The magazine of Missouri Western State University Missouri Spring 2014Western

Kuwait Indonesia South Brazil Korea

Brazil South Korea

South Saudi KoreaInternational Students Arabia Enrich Campus Community pg. 18

Saudi Andorra Honduras Brazil Arabia around campus

Missouri Western’s international flavor The campus and community are being introduced to new cultures and foreign countries, thanks to Missouri Western’s increasing internationalization. The Office of International Student Services and international students host an International Fair every year. Also, Jianhua Lian, a professor from Xidian University in China, is teaching at Missouri Western this year, and she and her Chinese language students planned a Chinese New Year celebration this spring. president’s perspective

Dear Friends, Admissions processes for international In 2008, when I students, began my presidency, allocating funds there were seven for international international students recruitment trips at Missouri Western and establishing State University. One agreements with of my immediate many international priorities was to better universities. prepare our graduates for careers in a global It is essential that marketplace by our students have increasing the number the opportunities of international students and faculty to develop strong cross-cultural members on campus and increasing competencies and are familiar with study away opportunities. others who are quite different from themselves. Creating an international We have made tremendous strides as student experience in St. Joseph a University toward these efforts. We allows our students to have a broader have increased from seven students to understanding of other cultures 87 in the spring of 2014, representing and improve their interpersonal more than 25 countries. Opportunities communication abilities. These skills to study abroad have sent Missouri will serve them well in increasingly Western students to Belize, India, global business environments and in Honduras, China and more. While increasingly diverse communities. we continue to focus on this area and pursue even further growth, we have The internationalization of our campus made remarkable strides in just six carries enormous benefits for our years. students, but also for our faculty, staff and our region. We can all be proud The growth in our international of the increasingly global footprint of student population and in our study Missouri Western State University. away opportunities has been the result of years of hard work and commitment from faculty and staff members across campus. Missouri Western has put in several pieces of infrastructure to make this happen, including creating Robert A. Vartabedian an International Student Services President, Office and hiring a director, tightening Missouri Western State University In this issue

International students are changing the Missouri Western On the cover landscape. Photo by Randy Edmonds.

sections features The Missouri Western Magazine is a ­publication of the University Advancement Office for alumni and friends of Missouri Western State University and its predecessor institutions. 4 Cinema Students Score 3 Campus News spring 2014 Super Experience Volume 12 Number 2 Cinema students produced an ad for one 12 Sports of television’s most-watched programs – Editor Super Bowl XLVIII. Diane Holtz 26 Alumni News Design Editor 14 Real Success in University’s Kendy Jones ’94 Director of Public relations & Marketing Synthetic Biology Research Mallory Murray 31 Alumnotes Since 2006, biology and math students have Director of Alumni relations been conducting cutting-edge research and Colleen Kowich finding great success and recognition. STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHERs Jason Brown, Seth Campbell, Gilbert Imbiri, Mitch Stroup 16 In Their Own Words Board of Governors A professor, graduate student and an Leo Blakley ’62, Chair alumna team up to produce an outstanding Dirck Clark ’85, Vice Chair historical film and book. Lesley Graves, David Liechti, Greg Mason ’89, Al Purcell, Deborah Smith ’79, Lionel Attawia, Student Governor.

18 International Students Enrich Alumni Board Shelby Coxon ’99, President Campus Community David Slater ’82, First Vice President A diverse and growing population of Angie Springs ’02, Second Vice President Robert Sigrist ’95, Immediate Past President international students at the University is Sheryl Bremer ’81, Carole Dunn ’91, Luke Gorham ’06, Diane Hook adding to a great college experience for all ’90, Claudia James ’85, Brian Jardes ’05, James Jeffers ’73, Linda students. Kerner ’73, Randy Klein ’78, Bruce Kneib ’84, Brandy Meeks ’07, Kendell Misemer ’82, Arthur Montgomery ’89, Molly Pierce ’77, 4 Ralph Schank ’82, Tom Schneider ’64, Jennifer Stanek ’99, Mary 22 Debate and Forensics Returns Vaughan ’79, Joseph Vigliaturo ’75. to Missouri Western Foundation Board A long-time and popular program makes a Corky Marquart ’84, Chair comeback at Missouri Western, and quickly Jason Horn ’95, Vice Chair John Wilson, Treasurer makes a name for itself. Seth Wright, Secretary

Kit (Bradley) Bowlin, Drew Brown, Eric Bruder ’93, Jim Carolus, Pat Dillon, Jason Grayson ’98, Ed Haffey ’62, Diane Hook ’90, Jennifer Kneib-Dixon ’89, Chris Looney, Lisa Norton, Mike Pankau ’84, Brent Porlier ’82, Al Purcell, Tom Richmond, David Roberts, J.L. Robertson, Dennis Rosonke, LaVell Rucker ’03, Dave Shinne- man, Sara Summers Stein, Jon Styslinger, Tom Tewell, Robert Vartabedian, Greg VerMulm ’89, Julie Woods ’96, Zack Workman ’74, Jerry Pickman ’85, executive director.

Missouri Western Magazine 4525 Downs Drive, Spratt Hall 108 St. Joseph, MO 64507 (816) 271-5651 [email protected] griff.vn/magazine

18 Missouri Western State University is an equal opportunity institution.

12 Campus News

Pre-med students benefit from changes MU Medical School Agreement Ensworth Medical This spring, Missouri Western The effort to expand the MU Scholarship Fund joined a program with the University program came from the Area Health Missouri Western students who of Missouri-Columbia School of Education Centers, and Dr. Baker are interested in medical school have Medicine in an effort to bring more credits the local group with helping a better opportunity for scholarships, doctors to rural areas. Missouri Western be included in the thanks to a change in the Ensworth MU School of Medicine’s Bryant new agreements. Medical Scholarship Fund. Scholars Pre-Admissions Program One benefit to students, he said, was The fund had previously been set encourages future physicians to practice that they will be among a smaller pool up through U.S. Bank in St. Joseph, in underserved rural areas by allowing of applicants for MU’s medical school. Mo. to offer loan monies to students undergraduates interested in rural And, earning medical school admission in medical school. A legal change medicine to earn pre-admission to at the end of their sophomore year takes for tax purposes has now placed the its medical school. The program had a lot of pressure off them when they are money in the Missouri Western State agreements with six higher education ready to graduate. University Foundation and will now institutions in the state since it began The agreement also gives Missouri be offered as scholarships instead of 20 years ago, and Missouri Western Western another recruiting tool for loans. Additionally, only Missouri joined six more colleges and universities outstanding students. Western students are now eligible to in the agreement. With the addition of MU, Missouri apply. Now, Missouri Western students Western now has pre-admission “We will now be able reward some finishing their sophomore year have the agreements with the University of of our strongest students,” said Dr. option of applying for pre-admission to Missouri-Kansas City School of Jason Baker, professor of biology and MU School of Medicine if they meet Medicine and Kirksville College of coordinator of the program. “It is a the criteria. Dr. Jason Baker, professor Osteopathic Medicine, and an early- great benefit.” of biology, is Missouri Western’s matriculation and early-admission program coordinator. agreement with Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience.

Theatre shines “Drowsy Chaperone,” left, and “The Producers,” right, were two of the Missouri Western’s great theatre productions this past season. Tee Quillin directed “Drowsy Chaperone” and Dallas Henry directed “The Producers.”

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 3

Campus News

Cinema students score super experience Creating an ad for the Super Bowl best learning experience,” said Henry, several shoppers after they discover is something most college students assistant professor of theatre and how much they will save on their next can only dream about, but the Hy-Vee cinema. “It raises the stakes. It’s not purchase of gasoline. grocery store in St. Joseph gave Missouri much different from what I would have Henry wrote the spot and was Western that opportunity for Super done with my production company.” executive producer. Chris Rayle, from Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2. Students in Henry said he and Brad McAnally, St. Joseph, was producer. Blair Stalder, Dallas Henry’s Commercial Production store director at the St. Joseph Hy-Vee, from Liberty Hill, Texas, was director, class produced two 30-second spots started talking about the project last and Kelsey Houser, from St. Joseph, was for St. Joseph, Mo.-area audiences that summer. McAnally visited Henry’s assistant director. Stalder and Houser aired in the second half of the game. class last fall, and students pitched each edited one of the spots. “Creating a real spot for a real client their concepts to him. The commercial “We just knew it was a big deal,” to be aired during the most-watched highlighted Hy-Vee’s Fuel Saver card Houser said. “We had to be focused to television broadcast of the year is the by depicting the celebration dances of make sure we got it right.” The crew started at 5:30 a.m. Jan. 20 and wrapped at 9 p.m. after some outside shots were delayed because of weather. “Organization was a huge part of the production,” Stalder said. “It’s not just time management, but making sure all the equipment is ready to use when it’s needed.” Although the commercial production process was very similar to what students will experience if they go on to a career in the field, including state-of- the-art equipment purchased recently by the Department of Theatre and Cinema, there was one significant difference, Henry said. The collaborative, creative atmosphere on this set was something you very rarely see. “Before every shot, we all got together and talked about what we Top: Cinema needed to do to get the best shot students film their possible. We all contributed in our own Super Bowl televi- special way to make every shot work,” sion commercial at he said. the local Hy-Vee; “It was fun,” Houser said. “The bottom: Matt Wright employees in it were really Hy-Vee ‘12 agreed to act in employees, and they were fun to work the commercial; p. 5: with.” Blair Stalder and Stalder and Houser were also Kelsey Houser recently recognized with Kansas City prepare to shoot a Regional ADDY awards for their scene for the spot. cinematography. Stalder was recognized 4 Campus Nneews

Foundation Notes Cinema students score super experience New Foundation Board members Three people joined the Missouri Western State University Foundation Board of Directors in February 2014: Lisa Norton of LAN Resources, LLC/ BioZyme, St. Joseph, Mo.; Brent Porlier ’82, Porlier Outdoor Advertising Co., Foristell, Mo.; and Jason Grayson ’98, Hillshire Brands of St. Joseph. John Sublett Logan Foundation gift Trustees of the John Sublett Logan Foundation recently notified Missouri Western’s Foundation that it is the recipient of $90,000. The funds will be used for scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students and a summer research program for faculty members in the Craig School of Business. for three videos promoting Missouri Both Stalder and Houser credit “Time and again, we have seen how Western, and Houser with one, titled, Henry with their outstanding much it means to students to receive “Our Campus is Awesome.” At a experiences. “I can’t tell you how much scholarships,” said Jerry Pickman February ceremony in Kansas City, the I learned here,” Houser said. “He has ’85, vice president for University two each won one Silver ADDY Award. helped me so much. I owe him a lot.” Advancement. “For many students, Their videos advanced to the national scholarships determine whether or not competition. they can continue their education.” An opportunity to earn your degree

If you know someone who attended earn a degree advance their careers and able to complete the degree online. college but never earned a bachelor’s increase their financial contributions to Between December 2013 and degree, Missouri Western’s Back to their family and community,” he said. February 2014, the Western Institute Western initiative may be the answer The Western Institute is directing the advised more than 70 adults seeking to help them earn that degree. The initiative. to complete a bachelor’s degree using the program began last fall, and utilizes the Missouri Western’s BGS program BGS. University’s Bachelor of General Studies is great for students who have a lot of Dr. Mapley noted that participation that was approved in 2012. credit hours. It allows those who enroll in the program is not limited to former Dr. Gordon Mapley, Executive to choose two minors to create a custom Missouri Western students, because Director and Dean of the Western major, typically using many credits they adults may transfer credits from other Institute, noted that there are more than already have. Dr. Mapley said at least institutions to participate and earn 700,000 adult Missourians who have three adults have been able to complete a degree. credits toward a bachelor’s degree they BGS requirements by taking four or To learn more, please visit have not completed. fewer additional credits this spring missouriwestern.edu/completion, or “Adults who have used options such semester. Additionally, many individuals contact Tammy Glise or Stacy Turner at as the Bachelor of General Studies to who are working toward the BGS are the Western Institute, (816) 271-4100.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 5

Campus news

Great gathering space on campus student affairs. “We want it to be a place for students to congregate and visit with friends or work on class projects together. These spaces help build community, and that’s a lot of what Missouri Western is about.” She credited Ann Pearce, special assistant to the president; and Brian Shewell, student representative on the Board of Governors; for their work on the project, along with Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, wife of Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. Grahl laughed when she recalled the student gathering spaces that were on the new campus when she was a student in the early 1970s. The student union was a double-wide trailer. “We had nothing nice like this,” she said. She and Pierce said that their parents Students have a new place to gather Government Association contributed did not go to college, but always on campus, thanks to the generosity of a $20,000 for furniture for the Kelley told their children from an early age local family. This spring, the University Commons and for the first floor lobby that they were going to get a college dedicated the Kelley Commons, a of the Blum Union. Aramark Campus education, and that they would start out beautiful outdoor patio outside the Dining contributed $6,000 and at Missouri Western. When the bond Blum Union. Zack Workman ’74, owner of Lawns issue for building a new campus was It is named for the Kelley family, Unlimited Inc., donated landscaping on the ballot, the Kelley family handed which includes the parents, Jean Kelley and dirt work for the new space. out pamphlets and knocked on doors in and the late James Kelley; children, “This is something my mother loves,” support of it. Jeanie Grahl ’72, Molly Pierce ’77 and Grahl said. “And my father would have “We wanted to give back. Missouri Chris Kelley ’86 and his wife, Kelly; and loved sitting on the patio watching Western has provided all of us with grandchild Kelley Meirose ’99 and her students.” a wonderful education and start of husband, Scott. The space includes a large patio area careers,” Pierce said. “It has also done In 2007, the family donated the with tables and chairs, a stage, a grassy so much for the community. Under funds to create the University Plaza, area, and large black and gold sails to Dr. Vartabedian’s leadership, Missouri which includes the 10 foot bronze provide shade. Inside the Blum Union, Western continues to grow and excel. Griffon statue and fountain, which is adjacent to the patio, is a new Java City This is an investment into its future.” close to the new Kelley Commons. which was provided by ARAMARK Pierce said the family’s connections “It was a great natural extension of Campus Dining. to Missouri Western also continue to the plaza, and we are very happy with “The union is often seen as the living grow – Chris and Kelly’s daughter, the results,” Pierce said. room on a campus, and we want Kelley Kealey Mathieson, is currently a student The Kelley family donated $100,000 Commons to be a welcoming space,” at Missouri Western. toward the project. The Student said Shana Meyer, vice president for “Our whole family loves Missouri Western,” Grahl said.

6 www.missouriwestern.edu Campus news

New to the U – MWSU welcomes three Three open positions at Missouri As a major gift officer at UCM, and a Master of Arts in Educational Western have been filled recently, Armstrong secured private support Administration from the University of including associate vice president for from university alumni and constituents, Missouri-Kansas City. University Advancement, Center for initiating more than 30 new scholarship A new Director of Residential Multicultural Education coordinator and endowed funds. He also developed Life also started in January: Nathan and Residential Life director. a comprehensive prospect management Roberts was serving as assistant director Michael Armstrong was named program that resulted in a 52 percent of Housing and Residential Life at associate vice president for University increase in gifts of more than $10,000 in Oklahoma State University before Advancement and started Jan. 7. He its first year of implementation. accepting the position at Missouri was previously major gift officer at Latoya Fitzpatrick was named Western. He had previously served as the University of Central Missouri in coordinator for the Center for residence area coordinator at Oklahoma Warrensburg. Multicultural Education at Missouri State. “Missouri Western is at a pivotal Western in January. Prior to this “As director of Residential Life and exciting point in its evolution as position, she was a housing coordinator you have the privilege to help shape an institution,” Armstrong said. “The at Oklahoma State University in the environment that supports college potential to expand and mature the Stillwater, Okla. She was a resident students as they pursue their dreams,” resource development program here is director at the University of Tennessee Roberts said. “I take this responsibility incredible, and I could not resist the at Chattanooga before joining the very seriously and I make sure to opportunity to be a part of making that Oklahoma State staff. remember how I felt as a 18 year-old happen.” “This office is important because each freshman when I’m making decisions At Missouri Western, he will student needs to feel like they belong,” that could greatly impact students.” help lead the division of University Fitzpatrick said. “It’s important for this Roberts earned a Bachelor of Fine Advancement, which includes office to connect with students and find Arts in Communication from Emporia Development, Alumni Relations, Public out what their needs are so that students State University, Emporia, Kan., and Relations and Marketing, and Campus can be ready for most of the challenges a Master of Science in Career and Printing and Design Services. of the world once they leave college.” Technical Education – Educational Fitzpatrick, originally from St. Louis, Instruction from Ferris State University earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in Big Rapids, Mich. Centennial Notes: We’re making plans! The Centennial Committee has been Founders’ Day to coincide with Missouri up to 1983. As part of the centennial, working on 2015 centennial plans since Western’s Family Weekend. the University commissioned Diane 2011. The committee is co-chaired by Although plans are not final, the Holtz to research and write the history Alumni Relations Director Colleen committee is tentatively planning a from 1983. Her book will cover events Kowich and Public Relations and number of initiatives, such as displays on through January 2015, and will come Marketing Director Mallory Murray. campus and throughout the community, out in time for Founders’ Day in In the coming months, the a speaker series, commissioning of an September 2015. committee will be making plans for art piece, a Black and Gold Ball and an Mark your calendars and plan on events for employees, students, alumni employee rally. celebrating 100 years of transforming and the community. A large campus In 1982, Dr. M.O. Looney, lives. Oh, and speaking of calendars, and community celebration in honor of former Missouri Western president, the committee is creating centennial Founders’ Day will be held in September commissioned Dr. Frances Flanagan to calendars too! 2015. The first day of classes in 1915 write the institution’s history from 1915, was Sept. 20, but the committee wants and that published book covered events

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 7

Campus News

Student group learns through corrections Hunter Ewart had only been on campus a few days when she accidently wandered into Wilson Hall on her way to class in a different building (“I think I may have been texting and walking,” she admits). Ewart immediately realized she was in the wrong building but was captivated by a lecture she could hear. “He was talking about gangs,” she says of Dr. David Nicholson, “and before I knew it, students were coming out of classrooms, and I realized I had totally missed my class. But it was awesome. I loved his lecture.” That experience convinced her to pursue a criminal justice major, and the senior from St. Joseph will graduate in December 2014 with three emphases – corrections, juvenile delinquency and Members of the American Corrections Association student group help at the Missouri Division of Youth Services’ administration. football tournament in the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex on campus. Last year, when Dr. Greg Lindsteadt, associate professor of criminal justice, encouraged students held a campus book drive for the for women in correctional facilities in to restart the American Corrections Riverbend Treatment Facility in Nebraska whose babies are allowed to visit. Association student group that had not St. Joseph and attended a conference. One of the group’s main activities, They also helped with a Missouri however, is touring correctional “I’ve gotten a good Division of Youth Services education here. I can football apply everything I’ve tournament in the Griffon learned in my future job.” Indoor Sports Complex - Hunter Ewart ’14 on campus and solicited been active for several years, Ewart was donations and on board and now serves as the group’s provided snack president. “I think I threw myself under bags for the the bus,” she said with a laugh. “But we youth who needed unity and more collaboration played. This among students.” spring, they held The group re-organized in the a drive to collect spring of 2013 and last fall, students baby items

Cynthia Isenbarger fills snack packs as part of the American Corrections Association student group’s service project.

8 www.missouriwestern.edu Campus News

Student group learns through corrections cont’d facilities across the Midwest, which Ewart said the tours she has “I’ve gotten a good education here,” Dr. Lindsteadt says helps students experienced in Missouri, Nebraska and Ewart says. “I can apply everything I’ve compare the philosophies of the states’ Kansas convinced her to pursue a career learned in my future job.” correctional systems and determine in corrections. which is the best fit for them. Alumna leads youth facility: Nikki Hamre ’95

When Nikki “Our students don’t realize list of the Top 10 most dangerous hikes Hamre ’95 was a the impact they have on the in the United States, and they have senior, the criminal youth,” Dr. Lindsteadt added. completed four of them.) justice major planned “They can play an incredible role “The youth are always doing to go to law school or as mentors.” something different,” Hamre said. “We the law enforcement Dr. Lindsteadt noted that come to work and have fun with the kids, academy until a the Watkins Mill facility tour is but we are teaching them skills they can professor of criminal an interesting experience for his use.” justice, Jill Miller ’73, Nikki Hamre ’95 students because it is different Additionally, she said, youth learn told her she thought from other state correctional about fun, legal activities that give them a she would be good at working with kids. facilities. natural high, and the activities build trust Turns out it was pretty good advice. The school is located by Watkins among the youth and staff. As a student, Hamre, from Troy, Mill State Park, so the 60 youth, both “A lot of kids who come here have Kan., toured Watkins Mill Park Camp boys and girls, are able to take hikes, go learned not to trust,” Hamre said, and the School, part of the Missouri Division of rock climbing, caving or rappelling. staff works to help them overcome that. Youth Services, and was hired there as That appeals to Hamre, a self- “This job has definitely taught a youth specialist two months after she proclaimed “adrenaline junkie” who me patience. When I started I wanted graduated. She was named manager of didn’t want a desk job. (She and her to solve the kids’ problems, and I learned the facility in 2004 after also working as husband, Shawn ’96, who played they have to figure it out on their group leader and assistant manager. football at Missouri Western, keep a own.” When Dr. Greg Lindsteadt, associate professor of criminal justice, contacted her about his students visiting the Watkins Mill facility, Hamre was happy to comply. The youth from her facility then visited Missouri Western. “It inspires the kids to want to go to college,” she said.

Paint it Gold University Advancement staff distributed gift bags across campus for the Paint it Gold Spring Sports Blitz in February. Employees and students who were wearing Missouri Western black and gold received a gift bag. Nursing and Physical Therapist Assistant staff and faculty were paintin’ it gold in Murphy Hall.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 9

Campus News

Vartabedians create President’s Centennial Circle

With doctorate degrees in speech and debate team at communication and long, distinguished Missouri Western (see pg. 22). careers in higher education, Drs. Robert The Vartabedians’ gift and Laurel Vartabedian are dedicated also inaugurates a new donor to making a difference in the lives of recognition program, the university students. That dedication has President’s Centennial Circle, led them to make a personal financial which will recognize donors commitment of more with a than $100,000 to lifetime Missouri Western history State University. of giving With the gift, $100,000 or the Vartabedians more to the establish a new 100 YEARS of TRANSFORMING LIVES University. donor recognition “As we program called the President’s prepare to solicit leadership Centennial Circle. gifts for this capital campaign, “I really believe in this University I cannot ask others to do and in this community, and Laurel and I something that I am not wanted to show that in a tangible way,” willing to do,” Dr. Robert Dr. Vartabedian said. “As I have said Vartabedian said. “Laurel and many times, some universities enhance I want to make a difference, the lives of their students. I truly believe and Missouri Western is the that Missouri Western transforms the culmination of our lives’ work.” lives of its students.” For more information on The Missouri Western State the President’s Centennial Drs. Robert and Laurel Vartabedian University Foundation is preparing Circle, go to missouriwestern. for a centennial capital campaign, to edu/development/presidents- fundraiser and the Missouri Western be conducted in conjunction with centennial-circle. Arts Society. She co-wrote two musicals Missouri Western’s 100th anniversary Dr. Robert Vartabedian became that have been produced in New York celebration in 2015. The Vartabedians’ president in July 2008. Under his City. “American Story” won the Best gift helps jumpstart the planning efforts leadership, Missouri Western has of Festival award at the Midtown for that campaign, said Jerry Pickman completed four major construction International Theatre Festival in 2000. ’85, vice president for University projects totaling more than $65 million, “Mother Divine” was one of just 10 Advancement and executive director of become the summer training camp shows selected for the New York Musical the Foundation. home of the Kansas City Chiefs, formed Theatre Festival’s Next Link Project in “Donors want to know that the a unique entrepreneurial education 2013. It will be produced in St. Joseph people seeking their financial support partnership with Rocky Mountain this summer and is being considered are themselves deeply committed to the Chocolate Factory, and most recently for future professional productions in cause,” Pickman said. “This gift by the dedicated a permanent memorial to California and Texas. Vartabedians is a strong demonstration legendary journalist and St. Joseph-born “This university and community mean of that commitment.” Walter Cronkite. a great deal to us, and we wanted to lead The Vartabedians have pledged Dr. Laurel Vartabedian is a lifelong the charge on this once-in-a-hundred- a total of $144,000 to the future educator. She has been a supporter of years campaign,” Dr. Laurel Vartabedian campaign. Most of the gift is the arts at Missouri Western, including added. undesignated at this point, but a small helping to found both the annual portion is supporting the revival of a “Lights and Tights” Renaissance Feast

10 www.missouriwestern.edu Campus News

No nursing shortage in this family

They say it all started with Helen “It was her lifelong dream,” Leslie says Ashley said working one summer Koch’s great grandmother. In 1905, of her mother. “She was my influence.” in a hospital convinced her that she when Olive Cady enrolled at the St. Helen, who worked for a surgeon would enjoy a nursing career. “Nursing is Joseph Hospital for Educating Nurses for several years before she earned her hands-on and you develop relationships in St. Joseph, Mo. as a nontraditional associate’s degree in nursing, said she with the patients.” student, she began a legacy of nurses that was often accused of brainwashing her All the family members agreed that continues today. And in recent history, children into going into nursing, and she their education at Missouri Western many have earned their degrees from doesn’t deny it. “I’m very proud. I feel prepared them well for their careers. Missouri Western. they have chosen a profession that will Helen, Bob, Teri and Leslie all received In December 2013, Ashley Nichols serve them well.” associate degrees because Missouri ’13 earned a Bachelor of Science Bob is a certified registered nurse Western didn’t begin offering bachelor’s in Nursing, joining her mother, anesthetist at a hospital in Carthage, degrees in nursing until 1986. grandmother, brother, sister-in-law and Mo. and Teri is the director of quality “The professors were great,” Teri said. a host of cousins in the field. Nichols’ management and infection control at a “They were very supportive, but they had mother, Leslie Nichols ’77 & ’81, her hospital in Joplin, Mo. “It’s been a good high expectations.” grandmother, Helen Koch ’84, and her career,” Bob said. Ashley praised her preparation aunt and uncle, Teri ’80 and Bob ’74 Teri agreed. “You learn something for her career, as well. “My professors Koch, all credit Missouri Western for new every day, and you feel like you make were wonderful. They did a great job their education and careers. a difference.” of finding clinical sites that supported “Nursing is a disease in our family,” By the time Ashley graduated with a learning.” Helen says with a laugh. “We all just bachelor’s degree in health science from And the legacy continues. Two want to help people and serve.” University of Missouri-Columbia in of Ashley’s cousins, Claire Brockett Helen started in a nursing program 2011, she had already decided to pursue a and Cole Brockett, are both currently right out of high school but had to nursing degree at Missouri Western. attending Missouri Western and plan to quit when she got married, because Both her mother and grandmother major in nursing. married women were not allowed in are pleased with Ashley’s career choice. “My great grandmother is an the program. She always planned to “At first I was shocked and amazed,” inspiration to all of us,” Helen said. go back and get her degree when her Leslie said. “But she will be a very caring, children were grown, and that is exactly wonderful nurse. She has the intelligence Nursing programs receive what she did. and the heart for it.” accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program was recently re- accredited and the Master of Science in Nursing in Health Care Leadership program was initially accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The bachelor degree program accreditation was extended for 10 more years, the maximum amount of time awarded by CCNE for reaccreditation. The master’s degree program received initial accreditation for a period of five years, also the maximum amount of time awarded by CCNE for initial accreditation.

Helen Koch ’84, Ashley Nichols ’13 and Leslie Nichols ’77 & ’81.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 11

Griffon sports

Basketball review Griffon softball Women’s Coming off a 38-win season, softball After 16 wins last season, Coach was picked to finish second out of 15 Rob Edmisson had his sights set on teams in the MIAA Preseason Coaches finishing in the upper half of a tough Poll heading into this season. At press MIAA and knocking on the door of a time, six weeks of the season, the return to the NCAA Tournament this Griffons currently stood at 14-10 overall. season. Offensively the team is led by a nice After a promising 4-0 start, it mix of veteran leadership and freshman appeared the team was on their way to phenoms. Junior first baseman Tiffany just that, but injuries and some hard- Gillaspy is off to a hot start, hitting .373 luck shooting nights left the Griffons with five home runs and 13 RBIs. Junior on the outside looking in at tournament outfielder Bre Fleshcner is also having time. Highlight victories during the another solid season at the plate in the season came in front of the two biggest early going with a .306 batting average. crowds of the season in the fieldhouse, Freshman outfielders Morgan one on Jan. 18, 73-63 over Southwest Rathmann and Kailey Green are second Baptist in front of 1,700 fans, and a 68- and third on the team in batting average, 47 win over rival Northwest Missouri hitting .333 and .314 respectively. In State with more than 2,000 fans in the pitching circle, strikeout and all- attendance. time wins leader, and three-time first While the women struggled on the JaQuitta Dever team All-MIAA pitcher Jackie Bishop offensive end, the defense was tops in returns for her senior season. Bishop the MIAA in holding opponents to just currently has a 9-4 overall record with Some near misses early in league 59 points per game. In a victory against a 1.18 ERA, including throwing three play and a late season tailspin sent the Lincoln on Jan. 29, the Griffons held no-hitters. Griffons to the 12th and final spot the Blue Tigers to just 28 points, which The Griffons have their sights set in the MIAA Postseason Basketball was the third lowest mark in school on qualifying for their seventh NCAA Tournament. history. Tournament appearance in 10 seasons. One constant in the Griffon lineup Two players were honored for their The softball coach is Jen Trotter. efforts on the court: Forward Quenisha this season was junior guard Ryan Lockett was named Honorable Devers, who finished eighth in the Mention All-MIAA and forward MIAA in scoring, averaging 17 points a Tiffanie Abrams was named to the All- game. He scored in double figures in all Defensive Team. but two games, including a season-high 40 points against Southwest Baptist on Men’s Download the Griffon Athletics March 1. It was the first time a Griffon mobile app for iPhones and For the first time in 25 years, men’s had scored more then 40 in a game Android devices. The Go Griffons basketball saw a new face on the since December 1995 when Jerran Cobb free mobile app is available sidelines as Head Coach Brett Weiberg did so against California-Riverside. for download in the iTunes succeeded legendary Coach Tom Smith For his efforts, Devers was named store, Google Play, the Amazon this past season. Honorable Mention All-MIAA. Marketplace; or users may text Weiberg hit the ground running, With only two seniors, a good “Griffons” to 46988 for a link to winning six of his first nine games, nucleus returning and a strong download as well. For information including wins over perennial Division recruiting class, 2014-15 has great on all Missouri Western Athletics, II powers Augustana in his first game potential. check out gogriffons.com. and Fort Hays State in early December.

12 www.missouriwestern.edu Griffon sports

Cortrez Colbert Griffon softball Sports Notes

Garnett ’06 on the PGA Tour gogriffons.com or for more information Brice Garnett ’06, originally from call David Lau at (816) 271-5926 or Gallatin, Mo., earned his PGA Tour card e-mail [email protected]. last fall and is making the most of status. Through 10 events on tour, he has made Tight end to NFL Combine nine cuts, with his best finish being tied Tight end Reggie Jordan received for 19th at the AT&T National Pro Am an invitation to the NFL Combine in at Pebble Beach Golf Links in February Indianapolis in February 2014. Jordan 2014. Garnett is currently 120th in the was a top aerial target for the Griffons FedEx Cup Standings and 135th on throughout his career and earned the money list with earnings of almost D2Football.com Honorable Mention $190,000. All-America Honors in the 2013 Recently, Garnett was one of 10 season. named to the MIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2014. Griffon alum leads Kansas State women’s basketball Join the Gold Coat Victory Fund Former women’s basketball coach Support Griffon Athletics by and Missouri Western Athletics joining the official booster club the Gold Hall of Fame member Jeff Mittie ’89 Golfers on the greens Coat Victory Fund. The Fund helps was named head women’s basketball provide needed funding to keep our coach at Kansas State University in It’s been a whirlwind seven months programs among the most competitive Manhattan. Mittie, who played both for new golf coach Greg Dillon. On the in NCAA Division II. By joining the basketball and baseball at Missouri women’s side after six events, the best Gold Coat Victory Fund, you’ll also have Western, coached women’s basketball team finish was a third place showing access to season tickets to Griffon sports, 1992-95 and compiled a 76-17 career in the Northwest Missouri State Fall preferred parking opportunities, access record. He led the women to the Elite Invitational. Individually, sophomore to improved club areas at football and Eight twice, including a Final Four Callie Wilson and freshman Madison basketball, football sideline passes, fitness appearance in 1995.He spent four Romjue led the team with an 84 scoring center access, social invites and much seasons at Arkansas State University average. more. Our annual membership drive and the last 15 years at Texas Christian On the men’s side, the best team is underway now. Join online at University in Fort Worth. finish came in the season opening event in the Missouri Intercollegiate Baseball builds on record season Championship, where the Griffons finished sixth of out 15 teams. Junior Coming off the best season in school Through 20 games, the Griffons sat Scott Sheldon leads the team in scoring history in 2013, the University’s first at 9-11 overall. Four players are hitting with an average of 77 per round. MIAA Championship and a berth in the over .300: Ryan Degner, .368; Trevor NCAA Tournament, the baseball team LaHonta, .349; David Chew, .338; and Celebrity Golf Classic had high expectations entering the 2014 Will Carter, .314. June 16, 2014 season. They were picked to finish second The new pitching staff has had St. Joseph Country Club out of 15 MIAA teams. its ups and downs. It is led by Dylan Call (816) 271-5926 or email Only returning one regular starter Roades, who has a 2.16 ERA in four [email protected] in the lineup and no returning starting appearances and junior Tyler Sanders for details. pitchers, Coach Buzz Verduzco knew with a 3.46 ERA in 11 appearances. that getting new faces acclimated to The team is gearing up for the a tough MIAA schedule would be a MIAA Baseball Championship held challenge. May 8-10 in Springfield, Mo.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 13

Real success in University’s synthetic biology research

If you go online and Google competition for synthetic biology biologist, and Dr. Laurie Heyer, a “bacterial computing,” four out of the research, was just two years old that mathematician from Davidson, to first five entries that appear are papers year, and 13 teams from colleges and gather students from each institution to that have been published by Missouri universities across the globe were conduct synthetic biology research over Western professors and students. competing, including Davidson. Dr. the summer. And by November 2006, Since 2006, Dr. Todd Eckdahl, Dr. Eckdahl was not familiar with synthetic Missouri Western and Davidson each Jeff Poet and eight teams totaling 19 biology, which was a new field. took a team to the third annual iGEM mathematics and 35 biology Missouri After he returned from MIT, Dr. competition, which now consisted of 32 Western undergraduate students have Eckdahl was excited about the research teams. After the first competition, the been conducting two schools joined synthetic biology as one team and research, which competed at uses mathematical iGEM together modeling and for the next four molecular biology years. methods to design Dr. Poet and construct new related that, in biological parts, the spring of devices and systems. 2006, he and Dr. They have achieved Eckdahl signed phenomenal success up to attend a by every measure. workshop at MIT It all started in for professors 2005, when Dr. interested in Todd Eckdahl, conducting professor of biology synthetic biology and department research with chair, was asked to their students and observe and help competing judge a collegiate at iGEM. competition Dr. Poet Dr. Jeff Poet shows students Kelly Cochran and Erica Keffeler software used in the University’s synthetic biology sponsored by the remembers one of research program. Massachusetts the slides shown Institute of during a session Technology (MIT). He didn’t want to and wanted to take students to the next was an engineering-like blueprint of a at first, but his friend and colleague, year’s iGEM. However, he realized genetic system and very complicated. Dr. Malcolm Campbell from Davidson synthetic biology was bigger than “I looked at that and thought, ‘What College in North Carolina, insisted, so just biology, so he met with Dr. Poet, did we get ourselves into?’” Dr. Poet said. Dr. Eckdahl went. professor of mathematics, who agreed to “But by the end of the summer, we took The iGEM (International join in on the research. a photo of a chalkboard in the lab full Genetically Engineered Machine) Dr. Poet and Dr. Eckdahl of our research, and it was every bit as competition, an undergraduate collaborated with Dr. Campbell, a complicated as the one at our training.

14 www.missouriwestern.edu 0

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And, every one of our students could among those constructing the first And what, you ask, is the most explain it in detail.” bacterial computers, and has received accessed paper in JBE history? The To say Missouri Western’s synthetic worldwide media attention for this published paper from the 2007 Missouri biology research program has had accomplishment, including mention in Western/Davidson iGEM team, success is an understatement. Not only Scientific American and an interview on “Solving a Hamiltonian Path Problem did the 2006 team bring home an award National Public Radio’s Science Friday with a Bacterial Computer.” That one, for Best Oral Presentation, but each program. too, earned Outstanding Paper of the team for the next four years brought The 2006 iGEM team’s research Year, and has been accessed more than home a Gold Medal for the quality of paper, “Engineering Bacteria to Solve 54,000 times. oral, poster and In all, the website presentation researchers have of research results. published a total Dr. Eckdahl noted of 11 papers that only about involving 85 one-third of the 129 undergraduate teams competing in co-authors, 44 2010, the last year of whom were Missouri Western from Missouri competed, earned a Western. gold medal. “We had a And if a lot of success program is judged the first year, by the number of and I thought, published articles ‘this is as good or the amount of as it gets,” Dr. research grants, well, Eckdahl said. Dr. Eckdahl and “But then we Dr. Poet’s program started getting again measures up. NSF grants.” Since 2007, the “Every year, synthetic biology we say, ‘this is Brandon Grieshaber and Dr. Todd Eckdahl are part of the synthetic biology team at Missouri Western. program has the best team earned more than yet,’” Dr. Poet $2 million in grants from the National the Burnt Pancake Problem” that was added. “And we mean it.” Science Foundation. Just last fall, published in the Journal of Biological The professors have taken their Missouri Western and Davidson split a Engineering was picked up by research success to the next level, as they research grant of more than $1 million newspapers and online sites around the also conduct workshops to “teach the for synthetic biology research over the world. The paper earned Outstanding teachers.” For the past four summers, next three years. Paper of the Year from the JBE and Dr. Eckdahl, Dr. Poet, Dr. Campbell And published articles? The stands as the second most accessed and Dr. Heyer have taught a synthetic Missouri Western/Davidson paper in its history, with more than biology workshop for professors across iGEM team is credited with being 47,000 accesses to date. the country who want to engage Continued on pg. 21

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 15

In their own words “I wanted their memories to live on.” the columnist that he could help move Those seven words sum up the feelings the project along. “I was really interested of Alonzo Weston and his longtime in black oral history,” Dr. Church said. “ dream that was fulfilled with the help of “To hear their stories was very touching. “One of the things a Missouri Western professor, a graduate Everyone added something that no one that bothered me student and an alumna. had said before.” Last summer, Weston, a reporter Enter Jeremy Lyons, a student the most was the for the St. Joseph News-Press, wrote in Missouri Western’s digital media lack of respect.” a column about trying to capture graduate program. Lyons offered to members of the African American interview the community members community on video for the Black over the summer of 2013 as part of “It took a lot of Archives Museum. He had been his master’s thesis. He interviewed people dying working on it for several years, and just 14 people, many in their homes, and to give you the not finding the time to get as many produced “In Their Own Words,” a interviews as he wanted. 35-minute film for the Black Archives opportunities you “Some of our youth don’t realize the Museum. have today.” struggles of their ancestors,” Weston “It was very intriguing and said of why he was involved in the interesting,” Lyons says of his interviews. project. “They don’t realize the sacrifices “It’s striking to hear about their lives ” “Always give back they made.” firsthand. I loved hearing their stories.” to your community. Dr. Bill Church, assistant professor of The project was part of his master’s English, saw Weston’s column and told thesis, along with the creation of a And remember your roots.”

“You could work at a restaurant, but you couldn’t eat there.”

“Only one (movie theater) let us in, and we had to sit in the balcony. That was in St. Joe.” Graduate student Jeremy Lyons, left, and Dr. Bill Church, far right, are pictured with some of the members of St. Joseph’s African American community who were video interviewed as part of the “In Their Own Words” project: from left, Moses Hicks, Leo Blakley ‘62, Ramadhan Washington and Alonzo Weston. 16 “ In their own “We didn’t have a words lot of the luxuries of the other schools in St. Joe, but we had excellent” teachers.” “We could go to Krug Park but we couldn’t use the swings or sliding boards.”

“We had a lot of segregation website for the museum so visitors Supreme Court decision of Brown can access the more than nine hours vs. Board of Education, which ended in St. Joe.” of complete interviews of everyone, segregated schools. She talked about an online interactive timeline of her career as a teacher. “I really didn’t “I had to take the black history and a research paper on want to be interviewed, but because of ”segregation and integration. Alonzo (Weston), I consented. It was a bus to the Junior Lyons’ film was unveiled during good experience.” College and they February, Black History Month, and has At age 58, Weston was the youngest received positive reviews. one interviewed and 100 year-old wanted me to sit in A book that contains a transcription Frances Washington was the oldest. She the back. I paid the of every interview will be for sale at passed away shortly after her interview. the museum soon. Ashley Snyder ’13, Weston says he wished he could have same amount as transcribed most of the interviews for interviewed several who have passed they did. I wasn’t the book. away, including St. Joseph’s first black going to the back “It was a great project,” she said. “The firefighter, and Kelsey Beshears, for people all had interesting stories. They whom Beshears Hall on campus is of the bus.” explained it in such a way that it took named. She was his neighbor and a large you back to the time.” figure in the NAACP. “The hanging Those who were interviewed talk Weston is pleased with the project about how blacks were treated before the and plans to continue interviewing more wasn’t talked Civil Rights Act and before schools were in the community. about because integrated. They shared stories about “When I was a kid, we’d sit around their lives and their careers. (See some of and my relatives would tell stories, and I nobody wanted to the quotations from the film around the enjoyed them. As I got older, I realized talk about it.” border.) how important the stories were,” he Virginia Glass, 94, was one of the said. “A lot of kids out there don’t have first black students to enroll in the someone to tell them a story, and I St. Joseph Junior College after the wanted the youth to hear it in their own words.” 17 ” International students enrich campus community Last fall, the annual International Fair at Missouri Western drew more than 400 participants and a Kuwaiti student’s presentation was standing- room-only. The University is embracing its internationalization, and Amy Kotwani, International Student Services director, couldn’t be more pleased. The initiative to enroll more international students is paying off, she says. Since she took on the director’s role in August 2012, international student recruitment efforts have increased, including a larger web presence and more recruiting trips abroad. Additionally, an international strategic enrollment management committee has been formed, which will handle exchange agreements with Dr. Krikor Partamian plays in the championship round of a ping pong tournament held on campus this past foreign universities spring. The tournament, which was named in Dr. Partamian’s honor, included 51 participants and raised $4,000 and the University’s for International Student Services. Brian Hopkins ‘87, was the winner of the double elimination tournament. processes for international making sure that when the students English Program for six months as part students. are here they have a good experience,” of a Brazilian initiative. There are also “When people Kotwani said. “We want them to go back two Fulbright scholars teaching German talk about home and look back and feel good about and Spanish. increasing Missouri Western.” A 2012 exchange agreement with international She said the international students Xidian University in China brought a student have a lot of choices regarding which numbers, a university to attend, so it’s important key piece is that Missouri Western not only has all also the information easily accessible when they are making their decision, but that the University has a support system in place once they arrive. “A lot of them have never been to the United States, and a lot may have never left their country. We want to make sure we provide as much information as possible so they can make the most of their time here.” This spring semester, there are 87 international students from more than 25 countries. Additionally, eight students from Brazil are studying in the Intensive 18 www.missouriwestern.edu Javier Paz International students enrich campus community professor from there for the 2012-13 Albright said. “They are very focused on before I came,” he says. “But I realized I academic year and again this year to their studies. They will go far in life.” had nothing to fear. My friends say my teach Chinese. Dr. Kay Siebler, professor “I’ve loved every second here,” says English is better than some Americans.” of English, is currently teaching English Paz, who was a resident assistant last He said he plans to pursue a master’s at Xidian for 2013-14. Additionally, year. “I love living in the residence hall in genetic engineering after graduation there are two exchange students at and meeting everyone in the building.” and eventually return to Honduras. “I Missouri Western from Xidian, and a The manufacturing engineering hope I get the opportunity where I have scholar from there is conducting research technology major said he had wanted to enough money to help my country.” here for six months. study abroad for college since he was in And most importantly, he is grateful “International students bring seventh grade. to Dr. Albright for giving him this different perspectives,” Kotwani said. “My mom told me I would have to opportunity. “It’s interesting to hear how they grew work hard and get good grades so I “He’s the best thing that happened to up and how that affects their experience could get scholarships,” he said. “I kept us,” Paz says. in college. You can read a textbook about dreaming, I worked hard, and I met the As for Dr. Albright, he has continued a foreign country, but it’s not the same as right people.” to raise funds for the two students’ talking to someone from there.” His high school’s vice principal had expenses and to be involved in their attended college in the United States, lives. “We had a real conviction to help Javier Paz so he was a great help to Paz as he these guys,” Dr. Albright said. “We knew prepared to study abroad. we could change their lives forever.” Javier Alejandro Paz Blanco Paz said he had traveled around was at the right place at the Central America with a dance team right time, and he seized Gilbert Imbiri when he was in high school, but had the opportunity to study abroad at Gilbert Imbiri came to the never been to the United States. He Missouri Western. United States, left, came owes his impeccable command of the The junior from La Esperanza, back, left, and returned language to starting to learn English in Honduras, said a requirement for high yet again. And this time, he says, he is kindergarten. schools in his country is serving the staying for good. “The language was my biggest fear community, so his class was regularly Continued on next page volunteering at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. One day, Dr. Jimmy Albright from St. Joseph, Mo. visited the rehabilitation center on a mission trip and visited with the students from Paz’s high school who were volunteering there. He also spoke at their high school about his archeology work. When Dr. Albright returned to St. Joseph, he decided to set up a scholarship to Missouri Western for two students from that high school, using his own funds and help from several community businesses. Paz and Edgardo Jamil Valasquez Mejia are now part of the growing international student population at Missouri Western. “Here are two guys from a third- Jee Hye and Gilbert Imbiri provided musical entertainment for a group of Missouri Western alumni and friends world country with a real need,” Dr. in Scottsdale, Ariz. this past winter. The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 19

International the smallest nations in Europe, which has a population of about 85,000. students “Usually people get it wrong and they think I am from Honduras. I guess it pretty much sounds the same enrich campus in English,” Benarroch says. “But Honduras is in Central America, it community is warm and on the beach, whereas Continued from pg. 19 Andorra is in Europe (bordering Spain and France in southwestern Europe), it is way snowy and it is in the mountains. The senior from Jayapura, Indonesia I usually have to explain where it is, even (on the island of Papua) first came to European students.” to the United States as a sophomore Because the country of Andorra has foreign exchange student at DeKalb no universities, Benarroch was attending High School in DeKalb, Mo. in 2004. Université d’Angers in Angers, He spoke very little English and wasn’t France and looking for a study abroad quite 5 ft. tall. opportunity. Missouri Western has an Sharon Rodriguez Benarroch When he landed at the Kansas City exchange agreement with that university, International Airport, he wasn’t sure so Benarroch came here as an exchange how he was supposed to get to DeKalb, student for the 2012-13 school year. he needed to attend college in the U.S. so, using plenty of hand motions, he She arrived after the semester had Imbiri supported himself by singing asked a stewardess for help. already started, and said she received in a Christian band, traveling all over “I was so small, she told me to a lot of help figuring out where things southeastern Asia. wait and she would help me,” he says. were from Admissions, International He came to Missouri Western in the “I walked out with the pilot and the Student Services, other international fall of 2010 and has loved his experience stewardess, the last one off the plane. students and her roommate in Vaselakos here. “The professors put a lot of effort And there was my American family, Hall. into helping me.” holding a sign that read, ‘Welcome to Benarroch decided she wanted to The convergent media major will the United States, Gilbert!’ I said, ‘That’s return as an international student to graduate in December 2014, and is me!’” But they were frantic because they pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business getting married in May 2014. His had been waiting so long for me to Administration from Missouri Western. fiancée, also a Missouri Western student, come off the plane.” She plans to complete that in May 2105 is from Nebraska, and Imbiri says they After the school year at DeKalb, he and stay in the U.S. to earn an MBA. plan to live in the U.S. went back home to Indonesia with a “I like the teaching here,” Benarroch “Papua and my family will always plan of returning to the U.S. He spent said. “There is more explaining and be in my heart. But I feel like this is his junior year of high school in his less memorizing. In France, they want home.” native country, and returned his senior you to memorize it even if you don’t year back in the U.S., attending Maur understand it. Here we also get to Hill Academy in Atchison, Kan. He Sharon Rodriguez interact, discuss and participate.” lived with the same family that he had Benarroch One thing that surprised her is the stayed with his sophomore year. “My casual relationship between supervisors American mom calls me a bad penny, When someone asks and employees, which is very different because I keep returning,” Imbiri says where she is from, Sharon from the culture in Europe. Benarroch with a laugh. Rodriguez Benarroch works in an office on campus. Then it was back to Indonesia. This usually has to explain where her country “I really like it here,” Benarroch says. time, it took 18 months to get the visa is located. She is from Andorra, one of “I like the way the teachers get to know you and you get to know them.”

20 www.missouriwestern.edu Real success in University’s synthetic biology research Continued from pg. 15 their students in this research. The of getting bacteria to do so. If our idea PORTAL to experience workshops were held the first year works, we can publish a paper and The synthetic biology research at Davidson, the second at Missouri others can use our system for their own conducted by Dr. Todd Eckdahl, Western, and the next two at the purposes.” professor of biology, Dr. Jeff Poet, Howard Hughes Medical Institute He noted that the system could have professor of mathematics, and – Janelia Farm Research Campus in applications in fields such as energy, their students is just one example Virginia. This summer, they will again the environment, pharmaceuticals, food of students across campus who are hold a workshop, at the University of production and more. conducting research and initiating Maryland-Baltimore. The three-year grant will provide 18 creative projects with faculty members. Three years ago, Dr. Catherine undergraduate students from Missouri The first student-faculty research Kendig, assistant professor of philosophy Western and 18 from Davidson with program was the Undergraduate at Missouri Western, joined the team to full-time research jobs for 10 weeks Summer Research Institute (URSI), help the faculty participants learn how each summer and support for the faculty which began in 1991. Then, in 2002, to engage their students in discussion of researchers. It will also fund two trips a Summer Research Institute (SRI) the philosophy and ethics of synthetic each summer for the researchers – the began, which included high school biology. Missouri Western team will travel students doing research along with a “NSF is very interested in to Davidson for one week and the faculty member and Missouri Western philosophical and ethical questions Davidson team will travel to Missouri students. surrounding synthetic biology,” Dr. Western for a week. The grant also pays Both programs successfully Eckdahl said. “When new technology for research supplies and equipment, offered students numerous research comes along, people say, ‘we can do this, and travel to professional conferences opportunities with faculty for many but should we?’” for faculty and students. years before becoming incorporated After the 2010 iGEM, Dr. Eckdahl “The grant application succeeded into PORTAL, which began in and Dr. Poet decided to discontinue because we have a track record of 2012. Missouri Western’s PORTAL, entering the competition. “By November collaborating across disciplines and the Program of Research, Teaching, (the month of iGEM), the teams always across institutions to provide valuable and Applied Learning, serves as an had more questions than answers, but educational experiences for students umbrella for all summer applied every year, the new group coming in while they conduct cutting-edge learning activities, including wanted a new project,” Dr. Poet said. synthetic biology research,” Dr. Eckdahl internships, practica, study away, The 2013 research grant will fund said. and creative projects, along with the the same research project for three “These students get the experience faculty/student research. years, instead of a new one every year, of not only answering questions that A symposium where students as was done for iGEM. Students and have not been addressed before, they present their research results to the professors will work with their Davidson get to ask questions that have never campus and community has always colleagues to develop a system to control been asked,” Dr. Poet said. “They get to been part of the URSI and SRI, and is bacterial metabolism. establish the direction of their curiosity.” now a part of PORTAL. “It’s not just about getting bacteria Dr. Eckdahl and Dr. Poet agree that The Missouri Western State to produce a given useful chemical the experience students gain in research University Foundation helps fund or pharmaceutical,” Dr. Eckdahl said, is invaluable to their college education PORTAL by providing support for “but more about developing a system and their future careers. “It is really all faculty members and students in about applied learning,” Dr. Eckdahl several areas. said. “They learn math or genetics in class, and then jump in with us to find a way to use it.”

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 21

Debate and forensics returns to Missouri Western

“It is better to debate a question without As a former college debate Parliamentary Debate Novice Division. settling it than to settle a question without participant and debate coach, he used Dodge is one of only two Missouri debating it.” Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) the funds to create a parliamentary Western team members who were not debate and forensic program, and Sohail on debate or forensics teams in high Here is a question for alumni from Jouya and Abigayle Richardson were school. the 1970s, ’80s or ’90s: What campus hired as coaches, Jouya for debate and At the Missouri Association of organization traveled all over the United Richardson for forensics. The program Forensics Activities state tournament, States and made a name for Missouri began with seven students. the team of Deckard and Dodge Western because of its achievements? Freshmen Haden McDonald and finished second and McDonald and If you answered the Forensic Society, Brad Stanton, who were debate partners Stanton finished third out of 15 teams. you are correct! After an absence of at Savannah (Mo.) High School, said “Debate is one of the best extra- more than a decade, a forensic program, that once they decided to go to Missouri curricular activities for giving you along with parliamentary debate, Western, they had talked to each other real-life skills,” said Stanton, whose returned to campus in the fall of 2013. about trying to start a debate team here. career plans include being a lawyer and perhaps a politician. “Public speaking, logic and thinking on your feet are 100 percent applicable to the real world, and are all skills you can gain from debate and forensics.” In parliamentary debate tournaments, the competitors learn their topic only 15 minutes before their debate begins. The twice-a- week practices for the team involve research, talking about a number of different current events and analyzing arguments, said Jouya, who also coaches debate at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City, Mo. “These students come away from the program with a huge handle on current events. You can’t help but learn from it.” Richardson participated in Sohail Jouya works with parliamentary debate students two times a week during the debate season. forensics as a freshman at Truman State University in Kirksville and all four years as a student at Savannah The impetus for the program’s They were excited when they realized High School. As a high schooler, she return came about in December 2012, Dr. Vartabedian had the same idea. qualified for the national tournament when the Board of Governors renewed At their first debate tournament four times. Richardson also attended Dr. Robert Vartabedian’s presidential last October, Stanton placed third three summer forensic camps at contract for five years and gave him a and McDonald fourth in the Novice Bradley University. “I got to study salary increase. Instead of taking the Division for individual speakers. under the best of the best,” she says increase, Dr. Vartabedian said he wanted Additionally, the freshmen team of of the summer camps. “And I love to use the net salary increase to fund Graham Deckard and Eli Dodge coaching the students.” special programs or projects over the brought home first place in the next three years.

22 www.missouriwestern.edu Alumnus serves as national association president Don Crabtree ’71 was happy to across the country and leads the board see Missouri Western re-launch its meetings. competitive speech and debate program A League Hall of Fame member, last fall, and if anybody knows about Crabtree began teaching and coaching speech and debate programs, it’s him. at Bishop LeBlond High School in St. In September 2012, Crabtree was Joseph, Mo. after he graduated with elected as president of the Board of degrees in speech and theatre, and Directors of the National Forensic English from Missouri Western. League for a two-year term. He had “I knew I wanted to teach speech,” previously served as vice president of he said. “I got involved in the program the board for 12 years and as a board by default and I fell in love with it member since 1988. He has coached immediately.” the forensic program at Park Hill High Five years later, he began his stint at School in Kansas City, Mo. for 38 years. Park Hill. The long-time coach officially “The program will be a great benefit retired in 2006 but still helps with Park She noted that several universities for Missouri Western,” Crabtree said. Hill’s program on a part-time basis. want to see Missouri Western’s program He noted that students often ask him Crabtree has earned a number of succeed and have offered help to the about Missouri Western, and their awards over the years, including 15 two coaches. second or third question is whether the Distinguished Service plaques, the “This program acts as the academic University has a competitive forensic Ralph Carey Distinguished Career and intellectual face of the University, program. Service Award, the Missouri State High and we enjoy that,” Jouya said. The National Forensic League School Activities Association Award for Stanton agreed. “I want to debate represents more than a million members Distinguished Service, and the National here to make a name for Missouri and 5,000 schools in the U.S., Korea Federation Award for Career Service. He Western on the debate circuit.” and China. It began in 1925 and has been named the Park Hill School Jouya lived in St. Joseph for three serves as a national honor society for District Teacher of the Year and the years as a youth and said he spent a lot secondary and middle school speech Missouri Speech Teacher of the Year. of time on campus, and Richardson and debate. As the national president, Continued on next page attended cheer camps on campus as a Crabtree travels to tournaments young girl. After he was hired, Jouya found out his mother had participated in Missouri Western’s forensic program as a student. Future plans for the program include offering scholarships and hosting a high school tournament on campus. “We like starting from the ground up and we’re happy to be here,” Jouya said. “It’s nice to be back on campus and be leaders.”

Top, Brad Stanton and his debate partner, Haden McDonald, give a demonstration of parliamentary debate on campus; right, Kasey Maag and Abigayle Richardson prepare Maag’s forensic speech.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 23

Alumnus serves as In memory of Anne Reed Gray national association president The St. Joseph community lost an Joe and Anne have always been outstanding citizen when Anne Reed supportive of Missouri Western. In Continued from pg. 23 Gray passed away Jan. 13, 2014. She fact, the initial meeting to talk about will be fondly remembered by many fundraising for the Glenn E. Marion Although he had been involved organizations in the community as an Memorial Clock Tower now on campus with the local and state forensic active volunteer and an advocate for was held in their home. organizations for several years, he many important causes. Her family Anne Gray volunteered for the got interested in volunteering at the established an League of Women Voters, national level when Park Hill hosted endowed scholarship Cathedral School PTA the national forensic tournament in fund for Missouri council, Audubon Society, 1983. “I was already involved, but I Western students in First Presbyterian Church, wanted to do more to help more kids.” her memory. Meals on Wheels and at the Crabtree calls the nationals the The scholarship food kitchen. world’s largest academic tournament, is for students “She was a believer in where more than 7,000 students from in music, art and being publicly active in the all 50 states, China, S. Korea, Puerto theatre. things she supported,” Joe Rico and Guam compete for five days. “The arts were said. “And if she believed in Park Hill again hosted the nationals in mom’s passion and something, she put her whole 1994 and 2010, and the 2014 nationals her background,” heart and soul in it.” will be held in Overland Park, Kan. said her son, Pete Pete said as active and Gray, CEO and involved as she was in the Coincidentally, Missouri Western’s Anne Reed Gray President of Gray community, Anne was a great parliamentary debate coach, Sohail July 28, 1927-Jan. 13, 2014 Jouya, was a student of Crabtree’s at Manufacturing. mother to her eight children. Park Hill. And, Crabtree said the Park Gray said she earned “In our neighborhood, our Hill program works closely with the more than 42 credit hours from Missouri house was the place to be,” Pete said. Savannah High School program, so Western, which were mostly in painting “When we sat down to eat, we always he knew Missouri Western forensic classes. She also took art lessons from had neighbor kids eating with us.” coach Abigayle Richardson, who local artists and won many awards in “She also had a lot of little traditions competed for Savannah when she was local art shows. In 1995, she helped Al with the holidays that I continue with in high school. He also knows several Kost ’32 paint the mural in the St. Joseph my kids today,” he added. of the students currently on Missouri Junior College Room in the Blum Union. Anne grew up in Philadelphia. She Western’s team. “She loved painting in oils, and met Joe when he was in the Navy and “I have talked to them extensively, some are hanging in our building (Gray she was dating his friend. The friend set given them materials, and given them Manufacturing) today,” said her husband, Joe up on a double date with Anne and advice when they asked for it,” Crabtree Joe Gray ’42. him, and it didn’t quite work out as the said of the two Missouri Western Starting an endowed scholarship in friend intended. coaches. her memory is fitting, because she and Joe and Anne married in 1947 and And now, when a Park Hill student her husband helped many Missouri moved back to St. Joseph in 1952 to asks him if Missouri Western has Western students with college expenses co-found Gray Manufacturing with Joe’s a forensic and debate program, he over the years. father, Joseph Herman Gray. is proud to be able to answer in the Pete Gray said they wanted to She and Joe were married 66 years affirmative. establish a scholarship for his mother, but when she died. She is survived by eight the employees at Gray Manufacturing children, 10 grandchildren and five great- suggested it be an endowed scholarship. grandchildren. The family, Gray Manufacturing To contribute to the Anne Reed Gray employees, friends and community Memorial Arts Scholarship, contact members have all contributed to the the Missouri Western State University scholarship fund. Foundation at (816) 271-5647. 24 www.missouriwestern.edu In memory of Anne Reed Gray Arts advocate supports Missouri Western Bill Wright left St. Joseph when students in the arts – music, art and included three theaters, dance studios he went away to college in 1957 and theatre. He also notified the Foundation for a resident ballet company and a lost track of what was happening in his that it is a beneficiary in his estate plan gallery and offices for New Jersey’s fine hometown. Although he came back for of almost $500,000 for the scholarship crafts organizations by the time he left. visits over the fund. His final career move was to serve years, he hadn’t “I was as executive director of the Wharton even realized that impressed by Center for Performing Arts on the the St. Joseph everyone I met in campus of Michigan State University, Junior College the arts programs. where he stayed for 12 years. had transformed There is incredible Wright also served as a member of into Missouri potential for the the New York League of American Western State arts at Missouri Theatres and Producers, and was a Tony University Western,” Wright Award voter for 12 years. over the said. “Faculty “I’ve had a great life. I just segued approximately members are from one career to the other.” 50 years he excellent and “With his background and was gone. incredibly experience, Bill brings a wealth “I had talented; they of knowledge about fundraising, never been on are world class special events, programming and campus,” he people.” marketing, which is invaluable,” says of Missouri With Dr. Laurel said Laura Buhman ’94, Missouri Western. “I didn’t Vartabedian and Western development officer and staff Bill Wright even know it was Karen Graves, representative for the Arts Society. there.” Wright helped Knowing about his careers and When Wright retired and moved found the Missouri Western Arts lifelong love of the arts, it should back to St. Joseph, he realized that Society in 2011 to help support the come as no surprise that when you ask a real community gem existed just arts programs. He currently heads its Wright why he chose to support the east of I-29. One of the first people council. Additionally, he has helped arts programs at Missouri Western, his he met was Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, fund student trips to the Kansas City answer is a quote from the Broadway wife of Missouri Western’s president, Lyric Opera and the Kansas City musical, “Hello, Dolly!” Dr. Robert Vartabedian. “That’s how Repertory Theater. “At the end of the play, Hiram I found out about the University,” he Wright graduated from the tells Dolly one of my favorite lines says. “I was incredibly surprised that it University of Kansas and began his ever,” Wright said. “‘I think money was here.” career as an architect for a large firm in is like manure. It’s not much good Through his friendship with Houston, traveling all over the world unless you spread it around and make Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, he developed managing projects. He then worked things grow.’” an appreciation for the University’s for University of Houston and later “I had the money, and it was time arts programs. Wright recently gave Rutgers University, managing their to start seeding it to make things the Missouri Western State University building projects. grow. I hope other people will get Foundation $50,000 to establish an From there he developed and the idea, too.” endowed scholarship fund to be used operated the New Brunswick Cultural for scholarships for Missouri Western Center in New Brunswick, N.J., which

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 25

alumni News

From the Alumni Association President

Dear Griffon family, accomplishments could This can take many forms, like WOW! What a year! It is take place without being up-to-speed on campus events via hard to believe that my time the hard work of our social media and our publications, being as our Alumni Association Alumni Association a donor to the Missouri Western State President is coming to a board members and University Foundation, or attending close. It has been an honor chapter volunteers. So on- or off-campus events. Your level of to serve and I look forward I’d like to take this time commitment is yours to define. to contributing in any other to say thank you to Whatever way you choose, I hope capacities to continue to assist those individuals who you continue to keep Missouri Western our alma mater. have given of their time and its best interests in mind. This year has been and treasure. an excellent one for our We couldn’t do it Stay connected, stay committed. organization and Missouri Shelby Coxon ’99 without you! Go Griffs! Western. We’ve seen success I’d like to end in our increased number of volunteers in my term with something I said in my alumni chapters, the continued growth first column as your President: I want of amazing programs such as Mama to encourage engagement with the Shelby E. Coxon ’99 Griffs, and so much more! None of these University. Alumni Association President Al Landes ’74 heads Associated General Contractors of America Al Landes ’74, president and chief designated $100,000 in scholarships Landes received the Distinguished operating officer of Herzog Contracting to Missouri Western students in the Alumni Award from Missouri Western’s Corp. in St. Joseph, Mo., was recently Department Engineering Technology. Alumni Association in 2012. named president of the Associated The next year, he founded the He is active in community service and General Contractors of America Engineering Technology Advancement is the past president of the board of the (AGC). Committee, which provides private Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation AGC, established in 1918, is the industry support to the department. and was chairman of its fundraising and leading association for the construction Members of the committee raise finance committees. industry. A full-service national trade funds for scholarships, endowments, association with a nationwide network specialized equipment and other needs; At the Engineering Technology banquet in March, Grace of chapters, AGC represents nearly provide internship opportunities to and Al ’74 Landes were “crowned” to recognize Al’s 30,000 leading firms in the industry, current students; make guest speakers appointment as president of the Associated General including general contractors, specialty available; promote construction-related Contractors of America. contractors and service providers and careers in northwest Missouri; and suppliers. It is the largest construction provide funding and support for association in the United States. Missouri Western’s Association of Landes has been with Herzog for General Contractors Student Chapter. more than 40 years, and he has held In 2013, he received the Community his current position since 2009. The Excellence Award at Missouri Western’s company employs approximately 1,800 Engineering Technology banquet. The and completes projects around the award recognizes a member of the world. engineering technology industry who In 2008, as president of the has shown outstanding and continuous national Beavers, a heavy engineering commitment to advancing the field construction association, Landes as well as support for the University’s mission, vision and legacy. 26 www.missouriwestern.edu alumni News

A note from the Director of Alumni Relations Dear Alumni, develop programs and activities to suit Alumni Directory Note: Over Over the next few months, the your needs. We will develop an Alumni the summer and fall months, you Alumni Association Board of Directors Association Makeover: Griffon Style! will receive both mail and e-mail and I look forward to hosting several We plan to hold meetings in communication from a company called focus group meetings. Our goal is to talk the following areas: St. Joseph (five Harris Connect and me. We outsource with as many of you as possible so that meetings); Kansas City; Mid-Missouri with Harris Connect every five years we can find out what kind of an Alumni (Columbia/Jefferson City); and St. to update our alumni database and to Association to which you want to belong. Louis. coordinate the printing of an alumni All of you – from Junior College-era Invitations will be mailed to directory which will be available for alumni to our recent graduates – have ramdomly selected individuals from sale. All the data they collect will be different needs and expectations. Maybe each of these regions. If you do not shared with Missouri Western, and you want to make connections that will receive an invitation but would like only Missouri Western. They will not assist you in finding a new job. Maybe to participate, please call me at (816) share or sell any information to outside you want to mentor others on their 271-5652 or email me at ckowich@ parties. If you do not wish to be listed career path. Maybe you want to travel missouriwestern.edu. in the printed alumni directory, please or meet fellow parents or simply get We look forward to hearing from contact me by calling (816) 271-5652 together to reminisce; whatever your you! or e-mailing ckowich@missouriwestern. need is, we want to hear from you. edu. After our discussions, the Alumni Board will gather to write a strategic plan for the Alumni Association. This plan Colleen Kowich 2014 R. Dan Boulware Director of Alumni Relations will lead us over the next few years as we Convocation on Critical Issues Guest Speaker: Douglas Brinkley 10 a.m. November 4, 2014 M.O. Looney Complex

Mardi Gras Several alumni and friends gathered to celebrate Mardi Gras at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood and Steaks in St. Joseph, including Denece Huffman ’00, Carey McMillian ’86, Letha Nold ’05, Laura Buhman ’94, Jennie McDonald ’00 and Amber Stice.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 27

alumni News

Tysa Updike ’08: Advice to insure a great career

Six years ago, Tysa Updike ’08 Tip #3. My advice is very was featured in a Missouri Western Magazine article when she was selected simple; you’ll get a lot more for a very competitive 12-week summer accomplished and people internship at Allstate Insurance Co. in will be way more receptive Chicago. She was hired by Allstate after she graduated the following May and if you bring a great has worked for the company ever since. attitude into the office “I would not be where I am today every day. I cannot stress without the support of the Computer Science, Math and Physics Department enough the importance of at Missouri Western,” she says. “I have being personable at work. to thank Dr. (Steve) Klassen for his dedication to his students. He drove “I owe my success at Allstate mainly me and fellow students to multiple to networking, communication skills, recruiting days, and that is ultimately and most importantly, building strong how I caught my break and was selected relationships with co-workers,” she for the internship with Allstate.” said. “Being energetic, involved and In September 2013, Updike started active with your office while doing good a new job with Allstate that took her work will take you farther and create to Belfast, Ireland. Six days before more opportunities than producing she traveled overseas, she visited with exceptional work alone.” Dr. Klassen’s math students on campus “Allstate recruits some of the finest talent in the Midwest, and when to share her experiences and offer them Tysa Updike ’08 some career advice. you get to work with such outgoing, intelligent individuals, you can’t help but Tip #1. Do whatever Tip #2. Comm un ication feel inspired to work harder and have fun doing it,” Updike said. you have to do to get an skills are very important. internship. And, after you Updike said she has held several Tip #4. If you don’t know complete your internship, positions at Allstate, and in every one, something, don’t bluff. But, she had to interact with departments stay in touch with your across the company. In her current don’t admit that you don’t fellow interns. position, she is the liaison between know it. the group constructing “extension of Of the 18 interns that she worked exposure tools” in Belfast and the group Updike told the students that she with in the summer of 2007, Updike, using the tools in the Chicago office. often has been in situations where who is originally from the Kansas City “I am using my previous knowledge she didn’t know something she was area, said 12 were hired for full-time and contacts from the analytics asked about. A good answer when that positions at Allstate and six still work team in Chicago to help me build happens: “Let me get back to you on for the company. In fact, it was one a strong bridge between these two that. I haven’t looked at it from that of her fellow interns who told her geographically distant teams,” she said. angle.” about the new position in Belfast. “So communication skills are very “Networking is so important, especially important.” in a big company,” she said.

28 www.missouriwestern.edu alumni News

Tysa Updike ’08: Advice to insure a great career Coming Events May 10 Spring Commencement, how big of a challenge Tip #5. Don’t discount 11 a.m. New for Spring 2014: There will be yourself. Companies are relocating actually is, and only one ceremony, and it will be held in Spratt Memorial Stadium. The Alumni As- looking for interns from how big of a commitment you have to make to accept sociation’s reception for graduates and their both small and large families will be held in a tent near the Baker universities. your new home. Family Fitness Center.

Updike told the students a story “I was a bit overconfident that the May 16 Griffons Uncorked! Stonehaus about her daylong interview for the transition to living in Northern Ireland Winery, Lee’s Summit, Mo., 6 p.m. Allstate internship six years ago. When would be easy, but moving to another she arrived in Chicago, she and the country is extremely hard,” she said. June 14 Alumni Day at the Mustangs, eight other applicants were told that “It took me until my trip home at vs. Griffon Alumni, 5 p.m. Tailgate, Thanksgiving to really realize that I’ve they were vying for just two intern 7 p.m. First pitch. positions. been given this great opportunity to live “I looked around me and I had a in another country and that I should be June 20-28 Western Playhouse rejoicing in all the new aspects of my life Duke University student on my left, presents “Music Man,” Potter Hall Theater. instead of mourning the loss of my old.” and a Drake University student on my Go to Westernplayhouse.com. right. I was totally relaxed the rest of Updike’s fiancé also works for Allstate and is based in Belfast, as well. “I told the day because I knew I wouldn’t get June 22 Junior College Reunion, Pádraic that if my family and friends are the internship,” she said with a laugh. Remington Hall Atrium, 11:30 a.m. But she believes she secured one of the coming to Ireland to see me get married, then I want the reception to scream, two spots because, in addition to having July 11-19 Western Playhouse ‘You’re in Ireland!’” the technical background, she was presents,“Mother Divine,” Potter Hall Theater. outgoing and a good communicator. Go to Westernplayhouse.com. And her final words of wisdom to the Missouri Western students? Tip #6. If you’re July 12 Alumni Day at the K, Tip#7. You are in charge of July 12 considering an international Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, your own destiny. move, don’t underestimate 3:30 p.m. Tailgate, 6:10 p.m. First pitch. Homecoming 2014 Oct. 24 Golf Outing ARE YOU INTERESTED IN Alumni Association 32nd Annual Awards Banquet GETTING A GRIFFON YEARBOOK? V Oct. 25 Parade downtown Tailgate Game – Griffons vs. Emporia State Hornets, 1988-2013 1:30 p.m., Spratt Memorial Stadium. Date to be announced: Alumni Day at Arrowhead

Check out the details for all events at missouriwestern.edu/alumni, click on Upcoming Events.

The magazine of Missouri Western State University Spring 2014 29

alumni News

Joe Friedman ’39: Indeed, a rich man

Dr. Joe Friedman ’39 fulfilled a long-time dream when his long-time dream of acting professionally, and he was very he published his autobiography recently. successful. His first professional theatre job was in Glenwood “I had to write a book because everywhere I went I told Springs, Colo. When the three-month stint ended, he moved stories,” said Dr. Friedman, who turned 94 in March. “I to New York to pursue his acting career. “Here I was, 42 and lived a blessed life and I know it. I want to tell people so balding – no matinee idol –and going into this crazy business,” they can live a blessed life, too.” he wrote in the book. “But I had to do this. I didn’t want to go Dr. Friedman’s book, “Yossel the Dreamer,” is an through life thinking how my life might have been had I not account of his experiences serving as a medic in World War done what I wanted to do.” II and his two diverse post-war careers: podiatry and show After several auditions, he got a part in “Fiddler on the business. Roof ” and traveled all over the The St. Joseph U.S. and Canada with the play. native received an He noted that he was in 2,840 honorary doctorate from performances. “‘Fiddler on the Missouri Western at the Roof ’ was my bonanza,” he says. commencement ceremony To this day, it doesn’t take much in December 2013. persuading to get Dr. Friedman His book had just been to sing something from published, and he gave all “Fiddler on the Roof,” usually the graduates a copy of it. “If I Were A Rich Man.” Yossel in the book title, Shortly after his run with he said, comes from the “Fiddler on the Roof,” he and Yiddish name for Joseph. his wife, Gladys, moved to “The way my parents Los Angeles where he said Yossel was always a continued his active acting barometer for me – it either career. Dr. Friedman also did meant I was in trouble or I research for “Ripley’s Believe it had done something right,” or Not,” and he won an Emmy he wrote in the book. Award for his research on As a student at the “National Geographic’s Secrets Dr. Joe Friedman ’39 receives an honorable doctorate at the December 2013 St. Joseph Junior College, of the Titanic.” They moved to commencement. He is pictured with Dr. Jeanne Daffron ‘75, provost and vice he often worked late at St. Joseph in 1994. president of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Robert Vartabedian, president. night at a local store and The autobiography is a then stayed up to finish tribute to Gladys, a singer he homework. He relates how his mother had to come in met in New York. They married in 1969, and she died in 1995. several times to wake him up in the morning. When she “She’ll be with me until the day I die,” Dr. Friedman wrote in finally called him “Yossel” instead of “Joseph,” he knew he the book. “Even if I were a rich man, I could have asked for better get out of bed. nothing more.” He was drafted in 1942 and served with the Army’s “The book is also a bouquet to my upbringing, to my 320th Medical Battalion in World War II. His unit was the parents, to St. Joseph, to my religion and to my friends,” he first to liberate a concentration camp, and Dr. Friedman said. said he never forgot it. When the war ended, he helped Deborah Butterfield and Sheldon Friedman, Dr. Friedman’s concentration camp survivors until he was discharged. nephew, served as co-editors of the project that took more than For several years, he visited area schools to share his war six years. “Yossel the Dreamer” can be purchased on Amazon. experiences. com. The book also tells of how, at the age of 42, Dr. “I went from rags to great riches when I never thought I Friedman gave up a successful podiatry practice to follow would leave rags,” Dr. Friedman said.

30 www.missouriwestern.edu alumnotes

1980s David Jones ’93 is the chief operating officer/ Doctor of Chiropractic this month. We have Missouri chief experience officer with Foutch Brothers of Western to thank for our undergraduate degrees. Donna Bromley ’84 published her first book, St. Joseph, Mo. Second, I remember reading a story about Ben “I See the Zoo in You,” and a Kindle edition can be ’04 and Dana ’08 Doornink and their son Griffon. I purchased at Amazon.com. She has written 10 other Brian Johnson ’94 and named one of my twin sons Griffin. Griffin Phillip books, a Christmas song and a puzzle she hopes to his wife, Heather, announce the and Alvin Patrick were born on March 19, 2010. My publish, as well. birth of a son, Tyler Owen, born wife, Andrea, and I also have a 9-month-old, Franklin April 4, 2014. Tyler joins big Tobiasz. Susan Moore ’85 was named principal of the brothers Will and Hayden. Northwest Special Programs Center in Justin, Texas. Jim McKinley ’04 and his Moore holds an educational doctorate from Nova Stephanie (Greve) Bitterman ’98 was wife, Regan, announce the birth Southeastern University and has a master’s from elected to the Maslon, Edelman, Borman and Brand of their first child, Dillin James, Oklahoma State University. LLP’s partnership Jan. 1, 2014. Bitterman practices born Oct. 18, 2013. in Maslon’s Litigation Group where she represents Corky clients ranging from small business owners to large Shannon Petsche ’06 is the recreation facility Marquart ’84 corporations throughout all stages of litigation. The manager for the City of Alamogordo, N.M. was named firm is based in Minneapolis. market president Andrew Murphy ’07 married Brianne Shaver and CEO for 2000s June 15, 2013. The couple resides in Macon, Mo. Commerce Bank Jeremy Wilder ’07 and his wife, Laura, Brian Keesee ’00 was hired as executive in St. Joseph. announce the birth of a daughter, Rilynn Ainsley, born director of clinical services for the North American Marquart, who Dec. 10, 2013. Wilder earned an MBA from William Clinical division of Packaging Coordinators Inc. The graduated with Woods University in August 2013. a BSBA in company operates 14 facilities across North America Accounting, has been with the bank since and Europe and packages medicines that go to more Koren (Dailey) Wills 1986, when she began as the controller of than 100 countries around the world. ’08 and her husband, Cody, the St. Joseph market. She has held several announce the birth of a son, Ian Dustin Worrell ’01, became president of positions since, and has been serving as Boyd, born Dec. 2, 2013. commercial team leader as well as executive Dynamic Research Technologies in December 2013. vice president. His sister, Ashley Worrell ’98, became the chief Autumn (Greear) ’08 and David ’09 Marquart currently serves as the chair financial officer. Dynamic Research Technologies is a Haeker: David graduated with his Master of of the Missouri Western State University family-owned business in northern Missouri. Science in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico Foundation Board of Directors. State University in December 2013. He is employed Stacey (Calcote) Williamson ’02 was with Trac at White Sands Missile Range New Mexico. elected the state president-elect of the Missouri Autumn is employed as a K-8 music teacher for the State Teachers Association, the largest education Las Cruces Public School District. 1990s association in Missouri. She will serve three total years and become the state president in Tiffany (ZImmerman) Leanna (Lutz) Brunner ’90 recently published November 2014. ’08 and Cody Austin ’09 “Final Detour,” a suspense/thriller/romance book that announce the birth of a son, is available on Amazon.com. The book is the first of a Nic Sikora ’03, who lives in Falls City, Neb., Elliott Jay, born May 20, 2013. trilogy, and the second installment, “Dead End,” will recently sent the following note to Missouri come out this spring. Brunner also hosted a writer’s Western’s alumni office: Garrett Holtz ’09 and his wife, Maureen, conference for aspiring authors, Write the Dream, at I have a couple bits of interesting information. announce the birth of a son, Luke Robert, born Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo. in March 2014. First, I come from a very small high school — Feb. 17, 2014. Luke has an older brother, Patrick. Sacred Heart in Falls City, Neb. — with about 20 Mike Neff ’90 was appointed as the director of students per class. There are four graduates (that I Bret Peery ’09 and his wife, strategy and operations for The Canadian Institute of know of) from Sacred Heart that are also Griffons: Jennifer, announce the birth of Diversity and Inclusion, based in Toronto. Ryan Sevcik ’04, Luke Brennan ’04, Dan Pfister ’05 a daughter, Karli Lynn, born and me. The part that I find interesting is that three Feb. 4, 2014. Terry Hall ’92 was promoted to vice president of us already hold our doctorate degree and as of of Regulatory Affairs for Hillyard Industries in St. May 2014, all four of us will. Ryan and I hold Juris Joseph, Mo. Doctorates, Dan has his Ph.D, and Luke earns his

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alumnotes

2010s In Memory Kelsey (Kieber) ’10 and Kyle ’10 Wolfe We honor those who have passed away. If you want to include someone in this listing, please announce the birth of a daughter, Reese Lynn, born call (816) 271-5651, mail the information to Diane Holtz, Missouri Western State University, Dec. 18, 2013. 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, or email [email protected].

Kayla Aucutt ’11 and Luke Bachman were Betty Jo Cheney ’47, Prescott, Ariz., Nov. 23, Mildred Sites ’38, Webster Groves, Mo. married July 20, 2013. The couple resides in 2013. April 12, 2011. Her daughter, Mary Edwards, Kirksville, Mo. wrote that after her mother graduated from Wilma (Colville) Curran ’80, St. Joseph, Mo., the Junior College, she taught grades one Joshua Colley ’11 is an adjunct faculty member May 27, 2013. through eight in a one-room schoolhouse near at the Art Institutes International Kansas City in St. Joseph. She earned her bachelor’s degree Laurie Kay (Campbell) Groover ’85, Lenexa, Kan. He teaches Sound Design and Music during the summers at Northwest Missouri Keller, Texas, Oct. 14, 2013. History and facilitates the audio video studio, State University. She later taught in Agency teaching techniques in post-production. Colley noted Chuck Haskins ’71, Woodbury, Minn., and St. Joseph and after moving to St. Louis that he learned how to use post-production software July 17, 2013. and taking several years off to raise three at Missouri Western. children, taught in the Maplewood-Richmond Dennis Herbster ’73, Springfield, Mo., Heights District in St. Louis County until Brett Kiser, ’11 recently published “The Pin-up Dec. 6, 2013. retiring in 1982. “She followed with interest Girls of World War II” through Bearmanor Media. The the growth of Missouri Western as it grew into book is a historical work recounting the rise of pin-up Rebecca Keltner ’82, Kansas City, Mo., a four-year college and later a university. She art during the war years. Included in the book are May 23, 2013. was also proud to be a member of Phi Theta biographies of some of the famous pin-ups, such as Kappa while at the St. Joseph Junior College,” Betty Grable, Jane Russell, Carol Landis Robert G. Poage ’47, Rocklin, Calif., Edwards wrote. and others. June 14, 2013.

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______Return to: Alumni Services Office, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507 Submit your news online at missouriwestern.edu/alumni/submit-an-alumnote or email [email protected].

32 www.missouriwestern.edu Make an impact on MWSU. Make an impact on your financial planning. Make a planned gift today. Planned, or deferred, gifts can provide significant benefits to you and your loved ones now and in the future, while offering financial support to Missouri Western. Making a bequest to the Foundation is a thoughtful and flexible way to achieve your charitable and financial goals without making an outright gift today, because your bequest may reduce your estate taxes as well as provide you with other benefits. Check out the Life Stage Gift Planner at www.missouriwestern.giftplans.org or call 816-271-5647 to learn about planned giving opportunities and to find out if they are right for you.

“By including the Missouri Western Foundation as a beneficiary of my estate plan, I was able to plan for the future and know that I was supporting my alma mater. The Development staff was very helpful as I determined the best use of my gift.” David A. Grahl ’74 Member of the Clock Tower Society, an honorary society of donors who have made the MWSU Foundation a beneficiary of their estate and financial planning. Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Liberty, MO 64068 Missouri Western State University Permit No. 939 4525 Downs Drive St. Joseph, Missouri 64507

Science Fun! Several academic departments at Missouri Western participate in the St. Joseph Museum’s Super Science Saturday held in Remington Hall every February. This year, approximately 850 enjoyed the daylong event.