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COTC Honors Alumni Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWARK, OHIO, DEC. 5, 2025 — Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) presented three alumni awards to graduates who have reached remarkable heights in their careers and shown extraordinary dedication to the communities they serve.
Recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Award, Transitions Alumni Award and John C. “Jay” Barker Community Service Alumni Award were announced on Dec. 4 at the college’s annual alumni holiday celebration.
Outstanding Alumni Award
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes COTC alumni who have demonstrated personal or professional achievement that brings honor and distinction to the college as well as individual attainment and contributions for the betterment of the community.
Terry Bertiaux (1984, industrial engineering technology) received this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award. His lengthy government career started while he was a COTC student. Through a cooperative work experience at Newark Airforce Base, Bertiaux began working with the U.S. Department of Defense to schedule guidance systems repairs.
It led the Mount Vernon native to roles within the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. With the latter, he went to Iraq to help the Air Force and Army with equipment turn in before their return to the United States. Bertiaux also continued his education, completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in dispute resolution at Sullivan University in Kentucky.
Today, Bertiaux works as a mediator for the Defense Finance Accounting Service in Columbus. His main duties include managing conflict and interceding discrimination cases. To do it, he travels the country — but he remains steadfastly committed to the community and campus that gave him his start.
“Terry has been a dedicated and engaged member of the COTC Alumni Council for many years,” said Kim Manno, the college’s director of advancement. “He’s an exceptional advocate in the community, and the progression of his career demonstrates the foundational relevance of technical education. It’s great to see him recognized for all his professional achievements and community engagement.”
Transitions Alumni Award
The COTC Transitions Alumni Award recognizes COTC alumni currently working at the college in either a faculty or staff capacity who help advance the college and make a difference in the lives of current students.
Sarah Grandstaff (2014, radiologic science technology) was honored with the Transitions Alumni Award. She started her career in the field of imaging before becoming an instructor in the same COTC program from which she graduated.
“Sarah’s shift from a working technologist to educator has been seamless, and she continues to excel each year in this role,” said Whitney Reese, program director and associate professor of radiologic science technology at COTC. “She has grown tremendously as an educator and mentor for students enrolled in our program.”
Since she started teaching, Grandstaff has garnered credentials and taken on enhanced roles, such as clinical coordinator. She participates in curriculum revision and development as well as accreditation efforts. With Grandstaff’s influence, the program has maintained its perfect pass rate on the national radiography credentialing exam.
“It’s easy to see the strong passion and dedication she shows this program,” Reese remarked. “Sarah continuously displays her sincere care for our students and provides support to ensure they all have an opportunity to succeed.”
John C. “Jay” Barker Community Service Alumni Award
The John C. “Jay” Barker Community Service Alumni Award recognizes extraordinary graduates who give back through community service. It honors the legacy of Jay Barker — a friend, community servant and proud COTC alumnus who passed away in March 2014.
Brian Haught (2007, digital media design) earned this year’s John C. “Jay” Barker Community Service Alumni Award. It rewards Haught’s generosity and extensive service to both his alma mater and the county he calls home.
He spent 15 years at Newark’s Midland Theatre, where he implemented marketing strategies, oversaw event promotion, enhanced brand awareness and drove ticket sales. He currently serves as the outreach manager at Licking County Aging Partners, building meaningful relationships between the organization and the broader community. During the growth arc of his career, he has also worked hard to support this community. Haught has served as president of Mental Health America of Licking County and currently sits on its board. In 2021, he was named the organization’s volunteer of the year.
Haught has also volunteered with Hospice of Central Ohio and United Way of Licking County. He sits on the supervisory committee of TrueCore Federal Credit Union and belongs to COTC’s Alumni Council.
“Brian approaches his volunteer work in a very thoughtful and strategic way,” said Jennifer Roberts, Executive Director of the Newark Campus Development Fund. “We need more young leaders like Brian, who is willing to roll up his sleeves and do hard work. This award is a beautiful way to honor his commitment to serving our community.”COTC is a fully accredited, public college dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.
