51�� expands affordable pathways into healthcare careers

Reggie Hayes — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:35:00 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� is excited to announce a new pricing structure for select certificate and associate degree programs designed to increase opportunities for students pursuing high-demand nursing and allied health careers.

51�� formed a healthcare education partnership with Leffler Academy in Gas City, Indiana, in 2024. The university has since expanded healthcare education across Indiana, offering programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Indianapolis and Lafayette.

Beginning in spring 2026, 51�� will adopt the Leffler Academy pricing structure to lower tuition for workforce development healthcare programs by building institutional aid directly into the cost of attendance. This approach offers students streamlined pricing and eliminates the need for separate scholarships.

“The Leffler Academy pricing structure has been a critical component in their success providing students with a viable route to their initial goals in entering the healthcare field,” said 51�� President Dr. Lance Richey. “We believe this model addresses students’ needs and encourages a greater number of people to pursue careers that meet urgent needs in the healthcare industry.”

These nursing and allied health programs—many of which can be completed in under two years or as quickly as eight weeks—prepare students for immediate employment or continued study toward advanced healthcare degrees. Tuition for 8- to 16-week certificates ranges from $1,150 to $2,950 per semester, while 1- to 2-year programs range from $5,800 to $8,750 per semester. Students may also qualify for federal and state financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement.

“The success of the Leffler Academy model is evident in the growing number of students completing these pathways and transitioning seamlessly into professional healthcare roles,” said Dr. Amanda Leffler, founder of Leffler Academy and 51�� Vice President for Workforce Development and Interim Chief Nursing Officer.

Courses are available in in-person, hybrid, online, and evening formats, supporting both traditional students and working adults. Graduates often continue their education through 51��’ associate and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and allied health related fields.

Programs included are:

Central Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) (Hybrid, 16 Weeks)
Clinical Medical Assistant (Hybrid, 16 weeks)
Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician (Online, 8 weeks)
Emergency Medical Technician (In person, 16 weeks)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Preparation (Online, 8 weeks)
Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS) (Hybrid, 3–5 semesters)
Nurse Aide (CNA) (In person, 8 weeks)
Nursing (ADN) (In person, 4 semesters)
Nursing (LPN to ADN) (In person, 3 semesters)
Phlebotomy Technician Preparation (Hybrid, 8 weeks)
Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) (In person, 16 weeks)
Respiratory Therapy (AAS) (Hybrid, 5–7 semesters)
Surgical Technology (AAS) (Hybrid, 4–5 semesters)

These programs address Indiana’s growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. For more information about these 51�� programs, visit .

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. 51�� Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51��, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� to host ‘From Manet to Fort Wayne’ lecture

Reggie Hayes — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:07:32 +0000

Dr. Elizabeth Kuebler will present a free lecture on an important painting by the French artist Louis Fabien (1924-2016) in an event presented through the partnership of the 51�� and the History Center (Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society).

In “From Manet to Fort Wayne—A Tale of Two Paintings,” Kuebler will discuss the Fabien painting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 in the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center, 1014 Leesburg Road. Kuebler is an associate professor of art history at 51��.

The painting was commissioned by the Spillson family for their renowned Café Johnell restaurant in Fort Wayne in 1982. It is a direct homage to Édouard Manet’s “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère,” painted in 1882. Nike Spillson, who posed for Fabien’s homage, generously donated the painting to 51�� and it is on display in the Rolland Center.

This work is a central portrait of Nike Spillson and her family, owners of Café Johnell. The restaurant was renowned for its French inspired atmosphere and cuisine. Nike was trained at the Cordon Bleu in Paris to be the chef and later became the director of the restaurant. Their wine cellar was one of the finest in the Midwest.

The painting features Nike, her parents, Fabien (in self-portrait) and Fabien’s wife, Annik. Fabien and the Spillsons were friends and the Spillsons purchased several of his paintings for the restaurant and their family’s collection.

Fabien was a self-taught figurative painter who used a modern form of Pointillism in his colorful paintings. Fabien exhibited artwork in Paris salon shows and had one-man shows in France, the United States, Japan, England and Germany.

Kuebler’s lecture is sponsored by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union. For more information, contact 51�� Gallery Director Justin Johnson at jljohnson@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51��, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� student-athletes excel in classroom during fall semester

Reggie Hayes — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:28:38 +0000

Photo by Chad Ryan

Fifty 51�� student-athletes achieved perfect 4.0 GPA results during the fall semester as the Cougars maintained their reputation for excellence in the classroom.

Thirteen 51�� teams achieved a collective 3.0 or higher GPA and four teams achieved above a collective 3.5 GPA.

“This academic success reflects the type of student-athletes our coaches recruit, and the hard work of those students as they balance academics and athletics. We are very proud of the commitment to excellence of these tremendous young people,” 51�� Athletic Director Mike McCaffrey said.

Student-athletes achieving perfect 4.0 GPAs for the fall semester were:

Baseball: Cory Wolter, Zachary Trojanowski, Beau Jacquay

Men’s Basketball: Zane Burke

Women’s Basketball: Cassidy Crawford, Lexi Shelton

Cheer: Erin Wichman

Women’s Cross Country: Kayla Quimby, Danielle Lesser, Alex Ebetino, Ella Dubbs, Kiara Bahena

Esports: Jagger Walraven, Ivan Serapio, Carson Kreischer, Maxton Green

Football: Brett Wethington, Daniel Thompson, Adam Smith, McCall Ray, Jacob Burton

Women’s Golf: Maci Chamberlin

Men’s soccer: Alessandro Bazan, Henning Bundschuh, Jack Doughty, Eduardo Garcia Ruiz, Elvis Nwosu, Jannik Reiss, Noah Zmuda

Women’s Soccer: Mallory Turnbow, Abigail Shinn, Grace Hein, Evelyn Harkenrider, Maria Givens, Haley Brenner

Softball: Mia Werner, Madisyn Miller, Brianna Miller, Madelyn Tompkins, Brooklyn McCord, Samantha Baker, Haylee Schott

Women’s Tennis: Emma Dellinger

Men’s Indoor Track & Field: Joe Painter, Nathaniel Burns

Women’s Indoor Track and Field: Kaylee Miller

Volleyball: Lauren Stout, Kayla Gumbel, Ellie Ferris, Kellyn Bertsch

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51�� awards Pay It Forward Scholarship to Huntington’s Alexia Ramirez

Reggie Hayes — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:39:38 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� congratulates Huntington North High School senior Alexia Ramirez as the winner of the full-tuition Pay It Forward Scholarship for 2023.

51�� Interim President Dr. Lance Richey and WANE-TV’s Emily Dwire honored Ramirez with the scholarship in a ceremony on Thursday at Huntington North. 51�� partners with WANE-TV to promote the annual Pay It Forward Scholarship. Alexia was joined by her parents Refugio and Alejandra Ramirez at the ceremony.

The Pay It Forward Scholarship has a four-year value of more than $140,000, covering tuition and fees, and is awarded to an incoming 51�� student who goes above and beyond to serve others and “pay it forward.” 51�� selected Ramirez after she submitted an essay and shared her story in a WANE-TV feature video. Ramirez will enter 51�� in the 2024-25 academic year.

The other Pay It Forward finalists—Bella VanNatter of Kokomo, Indiana, and Levi Wisler of Greenwood, Indiana—will receive half-tuition scholarships.

Ramirez’s entry explained how she started a Spanish club at the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington County to help Spanish-speaking children who are having trouble with English, and to help other students learning Spanish.

Ramirez was motivated by her struggles with language as a child.

“Knowing that I was able to make a difference in a child’s life was all the motivation I needed to go on with it,” she wrote in her submitted essay. “I was determined to help even if one child in my community did not go through the same struggles I had faced.”

Ramirez recruited two other students to help her, and the club continues to grow and assist children with Spanish and English.

“Service to others is one of the responsibilities each person should do and has a meaningful aspect in my life,” Ramirez wrote. “The value of service to others has not only shaped my perspective but has also been a principle in the choices I make in my life. I believe service is how you build stronger, more compassionate and closeknit communities.”

Ramirez plans to study nursing at 51�� and will continue to work with the Spanish Club.

Ramirez is the second Huntington North student to win the full-tuition scholarship, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Audrie Bowman. Other previous winners and their high schools: Crystal Grunawalt (Concordia Lutheran), Kevin Brown (Adams Central), Maria Solis (Bishop Luers), Alexis Treesh (Prairie Heights) and Mary Jones (Adams Central).

For more information on the Pay It Forward Scholarship, contact the Office of 51�� at 260-399-8000 or admis@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51��, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� student films to be featured at Hobnobben Film Festival

Reggie Hayes — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:17:58 +0000

Four short films created by 51�� students will be shown as part of the Hobnobben Film Festival, which runs Oct. 19 to 22 at the Fort Wayne Cinema Center.

All four of the films will be shown on opening night.

“We are ecstatic to have multiple student films in this year’s Hobnobben Film Festival,” said 51�� Division Director of Communication, Animation and Technology Jacob Nolt. “It has been such a joy to watch these students grow from learning the techniques and theory of filmmaking to applying them by creating their own finished works. Each one of these films was made in about 15 weeks so these students hustled and had to really dig into the meaning of teamwork.

“All summer long, we have been celebrating student films being accepted into a plethora of festivals, including Hobnobben,” Nolt said. “This is an important festival to us because it’s here in Fort Wayne and highlights the talented storytellers we have right here in northeast Indiana. Sincerest congratulations to these current and former students on their successes. We wish them many more and are so proud to have them representing the 51��.”

The films and the students:

THE FOX’S WEDDING

Animation students: Callie Swangin, Carmina Arriblasplata, Genna Davis, Jennifer Haggis, Eindra Maung; Music Tech student: Callahan (Calder) Kagel

A QUEST FOR KINDNESS

Animation students: Logan Blinn, Dylan Scheffer, Emily Pohlman, Ashley Mitchell

SPRING CLEANING

Animation students: Regina Langenkamp, Adam Anderson, Abigail Sobeske, Nick Fecher

TROLL THE DICE

Animation students: Regina Langenkamp, Hunter Dimond, Imani Robinson, Ron Record

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Triple the fun for 51�� freshmen Harrigan brothers

Reggie Hayes — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:16:46 +0000

Austin, Brenden and Caleb Harrigan (Photo by Hannah Fowerbaugh)

Austin, Brenden and Caleb Harrigan are triplet freshmen at the 51��, finding their way around campus and dispelling myths about their connection.

“We can’t read each other’s minds,” Caleb said.

“Occasionally, there’ll be that moment where we think the same thing at the exact same time,” Austin said.

One of those moments happened after Brenden—then a senior at Bishop Luers High School—took a visit to 51�� and learned about the esports team. They all love to play the game “Super Smash Bros.” Brenden learned it was possible to join the 51�� team and obtain a little scholarship money, a necessity for three brothers going to a private university simultaneously.

“Brenden came home from his visit and said, ‘Oh, my gosh, my brothers are going to love this,’” said Denise Harrigan, their mother. “As soon as they heard that, they perked up.”

The brothers’ interests outside Super Smash Bros. are quite diverse. Their majors: Austin, graphic design; Brenden, theology; and Caleb, music technology. (Their first names are taken from their order of birth: A, B and C.) Despite their different interests, they each found something in those programs at 51�� to seal the deal.

“We didn’t really expect them to go to the same college, but when they did and it’s actually in town, we were really glad,” Denise Harrigan said. “I’ve been dreading all three leaving at once. They seem to be happy.”

Their parents, Denise and Michael Harrigan, planned for this year, but it can be a difficult road to finance three private college experiences at once. The boys have an older sister, Emily, who graduated from Huntington University.

Several avenues of scholarships and financial aid help. Brenden is part of the Assisi Program for Discipleship and Leadership, which includes half the cost of room and board. Each brother lives on campus with a roommate. While Brenden lives with another Assisi Program student, Austin and Caleb could have roomed together. Instead, they chose to branch out to increase their connections with other students.

“Being miles and miles away from each other would have been very difficult,” Brenden said. “51�� worked out for us, and it was not so much of a hassle signing everybody up for everything, finding out about financial aid and things like that. Even though we are in different majors, we were able to apply for some of the same scholarships.”

While their paths don’t always cross during the school day, they still play video games together, as well as attend esports practices and competitions together.

Asked if one of them is the best Super Smash Bros. brother, they concur.

“That’d be Austin,” Caleb said.

“We have our moments where we get him, but for the most part, it’s Austin,” Brenden said. “One of the great things about being a triplet is whenever you want to play a video game, someone is there.”

They also agree on the dining hall and the Creative Dining menu. “The food here is amazing,” Brenden said. “I want to get in that dining hall every chance I can get.”

As three thin brothers, they wouldn’t mind adding a “freshmen 15” courtesy of their meal plans. But they’re not necessarily expecting it. “I walk to Rolland (Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center) and back six times a week,” Austin said. “I shouldn’t have to worry about exercise.”

“They’re excited and they’re adjusting well,” Denise said. “I went to nursing school in Ohio and didn’t know anybody and was terrified the first few weeks, making those calls home. I haven’t got those calls from them. I saw them after the first week and it was calming just to know they’re doing well.”

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51�� opens 2023-24 academic year with Mass of the Holy Spirit and convocation

Reggie Hayes — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:57:18 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� celebrated the start of the academic year today with the Mass of the Holy Spirit—a tradition in Catholic educational institutions across the globe—and a convocation address by Interim President Dr. Lance Richey, along with a complimentary lunch for attendees at North Campus.

The Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, celebrated the Mass and gave the homily with Rev. Brian Isenbarger (BA ’12) and Rev. Thomas Zehr concelebrating, and Deacon Daniel Avila (BA ’80, MA ’16) assisting. Students, faculty, staff, trustees and guests attended.

“As we start the 134th year of the 51��, the university is strong and the future is bright,” Dr. Richey said to a near-capacity crowd at the North Campus auditorium. “I want to thank you all for being a part of that future. We’re delighted to have you as part of our family and I pray—and we all pray—that God will bless everyone at USF.”

Dr. Richey announced that 51�� welcomed more than 650 new students and more than 1,900 overall students, including those at USF Crown Point and the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana.

“God has given us the opportunity to spread the good news of faith and learning that will transform the lives of a large number of students,” Dr. Richey said. “It’s going to be an exciting year.”

Dr. Richey highlighted the new music technology concentration in hip-hop and R&B, the new accredited bachelor’s and associate degrees in respiratory therapy, the new class of Assisi Program for Discipleship and Leadership, the athletic program, the renovations to Doermer Family Center for Health Science Education and the south end zone of Bishop D’Arcy Stadium and the upcoming improvements planned for Trinity Hall.

The annual Mass of the Holy Spirit and convocation welcomes new and returning students and employees, and honored guests, including the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration who have sponsored the university since its founding in 1890. This year, students will pursue degrees in more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51��, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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Mimi Rolland’s influence will live on at 51��

Reggie Hayes — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:37:08 +0000

A love of art—and a dedication to encouraging and supporting young people—permeated the lives of Mimi and Ian Rolland, and their legacy is forever secure at the 51��.

Visitors will always be reminded of the couple’s support and commitment when they enter the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center on the southeast side of campus. Those who were personally touched by the Rollands will never forget them.

Mimi Rolland, 90, died on Saturday, leaving lasting memories of friendship and support for 51��, which she demonstrated along with her late husband Ian, who died in 2017.

“I will miss being able to spend time with her,” 51�� President Emerita Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, said. “Spending time with her was enjoyable—and an honor, really.”

Ian Rolland, who earned a national reputation in business as CEO of Lincoln National Corporation, began serving on the 51�� College board under then-President Sister JoEllen Sheetz in 1979. That was the beginning of a decades-long relationship between Ian and Mimi Rolland and 51��.

The late Rick Cartwright sold the idea of turning a dilapidated Standard Oil facility into the Creative Arts home that now carries the Rollands’ names. The couple was impressed with Cartwright’s vision for how 51�� could grow its creative arts program in a renovated campus home. They also worked closely with Sister Elise, who served 27 years as 51�� president, as the program developed.

“Rick demonstrated his vision to us, and Mimi was drawn to it also,” Ian said in 2014. “The first time in the building I thought, ‘You’ve got to be nuts, this place is a mess.’ But you can’t say no to Rick, and Lincoln used to say I couldn’t say no to a nun. So now, it’s a special place.”

Ian Rolland encouraged other board members and community leaders to support 51��, and he and Mimi led the way with their commitment to philanthropy. Arts United presented them with a Lifetime Achievement Award and they were honored by the American Red Cross, the United Way and many other community organizations.

51�� awarded Mimi with a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2016.

While Ian used his business savvy to assist various organizations, Mimi often brought the extra personal touch that epitomized the couple’s caring personalities.

“She doesn’t like boards and structure and decisions, and is more comfortable with one-on-one and small groups,” Ian said in 2014. “She contributes to individuals, schools and the inner city. I can do the boards and the organizational stuff. I prefer it and it works out pretty well that way.”

Mimi worked with the East Wayne Street Center and led Girl Scouts, among many volunteer activities.

The couple’s love of art was evident to those who visited their home, and they shared artwork with others, including donating a collection to 51��. They also left a Mimi and Ian Rolland Endowed Scholarship to 51��.

Their impact on 51�� will live on in the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center—and in the hearts of those who experienced the couple’s kindness and generosity.

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51�� alumnus and wife turn anniversary into service for Hawaiian people

Reggie Hayes — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:20:26 +0000

51�� alumnus Jason Coriano (BS ’03) and his wife, Lesley, celebrated two years of marriage by working on their anniversary—sharing their love for the people of Lahaina, Hawaii, in a way they’ll never forget.

The Corianos were married on Aug. 12, 2021 in Lahaina and make regular trips there. Lesley, in fact, lived in Hawaii for 12 years before moving to San Diego, California, where the couple now live. Because of their connection, the Corianos were especially distressed by the devastation of wildfires that have claimed and upended the lives of the people of Lahaina. They had already planned to travel to Lahaina for their anniversary; they decided to change their itinerary.

“We thought, ‘Let’s not be a leech to the island and sit around at the beach,” Jason Coriano said. “Let’s do something for the people and the island that is so special to us.”

The Corianos put word out to their friends and family that they were seeking donations and supplies to help the people of Lahaina. They were adamant about using their connections to directly help people—cutting out red tape that often slows the speed in which people’s donations reach those in need of receiving the help. Within six days, the Corianos raised nearly $7,000 in donations and supplies. Their efforts were recognized by San Diego’s Fox5 in an interview this week (pictured above).

Lesley, a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines who frequently works on flights to Maui, was able to arrange for supplies to be flown in. Jason, principal broker at Metro San Diego Realty, coordinated the donations—both physical and monetary. The Corianos flew back and forth between San Diego and Hawaii last weekend and were able to make sure the supplies reached the hands of the right people once they arrived in Maui. Clothing, toiletries and other everyday items were delivered to those people quickly. Alaska Airlines helped Lesley Coriano by transporting supplies, including one shipment of more than 500 boxes.

Once in Hawaii, the Corianos worked with private boat owners to transport camping gear including sleeping bags, cots, water, outdoor stoves and other items. The Corianos also directly helped some families they knew and others they met last weekend.

“Before we left to come back to San Diego, we still had $600 left, so we said let’s give $500 to this family we met,” Jason said. “The young girl took the gift card and said, ‘Grandma, we can get groceries now.’ Grandma started crying. It was such an incredible moment to be able to do something to help.

“There were some challenging days, and we were tired but in a rewarding sense in being able to give back,” Jason said. “It was great to be able to do something that went directly into the hands of people who need it.”

Anyone interested in contributing through the Corianos’ continued efforts can do so through Venmo (@jasoncoriano, confirmation digits 5360) or Zelle (use Coriano’s cell number of 619-665-5360). Jason Coriano can also be reached at jasoncoriano@gmail.com or by calling or texting his cell phone. People who would like to purchase an Amazon item and have it shipped directly to Maui should email him to find out what is needed at that time.

Jason Coriano, originally from Merrillville, Indiana, played football for the Cougars from 1998 to 2001 and earned his bachelor’s degree in health and safety.

Courtesy photos: Jason and Lesley Coriano are interviewed by Fox5 San Diego’s Elizabeth Alvarez (top photo). Jason Coriano works on transporting supplies (bottom photo).

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51�� student seeks to work magic on grandfather’s biography

Reggie Hayes — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 22:22:15 +0000

Dick Stoner and Colin Haines

Story by Reggie Hayes | Photography by Hannah Fowerbaugh

Elementary education major Colin Haines (’26) thought there ought to be a book about the life and times of his grandfather, Dick Stoner, magician and owner of Stoner’s Funstore, a Fort Wayne institution since 1949.

So, Haines took matters into his own hands—he’s writing that book.

“They say the best way to become an expert on a subject is to write a book,” Haines said. “It’s been really meaningful to sit down with my grandpa, my dad and mom, my uncle, my cousins and I’ve become friends with a lot of magicians, too.”

Haines remains in the reporting phase of the project, still collecting stories, helped along by from Fort Wayne television station WANE15.

“I’ve had a great response from all sorts of people in Fort Wayne with different stories and pictures,” Haines said. “I’ve even been in contact with other magicians, including big acts in Las Vegas who know my grandfather.”

Haines hopes to complete the book within the next two years.

Stoner, 93, spent his life working trade shows, parties and other events as a magician while running the local store. He still works in Stoner’s Funstore once a week, but will come in other days if someone requests to see him. Haines works in the store now while studying at the 51��.

Haines’ father, Andy, worked at Stoner’s Funstore as a teenager and that’s how he met Stoner’s daughter, Georgia, who became his wife.

“In 2021, I went to a magic convention in Michigan with my grandpa, who has been going there for 75 years,” Colin Haines said. “Being there, I kept seeing all these people come up to him and it made me realize how lucky I was to be born into a family that does magic.”

“I was flattered when Colin said he wanted to write this book,” Stoner said. “It’s amazing how he gets in touch with people and gets information from them.”

Researching the book also led to , which had disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club was initially formed in 1928.

“We’re still in the reorganization phase of that, too,” with 15 current members, Haines said. “A lot of people complain about the internet and how people can learn tricks that are easy on YouTube and places like that. But when my dad and his buddies started out, they learned with books and VHS tapes, so every generation has a way of learning the tricks.”

Haines will enter his sophomore year at 51�� and continue to work toward his elementary education degree. He first assisted in a kindergarten class while a senior at Snider High School and he has been able to work in first and second grade classrooms while at 51��. “I’m working my way up,” he said.

Haines learned that magicians have primary careers in a variety of fields, including education, and use their magic skills when they are not on the job. Magic tricks can come in handy when seeking to grab the attention of students in a classroom, Haines said.

Haines initially spent much of his energy on music—he plays guitar, banjo and harmonica—but delving into the biography of his grandfather pulled him more into the longtime family business.

“You can’t write a book about a magician and not have interest in learning those tricks, too,” he said.

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51���� expands affordable pathways into healthcare careers

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51���� student-athletes excel in classroom during fall semester

51���� awards Pay It Forward Scholarship to Huntington’s Alexia Ramirez

51���� student films to be featured at Hobnobben Film Festival

Triple the fun for 51���� freshmen Harrigan brothers

51���� opens 2023-24 academic year with Mass of the Holy Spirit and convocation

Mimi Rolland’s influence will live on at 51����

51���� alumnus and wife turn anniversary into service for Hawaiian people

51���� student seeks to work magic on grandfather’s biography

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