LINDENWOOD Connecting to Alumni and Friends In this issue: Spring 2018 Pg. Pg. Pg. Six Metro East Pg. Pg. One Roar Hensley and MFA alumna named police leaders Griffin goes on initiative USA win Gold poet laureate hold Lindenwood South American launched to 4 in Olympics 5 for Cupertino 8 degrees 12 bike odyssey 16 benefit athletics

Cohen goes from Bean Counter to Bean Roaster Pg. 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

REAL EXPERIENCE. REAL SUCCESS.

This is an exciting time at Lindenwood advanced studies not just able to get jobs We’ve launched a new section on our website University. On Jan. 1, the university but to get their chosen jobs, not merely able devoted to the new strategic plan. There, implemented a new strategic plan that was to contribute as well prepared workers but you can read more about it and watch a a year and a half in the making and involved also as thoroughly educated citizens. series of videos on the components of the the university’s entire senior leadership plan. Check it out at www.lindenwood.edu/ structure along with alumni, faculty, staff, Additionally, the plan is divided into five about/leadership/strategic-plan. and students. The result is a new vision key themes: Differentiate Academic to support our entrepreneurial spirit. Programs, Build Innovative Programs, We hope you enjoy this edition of Optimize Resources, Deliver High-Quality Lindenwood. As always, it is filled with The process resulted in a new mission Experiences, and Redesign Branding and interesting and inspiring stories about your statement: “Real experience. Real success. Marketing. Through these foci, we will alma mater and your fellow alumni. Enhancing lives through quality education build our reputation in high-demand areas, Here’s wishing you a very pleasant spring, and professional preparatory experiences,” develop programs to allow students to and as always, be sure to keep in touch. as well as a statement of values, including obtain a bachelor’s-plus-master’s in less integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity, time while increasing internship and Sincerely, and community, each of which is elaborated experiential learning opportunities, optimize upon on the mission page of our website, and develop our workforce and facilities, www.lindenwood.edu. create an unparalleled student experience from admissions through graduation, This new mission strikes at the heart of and develop a new branding and Lindenwood’s overriding goal—to send marketing strategy to better tell the MICHAEL D. SHONROCK, Ph.D. System President, Lindenwood University our students out into the workforce and/or story of Lindenwood.

Real Experience. Real Success. Enhancing lives through Approved by Board of Trustees LINDENWOOD quality education and professional preparatory experiences. Nov. 10, 2017

COPY EDITORS, WRITERS, AND OFFICE OF EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHERS DEVELOPMENT ...... Christopher Duggan Jennifer Ferguson Lennon Mueller Dan Grigg Jennifer Ferguson Bryan Stone (’16) (’00, ’12) Vice President for Director of Alumni Associate Rachel Johnson Daniel Newton (’09) Development & Relations and Development Officer (’04, ’10) Alumni Relations Special Events, Scott Wuerz (’07) Belleville April Kernan (’16) Bailey E. Kinney Phil Vida Kate O’Neal Administrative Nathan Payne Charlie Mager (’07, ’08) Assistant for Brian Vorce Assistant Vice Director of Development Chuck McPherson President for Development Don Adams Jr. Development & John Creer Alumni Relations Mark Bohr Consultant Director of Michelle Giessman Development (’16) Director of Kassandra Linzmeier ON THE COVER Alumni Relations Associate ...... Development Officer Peter Cohen (’98) is the owner of St. Louis-based Stringbean Coffee

LINDENWOOD is published by the offices of Marketing and Communications and Development at Lindenwood University. Lindenwood is mailed free of charge to Lindenwood alumni. Story ideas are welcome and should be forwarded to Director of Alumni Relations, Lindenwood University, 209 South Kingshighway, St. Charles, MO 63301 or via email at [email protected].

CHANGE OF ADDRESS notifications should be sent to the Office of Alumni Relations at the address above. The Alumni Office telephone number is 636.949.4975. Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Peter Cohen with his

locomotive-shaped coffee ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT bean roaster at his business, Stringbean Coffee.

MBA ALUMNUS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT GOES FROM BEAN COUNTER TO BEAN ROASTER by CHUCK MCPHERSON LINDENWOOD SPORTS Peter Cohen (’98) is having “I thought, ‘Maybe I could do it better,’” “Folks would ask, ‘Why would you roast fun. Cohen owns Stringbean he said. “I got a very small roaster that coffee under a disco ball?’” and I would Coffee Company, a coffee didn’t come with instructions, and I bought respond, ‘Well, why wouldn’t I roast coffee wholesaler in St. Louis, Mo. some beans. I started with really expensive under a disco ball?’” he said. Fair Trade organic beans, so you don’t want to screw up a whole lot. The first batch I Cohen said that Stringbean is a labor of One look around the Stringbean Coffee did was inside and the smoke alarms went love and a combination of his interests, Company headquarters gives you a glimpse off and dogs were howling, and then it which include music and coffee. Cohen into Cohen’s life. A wall full of guitars. became more of an outside sport. It then plays bass guitar, collects music, and used A neon sign. A ‘50s-style diner booth. moved to my garage, so I would roast at to review music with around 200 published Cohen’s journey to becoming a 10, 11 o’clock at night, and I came out articles to his credit. He still uses his ALUMNI EVENTS full-time coffee roaster is like no other. with a roast called Midnight Run.” Lindenwood education regularly. Cohen worked in the banking industry for 14 years and earned an MBA from “I use my MBA more now as an Lindenwood University in 1998. “I just want to have independent, self-employed coffee roaster than I did as a commercial banker,” “I liked the campus,” Cohen said. “A few fun doing what I’m doing, and I’ve Cohen said. “I handle billing, marketing, of my friends went to Lindenwood and bookkeeping, collections, play guitar, and were faculty, and I had been to some of accomplished that.” drink coffee. I do roasting, help with the events and was able to see the campus Peter Cohen bagging and distribution. I was a bean AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS grow. It’s such a pretty campus and has counter before I became a bean cooker, continued to blow me away with their He started Stringbean Coffee Company but I’m still a bean counter.” success and growth.” in May 2011, and after an eight-month Cohen said the Stringbean mission overlap of banking and roasting, he said While still working at the bank, Cohen, statement is to educate, motivate, and goodbye to the corporate grind and focused who loves coffee, began roasting coffee as entertain as many people as possible on Stringbean in October. a hobby in his garage in March 2011. in an honest and ethical manner and The Stringbean roasting room features a have fun doing it. 25-pound San Franciscan roaster, built “I just want to have fun doing especially for him, that resembles a train what I’m doing,” he said, “and I’ve engine, a wall full of framed vinyl records, accomplished that.”

and the original disco ball used from 1972 ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES to 1978 on the television show Soul Train.

3 Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Nicole Hensley after the U.S. women’s hockey team was presented its gold medals at the Winter Olympics in South Korea. USA, HENSLEY WIN GOLD IN WOMEN’S HOCKEY

The United States women’s Olympic hockey team and goalie Nicole Hensley, who graduated from Lindenwood in 2016, won a thrilling gold medal hockey game early in the morning (CST) on Feb. 22 against Canada in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The 3-2 win makes Hensley the first Olympic gold medalist among Lindenwood’s students and alumni. Alumna Laia Pons won bronze in the 2012 games for Spain in synchronized swimming before she was a student at Lindenwood, and sled hockey player Josh Pauls has won gold in the Paralympics and captained the gold medal-winning U.S. sled hockey team in the Paralympics in South Korea in March.

In addition to women’s hockey, Lindenwood students and alumni have participated in the Olympics in shooting, track and field, and synchronized swimming. “ It was definitely Hensley, who joined the U.S. women’s hockey team in 2017, was in goal against the right place for Canada when the team won the World Championship in the fall, and in the me to be…to Olympics, she started the game against the Olympic Athletes from Russia on grow as a Feb. 13, recording a 5-0 shutout and stopping 13 shots on goal. goaltender.” The next day, Feb. 14, Hensley told KSDK TV’s Rene Knott in Pyeongchang Nicole Hensley, that Lindenwood helped make her the competitor she is. During her career time at Lindenwood at Lindenwood, she stopped more than 4,000 shots and won the NCAA’s Top 10 Award, which is given to the top 10 NCAA athletes in any sport at any level.

“It was definitely the right place for me to be…to grow as a goaltender,” Hensley told Knott.

Canada had won gold in women’s hockey the four prior Olympics, defeating the U.S. in the final game three times, including a heartbreaking come-from-behind win in Sochi, Russia, four years ago. This time, the U.S. team returned the favor after falling behind 2-1 in the second period and tying the game at 2-2 in the third period, which was the score at the end of regulation.

Neither team scored in a 20-minute sudden-death overtime period, which led to a tense shootout in which the U.S. came out on top for a 3-2 victory. It was the first U.S. Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey since 1998 in Nagano, Japan.

4 Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Kaecey McCormick ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT THE POET OF CUPERTINO

MCCORMICK NAMED FACULTY SPOTLIGHT POET LAUREATE FOR TECH HAVEN by CHRIS DUGGAN LINDENWOOD SPORTS Kaecey McCormick (’16) has The process of applying for and being was an interview with the Cupertino City been a writer as long as she selected as poet laureate began with Council, which voted in September to can remember. her predecessor, Ann Muto, who met appoint her to the volunteer post. She McCormick at some poetry workshops she began her two-year term Jan. 1 and is the “As a kid, I journaled, made up stories,” was conducting and encouraged her to fifth person to hold the position, which she said. “I never had the courage to call apply for the position. began in 2011. myself a writer, though. My fiction and To apply, she submitted writing samples, Her main charge is to celebrate and poetry I kept to myself.” beginning last summer, and letters of promote creativity in the community. The Lindenwood MFA in writing grad was recommendation, including one from Beth Toward this end, she conducts community installed in January as the poet laureate Mead, who chairs the Lindenwood MFA poetry nights, runs booths with activities ALUMNI EVENTS of Cupertino, Calif. It’s fair to say she’s in Writing program. at festivals and events, offers a series of comfortable wearing the mantle of poetry workshops, and works with kids on writer now. “This recognition is their writing and reading of poetry. In well deserved, and April, poetry month, she will be a judge “I had a moment when I decided that what we’re very proud for Cupertino’s poetry competition. I wanted to do was write,” said McCormick. of the work Kaecey is “I looked at a lot of MFA programs. I have McCormick points out that Cupertino, four children and was working part-time. doing through the home of tech giant Apple, is a very creative writing in STEM-oriented community. She believes I wanted flexibility and had a sense it AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS would be a really great place. What kept her community.” her job is to inject the arts to help make me in the program was the community of Beth Mead, chair of MFA in it a STEAM community. Writing program students and instructors.” “Adding creativity and the arts in a tech world only helps,” McCormick said. “I’m She entered Lindenwood’s program as With its recent ranking by BestColleges.com passionate about the transformative power an online student in 2014 and started as the second best writing MFA program of poetry. Giving back to the community, publishing short works not long after. She in the country, behind only Harvard, doing something I love—it’s a good fit.” currently works as a freelance writer and McCormick’s appointment is another also teaches writing as an adjunct for feather in the program’s cap. Foothill College. In addition to multiple publications in literary magazines, she has An interview process followed with a

written a book of poems titled Sugar & selection panel, including readings of her ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES Spice: Growing up Girl. poetry; the panel ultimately selected McCormick as its finalist. The final step

5 Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Laia Pons

LAIA PONS EXCELS IN SWIMMING, BUSINESS by BRIAN VORCE

From the Lindenwood swim Pons’ job is in technology business Lori Eaton, who was Pons’ synchronized team to working for a successful management, where she focuses on swimming head coach at Lindenwood, business technology consultation creating cost transparency for the said Pons played an integral role in shaping firm, Laia Pons (’17) succeeds corporate information technology clients the personality of the team. of the company. in her endeavors. But if the “She led from within, exhibiting the path has been like swimming “I personally find this to be a very maturity and creativity necessary to upstream, it’s hard to tell based interesting area to be involved in at this lift her teammates to new heights,” on her many achievements. point in time, Pons said. “It allows me Eaton said. “In that sense, she’s the ideal to use my financial background while student-athlete–committed, respectful, At Lindenwood, Pons, a former Olympian, also giving me an understanding of the positive, and supportive.” starred with the synchronized swimming technology era that we live in. team and also in the classroom. “My Lindenwood education provided the “Being able to As a double-major in finance and financial background that supports my manage all that international business, Pons is experienced day-to-day activities at my current position, workload requires you at multitasking. At one point, Pons was but, more importantly, it has helped me to have a very clear taking seven classes, interning at Maryville expand the networking capabilities that picture of what your Technologies, acting as the Accounting brought me to meeting the CEO at objectives are.” and Finance Club president, competing at Maryville Technologies in the first place.” Laia Pons the CFA Financial Analyst Competition, Before finding success in the business and practicing synchronized swimming. world, Pons helped the Lindenwood She did so while maintaining a 4.0 GPA synchronized swimming team win a that semester. Pons said she draws from her experience national championship in 2014 as a in both Spanish and American cultures “It is all about time management and freshman. Pons, who hails from Spain to help her personally and professionally. prioritization,” Pons explained. “Being able and won a bronze medal with the Spanish to manage all that workload requires you synchronized swimming team at the “Getting immersed into a new culture to have a very clear picture of what your 2012 Olympics, said her time at teaches you tons about the world that we objectives are.” Lindenwood helped her see the sport live in,” Pons said. “It also gives you an from a different perspective. extra dose of acceptance. You look at Pons’ impressive résumé helped her get the differences and go from saying ‘that is internship with Maryville Technologies, “There are many dynamic differences weird’ to saying ‘that is different,’ which, and she clearly made in impression, as she between competing for a top national team although it means the same thing, has a now works as a consultant for the company. and a college team,” Pons said. “There very different connotation.” are also cultural differences between the style of the two nations. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been learning to actually have fun in and out of the pool, rather than taking it so professionally.”

6 Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

THE REALITY OF JEFF KEANE ALUMNUS BUILDS MEDIA PRODUCTION COMPANY ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT by CHUCK MCPHERSON

St. Louis native Jeff Keane The first ideas from Coolfire to make it to (’92) has a firm grip on reality— air were Fast N’ Loud on Discovery and reality television, that is. Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s on OWN. Coolfire partnered with Pilgrim Films to get those Keane got his start in communications in first two shows on the air, but in 2012, college, spending parts of four years at the company was able to get its own shows UPCOMING EVENTS Miami University of Ohio and completing to television: Mom Friends Forever on his degree in mass communications at Nickelodeon and Resale Royalty on Style. Lindenwood in 1992. “There’s a tremendous amount of blood, While attending Lindenwood, Keane sweat, and tears that goes into creating had a shift at KCLC 89.1 FM, calling it and producing a TV show, and when you a great experience. finally see it on the screen, there’s a great sense of satisfaction.” Keane said. “Getting that firsthand experience at the

radio station and doing some of the things I LINDENWOOD SPORTS really liked to do was a lot of fun,” he said. “There’s a tremendous amount of blood, After a stint in Lexington, Ky., Keane sweat, and tears that and his wife moved back to St. Louis, where he worked at a local ad agency and goes into creating and as a freelancer. In 2002, he started producing a TV show, Coolfire Studios. and when you finally see it on the screen, “I felt like I always wanted to have my there’s a great sense own business, and I felt like I was finally of satisfaction.” ready,” he said. Jeff Keane ALUMNI EVENTS Coolfire began as a commercial and post-production company, but Keane had Keane said he has encountered people bigger ideas, adding reality TV, digital during his travels who have told him how entertainment, and interactive media to much they enjoyed shows produced by the mix. Coolfire, including a cab driver from “We could have remained a commercial Ireland and an American couple he met production company and still have a in Costa Rica.

successful business, but I always wanted AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS “When you run into somebody who has to grow it into something bigger that had a seen it and likes it, that feels really good, little bit more to offer,” he said. because that’s what you’re trying to do,” he He longed to do something more said. “You’re trying to put something out creative than commercials, which led there that people are going to enjoy and to reality television. something that’s going to entertain people. And when you get that feedback from a “It was an opportunity to tell longer form stranger that they’ve seen it, that they like and more creative stories than 30-second it, they enjoy it that you’ve entertained TV spots or short corporate videos.” them, that’s a really good feeling.” Keane said Coolfire has about 50 ideas

By leveraging the Midwest location ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES often overlooked by coastal production in various stages of development at houses, Keane found great characters, any given time. developed concepts, and was able to The goal is to get bigger and better at sell television shows. what we’re doing,” he said.

7 Lindenwood University-Belleville ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Chief William Clay Chief Thomas Coppotelli Chief Nick Gailius

LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS RELY ON Chief Todd Link Sheriff Richard Watson Commander Derek Wise LINDENWOOD BELLEVILLE by SCOTT WUERZ

Six top law enforcement Watson, who began his law enforcement “The flexibility of our degrees fits with the officials in the Metro-East have career nearly 40 years ago in 1978, said sometimes-unpredictable lives of our law one thing in common on he was repeatedly asked by younger enforcement community,” said Manjounes. classmates what he hoped to learn at their résumés—they all hold “These men and women understand the Lindenwood Belleville after his many years value of education in helping them to be degrees from Lindenwood of experience? the best they can be in their positions. University-Belleville. “One reason I chose to go to Lindenwood “I feel truly honored and blessed that so Local police leaders who have graduated Belleville is because it is local, so it was many have gone through our ADP programs. from Lindenwood Belleville include an easy commute,” said Watson. “But I I have been fortunate to get to know many also chose Lindenwood Belleville because of them, and the level of their character • Belleville Police Department the instructors are practitioners in my field. and integrity as well as their determination Chief William Clay They have lawyers, judges, and U.S. to make our communities better places is, attorneys, people with real experience in • Caseyville Police Department indeed, commendable.” the field, teaching there. It was very Chief Thomas Coppotelli interesting to take their classes, and I’m • Fairview Heights Police Department glad I did it, because I truly learned a “My MBA is definitely Chief Nick Gailius lot. I see the benefits every day.” a benefit, and I • Glen Carbon Police Department Gailius said he sought an MBA because, am a better chief Chief Todd Link beyond the work of solving crimes for having it.” • St. Clair County and enforcing the law, running a police Chief Nick Gailius, Fairview Sheriff Richard Watson department is like running a business. Heights Police Department • Illinois State Police Dist. 19 “A police chief is in a leadership position Commander Derek Wise that in many ways isn’t much different Manjounes said Lindenwood Belleville is in than a leadership position in the business the process of adding to its ADP offerings Link, Watson, and Wise earned world,” said Gailius. “We have human to help working adults reach their education Master of Science degrees in criminal resources and personnel issues, and we and career goals. justice administration, while Clay and have a $7 million annual budget that has Gailius earned MBA degrees and “I am truly excited about what the future to be carefully managed. My MBA is Coppotelli earned a Master of Science holds for our program with some planned definitely a benefit, and I am a better degree in human resources. According to curriculum enhancements, and we chief for having it.” faculty member Dr. Thomas Trice, a retired are consistently working hard to assure captain with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Dr. Cindy Manjounes, campus dean for the continued value of the program to our Department, many other Lindenwood Accelerated Degree Programs, said it was students as well as our community,” Belleville graduates hold high ranks important to create degree programs Manjounes said. within the chain of command at local that allow area officers the opportunity to police agencies. get their education while still allowing them to do their jobs.

8 Lindenwood University-Belleville ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Rodrigo Kurogi ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT KUROGI LANDS MARKETING GIG

WITH TOP FACULTY SPOTLIGHT CONSTRUCTION FIRM by JENNIFER FERGUSON

Rodrigo Kurogi (’16) began preparing for an American education when he was just 9 years old. As a boy growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he was certain about two things–he wanted to earn a degree and play tennis at an American university. LINDENWOOD SPORTS “I began studying English at a very young age in preparation for studying in the United States,” said Kurogi. “Then, when I was 18, all of the hard work I put in as a child paid off because I came to Lindenwood Belleville in pursuit of playing collegiate tennis and earning a degree “I am very grateful for in business administration with an emphasis in marketing, a degree that would be the support and internationally recognized.” guidance offered to As a member of the Student Government Association, Kurogi participated in me by so many faculty service projects and volunteer work for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which and staff members at directly affected his employment prospects post-graduation. Lindenwood Belleville. It was a perfect During his senior year, Kurogi spent about two hours each day applying for job starting point for my ALUMNI EVENTS opportunities, and even solicited the help of his professors and the campus president time in the on his quest for employment. United States.” “I really had a great mix of professors while at Lindenwood, and many of them stay in Rodrigo Kurogi touch with me now,” Kurogi said, “but what really surprised me is that the president of the university was willing to meet with me and gave me advice and tips on how to secure a job after graduation. I get the sense that doesn’t happen at a lot of universities.”

With that, Kurogi received a call from the construction firm TopBuild, based in Daytona Beach, AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Fla. Now, as a marketing analyst, Kurogi is in the front line for his company, analyzing various markets to help determine where the company may want to invest resources or deploy sales teams.

“My transition into the professional world of work couldn’t have been any smoother,” said Kurogi. “I am very grateful for the support and guidance offered to me by so many faculty and staff members at Lindenwood Belleville. It was a perfect starting point for my time in the United States.”

As an international student on an F-1 visa, Kurogi was eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to a year following his graduation. Upon completion of an international student’s OPT, the student must either return to his home country or be sponsored by his employer to begin the process of securing a work visa. The Human Resources Department at his company recently reached out to Kurogi to begin his sponsorship process. ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

“I really like TopBuild and the analytical side of developing and running a company,” said Kurogi. “So, I hope to stay with TopBuild and gain the necessary industry experience to move up in my career when the time is right.”

To learn more about the Division of Business and Entrepreneurship, contact Division Chair Dr. Chris Gourdine at 618.671.6060 or [email protected]. 9 Lindenwood University-Belleville ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Victoria Gainor GAINOR PROUD TO BE AMONG MANY ‘FIRSTS’ AT LINDENWOOD BELLEVILLE by JENNIFER FERGUSON

When O’Fallon, Ill., native Gainor said that she is extremely grateful “In March following my graduation in Victoria Gainor (’15) accepted a for the opportunity to study with December, a friend of my mom’s said scholarship to participate on the professors like Danielle Oser, who taught her company was hiring a marketing and dance team at Lindenwood several of her design courses. website manager” said Gainor. “Though I University-Belleville in 2013, didn’t have much experience in marketing, “Danielle was extremely helpful with diving I applied for the job anyway because of she didn’t anticipate being part deeper into the programs to make sure I my design and web background and was of an inaugural group of students fully understood what we were doing,” said offered it shortly thereafter.” who established so much for Gainor. “She was also able to meet before the Belleville campus’ history. class, after class, pretty much whenever Gainor held that position for two years but to answer any questions I had or help me decided she wanted to pursue something “I’m very proud of all the ‘firsts’ I made solve a problem I was having. She was more closely related to graphic design. With at Lindenwood Belleville,” said Gainor. supportive of all my work both while I had that, she recently accepted a position as “I was on the first dance team to make it her and after I graduated.” a lead designer at a company called My to nationals and the team’s first captain, Scratch Offs, LLC, in Swansea, Ill. In her new position, Gainor manages the design of the first student to have a solo art “Without the exhibition on campus, and a member of custom orders like wedding save-the-date the first class to graduate in interactive information and cards, business cards, gender reveal items, media and web design.” tools I was exposed and company contest items. to as a student, Gainor, who started her educational career I wouldn’t have “My degree from Lindenwood Belleville at Southwestern Illinois College, transferred been able to be as definitely impacted my career,” said Gainor. to Lindenwood Belleville and graduated successful as I am.” “Without the information and tools I was exposed to as a student, I wouldn’t have with her bachelor’s degree in 2015. She Victoria Gainor said the degree she pursued fit well with been able to be as successful as I am. I’m her love of art and graphic design and thankful for all the memories and grateful for the lessons that will last a lifetime.” that Lindenwood Belleville was the right Upon graduation, Gainor said she university for her. immediately started job hunting and was looking to find something in the field “I loved the environment at Lindenwood of graphic design, which had been her Belleville,” she said. “It was small, but long-time passion. not too small, the staff was amazing, and the support system there is something that you can’t get at a larger university.”

10 Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT UPCOMING EVENTS “It’s so exciting to see my handiwork in front of big names and on World of Dance!” Teneka Moore LINDENWOOD SPORTS

ALL ABOUT THE BLING DIY PROJECT GROWS

INTO VIRAL SENSATION ALUMNI EVENTS by BAILEY KINNEY

What started out as a last-minute DIY project for her daughter’s baby photos has launched Lindenwood alumna Teneka Moore (’06) into the bright lights of Hollywood.

In 2012, Moore glued some rhinestones to her daughter Taylor’s pacifier for a photoshoot. When Moore showed her friends the

photos, they noticed the glittering pacifier and wanted their own blinged-out gear. That was the beginning of TaylorMade AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Bling Embellishments. Not long after, the requests started mounting and Moore graduated from Michael’s and Hobby Lobby to an official Swarovski crystal distributor.

A special request in 2014 truly set this business administration and human resources graduate on her way to stardom. That order was for a crystallized Starbucks cup. Once the completed tumbler was posted on social media, Moore was flooded with requests for cups, including a request from Jennifer Lopez’s manicurist. She wanted to order a custom Starbucks cup for J. Lo’s birthday.

The pop icon loved her cup and has been photographed with the Swarovski crystal-encrusted cup on numerous occasions. The cup’s popularity has led to a line of special-edition cups for the upcoming new season of Lopez’s show, World of Dance, starting this summer.

“It’s so exciting to see my handiwork in front of big names and on World of Dance!” Moore said. “It’s nothing short of a blessing that people are as excited about the craft as I am.” ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

When Moore puts her glue gun down, she picks up her full-time position as a recruiting manager at a local company, where she uses the education she gained during her undergraduate time at Lindenwood. As for her plans for the future, Moore hopes to continue growing her business while encouraging young female entrepreneurs to follow their passions.

Those who want their own blinged-out gear may submit requests to TaylorMade Bling Embellishments at [email protected].

11 Lindenwood University ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

UNFORGETTABLE ODYSSEY SENDS ALUMNUS BIKING ACROSS SOUTH AMERICA by RACHEL JOHNSON

Attempt. Excel. During Griffin’s junior year, his Then, seemingly all at once, life threw Griffin Transform. Repeat. season was cut short by an emergency a few curveballs. He suffered a car accident, appendectomy. He used his recovery time and, soon after, unrelated health issues That’s the mindset that’s guided and the off-season to change his required two separate surgical procedures. Lindenwood University alumnus left-handed overhand style to a The aftermath had a devastating effect submarine-style. His new approach was a on him physically and mentally. Ryan Griffin (’12, ’13) from success. He was halfway through the “For 10 months, I was basically one adventure to the next and next season before he gave up a single run. bedridden,” he said. “I’d become recently led him on a personal overweight and depressed,” Griffin said. quest to ride a bicycle Academically, Griffin started college as a “I was desperate for a new challenge.” across 9,000 miles of South business administration major but soon American terrain. switched his focus to marketing after Griffin quit his job, moved out of his taking a class with Lindenwood Professor apartment, sold most of his belongings, and David Arns. Griffin went on to become found a riding partner. They bought bikes, “My life has never felt average,” Lindenwood’s second-ever first-team packs, and camping gear and soon found Griffin said. “I’ve learned to fight against Academic All-American and also earned the themselves in Ushuaia, Argentina, a small the formula of what’s expected.” Joseph G. Mathews Award for graduating town located at the southernmost tip of To understand where he was headed, you at the top of his marketing class. South America nicknamed “The End of have to understand where he came from. the World.” After earning his MBA, Griffin worked A native of Sydney, Australia, Griffin came full-time as an account executive for a “We picked out all the things we wanted to to the United States to play baseball for digital advertising firm in Australia. He see: the Perito Merino glacier, Chile’s a junior college in Texas. Shortly thereafter, quickly rose through the ranks, earning Carraterra Austral, Bolivia’s salt flats, and he was recruited by Coach Doug Bletcher promotions to an executive-level position Machu Picchu,” Griffin said. “We just to play for Lindenwood. and managing a team of staff within connected the dots from there and traveled three years of being hired. north as our general travel map.

12 LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

On his bicycle trek from Argentina to Peru in South America, Ryan Griffin and his fellow riders

encountered every kind of terrain and weather UPCOMING EVENTS imaginable, including mountains, flatlands, heat, and wintry cold. LINDENWOOD SPORTS ALUMNI EVENTS

“We initially thought the whole trip would About eight months into the excursion, distinguish one day from another,” Griffin take about six months, but about two Griffin began to suffer ill health effects recalled. “But, every night on the bike months in we realized that was drastically from a bacterial infection he’d acquired trip I would record my GPS location and off-base,” he recalled. “But, I wasn’t in along the way. He continued to bike for write a small note about that day to a rush. I had plenty of food, water, good several more weeks after the onset of specifically remember and smile about. company, and enough funds to ride for a symptoms, but eventually he became too few years if necessary.” ill to carry on and was forced to end the “The days weren’t always positive. Many of trip in Lima, Peru. them were actually miserable, but they all

Through blazing sunshine, torrential have a story behind them and I can vividly AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS downpours, and intense altitudinal Now recovered and living back home in remember each one like it was yesterday. changes, the duo rode as far as their legs Sydney, he’s had some time to reflect on I set out to create something from every would take them each day. They camped the trip and what he gained from it. The single day, something I would remember on roadsides, in fields, and at schoolhouses answer, he said, is a more memorable life. forever. I accomplished that.” and police stations—wherever they could find shelter from the elements and a Griffin is currently working as a scuba safe place to rest. “My life has never felt diving instructor, running an independent average. I’ve learned advertising consultancy, and planning his “The South American beauty of Patagonia to fight against next trip—most likely riding a motorbike and the Andes Mountains was great, but I the formula of what’s around the world. Whatever his future plans found that the most beautiful part of the expected.” are, he’s sure to carry them out with a

trip was the people. For the full 10 months keen appetite for adventure and a ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES Ryan Griffin of the trip, I was never told I couldn’t stay determination to live life to the fullest. somewhere. People would stop on the roads and give us food and water. Everyone was “For me, four years at a desk job melted “To me, the destination has always been absolutely lovely and welcoming.” into just a couple of highlights. I’d gone and will always be second to the journey.” on autopilot and found it difficult to

13 Lindenwood University CAMPUS NEWS

DECEMBER GRADUATION CEREMONIES

Dec. 16, 2017, St. Charles Family Arena

14 Lindenwood University CAMPUS NEWS CONNECTION Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

DISCOUNTED ESTATE PLANNING

AVAILABLE THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIP FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Lindenwood University has entered into a new partnership with TuckerAllen, a St. Louis-based estate planning firm, which entails a 25 percent discount off its standard fees for estate planning services for Lindenwood alumni, faculty, staff, and students.

“It is important that everyone has a will; we are excited to provide Lindenwood alumni,Leave faculty, and staff a the opportunity to partner with TuckerAllen,” said Nathan Payne, director of development at John Q. Alumnus Lindenwood. “The fact that their services are provided at a discount UPCOMING EVENTS for those in the Lindenwood family is an added bonus.” 123 Elm Ave. Lasting Legacy Saint Louis, MO 63111 TuckerAllen deals exclusively in estate planning and offers comprehensive packages Learnfor wills how and trustsTuckerAllen for individuals can andhelp. couples, as well as services for elder law and special needs planning, and promises an easy, user-friendly process. The offer is available until Dec. 31, 2018. For more information about TuckerAllen or to schedule a consultation, visit tuckerallen.com or call 314.335.1100. The firm has six locations in the St. Louis area.

“Lindenwood University and TuckerAllen have a common objective— LINDENWOOD SPORTS to make getting a will or trust easier and more affordable for Lindenwoods’s alumni, faculty, staff, and students,” said Thomas C. Erb, chairman of TuckerAllen. “The truth is that many people procrastinate, because they think it’s difficult and expensive to get a professionally prepared estate plan. Often times that’s true, but not at TuckerAllen. We make it easy and convenient, and Lindenwood has helped make it even more affordable by arranging this affinity program with TuckerAllen.”

Personalized ALUMNI EVENTS estate planning. Made easy. WILLS & TRUSTS ELDER LAW SPECIAL NEEDS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Lindenwood University alumni now receive 25% off services from TuckerAllen.

As part of a new program with TuckerAllen, a local estate planning law firm, we are pleased to share that Lindenwood University alumni will receive a special rate of 25% off of TuckerAllen’s estate planning services. Multiple Locations Creating a will or a trust is one of the most important things someone can ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES do for their family, loved ones, and the organizations they care most about. in the Greater St. Louis Area TuckerAllen makes personalized estate planning accessible and easy.

To learn more about this special program with TuckerAllen, call (314) 396-7629 or visit tuckerallen.com/lindenwood-university.

15 Lindenwood University LINDENWOOD SPORTS

This initiative will allow Lindenwood to continue to attract exceptional student-athletes. #ONEROAR 52SPORTS/ONETEAM

52 SPORTS–ONEA transformational TEAM gift INITIATIVE One Roar Campaign Seeks to Transform Lindenwood Athletics

The One Roar major gift 636.949.4321 or [email protected] economic impact to St. Charles County initiative is the center point for or visit the campaign website at and the surrounding region. Lindenwood transforming Lindenwood www.lindenwood.edu/one-roar-gift-initiative. currently has the largest MBA program in Athletics to the next level of the St. Louis metro area, and it has one In Lindenwood’s current period of growth, of the largest athletic departments in the success, which in turn will help dating back to the late 1980s, the country with 27 NCAA Division II sports attract elite student-athletes university has added numerous new and 52 athletic programs overall. from across the globe. buildings and major renovation projects, Since 1998, Lindenwood teams have including the J. Scheidegger Center for the captured more than 70 team national By enhancing numerous athletic Arts, the Evans Commons, a renovated and championships, and numerous student- facilities for 52 competitive teams and expanded Harmon Hall, and, most recently, athletes or alumni have competed in the supporting athletic excellence and career the Library and Academic Resources summer and winter Olympics. Most recently, and professional development, this Center, which opened in fall of 2017. women’s hockey goalie Nicole Hensley (’17) initiative will allow Lindenwood to continue won gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics During the same period, many athletic to attract exceptional student-athletes. It in South Korea with the U.S. women’s facility projects were completed, such as will lay the foundation to future initiatives hockey team (see story on page 4). that will bring additional first-class the Lou Brock Sports Complex, a renovated facilities to the university. track facility, a tennis complex, a renovated Outstanding athletic teams, facilities, and Harlen Hunter Stadium, and the equipment are the brightest billboard on Those interested in participating in the One Student-Athlete Center, among others. the busiest highway. They help make the Roar initiative should contact Mark Bohr at statement, “Our university is the best. The university is an economic power in the Come join us.” region, bringing hundreds of millions in UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Be sure to save the excellent opportunity campus for a host date for these for parents, siblings, of activities. Lindenwood events: and extended family members of current PARENTS, FAMILY, SIBLINGS DAY students to visit, AND ALUMNI REUNION April 14 watch Lindenwood AT HOMECOMING (St. Charles campus) sports and arts Oct. 26-28 The team from the Office of Development and Alumni events, and take part Relations is excited to announce a series of alumni In this inaugural (Belleville campus) in planned activities. events around the country. Alumni will have the event, siblings of During this exciting opportunity to visit with Lindenwood University System current students are weekend, parents HOMECOMING President Dr. Michael Shonrock, meet fellow alumni, invited to campus and family are and hear news and reminisce about their alma mater. to visit and enjoy Oct. 15-21 invited to visit with (St. Charles campus) various activities. their students The following stops are planned: It’s not too early as alumni return • FAMILY DAY to plan for to campus for GREATER DALLAS AREA–October 2018 Sept. 14 Homecoming 2018. Homecoming •NAPLES, FLA.–early November 2018 (St. Charles campus) All alumni are festivities. •LOS ANGELES, CALIF.–early spring 2019 invited to return to • This event, in its CHICAGO, ILL.–late spring 2019 sixth year, is an Stay tuned for announcements of specific dates/details. 16 Lindenwood University UPCOMING EVENTS LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

SCHEIDEGGER ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Frankie 2017-18 SEASON Avalon TO END WITH

AVALON, MILLER UPCOMING EVENTS

With just two acts to go, it’s be outstanding in its own right, Colombatto with John Wayne, as well as the “Beach” fair to say the 2017-18 promises even more great memories for movies for which he was best known and professional season at audience members. While Paul Anka, a memorable part singing “Beauty School Lindenwood University’s J. initially scheduled to perform in May, Dropout” in the movie musical Grease. has to cancel for personal reasons, his Scheidegger Center for the Arts replacement is the legendary Frankie Avalon. The season wraps up at 8 p.m. on has been exciting and May 27 with The World Famous Glenn memorable for audiences. “Looking ahead, we will have Frankie Miller Orchestra, which returns to the

Avalon’s surprise performance, taking Paul Lindenwood Theater stage. Dating back to LINDENWOOD SPORTS “We have had a wonderful season so far, Anka’s place on May 19 and the World the 1930s and its namesake founder, full of exciting entertainment from Kenny Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra’s return the 18-member ensemble is possibly the Loggins and Penn & Teller to Wynonna and to the Scheidegger Center on May 27,” best-known big band in the world. It the Irish Tenors,” said Peter Colombatto, Colombatto said. “We are hard at work continues to play many of the original director of marketing and communications scheduling our 2018-2019 season, Miller arrangements and some more for Lindenwood’s School of Arts, Media, which will bookend 10 years of excellent modern selections arranged and performed and Communications. “We’ve welcomed entertainment at the Scheidegger Center. in the Miller style and sound. back returning patrons while introducing Make sure to watch for our season Lindenwood to thousands of first-time announcement in July.” Tickets for all shows are available online guests with a line-up we knew would at LUboxoffice.com, by phone during box appeal to our community.” Frankie Avalon, performing at 8 p.m. on office hours at 636.949.4433 or in ALUMNI EVENTS May 19, was one of the best-known teen person at the box office, which is located Though a season with standout performers idols of the ‘50s with hits like “De De in the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on like those—not to mention Bob Newhart Dinah,” “Gingerbread,” and “Just Ask Your the southeast corner of campus, 2300 and the Christmas show featuring Jody Heart,” as well as the last number-one West Clay St. in St. Charles. For more Watley, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., record of the ‘50s, “Why.” Avalon parlayed information about any of these shows or Peabo Bryson, and Ruben Studdard—would his recording success into a career as a those coming in the spring semester, motion picture star with films like Guns of visit LUboxoffice.com Timberland with Alan Ladd and The Alamo AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS UPCOMING PERFORMANCES AT THE J. SCHEIDEGGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

STUDENT THEATRE STUDENT MUSIC STUDENT DANCE STUDENT FASHION ART EXHIBITS (Boyle Family Gallery) The Threepenny Opera Theatre Student Conductors Spring Dance Spring Fashion Show Opera April 20 and 21, Concert Concert April 21, 7 p.m., Fashion Design by Bertolt Brecht 7:30 p.m. April 24-25, April 19-21, at Old Post Office BFA Exhibition and Kurt Weill 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. in St. Louis, VIP April 12-22 ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES April 5-7, 7:30 p.m. Spring Chamber Reception, 6 p.m. Opening reception, Series Voices Only April 12, 6-8 p.m. April 24-30, April 28-29, (time?) 7:30 P.M. Graphic Design BFA Exhibition April 26-May 5 Opening reception, April 26, 6-8 p.m. 17 Lindenwood University NCAA SPORTS

Geoff Hartlieb

Graeme Hossack

Connor Law SPRING ATHLETES MAKE THEIR WAY AS PROFESSIONALS by DANIEL NEWTON

Among the many reasons that Since leaving Lindenwood, Hossack has the baseball draft. Last season, he started springtime is a special time played professionally in both lacrosse the season in single-A and was promoted to of year at Lindenwood is the leagues in North America. In the National Class A Advanced midway through the success of the team’s athletic Lacrosse League, which is played indoors, season. Between the two teams, Hartlieb he is a defenseman for the Rochester had a 2.12 ERA, and, thanks to a fastball programs during this season. Knighthawks. He made his pro debut on clocked as high as 100 mph, struck out Just last year, the women’s Jan. 9, 2016, and scored a pair of goals in 62 batters in 63 2/3 innings. lacrosse, baseball, and men’s his first game. He went on to be the 2016 golf programs all advanced to Rookie of the Year for the Knighthawks and Connor Law and Brendan Feldman were the final site of their respective was named to the NLL All-Rookie Team. the two pitching leaders on last year’s national championship events. team, which reached the NCAA Division The following season, Hossack led the II College World Series. Both players had team with 215 ground balls and 29 caused ERAs under 3.20, and they combined for Lindenwood’s spring sports have also turnovers. He earned the team’s top 16 wins and 13 saves. produced some of the top individual defenseman award and was a finalist for athletes in school history, and four of those NLL Defensive Player of the Year. In After the season, both players signed free alumni are currently still playing their just his second season, he was named agent deals and played rookie ball. respective sports at the professional level. an NLL Second-Team All-Pro. Law signed with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He spent most of the year in The top men’s lacrosse player at In the Major League Lacrosse Association, the Gulf Coast League and had a 1.54 Lindenwood is Graeme Hossack, who which is an outdoor league, Hossack ERA in 14 relief appearances. Feldman finished his collegiate playing career has played for the Atlanta Blaze. In two signed with the Houston Astros organization in 2015. He was a four-time first-team seasons, he has collected 83 ground balls and also played in the Gulf Coast all-conference selection, a two-time and caused 36 turnovers. League. He had a 0.54 ERA in 12 relief conference Specialist of the Year, and a appearance and struck out 21 batters in first-team All-American during his senior Three Lindenwood baseball players are less than 17 innings. season. Hossack ranks fourth in NCAA also working their way up the minor Division II history with 452 ground balls. leagues: Geoff Hartlieb, Connor Law, and He is also Lindenwood’s all-time leader Brendan Feldmann. with 145 caused turnovers and finished with 33 goals and 18 assists. Hartlieb finished his Lindenwood career in 2016 after he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 29th round of

18 Lindenwood University STUDENT LIFE SPORTS LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS FACULTY SPOTLIGHT UPCOMING EVENTS

ROLLER HOCKEY ACHIEVES SEVERAL MILESTONES LINDENWOOD SPORTS by PHIL VIDA

Roller hockey reached several nemesis Bethel University (Tenn.) 4-2 Major accomplishments continued on milestones January 26-27 during to achieve the 1,000th victory. After the Saturday when Lindenwood stopped the Great Plains Collegiate Inline remainder of the conference schedule over University of Missouri 9-2 for win number Hockey League (GPCIHL) action the weekend, the overall program record 500 for the D1 squad. The Lions added a stood at 1,005-153-21. 3-2 victory over Bethel later in the day and ALUMNI EVENTS at Midwest Sport Hockey in now sit at 501-41-5 overall. In his 15th Ballwin, Mo., and Matteson The next milestone was victory number season, Head Coach Ron Beilsten has been Square Garden in St. Peters, Mo. 200 for D3 Gold Head Coach Jon Hilke, at the helm for most of those games. His which came in the next game for the Lions, Lindenwood record now sits at 428-18-5. The first major accomplishment was win a 5-2 win over the Bethel D3 squad. With He will have several chances to add to that number 1,000 in program history another victory on Saturday, Hilke has mark before the current season ends. encompassing all three squads: the Division now compiled a lifetime Lindenwood record The GPCIHL Regional Championship is I Lions and the D3 Gold and Black teams. of 201-37-5 since taking over the reins February 23-25 at Midwest Sport Hockey, of the team in 2009. The Gold team has and the National Collegiate Roller Hockey AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS After a win from the D3 Gold squad over another milestone in its sights. Win number Association National Championships the D3 Black squad early Friday night, the 350 is just four victories away. take place April 11-14 in Fargo, N.D. Division I team defeated conference ALUMNI PROFILE

19 Lindenwood University-Belleville SPORTS

Alison Webb

LADY LYNX BASKETBALL RANKED NO. 20– HIGHEST IN PROGRAM HISTORY by CHARLIE MAGER

The Lindenwood University– 91, the first time since Feb. 20 and 24 The Lady Lynx continued their surge as the Belleville women’s basketball of 2014 that the team won back-to-back second half of the season began, recording team (22-8, 19-5 in conference games with more than 100 points. two eight-game winning streaks for play) has been ranked No. 20 in the first time in program history and Also, senior guard Torre Kohrmann earning themselves a No. 4 seed in the the nation by the NAIA, which accomplished something that only her AMC tournament and a bid to compete is the highest that the team has older sister Shelby had achieved with for the national title. been ranked in program history. the program, passing the 1,000-point threshold for her collegiate career. “This is the greatest group of individuals The Lady Lynx started American Midwest that I have coached during my tenure here Conference play on Thursday, Nov. 16, at Lindenwood,” Head Coach Jeff Reis with a home matchup against the Williams “This is the greatest said. “Not only do we have a great group of Baptist College Eagles and came away group of individuals student-athletes, but they’re great people with a 73-50 win. that I have coached as well. Good team chemistry, leadership, during my tenure here and a willingness to help each other out has Two days later, the Lady Lynx pulled off paved the way for our success this season, perhaps their most impressive win of the at Lindenwood.” but we still have a lot of work to do.” year over No. 3-ranked Freed-Hardeman Women’s Head Coach Jeff Reis University, which was 4-0 at the time, Despite a tough loss to the William Woods 83-79 in Lynx Arena. After losing to Owls in the quarterfinal round of the No. 16 Columbia College on Nov. 30, Two months later, on Feb. 17 in Hannibal, American Midwest Conference tournament, the Lady Lynx went on a five-game Mo., Kohrmann passed her sister for most the Lady Lynx earned a spot in the NAIA winning streak to close out the first career points recorded in program history championship tournament in Billings, half of the season. when she nailed a three-pointer to put Mont., for the second straight year, where herself at 1,172 points for her four years they were slated to play Mid-America When the squad returned to Lynx Arena at Lindenwood. Nazarene (25-6) on Thursday, March 15. on Dec. 30, it played host to the Missouri Baptist University Spartans and passed The Lady Lynx then earned their sixth two milestones. The Lady Lynx won 111- straight victory with an 86-68 win over the William Woods Owls on Jan. 2.

20 Lindenwood University ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Submit your alumni news and ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES SPRING 2018 notes to [email protected] a B.S.B.A in Industrial Pollock practices in the firm’s Governor’s Council on Disability ’60s Management from Lindenwood. Complex Litigation Department, (GCD). The GCD promotes full Tricia Byrne (’68) has agreed where she focuses on litigating participation and inclusion of FACULTY SPOTLIGHT to be the class agent for the international child sex abuse, the nearly 1 million Missourians 50-year class reunion at this ’90s environmental, and class action with disabilities in all aspects year’s Lindenwood Homecoming Jeff Arnet (’94) cases. She also is very active of community life by educating and Reunion. She is reaching was recently in volunteer and pro bono citizens, businesses, schools, out to fellow classmates named the work and in 2012 founded the universities, and others of their and hopes to have a great superintendent Madison County Bar Association rights and responsibilities under reunion this October. of the Kirkwood Internship Program to mentor the Americans with Disabilities School District high school students interested Act. In addition to her job at after serving as in the legal profession. Pollock BCI, Jones is also a member ’ 70s deputy superintendent of the received her law degree from of the National Association UPCOMING EVENTS Marsha Independent School District Saint Louis University School of Workforce Development Hollander in Austin, Texas. Arnett began of Law and her Bachelor of and chairman of the legislative Parker (’71, ’87) his 30-year career in education Arts from Lindenwood (magna committee of the St. Charles recently won the serving the St. Louis area as cum laude). County Coalition of Service Lindy Alumni a teacher in the Fort Zumwalt Providers. Jones earned Award for 2018. School District. He also taught her bachelor’s degree in The Lindy Awards in the Chicago area and worked ’ 00s social work. are presented annually by for the National Baseball Shane Stone, the School of Arts Media and Hall of Fame and Museum in Ph.D. (’00) Tesse Jercinovic Communication to recognize Cooperstown, N.Y., serving as joined the (’02) is currently outstanding student work a communications, education, faculty at living in LINDENWOOD SPORTS across a variety of media, as and public programs director. Eastern Wyoming Huntington well as an alumnus who has Arnett has bachelor’s degrees in College as a Beach, Calif., distinguished himself or education and communications criminal justice and is an herself in the communications from Evangel University in instructor. Prior to accepting assistant manager industry. Parker began her Springfield, Mo., master’s the position at EWC, Stone for Lacoste; her store is one of career at Lindenwood in 1987 degrees from the University worked as an investigator the top 10 in the U.S. market. and has served the university of Missouri-St. Louis and for the Missouri Department This year marks her 10th in a variety of positions Lindenwood University, an of Corrections and as U.S. anniversary with this company. including director of evening education specialist’s degree probation officer, sheriff’s She is able to return to the and graduate admissions, from Western Illinois University, deputy, police officer, and

St. Louis area and fondly ALUMNI EVENTS alumni director, and dean of and a doctorate in educational Missouri State Trooper. Stone recalls her time at Lindenwood fine and performing arts and leadership from the University served in the Army National and her Delta Zeta sisters. communications on the St. of Phoenix. Guard and Army Reserves as She received her B.A. Charles campus and director of a military police officer in the in retail merchandising. theatre and professor of theatre Justin Meeks criminal investigative division. on the Belleville campus. (’96, ’98) Prior to his position at EWC, Leonard Rhine recently resigned he taught at Casper College for (’05) was recently as Bourbon five years. Stone has a Ph.D. in named the new ’ 80s County Attorney leadership from the University Jeffrey executive director AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS to focus on of Cumberlands; a master’s of Life Care Blackwell (’86) administrative degree in theological studies was recently Center of law as the Bourbon County from Midwestern Baptist Bridgeton. Rhine’s named the Counselor. He held both College; a master’s in criminal Standex previous roles include executive positions since February justice from Lindenwood; and director of Carondelet Manor Refrigerated 2015. He will now be giving a bachelor’s degree in criminal Solutions Group in Kansas City, Mo., and the county legal advice about justice from Central Missouri administrator at Garden View VP of operations in Hudson, contract, acquisition, and State University. Wis. The announcement Care Center in Chesterfield, Mo. human resources. He earned his bachelor’s degree was made by Nor-Lake, a Katie Marie designer and manufacturer of in business administration Jo Anna Brooks Jones at the University of Missouri refrigeration equipment for the Pollock (’97) is (’01), director in St. Louis and his ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES food service industry. Blackwell one of 10 of programs and has many years of experience in master’s degree in business attorneys political action administration at Lindenwood. operations, serving two years as recently elevated for Boone Center VP of operations at Amesbury to shareholder Workshops, was Alumni News & Notes Truth Corp and was responsible by Simmons appointed in October 2017 by continues on next page... for multiple sites in the U.S., Hanly Conroy, one of the Missouri Governor Eric Greitens Canada, and Mexico. He earned nation’s largest mass tort firms. to serve a five-year term on the 21 Lindenwood University ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES SPRING 2018 continued in business administration Katie Lynn Priyadharshan Kannappan ’10s and a master’s in business Nadler (’15) (’16) will graduate in May 2018 Sarah Christian administration with an emphasis and Levi Jerome from Webster University with a (’10) and Randy in accounting. A September Gildehaus were master’s in management and Gildehaus wedding is planned in married Sept. leadership. While at Webster, he recently acquired Aviston, Ill. 23, 2017, at was a member of the Webster-B Ultimate Fitness Femme Osage Chess Team, which won the Plus in Troy, Mo. Valentin United Church of Christ in Pan-American Intercollegiate Sarah has been Fiquet (’14) Augusta, Mo. After a honeymoon Chess Championship in in the fitness industry for about returned to in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the 2016 and the Final Four of eight years, starting her career France after couple reside in Washington, Collegiate Chess 2017 and in nonprofit with the YMCA as graduation in Mo. She has a B.F.A. in graphic finished fifth rank in the 2017 a program director overseeing December design and is employed Pan-American Intercollegiate health and wellness and aquatics 2014 and was by Concourse Sports as lead Chess Championship. He has programs. She transitioned to accepted in the KEDGE graphic designer. been selected as an assistant parks and recreation as the Business School in Marseille, coach of the Webster University fitness specialist for the City of France, in 2015 and studied Marko chess team for 2018 Final Des Peres before the acquisition luxury and brand management Cubranovic (’15) Four of Collegiate Chess to be of Ultimate Fitness Plus. until May 2017. He secured returned to held in New York in April. In She earned her B.S. in a six-month internship within Serbia after September 2016 he became exercise science. the Christian Dior Couture graduation and one of approximately 1,600 House to finalize his degree. worked at several players worldwide to hold the Jeff Wilkins In November, he was offered private businesses grandmaster in chess title, (’11, ’12) and a position as trainee manager, and continued coaching water and since graduating from Michelle Jackson which is a two-year formation polo for VK Tas. In late 2015, Lindenwood in 2016, he has Wilkins (’13) to become a head manager he went to Qatar to work for St. earned numerous championship were married for a flagship boutique, which Regis Doha, started a water polo titles. He is founder of SANGAM, in September he hopes to do in the U.S. academy, and met his future the Indian student organization 2015. The birth wife, Kadia, whom he married at Webster. He is the manager of their first daughter, Hadley Elbey Aliyev in May 2017. In September he of Webster Windmills, a team Marie, was in October 2017. (’14) is in his accepted a position to manage comprised of players from They purchased their second third year of the club’s UAE branch in Abu the Webster Groves area who home in Ballwin, Mo., last employment Dhabi. In December 2017, his participate in PRO Chess March. Jeff is currently area at British son Luka was born. Cubranovic League, and is the president manager of Enterprise-Rent- American has a B.A. in human resource of the Webster University A-Car in South St. Louis, Tobacco, one of management and an MBA in Chess Club. overseeing 12 locations. the largest tobacco companies management from Lindenwood. Michelle earned her SHRM-CP in the world, and has recently Zach Farmer human resource certification been promoted to area manager McNein (’17) is a in 2016 and is currently in Baku, Azerbaijan. He Hewitt (’15) designer at TOC an immigration specialist also recently got married. has worked since Artwork, in St. at Perficient Information graduation in Louis, Mo., and Technology and Services in John Mertens advertising, recently St. Louis. Jeff earned his B.A. (’14) and overseeing mass purchased a in marketing and an MBA Megean Hubbartt print productions home. He has also purchased in management. Michelle recently for new campaigns across the an art studio with fellow earned her B.A. in human announced their country as well as new digital Lindenwood alumnus Zach resources management. engagement. projects for the client Smithey (’06), in the hopes of Hubbartt websites, web applications, and collaboration. Kinsey Nicole graduated from the University auto shows. He accepted an Bryant (’13) of Missouri-St. Louis with analyst position and has had the Luke Pearl (’17) is a case is engaged to a Bachelor of Arts degree opportunity to work on several manager at the Brain Injury Daniel John in English and psychology. Tier 1 CPG companies. He is Foundation of St. Louis, a Betzinger, both Mertens earned a Master currently a senior analyst in startup nonprofit organization of Troy, Ill. of Arts degree in nonprofit Canada. He continues to play that works with individuals with Bryant is an administration from lacrosse in a Senior B indoor brain injuries. An avid bowler, accountant at Agency for Lindenwood. They live in league as well as a Senior A field he bowls in a traveling Illinois Community Transit. Betzinger St. Charles and plan to be lacrosse league and hopes to try league in Ellisville and returns joined the military in 2001 married Nov. 9, 2018. out for the Canadian professional to St. Charles lanes for a league. and is employed by the U.S. Arena Lacrosse League next Pearl’s degree is a bachelor’s Department of Justice. Bryant fall. He has an MBA with an in nonprofit administration. has a Lindenwood bachelor’s emphasis in marketing.

22 Lindenwood University CAMPUS NEWS CONNECTION Spring 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Kayla Bierbaum (’17) of Augusta, Mo., is engaged to ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP David Reckert of Defiance, Mo. LUNCHEON FEB. 7, 2018 Bierbaum has a bachelor’s in education and modern languages FACULTY SPOTLIGHT from the University of Central Missouri and has a master’s More than 170 recipients, degree in administration from donors, and Lindenwood Lindenwood. She is employed by personnel attended the Endowed Scholarship the school district of Washington Luncheon in the as a second-grade teacher. Her Scheidegger Center on fiancé graduated from Linn Feb. 7. Currently, more than $478,000 in endowed State Technical College in 2011 scholarships benefit with an Associate of Applied 135 recipients. Science degree and is employed UPCOMING EVENTS by Merkel Mechanical as a service technician. A May 2018 wedding in Augusta is planned.

IN MEMORIAM Please be aware that the Recipient Baylie Clynes and benefactor Arthur names listed in the In Goodall were the featured LINDENWOOD SPORTS Memoriam section are speakers for the event. Scholarship recipient of alumni that may have Raylon Bivins passed within recent months or within the past couple of years.

Elizabeth Davis Harvat (’46), Denver, Colo. Helen Bowman Keller (’46), Marion, Ill. Jacqueline Ann Whitehead ALUMNI EVENTS Jenkins (’46), Amarillo, Texas Georgia-Lee Mon (’51), San Marino, Calif. Sharon Vance Jones (’53), Indianapolis, Ind. Mary Mattingly Gilbert (’56), Silver Spring, Md. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Barbara A. Schweppe Hanes (’56), Anaheim, Calif. Marva La Bonte’ Weiny (’59), Upland, Calif. Rev. Linda McCormick (’69), Garland, Texas Virginia Moore (’78), St. Charles, Mo. John B. Wainscott, Jr. (’87), St. Louis, Mo. ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES Kresno A. Djayandaru (’91), Washington, D.C. Melinda McAfee Hart (’92), San Antonio, Texas

23 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage LINDENWOOD PAID St. Louis, MO LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY Permit No. 1062 Alumni Relations 209 South Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301

GET CARDED BY LINDENWOOD! WITH THE LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY REWARDS VISA®

Supporting Lindenwood University just got even more rewarding!

BENEFITS include

Earn Unlimited 1% No Annual Fee Cash Back1 View your FICO® Earn 2% & 3% Score for free on Cash Back1 your monthly credit for purchases in card statement3 select categories2

LEARN MORE AND APPLY ONLINE AT COMMERCEBANK.COM/LINDENWOOD

1 A Cash Back redemption is applied as a 2 Merchants self-select the category in 3 FICO is a registered trademark of statement credit. The statement credit which they would like their transaction Fair Isaac Corporation in the United

will reduce your balance, but you are still items to be listed. Please note some States and other countries. All rights reserved. required to make at least your minimum merchants may be owned by other payment. Values for non-cash back companies, therefore transactions may redemption items such as merchandise, not be counted in the expected category. gift cards, and travel may vary. ©2018 Lindenwood University