIlwain ‘16 - McIlwain makes a significant impact through her role as Community Relations Coordinator and Internal Communications Liaison at Park National Bank, along with her active service and leadership on numerous local boards, and her consistent mentorship of COMS students. Recognized with multiple community awards, including the 2023 Young Professional of the Year by the Lancaster-Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and the 2023 Emerging Athena Award from the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, she embodies the spirit of the COMS program by inspiring others and remaining deeply committed to her profession, her campus, and her community.
Stacy Cesa Schindler ’02, ’14 – Schindler has championed student needs across regional campuses, co-founded the Leadership Launchpad program and inspired academic excellence through her involvement and leadership as immediate past chair of the COMS Alumni Advisory Board. With more than 25 years of professional leadership in sales, training and finance, Schindler’s dedication to volunteerism, mentorship and alumni engagement, combined with her lifelong Bobcat pride, has made her a true role model for current and future students.
Dr. Alex Wesaw ’12, ’14 - A citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Dr. Wesaw has built a distinguished career in tribal governance, public affairs and cultural preservation, earning national recognition as a 2022 Native American “40 Under 40” honoree. He currently serves as the Division Director for American Indian Relations at the Ohio History Connection and played a key role in the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks' World Heritage Site designation by UNESCO. Dr. Wesaw continues to inspire students through advocacy, mentorship, and meaningful campus engagement.

“It feels really great to be thought of in this manner after graduating. I can’t help but think of all the people around me that supported me to be able to earn my degrees. I’m grateful to have had their support along the way and I hope to be able to make an impact on someone else’s life to be able to do great things themselves,” said Wesaw. “��Ƶ Lancaster offered a way for me to continue working while pursuing my degree. Frankly, most of the professors I worked with were very practical and accommodating to my needs. I really appreciated the openness they all showed me for different experiences I was pursuing.”

“I was honored and surprised to be recognized in this way. It was incredibly humbling and meaningful. My time at ��Ƶ and the professors I had made a huge impact on me. Even when I was still in school, I knew I wanted to find a way to give back to the university. Now, through my work, I’ve been able to give back my time and talent, and I hope to make a meaningful impact on current students as they complete their degrees and begin their careers,” said McIlwain. “The beauty of a communication degree is that it doesn’t put you in a box, it opens doors. It teaches you how to connect, how to listen, how to lead, and how to make an impact. Now in my career, I get to do all of those things. I use the skills I learned at ��Ƶ Lancaster every day, but more importantly, I get to help people. I get to serve my community and be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Each year, up to three deserving alumni may be selected for this recognition.

To be eligible for induction, nominees must:

Be graduates of the Communication Studies program at the Lancaster Campus.
Show a continued commitment to giving back to the Lancaster Campus through mentoring, speaking engagements, support of student programs, or other meaningful contributions.
And finally, they must demonstrate distinction in community service and/or professional leadership through civic engagement, nonprofit involvement, or professional accomplishments.

Selections are made by Lancaster Campus COMS faculty, and the names of each year’s inductees will be proudly added to a permanent plaque in Brasee Hall.

“It’s our hope that this plaque becomes a source of pride and inspiration for every student who passes by to remind them that their journey is just beginning, and the road ahead holds incredible promise,” said Thomas-Maddox. “These honorees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, to serve with heart, and to stay connected to the place where their stories began. They have given of their time, talent, and wisdom, not only to their communities, but also back to this campus, and in doing so, they have helped shape the path for those who will follow.”

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