University of Missouri-Columbia
The College of Arts andmosaicsmosaics Science
Winter 2004

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FEATURES ARTS OF A REAT TORY research is funded in part by the National Meet the Future...... 16 P G S By Dean Richard B. Schwartz Science Foundation. Super Scholar...... 18 The study began in 2001 and was Black Holes, Bright Future ...... 20 Each year we review the accomplishments of our students, faculty and repeated in 2003. “In 2003, we’re finding Discovered!...... 22 alumni with pride. While we are mindful of the aphorist Mason a lower lead content,” Robertson says. “It Bessie’s Beautician...... 24 Cooley’s injunction to “Boast quietly, with decorum,” it is not always appears that the industry is doing a pretty Knowing the Score ...... 26 easy to be quiet about the impressive achievements of the members of the College family. good job of policing itself. As researchers, It’s the Challenge...... 28 As the principal college in a great university we carry many responsibilities: for the we’re happy to see that.” Love the Logic...... 30 development of new knowledge, for the education of students who participate directly in Balkin, who is a licensed pharmacy Whiz Kids ...... 32 the development of new knowledge, and for service and outreach to our community, technician, was a perfect choice to do the Zoo CEO...... 34 country and world. research. He served as a volunteer in a Murder and Mayhem...... 37 Mosaics chronicles our successes in meeting those responsibilities, and this year’s suc- hospital pharmacy as early as age 14 and A Gift for Other People’s Children ...... 38 cesses are truly exceptional. Our only regret is our constant regret — namely, that we now works in a local pharmacy. That For All We Call Mizzou...... 39 are constrained by page space and cannot record every event and every accomplishment background helped him interpret the A Life’s Work for the Birds...... 40 that has marked the most recent year in our long history. What you read in these pages is labels and locate a variety of producers. Lively Class About Death ...... 42 indicative of the activities of the College; we cannot begin to recount all of the events of It’s interesting that neither Robertson Designer for the Stars ...... 43 2002-03: another record year for external research support, another year in which the nor Balkin takes dietary supplements. “I College’s faculty garnered the tiger’s share of campus and system awards, including the don’t take them because I’m concerned highly coveted Kemper teaching awards, and another record-setting year in development about contamination,” Robertson says. The College gratefully thanks the A&S Alumni support received from our family and friends. “I’m concerned about their efficacy.” Organization for financial assistance with the In assessing our progress in securing external grant support, we measure ourselves There are other studies on neutraceuti- production of Mosaics magazine. against our colleagues, public universities in the Association of American Universities, cals in progress at MU, some led by Dennis the most distinguished group of educational institutions in the country. Our support has Lubahn in molecular biology. Robertson grown at nothing less than double the AAU-Publics’ average. In measuring the success of PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK experienced a “senior moment” as he On the Cover: Pictured from the top, left to our faculty — which regularly secures one-half or more of the MU and UM System OOD OR HOUGHT Professor Dave Robertson and biology student struggled to think of Lubahn’s name. F F T Ethan Balkin conducted tests on 92 brands of the right, are Anne Holden, Ken Segelhorst, Kyle awards for teaching, research and advising — we remind ourselves that we have only “Maybe I need some St. Gustafson, Holly Huelskamp, Alicia Miles, Laura 20 most popular dietary supplements. The results O YOU TAKE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS John’s wort,” he Jennings and Justin McCurry. As they make a place slightly more than one-fourth of the campus faculty. As we look at our successes in devel- convinced these researchers to avoid taking the for themselves in the real world, these national opment we remind ourselves that the first year in which the College received more than to improve your memory or neutraceuticals. joked. achievers are making the world a better place. $1 million in support was 1997-98. In 2002-03 we received slightly more than $8 million reduce the risk of catching a cold? Page 16. Cover photos by Rob Hill, Chris Detrick, in cash and expectancies. DAn MU nuclear chemist and his under- the most popular supplements with a high Dan Glover and Don Guillot. Mosaics provides the reasons behind these successes, the accounts of the students, graduate research assistant have found lead content,” Balkin says. He expected to WAY KOOL faculty, alumni and friends who make all of these exciting statistics both possible and that in addition to your herbal remedy, find five to 10 contaminated samples, but UDITH real. We are delighted to share them with you and invite you to join us in our pride in the you could be ingesting something unex- instead the research produced 35. Wangelin contributions and accomplishments of the members of the College’s extended family. pected. Lead. The researchers ground several samples Scott and Joe Thus we send along parts of a great story. Enjoy them all and stay tuned for next Research led by Professor Dave of each product into powder, shaped it into JScott of year’s, when we open our new Life Sciences Center, a collaborative project in which we Robertson and conducted by senior biol- a large pellet and subjected it to X-rays at Poplar Bluff, Mo., join with our sister schools and colleges to create the space in which we will accelerate ogy major Ethan Balkin discovered that MU’s Research Reactor to determine love Mizzou — so much our efforts to help feed the world, cure disease and protect our environment. All the best. some such products contain lead at levels what elements were present. They were that they pay the fees to especially dangerous to children and preg- looking for 72 elements, including lead, have MU football and bas- nant women. nickel, mercury, copper and arsenic. Only ketball games broadcast on Balkin tested the 20 most popular lead exceeded the federal safety standard. their home radio station, dietary supplements — such as St. John’s “Our hypothesis is that the lead conta- KOOL, 96.7. wort, ginkgo biloba and echinacea — in mination we’re observing is not coming The Scotts used to drive mosaics is published annually for alumni and friends of the College of Arts and Science at their raw form and in processed forms from the active ingredient but from the to Columbia for the games the University of Missouri-Columbia. Working for a living doesn’t get much better than available as 92 product brands. He pur- binders that hold the ingredients together — nine hours round trip EDITOR Nancy Moen, 317 Lowry Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-2209. serving as the CEO of a nationally known zoo. E-mail: [email protected] chased as many different brands as possi- as a pill,” Robertson says. — but then decided to Alumnus Jeffrey Bonner enjoys interacting with the PHOTOGRAPHERS Rob Hill, Chris Detrick, Dan Glover ble in the Columbia, Mo., retail market. Product names will be released when share the experi- KOOL critters he oversees. Page 34. ART DIRECTOR Blake Dinsdale “We were surprised at the number of the research is published in late 2003. The ence with Mizzou

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fans in Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Dexter, 2001 recipient of an A&S Distinguished ture of Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, the highest University of Missouri System Doniphan, Kennett, New Madrid and Alumni Award, which she calls her “most Equatorial Guinea, Columbia, Venezuela, designation for research achievements. other points in southeastern Missouri. meaningful award.” the Dominican Republic and Haiti. A Specializing in modern German history, With several businesses, the Scotts pur- Y’all go to Mizzou now. reviewer praised one of his books, on Afro- Sperber has published six books on 19th chase airtime and donate the commercial Hispanic poetry, for recognizing “what and early 20th century Germany and has minutes to MU to promote academics. has been neglected and undervalued.” won three prestigious prizes for his work. “Because we couldn’t get the games ROBES, REGALIA The University of Caen preserves the His research attracts support from such down here, it was either pay or drive,” AND RED CARPETS prestige of the honor by awarding the agencies as the Guggenheim Foundation Judith says. “It’s fun to go up to Columbia N EUROPE WHEN HONORARY DEGREES honorary degrees once every seven years. and the National Endowment for the once in a while, and when our son was in are conferred upon distinguished Only four other scholars, from the United Humanities. law school, it was a good excuse to go. But scholars, the whole town States, Norway and Hungary, received the Associate Professor Ian Worthington, it’s an outrageously long drive.” Icelebrates. Two A&S professors who expe- 2003 titles. who teaches ancient Greek history, pub- Radio is the answer. Listeners tell the rienced the formality of receiving hon- lished Alexander the Great: A Reader. On Scotts that they are “thrilled” to receive orary doctorates in the spring returned that topic, Terry Jones, host of the BBC the broadcasts, and the College of Arts and with unusual stories to tell. TAKE NOTE Radio 4 program Heroes and Villains, Science enjoys the bonus of the free on-air The University of Helsinki in Finland AND TAKE NOTES interviewed Worthington for a show that commercials. honored psychology Professor Nelson TUDENTS OF HISTORY READ A LOT OF will air in January 2004. The only stipulation Judith gave for the Cowan; the University of Caen in conjunc- books about important people. For In the popular vein, Professor John commercials was that in some form they tion with the French Ministry of Foreign role models, they can look to the his- Bullion, a recent MU Faculty-Alumni say: “Y’all go to Mizzou now.” Affairs lauded Spanish Professor Marvin toryS faculty, whose work gathers national Award winner and prolific author, snagged The couple has a great reason for nur- Lewis. and international attention. some interesting publicity when his teach- turing an affection for Mizzou: They met Cowan’s conferral ran for three days Associate Professor Lawrence ing reputation came up for discussion on at the University. “I fell in love with Joe and included the official ceremony in a Okamura, a specialist in ancient Roman ESPN’s SportsCenter. John Anderson, BJ Scott and MU at the same time,” Judith splendid hall, a boat trip, a parade, a tun- history, will perform national public ser- ’87, who covers football for ESPN, said says. “And he still makes my heart stop.” nel of swords, a ball and a cathedral ser- vice for the next six years as a member of Bullion had the most influence on him Joe, BS Ed ’61, JD ’66, was a senior on vice. the advisory board of the National when Anderson was a student in the mid- the basketball team in 1961 when Judith “Overwhelming” was his description Endowment for the Humanities. Okamura 1980s. watched him score 46 points against of emerging from the ceremony on a red emerged from a rigorous approval process “Great lectures. You just sort of sat Nebraska. That’s still a single-game scor- carpet in the town square with cathedral for the National Council by collecting there rapt, forgetting to take notes,” he ing record, and it was made at a time bells ringing and several hundred people endorsements from three U.S. Senate com- told the national audience. Bullion teaches when there were no three-pointers. marching and singing in the streets of mittees and the Senate itself. American colonial history and, ESPN

These days, Joe scores his points Helsinki. It went on until sunrise. PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK After 10 years of research, Professor aside, still suggests that history students through his law practice. He and son John, The Finnish ceremony dates back to The University of Caen in France conferred an hon- Kerby Miller wrote and co-edited take notes. BA ’94 political science, JD ’97, have their 1643 and for centuries was the only festive orary degree on Marvin Lewis, above, for develop- Irish Immigrants in the Land of ing MU’s Afro-Romance Institute, the only one of its own firm in Poplar Bluff. event in the country that the general pub- kind in North America. Nelson Cowan, at right in Canaan: Letters and Memoirs from Judith, BA ’65 English, is executive lic could enjoy. People came from the coun- lower photo with a University of Helsinki official, Colonial and Revolutionary America, WEATHER WISE director of college advancement and chair tryside and expected a festival lasting received an honorary degree from the University of 1765-1815. The book is a major reinter- HEN THE TORNADO SIREN of humanities and the performing arts at several days. Helsinki in Finland for research in human informa- pretation of early Irish and Scots-Irish blows in your neighborhood, Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Cowan is noted for his research in tion processing. immigration and identity. Miller is also do you head for the base- Bluff. She has been a teacher for more human information processing, especially the author of Out of Ireland, a prize- Wment, or do you go outside to look for fun- than 32 years and was honored with a attention and memory. He investigates the Languages and Literature of the African winning book that was the basis for a PBS nel clouds? 1994 Governor’s Award for Excellence in processing of verbal and nonverbal mater- Diaspora — the only one of its kind in the documentary by the same name. For that The work of Associate Professor of sta- Teaching. ial in adults and children. nation — and edits a similarly unique film, he served as chief consultant, wrote tistics Chris Wikle may help you take A quick sense of humor earned her the Lewis received a Doctorat Honoris scholarly journal devoted to that subject. early versions of the script and was the those weather warnings and predictions honor of presiding as emcee for the annual Causa for significant research on Afro- “I never expected such an honor,” narrator. more seriously. Arts and Science Week banquet in Romance literature, an area of study that Lewis says. “The award is a culminating Jonathan Sperber now holds the title of “We are starting to account for the February. In addition to providing the makes MU a national leader. He directs point in my academic career.” Curators’ Professor, which demonstrates uncertainty in weather forecasts, so that amusing banquet commentary, she is a MU’s Afro-Romance Institute for For years he has researched the litera- the respect his work gathers. The title is someday soon when you get a forecast that

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people are counted; the uncertainty is how vivid memories of teaching typically “Religion and society are so inter- many tornados were not seen or counted. involve cases where bright and motivated twined that they can’t exist without each Wikle compares this method of handling students raise philosophical points that he other,” says Professor Emerita Jill Raitt, the undercount to one used by the United had not fully considered. “That makes it who leads an effort to educate American States Census Bureau to handle its all worth it,” Vallentyne says. professionals about religious traditions. uncounted citizens. Vallentyne adds to the growing national Raitt secured the funding for and is Among the students participating in the stature of MU’s philosophy department. director of MU’s new Center for Religion, tornado frequency study is senior Mark “Peter is helping to make our department the Professions and the Public (RPP). It is Giganti of Springfield, Ill. one of the best places in the country to one of only 10 such centers in the nation “As my first exposure to research, Dr. pursue graduate work in normative areas and is funded through a $1.4 million grant Wikle’s tornado frequency work allowed of philosophy,” says department Chair Jon by the Pew Charitable Trusts. RPP aims to me to jump out of the textbooks and see Kvanvig. Normative philosophy is con- prevent conflicts or misunderstandings statistics applied to real-life problems,” he cerned with how things should be. The between professionals and their clients or says. Partly because of that experience, main areas are rational belief, rational patients that might result from religious or Giganti plans to pursue a career in biosta- choice, ethics and political philosophy. cultural traditions. tistical research. Selecting MU was a rational choice for MU’s center is unique in its focus on With statisticians from Ohio State, Vallentyne, who says he considered the religion and the professions. The center Wikle is collaborating on a project to pre- department’s bright future, the attractive studies the influence of religion on society, dict the weather effects of El Niño six campus town and the honor of accepting a trains faculty and professionals on religion months in advance. In separate studies, he chair. in the workplace, develops curricular mod- is examining rising sea surface tempera- The Kline Chair was established by the els for schools, and provides outreach ser- tures, unusual rain patterns, frequency of late Harold Kline, BA ’32, who studied vices such as public lectures. tornados and migration patterns of water- economics and philosophy. Although he Recently, at the request of a Muslim fowl. worked as an attorney, Kline maintained a community president, the center spon- Graphs of divergence and wind, cloud top tempera- The research on migrating waterfowl is burning love of philosophy and respect for sored and helped set up “sensitivity” tures and a blend of wind with temperatures assist indicating that ducks and other migrating PHOTO BY DAN GLOVER MU’s department. training for law enforcement. Wikle in the study of tornado prediction. Peter Vallentyne is in demand as a speaker on birds may overfly their usual destinations society’s difficult issues, such as euthanasia and The torch has been passed. Raitt says that globalization has for reasons such as drought that might be PHILOSOPHY CHAIR stem cell research. advanced the need for understanding related to El Niño. “We can start to pre- IS REALITY world religions: “Religious voices need to dict up to a year in advance how many ROFESSOR PETER VALLENTYNE GETTING RELIGION be heard. We’re trying to improve profes- calls for a 40 percent chance of rain, you birds will be in an area,” Wikle says. That settled into the endowed Florence research and abortion. HAT’S WRONG WITH THIS sional services by increasing sensitivity to can believe it,” he says. information will be available to conserva- G. Kline Missouri Chair in In the classroom, as students seek the plan? Scenario: A business the needs of people from different religious Wikle expects even long-term predic- tion agencies. PhilosophyP as fall semester began. correct answers to controversial social executive, Mr. X, planned a and cultural backgrounds.” tions to become more precise and thus In a previous study, Wikle helped Vallentyne is a world-class philosopher in questions, Vallentyne develops their abil- Wshort visit to Belem, Brazil, the past Oct. For 14 years Raitt served as chair of the more helpful to farmers in planning for forecast winds in the Sydney, Australia, social and political philosophy and ethics. ity to critically examine issues and avoid 12 to meet with a prospective client in the Department of Religious Studies, where drought conditions or to communities harbor for the 2000 Olympic games. He is in demand as a speaker nationally errors in reasoning. central city. It was a Sunday, but the tar- the World Religions course is a perennial preparing for tornado emergencies. Using data on nearby wind stations, wind and internationally, and not only to philo- “You have to defend your answer and geted import-export business operates favorite among students. By using complicated math models that activity in the higher atmosphere, temper- sophical groups. Vallentyne is known as an develop a cogent argument,” he says. “I daily, and Mr. X wanted to observe the *MU music student Dan Araujo experi- account for uncertainties, statisticians are ature changes with height and other “energetic speaker” on applied ethics to enjoy getting students to see the power in weekend procedure. enced the Oct. 12 religious parade in per- able to improve the accuracy of weather meteorological variables, he and colleagues audiences that may range from business that.” The schedule didn’t work. The second son when a Brazilian group flew him home forecasts. “We have a clear understanding built a statistical model to predict the managers and legislators to church groups. Vallentyne is editor of one journal, asso- Sunday in October is a national religious to Belem as guest vocalist for the annual of when we know something and when we intensity of sea breezes that would affect With 19 years of teaching experience ciate editor of another and on the editorial holiday in Brazil. The whole city cele- pilgrimage, which attracts millions of peo- don’t,” Wikle says. yacht racing. and research, he is committed to fostering boards of two others. He is writing a book brates with the biggest religious party and ple. The parade came to a halt in front of In their research on the frequency of With all these studies, at least one thing critical thinking about difficult social on justice, liberty and equality. He has pilgrimage in Brazil.* Not only would it be the Basilica of Nazareth in the center of tornados, Wikle and his team of students is certain in forecasting: weather predic- issues. Vallentyne deals with issues that edited nine books, published some 50 virtually impossible to move through the town, and Araujo, standing on a platform must account for bias and uncertainty. tion is more sophisticated than when raise red flags in polite conversation: papers and reviewed about 40 books. blocked streets, but businesses close and in front of the basilica, sang the two The bias in building a model on tornado Wikle worked in radio as a weather fore- capital punishment, treatment of But the experiences of academia that the planned meeting could have been per- famous “Ave Marias” — by Gounod and reporting is that only tornados spotted by caster during his student days. animals, euthanasia, cloning, stem cell stay with him involve students. His most ceived as an insult. Schubert — in front of the statue of Mary.

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The MU baritone was accompanied by an She refers to one of those mentors, ders that is still in use today. instrumental group and a chorus. As the Professor Lynne McMahon, as a “remark- parade continued down the street, Araujo able poet” and “recognized and demand- PUT IT IN WRITING sang a one-hour concert of religious music ing scholar.” Mackowski and McMahon EW BOOKS BY FACULTY MEMBERS inside the church. collaborated to teach an American litera- are drawing critical acclaim and ture course that was a survey of American awards. women poets. NIn classical studies, Associate Professor HEALTHFUL DOSE During that time, Mackowski watched Dennis Trout won this year’s CAMWS OF COMMUNICATING and learned from someone she considers a Book Award from the Classical Association ISSOURIANS SMOKE, EAT THEM- master. “I love to teach and came here to of the Middlewest and South, the largest selves into obesity and plop get better at it,” she says. McMahon regional classics group in the nation. Trout their overstuffed frames into taught her how to turn a lecture class of won for his Paulinus of Nola: Life, easyM chairs. How to change that dangerous 50 students into a discussion class and how Letters, and Poems. Paulinus was a noble- behavior was the work of a communication to use student writing assignments to help man and poet who lived in the southwest department capstone class led by Associate students grow as scholarly writers. of Gaul in the fourth century. Professor Michael Kramer. “It’s a fantastic opportunity, as a grad- Classical studies Chair Dan Hooley says The 11 students of Communication 377 PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK uate student, to teach an upper-level Trout’s award is especially notable given Senior Project — joined by Missouri First Bert Malone, CDPHP director, says that Communication students meet with Missouri First course with an upper-level teacher,” the “considerable number of fine new Lady Lori Hauser Holden, far right, to discuss her Lady Lori Hauser Holden — worked on a in an era of shrinking budgets, the creativ- Mackowski says. PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK books in classics published recently.” publicity campaign to prevent chronic dis- ity and help are especially appreciated. role as spokesperson for the state’s health promo- McMahon herself is a national award Winning awards in tandem, Lynne McMahon, left, Religious studies Professor Paul tion campaign. ease in Missouri. Credit for enlisting the aid of MU stu- winner. She received a 2003 Academy and her former student, Joanie Mackowski, gather Johnson’s book Secrets, Gossip and Gods: prestigious national recognition for their books of Each semester, the senior capstone dents goes to Andrew Shea, a communica- Award in Literature from the American poetry. The Transformation of Brazilian course gives students the chance to serve as tion student and a part-time publicist for versity level. While developing her writ- Academy of Arts and Letters. The $7,500 Candomblé won a national award from the consultants to an outside client, usually a the Missouri Department of Health and ing and teaching skills, she collected three prize recognizes her “exceptional accom- American Academy of Religion. Each year charity or non-profit organization. In win- Senior Services. national awards in poetry and made the plishment” in poetry. United States branch of the Academy of the group names a best book in four gen- ter semester 2003, the client was the Student Michelle Custer says that after feat look easy by winning them all with Each year the Academy honors more Natural Sciences. eral categories. Division of Chronic Disease Prevention meeting Holden, she found herself devel- one book. Her poetry book The Zoo is one than 50 artists, architects, writers and Collecting honors in chemistry is alum- Johnson won in the analytical-descrip- and Health Promotion (CDPHP), part of oping several ideas for public service of the most award-laden student-written composers with cash awards. McMahon nus Jaime Simon, an expert in nuclear med- tive category — a social science approach the Missouri Department of Health and announcements and commercials. books in the history of the English depart- has produced several volumes of poetry. icine who holds 45 patents in to the study of religion — from the Senior Services. Previous clients of the class have made ment. Her most recent, published in 2003, is radiopharmaceuticals and is head of Dow American Academy of Religion. Holden is spokesperson for the cam- good use of the students’ work. In 1999, The Zoo won the Kate Tufts Discovery Sentimental Standards. Chemical Company’s Pharmaceutical Department Chair Steven Friesen says paign. She visited the class in March to get the American Red Cross Blood Division Prize in Poetry, which included a $10,000 Growth Group. faculty members have previously won best the students’ perspectives and see how produced the students’ fliers for use in award and an appearance at the J. Paul Simon’s work on breakthrough scien- “first book” awards but that the general their work was progressing. blood drives. Getty Museum to read the work; a Rona HIGH HONORS tific projects at Dow has earned him a award is a new honor for someone in the The students worked in three teams, Holden says the bottom line is that the Jaffe Foundation Award for women writ- FOR ALUMINI SCIENTISTS national award for Outstanding Technical department. with each group producing a campaign program can help Missourians. In a thank- ers, with a $7,500 cash award; and the HE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF Achievement in Science from the Hispanic Associate Professor Lois Huneycutt’s strategy that included a slogan and logo, you gesture to the participating students, Associated Writing Program’s Award Natural Sciences has selected Engineer National Achievement Awards new book, Matilda of Scotland and the advertising copy and public service she held the last class meeting at the Series in Poetry. geologist Jack Burst, PhD ’50 geo- Corporation. Independent representatives Development of Medieval Queenship, announcements. Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City, Mackowski is working on new poems logicalT sciences, for membership in that from industry, government and academia was the September featured selection for The aim of the campaign is to reduce where she treated the students to a health- and expects to complete her doctorate in elite group and awarded him the Kapitsa select the winners annually. the Ancient-Medieval History Book Club tobacco use, improve eating habits and ful lunch. May. But until then, and because of her Medal for his work in clay mineral diagen- In a partnership with MU, Simon, MA in Great Britain. promote physical activity among experience at Mizzou, she’s writing more esis. Kapitsa was a Nobel Laureate in ’78, PhD ’80 chemistry, worked on the Missourians. poetry and doing preliminary work for an physics. development of Quadramet, a pharmaceu- “It’s really a win-win situation,” POETS IN RESIDENCE essay on mentorship. With the membership, Burst joins sev- tical for the treatment of pain associated TOWN AND GOWN Kramer says of the campaign. The stu- OCTORAL STUDENT JOANIE “Here at Mizzou, I’d say that everyone eral Nobel and Lenin State Prize laureates with bone cancer. Even as a graduate stu- HILE NOTING STUDENTS WHO dents get to do a practical, useful project, Mackowski came to Mizzou’s is my mentor, for that’s what a strong, sup- as well as Russian President Vladimir dent, Simon’s work was impressive. His attend the activities of the and the state gets to benefit from whatever Creative Writing Program to earn portive and challenging community it is,” Putin. Burst also holds the Albert Einstein graduate research led to the discovery of a Center for Arts and they produce.” Dher doctorate so she could teach at the uni- she says. Medal of Honor, the highest award of the new imaging agent to diagnose brain disor- WHumanities, history Professor Russ Zguta

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scans the crowds for gray-haired visitors. work,” Hawk says. “They’re creative and hats as an agent and as the No. 2 man at A good representation of older residents talented, and they’ve had a taste of it Loretta Barrett Books in New York. In always pleases Zguta, who directs the cen- now.” addition to negotiating contracts, repre- ter. He and his staff target part of their senting authors and dealing with foreign advertising at retirees, particularly those LIKE A LITERARY FAMILY rights, Mullendore travels periodically to who live in retirement communities. NTERNS JESSICA KRUEGER AND such events as the London Book Fair. Activities and programs dealing with Anthony Varallo understand that it’s a The Missouri Review internship history, art, music, geography, English, big deal to be an intern at the nation’s helped him get his foot in the door. anthropology, religious studies and jour- Itop university literary journal. Students “Everybody in fiction knows The nalism have been popular draws for the who learn the ropes of publishing at The Missouri Review,” he says, “so to list that mature crowd. “These types of events are Missouri Review significantly bolster as my experience in school raised eye- interesting to retirees,” Zguta says. their career potential. brows.” The center, which opened in 2001, nur- Because manuscripts flow in to this While an intern, Mullendore read bun- tures the intellectual and creative life of publishing gem at the rate of more than dles of short stories and sifted through the the University by gathering town and 300 a week, interns get plenty of experi- slush. Now that he’s a professional, he’s gown audiences and supporting individual ence reading the unsolicited mail they paid to read the slush. faculty and staff members in their work. refer to as “slush.” Melissa Solis, BA ’01 English, used her The lectures, displays, seminars and book In the continuing search for the best internship to her advantage in job inter- signings complement many of the A&S new writing, the staff skillfully selects views. “I spent a large portion of time units. material from emerging writers who have explaining my duties at The Missouri An exploration theme continues to pro- the potential to make the big time. All Review, and it was evident that I had left vide a timely link to the national Lewis interns participate in the process of find- with much experience and exposure,” she and Clark bicentennial. Historian Gary ing manuscripts, contributing book says. The internship gave her such experi- Moulton, a Lewis and Clark expert, spoke reviews or Web editorials and doing local ence as reading fiction and developing on “Seven Habits of Some Highly Effective promotions. marketing strategies. Explorers,” and Corps of Discovery’s The system works beautifully as a Solis is a managing editorial assistant in composer and librettist, Michael Ching training ground, as demonstrated by for- New York for the Putnam imprint at and Hugh Moffatt, discussed the histori- mer interns who hold positions at a vari- Penguin Group and works as a liaison cal aspects of their musical drama. ety of publishing houses. Jessica Krueger, an intern for The Missouri Nick Mullendore’s position typifies the PHOTO COURTESY OF JONNY PEZ Review, scans a finished product. In preparation Historian James Ronda will speak on had built prefab, collapsible walls to line Art students and alumni display their work on col- type of job that students hope to find. for a career in publishing, she reads the unso- April 13. the inside of a U-Haul truck. They rented lapsible walls built to fit a rented truck. The MU Mullendore, BA ’96 English, wears many licited mail referred to as “slush.” a gas-powered generator, bought track artists are using innovative methods to take their lights and borrowed a slide projector and a original pieces on the road. HAV E ART, WILL TRAVEL big sheet. OOKING FOR SOME ORIGINAL As a cost-cutting move, they trans- Kansas City. artwork at prices that won’t ported the art and materials in private cars Big Haul was the idea of Brandon knock you senseless? An innovative and rented a truck in Kansas City, where Tischer, BA ’03 art, who now lives and newL project in the art department can they set up downtown in front of a private works in Kansas City. bring affordable original art to Missouri gallery. When evening fell, they projected The MU art students plan to make a communities. an advertisement on the sheet attached to similar trip to St. Louis and will take the Graduate and undergraduate students the truck and hoped for a crowd. show on the road to other Missouri com- have art and will travel with a mobile “There was a line of people around the munities for special events. To request an exhibit filled with sculpture, painting and block waiting their turn to go in,” adviser art haul, contact the student art groups photos for sale. Bill Hawk says. He reports that the gallery through Hawk at [email protected]

For a schedule of events at the Center for Arts and In a September test run, Big Haul went directors complimented the students on or visit the department Web site at Humanities, phone (573) 882-4591 or visit the Web on the road to Kansas City for a gallery their exhibit and invited them to use the www.missouri.edu/~artwww. site at www.research.missouri.edu/CAH/. association event. The creative students same parking space for their next trip to “These kids are hungry to show their PHOTO BY ROB HILL

10 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 11 montage montage among all the departments: editorial, copy- GREAT EXPOSURE ers don’t see the complete body of work a editing, production, design and art. HRIS DETRICK KNOWS HOW TO photographer produces because Detrick’s “The values that are embraced by The blend into a crowd. That’s part of shoot that day was a package worthy of a Missouri Review are values that I carried his job as student photographer “USDA Prime” stamp. His main subject with me as I entered the field of publish- forC the College of Arts and Science. emerged looking like a dressed-down ing,” she says. To accomplish that, Detrick may wear a model for GQ magazine, and the bellowing Reeves Hamilton, BA ’96 English, is a tux at a formal party, such as the annual cow is the picture of personality if not of copywriter at John Wiley and Sons in New Mosaic Society dinner. But in addition to contentment. York, where he writes marketing, adver- eating monk fish and chatting with dinner Look for several of Detrick’s photos in tising and flap copy for business books. guests, he’s the guy behind the long lens this issue, and next year plan to attend the Hamilton says he wouldn’t be living in responsible for shooting “grip ‘n’ grin” recital of his violin ensemble, Chamber New York or working in publishing with- photos of guests. Soloists. out his internship experience. “It changed Covering a party is a snap assignment my life,” he says. “Working at The for this junior photojournalism major from Missouri Review allowed me to use some York, Pa., who’s also pursuing a minor in BEST IN SHOW skills and gave me confidence in what I violin performance. STUDENT PLAYWRIGHT KATE could do.” Taking photos for Mosaics magazine BERNEKING KOGUT HAS SIGNED A As an intern, Hamilton wrote book can be challenging. One week Detrick has reviews, edited short fiction and read sub- to catch a shot of a bird in hand (yes, CONTRACT GRANTING A NEW YORK missions. He still remembers how really in hand); another week he must PRODUCTION AGENCY THE OPTION TO delighted he was to see his first book wander around a collection of classic nude PRODUCE HER PLAY. review in print. statues to plan a tasteful background. Whether their job is dealing with slush One of his more unusual assignments STUDENT PLAYWRIGHT WHO or traveling to international book fairs, was to capture action shots of Justin trained to work at a women’s shel- these alumni inspire current interns. McCurry, who as a student was one of the ter has won a prestigious award Krueger, a senior, wants to work at a pub- nation’s best “fitters” — makeup artists forA her original play about domestic vio- lishing house. Varallo, a doctoral student, for cattle in show competition. lence. plans to teach creative writing. In search of that photo, Detrick lugged Kate Berneking Kogut’s play Survival his equipment around a cattle farm on a Dance collected three national awards humid, 100-degree day seeking the perfect from judges at the 2003 Kennedy Center location. His American College Theatre Festival. The work was citations for special achievement honor unaffected by Kogut for playwriting, Doug Royal for act- the aggressive ing and Patricia Downey for fight choreog- black flies, raphy. muddy farm Survival Dance is the story of one lot, smells that woman’s journey to rediscover herself as assault the she faces life in the aftermath of a violent PHOTO BY STEVE MORSE nostrils of a relationship. Kate Kogut’s award-winning play Survival Dance city guy and a Kogut, a doctoral student in writing for tional student. She is married and has two Shelter, a local safe house. In addition to made its debut at the Rhynsburger Theatre. Now bawling, performance, wrote the script to increase adult children. the financial support, the performance she sees the potential to reach other audiences drooling, kick- people’s understanding of the issue. Survival Dance wasn’t an easy story to helped recruit volunteers for The Shelter, nationally. ing secondary “I hope to move beyond the stereotype tell in word or in act. During the rehearsal Kogut says. present two sold-out performances on subject — an that people sometimes have of women who schedule, members of the all-student cast A theatre department committee Sept. 6. They had to open a dress rehearsal anxious Angus have been in a violent relationship,” she attended weekly debriefing sessions with selected Survival Dance as the third to accommodate the demand for tickets. known as No. says. a campus counselor to talk about their annual Mizzou on Broadway production at In a separate honor, Professor Suzanne

PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK 48. Several years ago, Kogut trained for emotions. the York Theatre in New York. Twenty- Burgoyne, director of Survival Dance, A student photographer, Detrick balances his interest in photojournalism with It’s unfor- work at a women’s shelter but decided The show’s premiere in Columbia three student actors and technicians, as received the 2003 Outstanding Teacher of the study of violin. tunate that read- instead to return to school as a nontradi- served as a benefit performance for The well as faculty, traveled to New York to Theatre in Higher Education Award from

12 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 13 montage montage

A&S Awards 2003 JOIN

Show your support of A&S by Recent Alumni joining the MU Alumni Association. •V. Penelope Pelizzon, PhD ’98 English, is a poet and literary critic, as A portion of your well as director of the Creative Writing membership dues ✁ Program at the University of helps fund the College of Arts and Science. Connecticut. She has won numerous prestigious awards for her poetry and Individual, Annual ...... $35 essays. Individual, 65 or older ...... $25 •Dennis Barnes Jr., BA ’93 English, founded Marketing Direct Inc. of St. Mr. and Mrs., Annual ...... $50 Louis and leads the company in market- Mr. and Mrs.,65 or older ... $35 ing services for health care, insurance, Name ______telecommunications and financial compa- ______nies. Ernst & Young named him the 2000 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. Address ______

Honorary Alumni PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK City/State/ZIP ______Student writers gather in the sunlit Reading Room at Tate Hall for a session with poet Mark Strand, a ______•John Patterson, BS Ed ’59, M Ed former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner. Strand gave a reading and worked with students ’64 music, has touched the lives of hun- PHOTO BY ERNIE GUTIERREZ through the Center for the Literary Arts. The center regularly invites nationally known authors in all genres E-mail address ______dreds of Columbia, Mo., music students member of the MU Alumni Association A&S Award recipients, from left, are Dennis to teach sessions and deliver public lectures. Among the guest authors slated for 2004 are playwright ______in his position as director of bands at and a member of the A&S Alumni Barnes Jr., Diane Hall Glancy, Stuart A. Fraser, Edward Albee, winner of multiple Pulitzer Prizes and Tony Awards; poet and essayist J.D. McClatchy, edi- The Yale Review; V. Penelope Pelizzon, John Patterson, Mary Nell tor of and novelist Michael Cunningham, winner of a Pulitzer Prize and PEN/Faulkner Class year ______Hickman High School and director of Organization board since 1987. He Awards for Fiction. music for Columbia Public Schools. serves on the boards of the Columbia Porter, Wally L. Pfeffer II and Jeffrey Bonner. ✁ Student # ______Public School Foundation and Columbia Phone ______Chamber of Commerce. Distinguished Service Tell Us What You Think Spouse attended MU. where she teaches Native American liter- Take a minute to tell us how we’re doing. Name ______Spouse’s name ______•Mary Nell Porter, BS BA ’69, ature and creative writing. She won the We value your comments because we want Spouse’s name ______Distinguished Alumni Mosaics magazine to be the best it can be. shows her pride as a volunteer for and Five Civilized Tribes Playwriting Prize Address ______1. How would you rate the overall quality of donor to numerous projects at MU: •Jeffrey P. Bonner, BA ’75 anthro- and is the 1998 Minnesota Writer of City______State ____ZIP ______Friends of Music, Chancellor’s Residence pology, oversees one of the biggest visitor Distinction, awarded by the University Mosaics magazine? Make your check payable to: ■ ■ ■ ■ Home address ______Preservation Committee, Tiger Spot, attractions in the state of Missouri as of Minnesota. Excellent Good Fair Poor MU Alumni Association Business address______or charge Corps of Discovery, Mizzou on Tour, president and CEO of the Saint. Louis •Stuart A. Fraser, BA ’83 history, is 2. What kinds of articles would you like to see in Mizzou on Broadway and the University Zoo, considered one of the nation’s top vice chairman and a partner of Cantor Mosaics magazine? Check all that apply: Phone ______Visa MasterCard Discover ■ Teaching ■ Research Student ID number______Card # ______Concert Series; and for Columbia: zoos. Previously, he was vice president Fitzgerald LP. With CEO Howard ■ MU experts on national issues ■ Nostalgia E-mail address ______Missouri Symphony Society and for research and special projects at the Lutnick, Fraser is leading the firm’s ■ Student life ■ Alumni profiles Expiration ______■ Columbia Entertainment Company. St. Louis Science Center. efforts to assist the families of the 658 ■ Updates on Columbia and campus life Send information about the MU Alumni Signature ______•Wally L. Pfeffer II, BGS ’89, has •Diane Hall Glancy, BA ’64 Cantor Fitzgerald employees lost in the ■ Other ______Association. (Required for credit card use) donated his time, money and talent to the English, is an author and professor at Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade 3. If you could change one thing about Mosaics ■ Update my address. Check your membership status on the College and MU for 16 years. He is a life Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., Center. magazine, what would it be? ______■ Please take me off the Mosaics mailing list. mailing label. If you are a nonmember, ______return to Alumni Association Membership, 123 Reynolds Center, Columbia, MO. 65211 Return to Mosaics magazine, 317 Lowry Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. or fax to (573) 882-5145 E-mail comments to the editor at [email protected] AN

14 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 15 Meet the FutureBy Nancy Moen

We see the future here every day. It’s fresh- joie de vivre. Their personalities shine with faced, fun-loving and fabulous. Forget that these graciousness as they share their knowledge students are barely out of braces. Their university with other students or attribute their success to days are as polished as their teeth. They have mentors who shaped their academic lives. Meet national reputations, career plans and a contagious the future, compliments of Mizzou, and be proud.

16 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 17 Super Scholar

MU’S FIRST GATES SCHOLAR BEGAN HER STUDIES AT CAMBRIDGE IN FALL 2003.

Anne Holden’s HEN SHE WAS 13-YEARS-OLD, that the competition would be fierce. Anne Holden read a book Undeterred, she applied, interviewed on human evolution and and in spring 2003 won one of the 42 parents nurtured her Wdecided she wanted to work in that scholarships selected from a field of field. As a child, she devoured books 500 applicants. She then earned quest for learning, on the ancient Greeks and Romans. At acceptance to Cambridge from among college parties, she enjoyed people 10,000 applicants for graduate admis- but Bill and who would chat about subjects such sion. as Plato or Dostoevski. Holden’s work will compare two Melinda Gates are This mature-beyond-her-years stu- points of view of evolution through dent is Mizzou’s first Gates Scholar, the study of genetics and fossils. She picking up the tab the Cambridge University equivalent loves the future of anthropology: “The of a Rhodes Scholar. new genetics research is making it for her doctoral Funded by the Bill and Melinda much more interesting to students, Gates Foundation, the scholarship beyond the traditional study of fos- rewards the “brightest of the world’s sils.” degree. young leaders and scholars” with She prepped for her journey to graduate work at what is considered Cambridge by taking the honors track one of the United Kingdom’s top uni- in high school and entering the versities. Honors College at Mizzou. Still, what With the $32,000 yearly award for she selects as the finest element in her three years, Holden has no worries preparation is the mentorship she about buying books or paying for stu- received from anthropology Professor dent fees, living expenses and travel. Carol Ward. “She always treated me She can focus on her doctoral work in as an adult,” Holden says of Ward, biological anthropology where she is who guided her undergraduate headed toward a pathbreaking career. research. “When I came to MU to meet She graduated from Mizzou in May Dr. Ward, I was really impressed.” with a degree in anthropology and Now it’s Ward’s turn to be

minors in biology and Spanish. impressed. ILL H

Before Holden applied for the OB As a Gates Scholar at Cambridge University, Holden R Gates Scholarship, a Cambridge is studying evolution through the use of genetics HOTO BY anthropology professor warned her and fossils. P

18 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 19 Black Holes, Bright Future LANDING A SUMMER INTERNSHIP REQUIRED A SECURITY CHECK FOR THIS JUNIOR, WHOSE WORKPLACE OF CHOICE WAS A NUCLEAR LAB.

HIS WASN’T YOUR USUAL required for the application. summer employment. In “I’ve matured as a writer,” he Art, literature, 2003, Kyle Gustafson worked says. “It’s a transition in my life Tat Lawrence Livermore National from not being good at it to liking it theater, music and Labs in Livermore, Calif., on com- and being able to put out a good puter simulations of astrophysical piece.” The sophisticated but low- photography are dynamics. He studied black holes. key student admits to being thrilled A 2003 national Goldwater about winning the coveted scholar- favorite diversions Scholar, Gustafson is left-handed, ship. Probably the only person more left-brained and fully captivated by excited about the achievement was of Kyle Gustafson, the excitement of studying physics his mentor in physics, Professor and mathematics as a double major. Peter Pfeifer. a physics and But that focus doesn’t mean he “He grabbed my hand and shook it doesn’t appreciate the study of arts for 10 seconds straight. We were and humanities. Gustafson is learn- both so excited,” Gustafson says. He mathematics major. ing to play the guitar, he’s fond of gives Pfeifer half the credit for his classes that require writing, and he winning the scholarship. Pfeifer has likes to discuss literature and hear been a guide in his academic life lectures about art. since freshman year. One of his “all-time favorite” Also sharing praise from classes was an honors humanities Gustafson is physics Professor Brian course on music, art and literature Defacio. “I realized how much I had from the past 150 years. The gotten out of his course. I had Philosophy of Science class was “cap- learned to think as a physicist should tivating, fun and important for my think,” Gustafson says. “Professor development as a scientist.” Defacio is the epitome of that.” Gustafson knew as early as his Pfeifer, Defacio and the other MU freshman year that he wanted to professors who provided Gustafson apply for the Goldwater Scholarship. with models of teaching and mentor- The development of his writing style ship will receive from him one of the through MU’s Campus Writing finest compliments a student can Program was key to the thoughtful give: He’s going to follow in their essays and research summaries footsteps as a tenure-track univer- sity professor.

ILL A National Merit Scholar from Leawood, Kan., H OB

R Gustafson serves his department through tutoring and as president of the Physics Club. HOTO BY P

WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 21 Discovered! ALICIA MILES’ LEAD PROFESSIONAL OPERA ROLE AS A STUDENT IS A RARE ACHIEVEMENT IN THE OPERA WORLD.

ACAGAWEA WAS IN HER TEENS former professional opera singer when she joined the Lewis and Ching: Miles with companies in the United States Clark expedition. Vocal student and Europe. Miles gains confidence AliciaS Miles will be only 21 when she secured the Opera knowing that her vocal coach has a steps on the professional stage at professional background, and Todd Opera Memphis to portray the young Memphis role with enjoys training this enthusiastic Shoshone in a lead role. mezzo-soprano. Miles, a senior, will sing the role her crossover style “It really is quite rare that anyone of Sacagawea in the Opera Memphis so young gets an experience like production of Corps of Discovery on — the beauty of this,” Todd says. April 24 and 27. This achievement is The role of Sacagawea is demand- a first for Mizzou and a rare, if not classical singing and ing. Todd describes the technical unique, student achievement in the voice requirements of the role as “a world of professional opera. mezzo-soprano with a top quite like “I’ve never hired a college under- the immediacy of a soprano but a low like a mezzo. graduate before,” says Michael That’s a special voice.” Ching, the artistic director of Opera pop singing. In addition to her appearance at Memphis. Charlottesville, Miles sang the role Ching, who composed Corps of Memphis garnered attention in St. of Sacagawea for opening night at Discovery, decided Miles was right for Louis as well. One of the city’s most- the world premiere in Columbia, the part after hearing her sing the watched TV shows, Show Me St. Mo., and in a concert version at the role with MU’s troupe in Louis, featured her singing and in a Kennedy Center. She is eager to take Charlottesville, Va., for the national live interview in late November. the professional next step. Lewis and Clark bicentennial. “I was Since then, she’s been preparing “I expect that Memphis audiences impressed with her performance,” he for her professional debut by travel- will love her,” Ching predicts. explains straightforwardly. ing to Memphis for coaching sessions “Alicia has a special blend of with Ching, and she likes his style. For the fourth consecutive year, Miles youth and wisdom in her personal- “He takes his work seriously but won Missouri’s state competition of the ity,” Ching says. “She combines it doesn’t take the fun out of it,” she National Association of Teachers of with a crossover approach to singing says. Singing. that brings to it the beauty of classi- Miles knows what a remarkable cal singing and the immediacy of pop opportunity it is to work with a com- Tickets for the April 24 and 27 per- Alumnus Stuart Fraser returned to campus to speak singing.” poser in creating a professional role. formances at the Cannon Center for the to students about his work with brokerage firm Miles, who is understandably She will spend three weeks in Performing Arts in Memphis are avail- Cantor Fitzgerald. Students and reporters, such as excited, thought she had her singing Memphis rehearsing with the com- able through the Opera Memphis box Melissa Sheffler of KOMU-TV in Columbia, asked career mapped out. “It’s starting pany before the premiere. office at (901) 257-3100 or online at about the firm’s loss of employees in the destruction sooner than I thought,” she says. Her At MU, Miles studies with www.operamemphis.org. of the World Trade Center. upcoming appearance with Opera Associate Professor Jo Ella Todd, a PHOTO BY DON GUILLOT

22 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 23 PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK Bessie’s Beautician Bessie’s WINTER J EUTN TO RELUCTANT O ATEADERE AINLREPUTATION NATIONAL A EARNED AND CATTLE FOR coated McCurry’shandashesteadied herhead. with loudbellowing,wildeyesand slobber that the heat.Shereactedtobuzzof theclippers McCurry administeredtogivehersome relieffrom N0. 48didn’tcaremuchforthesummer haircut Huelsbergen, whowasrecognizedfor of AssociateProfessorDeborah department, especiallyintheclasses loved thecreativeatmospherein art degreeingraphicdesign.He McCurry graduatedinMaywithan cation (plusanartscholarship). beautician businesspaidforhisedu- nation. to 10“blowermonkeys”inthe tell himthathe’soneofthetopfive ing towinbestinshow. Cattlepeople beck andcallofcattleranchersaim- mal groomerwhoanswerstothe makeover artistforcattle. can,” hesays.Hedoesthatasa dents. you’re relatedtomanyoftheresi- people, anddatingisdifficultwhen much todoinacommunityof700 eration. times fallsflatwiththeyoungergen- corn andsoybeans,thelevellandat Although hospitabletocattle,wheat, operation inMountHope,Kan. tion familyrunningafarmandcattle C USTIN He laughsasheadmitsthecow- McCurry worksasafitter, anani- “I havetogetasfarawayI As McCurrypointsout,thereisn’t McCurry ispartofafifth-genera- 2004 least they’repartofhisart. graduate Justin McCurry. At RECENT TO ART ARE OWS M C C RYPTHMEFTHROUGH HIMSELF PUT URRY “ MOOOVE ” NT E CAREER NEW A TO ON who comerunningtoyou.” of thesecattlearelikehouse pets says ofhisanimalclients, “butmost they getkickedandmessedon. days thatbeginasearly4a.m.And They suffersleepdeprivationwith crete aslong10hoursatatime. well. Fitterskneelorstandoncon- tool —super-sharpclippers. by cowsandcuttheirownmain McCurry, havebeenkickedsenseless a wallop.Mostfitters,including hooves thatpackquite fitters facedangerous that pleasesjudges, shows. Super Bowlofcattle and Denver—the Ky., Kansas City, Kan., Worth, Texas, Houston,Louisville, the bigshowsinReno,Nev., Fort their animals,andtheyflyhiminfor dent feesforamonth. covered hislivingexpensesandstu- McCurry’s typicalthree-dayfitterjob beauty businessissolucrative. That’s hardtodowhenthecattle should startaseriousjobsearch. good at?”Nowheagonizesthat dent: “Whyquitsomethingyou’re too. Heck,hejustlovedbeingastu- Kemper Fellowship. her teachingwitha2003William T. Without allthehairstyling,glue “The cowscanbebrats,” McCurry There areotherdrawbacksas To createthelook Ranchers payMcCurrytoprimp McCurry lovedmathandscience, MU ARTS &SCIENCE SAMKOE ARTIST MAKEOVER A AS . . N WHE OW around lastnight.” was chasingacow Iwaslate. “Sorry ’ SABIT from justanybody.” “That’s notastatementyou’d believe around lastnight.” late,” hesaid.“Iwaschasing acow apology andexcuse:“I’msorryIwas the roomandofferedHuelsbergenan graphic designclass,hewalkedinto McCurry missedthestartofa He’s soconsistent. for theAtlantic Nationalcattleshow. next day, McCurryflewtoMaryland showed upindroves,”hesays.The Mizzou forhisgraduation.“They weird,” shesays.“Hepaysattention clipper wasfirstrate. design forahigh-powerednose-hair “beautiful, cleandesigns.”Even his tently producedwhatshecalls graphic designclasses,heconsis- ditional tothestudyofart.Inher McCurry hasothertalentsmoretra- my bestformofart.” says ofacowmakeover. “Iconsiderit night anddaydifference,”McCurry ons inMcCurry’sphotos.“It’sa anything likethegroomedchampi- and paint,afarmheiferdoesn’tlook She believedhimandadmits, One morningatMizzouwhen “Everything hashisstampof Huelsbergen confirmsthat ily cameto well.” designs workso makes his that’s what details, and to thesmallest His entirefam- 25 Mizzou on Tour* in New York will feature Holly Huelskamp, her accompanist Mark Nicholas and pianist Bo Tang in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on March 20.

ERE’S A TWIST: A VIOLIN Those noteworthy accomplish- student who drove her par- ments took “hours and hours and ents crazy because she hours of practice,” as many as five wantedH to practice all the time. hours a day, plus two lessons a week “They’d try to get me to stop,” and travel to numerous competitions. Holly Huelskamp, BM ’03, says, “but Huelskamp has been concerto I’d be rebellious and keep playing.” soloist with the Alton Symphony in Eventually her parents gave up try- Illinois and was featured in a Mizzou ing to convince Huelskamp to switch on Tour performance in St. Louis at her major to engineering. She was The Sheldon Concert Hall. On March always good at math, so she had 20, she will play in Weill Recital Hall humored her parents for a while with at Carnegie Hall through Mizzou on a dual degree, but violin performance Tour.* won in the end. From 1999 to 2003, she held the Put a violin under Huelskamp’s position of concertmaster of the St. chin and a transformation begins. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, a The soft-spoken student emerges as title won through blind auditions in an engaging performer. Wisps of competition against upper-level and blond hair float across her cheek college students. The experience unnoticed as she bows the instrument introduced her to many of the sym- with graceful movements. phony players and the conductor, who As a girl, she chose violin over wrote her a recommendation for grad- viola because violinists get center uate school. stage and better parts. “I prefer per- As an undergraduate, Huelskamp forming to anything else,” she says. studied with Professor Eva Szekely, “It’s a rush.” So it’s no surprise that who, she says, is a great teacher. she favors music that “lets you go free Huelskamp graduated in May with and show off at the same time.” a bachelor’s degree in violin perfor- PHOTO BY ROB HILL During her senior year, Huelskamp mance and now studies at Indiana Huelskamp had to prove to her parents that music, ranked among the top undergraduate University with another of the rather than engineering, was her best choice for a collegiate violinists in the nation. She nation’s distinguished violin teach- Knowing the Score career. won state and regional levels and ers, Paul Bliss. After hearing NO WONDER PERFORMING GIVES HOLLY HUELSKAMP A THRILL. SHE HOLDS COMPETITION TITLES placed third nationally at the 2003 Huelskamp’s audition, Bliss immedi- competition of the Music Teachers ately accepted her as a student. ’S TOP COLLEGIATE VIOLINISTS. THAT RANK HER AS ONE OF THE NATION National Association. In early fall 2003, she reaffirmed her national *Tickets for Mizzou on Tour at stature by taking second place in the Carnegie Hall can be ordered through Young Artist Auditions of the MU at (800) 430-2966. National Federation of Music Clubs.

26 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 27 THOMAS SOAPES’ ESTATE GIFT IS THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MILLION- It’s the Challenge DOLLAR GIFT ANNOUNCED TO THE COLLEGE SINCE 1999

YOU KNOW THOSE EXTREME CHALLENGES ON TV? THOSE ARE MERE GAMES TO THIS ROTC CADET, WHO TRAINS HIMSELF AND OTHERS FOR THE REAL THING.

S CAPTAIN OF THE MU RANGER young man from St. Peters, Mo., Recognized as one Challenge Team, Cadet Ken looks every bit the military scholar. Segelhorst leads his nine fel- Outside of class, he devotes 20 hours lowA cadets in competitions against a week to planning and conducting of the nation’s top battalions across the Midwest. training for MU’s Tiger Battalion. The teams engage in grueling tests As operations officer, Segelhorst Army ROTC cadets, of physical ability and military skills leads the cadets in soldiering skills: — weapons and grenade assaults, moving under fire, weapons care and Ken Segelhorst land navigation, crossing streams marksmanship, marching drills, and with rope bridges, and 10-kilometer field conduct. Such leadership earned serves as a leader road marches in full gear. him the Curators Award for Segelhorst rises before dawn to Excellence in Military Science and and role model in prepare his team for the 24-hour the Department of Army Superior nonstop competition. Each morning, Cadet Award. academics and he directs them through two hours of “Ken is an outstanding cadet, stu- physical training that includes push- dent and individual,” says Lt. Col. ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups and Mark Ayers, director of the Military military training. running with rucksacks. Then they Science Program. “He is the epitome practice again in the evenings. of the whole-person concept and pos- A senior majoring in history with sesses the attributes we look for in minors in military science and sociol- future Army officers as a scholar, ogy, Segelhorst also scores well in athlete and leader.” academic challenges. He’s ranked in Beyond the laurels, Segelhorst the top one percent of all ROTC may be most proud of a set of wings cadets nationwide, and he’s the win- he earned after finishing airborne ner of the 2003 Ridgway Military school and mastering the art of jump- History Research Fellowship, mak- ing out of airplanes. After gradua- ing him the nation’s top cadet major- tion, he’ll take officers’ training in ing in history. tanks and operations before receiv- The fellowship supported ing his first assignment. Eventually, Segelhorst’s summer research at the he wants to command an armored U.S. Military History Institute in battalion. Carlisle Barracks, Pa., where he com- “I really like the military,” In his workplace, a historic treasure from Missouri pared the results of mechanized and Segelhorst says. “I know I’m not LOVER reminds Thomas Soapes of his student days at MU. G

Segelhorst is a history major and the Army ROTC AN The Spirit of St. Louis hangs in the Milestone Gallery infantry operations in the Vietnam going through life on easy street. I D conflict. like having it harder than others. It’s operations officer who plans and conducts training at the National Air and Space Museum in

for the Tiger Battalion. HOTO BY Washington, D.C. In his crisp dress uniform, this the challenge.” P PHOTO BY ALLAN JANUS OF THE NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

28 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 29 Love the Logic

NATIONAL GOLDWATER SCHOLAR LAURA JENNINGS IS PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN DRUG DESIGN.

LOVE MIZZOU. I CAN’T IMAGINE on anti-cancer agents in summer thing she chooses,” he says. “I am going anywhere else. There’s so 2003 at the Mayo Clinic, where she looking forward to following her much Mizzou pride,” says Laura worked with small-molecule drugs. career as it develops.” IJennings. The previous year, she won a slot in With her engaging, always-pre- Texas A&M’s Research Experience sent smile, Jennings seems unaware for Undergraduates, a program spon- of her role in forming the basis for sored by the National Science that pride. She is a 2003 national Foundation. Laura Jennings Goldwater Scholar with credentials Jennings thinks a chemistry and that earned her entry to nine univer- mathematics combination helped her knows that her sities before she selected MU. win the Goldwater prize, which An all-around student, Jennings is focuses on science and engineering. calling is in science, a chemistry and mathematics major “I love math,” she says. “It’s like a who enjoys physics and writing, and big logic game that teaches you to not with the family wishes she had time to take more think rationally. One of the most arts and humanities courses. As a stimulating subjects there is, it farm near Sikeston, change, she’s looking forward to a teaches problem solving, a skill I will class on the role of the U.S. military use the rest of my life.” Mo. A cousin will in the new millennium. She fills what free time she has Jennings’ parents know that some- with volunteer work through her one else will have to take over the church youth group, committee ser- have to take over the family farm in Sikeston, Mo.; their vice for MU Homecoming activities daughter’s plans don’t include corn, and charitable projects such as production of corn, cattle, wheat and soybeans. They Rockin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis. tease her about professional goals Although Jennings was shocked to wheat and soybeans. that border on “saving the world.” learn she won a Goldwater After taking part in enzyme Scholarship, her mentor in chem- research at MU and two summers of istry, Associate Professor Steven outside research, Jennings is heading Keller, wasn’t. He hired Jennings as a toward a career in drug design and teaching assistant for Chemistry 15, medicine. Atoms and Molecules, and experi- “Drug design makes chemistry enced firsthand the quality of her applicable to real life,” she says. Her work.

ILL outside experience includes research For students of this caliber, nar- H

OB rowing down the choices for a career R A strong high school interest in gymnastics went by the wayside when Laura Jennings realized she can be a burden. “Someone like HOTO BY P wanted to lead a “normal” student life. Laura could be great at basically any-

WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 31 Whiz Kids

WHIZ KIDS HAVE FORMULAS FOR THE FUTURE. BY NANCY MOEN EARLY THREE HOURS Chong He. well, but there was no pressure.” into their morning The taste of the 2003 MathCounts vic- A more reserved member of the group, mathematics class, tory was so sweet for the four student Boiar Qin, daughter of mathematics Associate Professor champions from Columbia, Mo. — and Professor Zhenbo Qin, explains how the Dorina Mitrea’s stu- their alternate, Abby — that they devote team does the cooperative part of the dents are still concen- part of their summers and many after- match: “We split up. Each person has two N trating on solutions to school hours training for the rigorous team or three problems. Then we switch prob- problems. and individual challenges. lems to check answers.” Math is serious Mitrea sees her own work with the The MathCounts competition begins in business for Missouri’s state MathCounts group as early recruitment for Mizzou’s individual schools for students of grades champions as they prepare for the 2004 mathematics department. She even six through eight, then advances to competition. enlisted doctoral students Kenny Felts and regional, state and national competitions. “Is something missing from this for- David Cramer to coach a younger group of Mitrea’s Smithton Middle School team mula?” Mitrea asks the group. “What’s kids, which meets in another room down swept the school, regional and state the semiperimeter?” Hands go up and the hall. In her real job, Mitrea teaches events. whispers get louder. graduate and undergraduate calculus and After the state competitions, each Remarkable. Especially when you con- is co-writing a textbook on calculus for state must form a new team from its top sider these are seventh- and eighth-grade middle school teachers. individual competitors. Mitrea coached students cooped up every morning in the Because of the students’ youthful atten- that Missouri team as well — all the way General Classroom Building for three tion spans, snacks and conversation breaks to second place in the nation. That’s the weeks. In July. By their own choice. are important parts of the process. Those impetus for the Columbia gang of five Mitrea serves as volunteer coach of this breaks are filled with spirited banter. who want to go to nationals. They active crew of kids who consider mathe- Daniel Ni, son of Associate Professor of want to appear on ESPN, which broad- matics their blockbuster summer enter- economics Shawn Ni, says he’s striving to casts the event. And they want another tainment. They are the children of MU win first place in the individual state com- pizza party. professors in statistics, economics, mathe- petition next year; last year he placed A national win is not a pi-in-the-sky matics and engineering. sixth, and the winners were all older than sort of wish either. Mitrea says the secret Many of these kids fully expect the he. He can do the math. to victory for these talented kids is using study to pay off with careers involving What’s hardest about competitions is the right problems to grab their interest. math. Except for Abby Sun, who says the suspense of waiting, says Jack Gang, In practice, the youngsters work basic she’s not thrilled with math and really son of engineering Professor Dianchen problems and word problems, including prefers art and literature. “Imagine how Gang. The Columbia group figured the number theory and probability. To gain good she is in those subjects!” Mitrea team was in first place at state, then speed, they do timed practice against a interjects. The only seventh-grader in the endured a painful wait after the final dreaded buzzer. group, Abby is the artistic daughter of two event to learn they had captured the title. Mitrea says many of the problems the statistics professors, Dongchu Sun and Adrian Mitrea, son of Mitrea and her children work are more difficult than husband, mathematics Professor Marius problems encountered in MU’s Math 10 PHOTO BY DAN GLOVER All children of MU professors, the state MathCounts champions are Abby Sun and Adrian Mitrea, Mitrea, expounds on the suspense issue as course. seated, and, standing from left, Boiar Qin, Jack he twirls his cap like a pinwheel on the These kids are serious. On a glorious Gang and Daniel Ni. Their teacher-coach, Dorina top of his index finger. “We were a bit ner- summer day ideal for play, they exit the Mitrea, is at right. vous because we didn’t expect to do so room discussing formulas.

32 WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 33 who wouldn’t want this job?

JOB DESCRIPTION: KAYAK WITH RIVER working to benefit endangered species and focusing some of his time on establishing a feet in one leap. Nonchalantly, Bonner was one of the last students to study under safaris save the animals dolphins, lead safaris in Africa, convince participating in global animal conserva- preserve in Madagascar. brushes some white fur from his dark suit noted anthropologist Margaret Mead. PEOPLE HAVE LOVED THE SAINT LOUIS ZOO communities to plant more butterfly- tion programs. Even with all that planet-altering coat after returning a now-awake Twiggy Before taking the St. Louis position, for more than 100 years. An estimated friendly plants and oversee the care of Bonner has the helm of a zoo that’s con- work, this CEO still can take a break to to a handler. He bids the still-complaining Bonner was president and CEO of the three million visitors come to commune hundreds of animals. As a kid watching sidered one of the top four in the nation feed the penguins. parrot goodbye and heads off to a meeting. Indianapolis Zoo and White River with the animals annually. Marlin Perkins on TV’s Wild Kingdom, and that functions as a center for wildlife Such opportunities keep a busy CEO’s Gardens. “There’s a reverence for this zoo,” Jeffrey Bonner wondered what it would be conservation. fur and feathers blood pressure in the normal range, for Among the current problems Bonner Bonner says. For its operation, the zoo like to have such a cool career. As a conservator, the Saint Louis Zoo IT’S NEARLY LUNCH TIME WHEN BONNER even at zoos, there are difficult issues to faces is the declining primate population. draws property tax support of more than Now when he tells people that he has establishes preserves and helps to save heads to the children’s petting zoo, where manage. Favorite exhibit animals die, and Gorillas and orangutans are in danger from $13 million, donations from corporations the best job in the world, he’s not exagger- some critical animal habitats from defor- a noisy parrot is shrieking for attention so many species need help. Civilization poaching and habitat destruction. “We and individual philanthropists, and free ating. He has Perkins’ job. Bonner, BA ’75 estation. Its researchers track declining among the menagerie. Bonner plucks a encroachment on animal habitats expands. can’t control animal populations around labor from a huge system of volunteers. anthropology, is president and CEO of the species and oversee studies of habitat. sleepy spring hare named Twiggy from its Poacher problems grow as more roads cut the world,” he says. “People have always A weekly TV show, At the Zoo, made Saint Louis Zoo. They keep detailed medical and genetic nest. An armful, Twiggy is an unusual crit- through rain forests and other habitat. eaten primates, but now the tools are AK- its premiere in April and raises the zoo’s Although most people consider a float records of their charges in St. Louis and ter who resembles a cross between a rab- Frogs are disappearing all over the world. 47s. They used to be bows and arrows.” visibility nationally. Bonner gets to play trip on the Colorado River an adventure, around the globe. “I like the feeling of bit and a cat. With short ears, a long tail Missouri’s hellbender population needs a Also in need of help are the burying the Marlin Perkins role in shows that give Bonner floats the Zambezi, checks being able to make a difference in places,” and a pudgy, pink nose, Twiggy could breeding program. beetles, named for their habit of embalm- behind-the-scene glimpses of animal med- research at the Galapagos Islands and Bonner says of the off-site work and challenge Shrek’s Donkey for cuteness. Bonner handles these issues with a con- ing and burying any dead quarry they ical care, chow preparation and breeding leads safaris to Botswana, Eritrea, research components. While working on a But this is reality, and there’s a reason fidence born of academic training and find. “Maybe we can get the undertakers programs. Madagascar and Costa Rica. Adventures world zoo conservation strategy that will Bonner holds the hare securely. The ani- experience. He has master’s and doctoral association to support this effort,” he says. The zoo also reaches out to a breed of such as these offer him the satisfaction of set the tone for the next 50 years, he’s mal has the surprising ability to cover 18 degrees from Columbia University and And he’s only half-joking. animal-lovers who want to experience the

34 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 35 Murder and Mayhem

PLACE A PHONE CALL TO BARBARA

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT. LOUIS ZOO WALLACH’S OFFICE, AND YOU MAY HEAR A RECORDED MESSAGE LACED MU alumni on an African safari with the Saint. Louis Zoo are, from left, Jack Higgins, Van Lear WITH LATIN OR GREEK. Black, Karen Giesler Condie, Jerry Ritter and Jeffrey Bonner. NAGREEK STATEMENT, “BOUS EPI animals in their native habitats. Zoo per- glossei megas bebeken,” Barbara sonnel lead public safaris as a method of Wallach, an associate professor of linking research and conservation pro- Iclassical studies, tells callers that she can’t grams with the visitor experience. talk. The literal translation is “A great ox But any lay adventurer who signs on stands on my tongue.” must be willing to serve as a philan- It’s not surprising to experience this thropist as well. “If you can afford to go whimsical use of classical languages on a safari, you can help us save the ani- because Wallach, a 2003 Kemper Award mals,” Bonner says. winner, is known as an innovative teacher. Van Lear Black, BA ’53 economics, of In her classes, learning is a joyful process. St. Louis joined a March 2003 expedition Wallach teaches intriguing courses in that Bonner led to game camps in classical humanities that help students Botswana and South Africa. It was Black’s apply knowledge of ancient civilizations fourth trip to Africa, and he appreciates to modern society. The technique helps the experience. students understand social change. “It’s “These animals can’t exist in our very real to the students because we’re not world,” he says. “When you go there, you that far off today,” she says. see them in their world. There’s such a In her Foreigners and Dangerous PHOTO BY CHRIS DETRICK feeling of seeing it happen.” Women course, students explore how the are especially popular with pre-law stu- Barbara Wallach takes inspiration from the Greeks Black was delighted as well with the Greeks and Romans regarded other dents. and Romans to make her classical humanities Mizzou camaraderie in the group. Of the women. Wallach introduces them to Dido, Occasionally, Wallach employs unusual courses interesting to contemporary students. 14 people on that adventure, five were of the ill-fated lovers Dido and Aeneas; to techniques to stimulate thought. In demon- alumni: Bonner, Black, Jerry Ritter, BS BA Pericles’s girlfriend, Aspasia; and to strating types of theft, she has been ment and term limits. ’57, Karen Condie, BS Ed ’64, and Jack K. Neaera, a non-Athenian who lived with an known to act like a dangerous woman her- “Students learn that some of these Higgins, BS BA ’49. Athenian man. self. She once snatched an eraser and ran actions are just plain human, whether in Another alumnus from St. Louis, Grant “We learn a lot about the Greeks, see out of the room as her astonished students fifth century B.C. or today,” Wallach says. Weber, BA ’91 economics and history, sup- their prejudices and see the rights of watched. “People were trying to get along, but they ports the zoo by serving on the Young Zoo women in society,” she says. In a more conventional teaching style, were suspicious of outsiders and wanted to Friends Steering Committee. Zoo Friends Wallach’s Murder and Mayhem course Wallach traces the ancient roots of mod- hold their own turf.” handles all the major public activities, PHOTO BY NANCY MOEN investigates images of justice in classical ern social and political trends. She reports And if you’re concerned about protect- manages volunteer and membership pro- lem and the solution. That’s why it’s nice Twiggy, a spring hare, samples a treat from Jeffrey society. Starting with Homer, the course that we can thank Lucretius, a Roman ing your turf, you might consider memo- grams, and oversees the popular train to be an anthropologist in this job.” Bonner as reward for participating in a public covers personal vengeance as well as how poet who developed the diatribe, for rizing Wallach’s Greek phone message. appearance. transport and parking lots. Weber loves There’s another public safari to Africa conflict was settled without violence. The today’s attack speech and that the citizens She says it works well in alleviating the zoo and understands its needs. on Bonner’s calendar for February. He over an open campfire and camels to tote students deliver speeches and participate of ancient Greece and Rome weeded out another current social problem — tele- As Bonner says: “People are the prob- speaks of in-tent bathrooms, bread baked the equipment. Care to join a caravan? in trials to argue cases. Thus, her classes incompetent officials through impeach- marketers.

36 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 37 A Gift for Other People’s Children THE JEFFRIES HAVE GIVEN THE For All We Call Mizzou estate bequest as a tribute to Professor its field camp. All of us would do most any- DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL Raymond Peck’s influence on Norman’s thing to get on Raymond Peck’s good side. SCIENCES THEIR ENTIRE LIFE’S WORK AS AN ESTATE GIFT. life and career. The other half of their gift We thought he was tops.” established the Jeffries Graduate Department Chair Glen Himmelberg HEN SHE APPLIED TO MIZZOU Fellowship Endowment in Geology. says the Jeffries’ gift will greatly benefit as a graduate student of geol- Peck was chair of the geology depart- the department. “What humble people ogy, Cathy Zumsteg’s acade- ment from 1950 to 1959 and was a leader they are,” he says. “Norman wanted the Wmic future was sealed through financial in developing MU’s Camp Branson in whole gift directed to the Peck help from an alumnus. Lander, Wyo., considered one of the finest Fellowship, but we thought that people Zumsteg eventually met her geologist geology field camps in the nation. should remember the Jeffries’ name, too.” benefactor when he returned to campus. “He was dedicated to his students, each Zumsteg agrees. She understands the “I was able to thank him and his wife in of them,” Jeffries says. “He was interested ties that unite students across the person,” she says of the meeting, which is in conducting fieldwork and went to great generations. etched into her memory. The couple is lengths to make the University known for now deceased. Because of that financial assistance, MU gained an outstanding doctoral stu- With no children of their own, dent and gave her the resources to focus on Norman and Shirley Jeffries of Stillwater, Okla., will help other THE SURREAL APPEARANCE OF MARCHING MIZZOU’S DRUM LINE PRODUCED studies rather than on part-time jobs. parents send their sons and daugh- MISTY EYES AND INVIGORATED THE CROWD AT THE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF. “Our alumni are an amazing group,” ters to MU’s geology department. Zumsteg says. Among those caring alumni are geolo- gist Norman Jeffries and his wife, Shirley, HE FOR ALL WE CALL MIZZOU fund-raisers are striving to raise $35 mil- and others that complement the 32 A&S of Stillwater, Okla., who have a similar campaign officially began at the lion by December 2005 for the College’s units depends on support from philan- plan for students. Through their recently base of the Columns on a crisp share of the campaign. thropists. announced estate gift, Norman, MA ’55, SeptemberT night. Gathered in a see- Recruiting top students and supporting Mizzou's campaign will help ensure an PhD ’58, and Shirley, BA ’56, will ease the through tent under the stars, alumni and them once here is one such goal.Gifts such excellent college experience for students financial burdens of bright students seek- friends reaffirmed their support to raise as the estate bequest from Norman and today and into the future. Increased pri- ing advanced degrees in geology — stu- $600 million for MU. Shirley Jeffries (see accompanying story vate contributions are particularly impor- dents like Zumsteg. An evening of treats awaited them. on Page 38) help departments attract tant as public institutions across the The Jeffries, who met at Mizzou and Video visions of Mizzou past and present superb students. country experience declining state sup- married in Columbia, never experienced flashed on giant screens. Students served Having the resources to retain faculty port. the sacrifices that families make to educate an elegant meal prepared by MU chefs. is essential. “The good news is that our The University’s historic campaign is sons and daughters. “We didn’t have chil- And 650 people sang the alma mater. faculty are tops,” says Dean Richard the largest in MU's history. It will sup- dren, and we wanted to help other peo- But it was a display of the performing Schwartz. “The bad news is that everyone port current priorities as outlined in MU’s ple,” Jeffries says. “It seemed like a arts that so greatly touched the guests. else wants to steal them away and is in a Strategic Plan. suitable thing for us to set up something to The campaign video and music ended as better financial position to do so.” A gift to the arts and sciences can cre- benefit other people’s children.” drum beats grew to a crescendo. With Programs that create unique learning ate a legacy for the future and For All We Their gift — the largest ever to the military bearing and gold uniforms experiences help MU stand out among the Call Mizzou. To discuss a gift, contact Bill Department of Geological Sciences — will sparkling, Marching Mizzou’s drum competition. For example, showcase pro- Sheehan, Michael Kateman (arts), Anne fund the study of three or more students line emerged through the spotlit Columns grams such as Mizzou on Broadway and Weller (planned gifts) or Trey Davis at every year for the duration of their degree to end the evening. There were few Mizzou on Tour give MU theater and (573) 882-4409, or visit the Advancement work. dry eyes. music students an edge that no other uni- Web site at The Jeffries directed half of their Inspired by that opening gala, the A&S versity offers. Continuing these programs www.coas.missouri.edu/AdvanceAS.

38 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 39 ew people can say their careers years. The book stands as a culmination of as an adviser sets him apart from many began when they were 6 years old. Faaborg’s career. It incorporates his own professors. “I don’t think it’s an accident FJohn Faaborg can. When he was work on fragmentation and wintering that a student becomes independent young, his brother sparked in him an inter- grounds with an evaluation of conserva- enough to do a project without having to est in bird-watching. Faaborg purchased tion practices. With the luxury provided depend much on John,” he says. “There’s a his first binoculars and field guide and by hindsight, he questions how strong the lot of stuff that he puts into those students began his lifelong love of ornithology. By evidence really was and whether the to get them to the point where they can age 10, he was already submitting his find- depletion of the tropics was entirely to work on their own.” ings to a regional bird group. blame. Faaborg’s guiding philosophy also Faaborg, who later earned a doctorate “My feeling is that the declines might extends to undergraduates. He has been at Princeton, eventually went well beyond have been overstated,” Faaborg says, “or teaching them how to conduct research simply watching birds. “I’ve always had they were related in part to a drought that since before undergraduate research was more interest in trying to figure out what was occurring in the late 1980s. Duck pop- fashionable. One example of this is the they’re doing,” he says. “I wanted to ulations bottomed out around 1989 Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project know why there are a lot of them this year because the prairies had been dry for (MOFEP), on which Porneluzi also works. and not so many next year, that sort of years. Then the rains came, and the ducks MOFEP is a long-term study of how thing.” came back. And certainly there’s some evi- migrant birds are affected by different His curiosity serves him well. He’s been dence that the migrant birds had been suf- types of cutting and fragmentation in the studying the wintering grounds of migrant fering from the same drought.” Ozarks, an area with larger portions of birds for 30 years, including a yearly trip Faaborg also talks about the new habi- untouched forest than the rest of the state. to Puerto Rico. On the other side of migra- tat created by cutting forests, a habitat Every summer, 17 undergraduates partici- tion, he’s also studied breeding grounds in that is often suitable for a different set of pate in the project by doing fieldwork Missouri. Specifically, he has studied frag- birds. Faaborg’s book offers an insider’s alongside Faaborg and Porneluzi. Their mentation and edge effects, both of which insight, and it suggests that the research work goes beyond merely collecting data. center around what happens to birds when and methods of conservation need to be “With all those students there,” David their forest habitats are changed, by devel- updated appropriately. As an educator and says, “he (Faaborg) could use them just as opment, from vast expanses to smaller field researcher, he will continue to play a hands to accumulate data, and the funding fragments of forest. role in updating those methods. agency would be perfectly happy with In the late 1980s, a proliferation of evi- In fact, part of the reason Faaborg that. But John wouldn’t be happy. He A Life’s Work dence suggested that the depletion of win- remains relevant is his constant activity in wants to get the students intellectually tering grounds in the tropics was causing the field and in the classroom. Teaching engaged, so he carves out time when they dwindling numbers in migrant birds. The general ecology, avian ecology and can do their own projects.” evidence caused a conservation push, ornithology at MU, he provides future Those projects make MOFEP a place including the formation of a massive inter- researchers with the mentorship neces- for students to gain research experience. for the BirdsBy Chris Blose national conservation group, Partners in sary to point them in the right direction. “We set it up as a kind of intro to field- Flight. In this new movement, Faaborg “John is often described as a hands-off work,” Faaborg says, “and it has devel- was already ahead of the game. kind of adviser,” says Paul Porneluzi, asso- oped a great reputation as a place to learn “By having done this fragmentation ciate professor of biology at Central and get your first field experience.” work up here and winter work when Methodist College. Porneluzi worked with Faaborg’s reputation as a generous migrant birds suddenly became the really Faaborg to receive his doctorate at MU. adviser and professor as well as his years hot thing, I was just sitting pretty,” he “In other words, he gives you freedom to of groundbreaking research make him a says. develop your own project. He’s there for leading force in ornithology. Being a lead- In his 2002 book Saving Migrant guidance, and he helps put your own pro- ing force isn’t what defines his career Birds Faaborg looks at the conservation ject into the big picture. As for the details, though. What makes him happy is that, ETRICK D movement’s progress in the past 12 or so he leaves that up to you.” early in life, he found something to be pas- HRIS C Stopping the decline of migrant birds is a John David, chair of MU’s biology sionate about. His enthusiasm today stands passion of John Faaborg, who studies their department, echoes Porneluzi in saying out every bit as much as it did when he HOTO BY P changing environments that Faaborg’s philosophy of independence was 6 years old.

40 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 41 DESIGNER FOR THE Lively Class Ron Mann’s art and furnishings for the about Death STARS home reflect his love ALUMNI TELL GAIL LUDWIG THEY of natural materials. CAN’T DRIVE BY A CEMETERY WITHOUT THINKING OF HER CEMETERY CLASS OR WANTING TO GO IN AND The House of Mann Web site illustrates SEE WHAT’S THERE. luxurious rooms with furnishings that fea- VER SO OFTEN ASSOCIATE ture clean lines and elegance. Mann says Professor Gail Ludwig resurrects he draws inspiration from life and nature. one of her favorite classes on “This earth is a candy store,” he says. Ecemeteries. It fills quickly because people Mann started Ron Mann Design in have a fascination for the subject. 1980 to produce his own furnishings “It’s really fun stuff,” she says of her rather than buying products from manu- class that uses the facts of death to teach facturers. He and his wife, Louise, cus- students about geography. But don’t tom-make most everything he uses in expect your grandfather’s genealogy class. decorating, including furniture and fabric, The Cemetery As a Social Document is all of Columbia Cemetery and about the pop- which his wife hand-finishes. about geography; students observe the ulation and diversity of trees in cemeter- The Manns design complete living envi- monuments and the people buried there to ies. One recent study on the women of ronments that focus on simplicity and use discover the history of a community. Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis won natural materials such as wood, cement Ludwig, who is the new chair of the the MU Graduate School Master’s Thesis and raw steel. geography department, uses the class to Award for Rebecca Wilford-Hammett. Mann grew up in Chillicothe, Mo., challenge some myths. Cemeteries, for Of course the men buried in that worked in Columbia for Robnett Putnam example, aren’t built on the top of hills to Romantic-style cemetery are equally as Interior Designs and majored in ceramics position the deceased closer to God; interesting. William Clark of the Lewis with Professor Robert Bussabarger, who they’re located on high points to avoid and Clark team ended his journey through stays in contact with his former student. flooding and to eliminate sprawling over life at Bellefontaine, as did Lee H. Tate, “As a student, Ron had a good feel for productive agricultural land. whose name graces MU’s Tate Hall. Tate’s artistic things and did some interesting PHOTOS COURTESY OF GAIL LUDWIG “Cemeteries are indicative of death,” final resting place is a delight for students. A field trip to a St. Louis cemetery provides ceramic sculptures,” Bussabarger, now Ludwig says, “but they are for the living, Replicas of Tate’s visage replace the nor- Matthew Swafford and Jennifer Hearn with a real- professor emeritus, says. “He’s had a lot of not the dead.” mal animal features on two lion monu- life experience for geography class. input in the Bay area.” As proof of that, students collect data ments that guard the mausoleum. Bussabarger visited Mann at his home at cemeteries and create maps to scale. No wonder trips to the cemetery are in Sonoma, Calif., and saw the house They note locations of grave markers and all-day activities with requests from migration and rural development, Mann designed for himself. “He put things record the demographic information chis- numerous hangers-on who wish to partici- Assistant Professor Matthew Foulkes, a together in unusual ways, using natural eled into stone. Information that is col- pate. Ludwig usually plans a picnic lunch. new hire, will help advance that collabo- PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSE OF MANN materials.” lected about names and dates of death Beyond cemeteries, a department chair ration. He teaches Geographic Infor- FOR YEARS, ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST Art alumnus Ron Mann creates total environments The Manns’ house reflects their taste. leads to analysis of subjects such as infant must focus on the life of the department. mation Systems, an important tool for data magazine has included Ron Mann, for his clients from around the world. His designs They live in an old, converted bunkhouse, include unique home furnishings as well as art. mortality, popular first names and the Ludwig is working to establish a doctoral analysis with a location component. BA ’58 art, in its list of 100 top interna- which Mann describes as a one-room most prevalent months for deaths. program, and she’s encouraging more inte- Ludwig also is seeking added scholar- tional designers and architects of the year. shack set amid wild sunflowers and rolling The student work takes interesting gration of geography courses with other ship support to fund field-related student Mann is known as a designer of furniture Examiner reports that Mann’s work fields of lavender. “I love it. It’s perfect,” directions. Students have written papers programs such as public affairs and nat- projects, such as the cemetery work. She and accessories for the stars. He works out appears in homes worldwide and that his he says of the house and surroundings. about cemeteries in American poetry, ural resources. knows that fieldwork brings life to book of House of Mann in San Francisco. designs in home interiors are innovative, “All the doors and windows are open. I about the mystery of the “Black Mammy” With a background in demographics, learning and lectures. A feature story from the San Francisco simple, sophisticated and beautiful. live in an absolute paradise.”

42 ARTS & SCIENCE WINTER 2004 WINTER 2004 ARTS & SCIENCE 43 Corps of Discovery Continues Its Musical Journey

HE MUSICAL DRAMA THAT MU commissioned for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial will make its Tprofessional debut at Opera Memphis on April 24 and 27 with three MU singers in the company. Senior Alicia Miles will sing the female lead role of Sacagawea. (See story on Page 22) Alumnus Ryan MacPherson, BES ’97 music, who portrayed Meriwether Lewis in the MU production, will sing the role of Private Shannon, the storyteller. Dewey Caddell, BA ’03 theatre, will sing the role of Sergeant Ordway. PHOTO BY ROB HILL Opera Memphis, assisted by the The professional run of Corps of Discovery starts Memphis Chapter of the MU Alumni Independence Symphony Orchestra will April 24 at Opera Memphis. Alumni Dean Southern Corps of as Clark, left, Ryan MacPherson as Lewis, right, Association, will host a celebration at present a concert version of and Neal Boyd as York, center, will reprise their 7 p.m. on April 16 for alumni and friends Discovery in Independence, Mo., on roles in Independence, Mo. MacPherson will sing at the Clark Opera Memphis Center in March 6 at 8 p.m. in the Truman the role of Shannon in Memphis. Memphis, Tenn. For the event, Miles, Memorial Building. The event is sponsored MacPherson and Caddell will sing a pre- by the Junior Service League of version for young audiences. view of the music and greet alumni. Independence and the Truman Heartland •The United States Army Field Band and Chapter President Jill Pauly and Opera Community Foundation. The performance Soldiers Chorus presented excerpts from Memphis Artistic Director Michael Ching is a homecoming for former area resident Corps of Discovery in its national fall are coordinating the evening, which is MacPherson, who will sing the role of tour. free. To make reservations for the MU Lewis. Dean Southern, MM ’93, will sing •The Orlando Philharmonic and Opera in party or obtain tickets for Corps of the role of Clark. Tickets may be ordered Florida presented songs from Corps of Discovery, call Opera Memphis at (901) by phone at (816) 836-8189. Discovery in 28 Young Peoples Concerts 257-3100. in October and November. PERFORMANCES NATIONALLY •Check the Web site at http://corps-ofdis- KANSAS CITY AREA •Opera Memphis and Shreveport Opera in covery.missouri.edu for performance MU Show-Me Opera and the Louisiana are performing a shortened updates.

NON-PROFIT University of Missouri-Columbia U.S. POSTAGE College of Arts and Science PAID 317 Lowry Hall COLUMBIA, MO. UNIVERSITY Columbia, MO 65211 OF MISSOURI– COLUMBIA