From the Oval 2 Tyler Research Center 14 Alumni News 29 Class Notes 31

Fall 2007

MAGAZINE

Roy Jensen– PSU experience inspired cancer researcher You loved PSU as an undergrad… Why not consider one of the 50 Master’s and Specialist programs offered in Arts & Sciences, Education, Business or Technology? Grad School To Do List

Check out over 50 programs on www.pittstate.edu/cgs Apply online Check out online classes Check out Gorilla Advantage Meet with advisor Enroll now! Call 620-235-4223 with any questions

Office of Continuing and Graduate Studies 112 Russ Hall, 1701 S. Broadway Pittsburg, Ks 66762 • Fax: 620-235-4219

alumni ad 1 7/24/07 11:12:16 AM Vol. 15 No. 1 Fall 2007 Pittsburg State University www.pittstate.edu

President Tom W. Bryant

Vice President for University Advancement MAGAZINE J. Bradford Hodson

Magazine Editorial Board Chairperson: Ron Womble 12 Kim Carlson Dr. Brenda Frieden, BS ’71, MS ’97 Eweleen Good, BS ’72, MS ’88 Dr. Brad Hodson, MBA ‘93 Ashley Lopez, undergraduate 16 Dr. Lynette Olson Gary Palmer, BS ‘96, BBA ’03 Scott Roberts Melinda Roelfs Johnna Schremmer, BBA ’02, MBA ’03

The Pitt State Magazine is produced by the PSU Office of Public Relations Ron Womble DIRECTOR Diane Hutchison 40 Cassie Mathes Becky May Features Departments Paulina O’Malley Malcolm Turner 12 2 Sondra Wood Roy Jensen From the Oval

14 Kansas Polymer 11 Events Calendar Research Center Pitt State Magazine, the official magazine 26 Athletics Update 16 of Pittsburg State University, is published Outstanding Seniors 29 for alumni and friends of the university. Alumni News Circulation: 51,000. College Update 31 Class Notes 40 Vol. 15 No. 1 Fall 2007 18 The Last Page EDITOR Ron Womble College of Arts & Sciences EDITORIAL Cassie Mathes, Ellen Carter 20 College of Business DESIGN Diane Hutchison 22 PHOTOGRAPHY Malcolm Turner College of Education 24 College of Technology For extra copies or additional information:

PSU Public Relations Office 213 Russ Hall 1701 S. Broadway Pittsburg, Kansas 66762-7575 Welcome to the Pittsburg State University Magazine. For many of you, this is a familiar publication, but for many more, this is the first Telephone: 620-235-4122 time you have received this publication. We hope you enjoy the stories about the e-mail: [email protected] campus, students, faculty and alumni. We also hope you will give us your feedback. If there are stories you would like to see, let us know. If you have suggestions about how we can improve the magazine, we’d like to know that, too. Give us a call, drop us an e-mail or send us an old-fashioned note in the mail. – Ron Womble, editor FALL 2007 PITT STATE 1 FROM THE OVAL

2007 PSU Regardless of how they came to the Outstanding Faculty profession, this year’s PSU Outstanding Faculty agree on the satisfaction they get Three faculty who came to teaching on from teaching. very different paths were honored with “This is the most fulfilling career,” the 2007 Outstanding Faculty Award. Peterson said. “I have an opportunity For Brenda Letendre, who retires to change people’s lives – to encourage this year after 36 years in education, students to feel the same excitement I “Teaching was a way you could fulfill feel with ideas.” yourself as a woman.” Letendre is “My students breathe life into me,” an associate professor in the Special Potter added. “I like knowing I can Services and Leadership Studies make a difference. I’m blessed.” Department in Pittsburg State’s College Letendre quoted a quote from t-shirts of Education. “And it was fulfilling,” she many teachers wear, “I teach, I touch the added. future.” For Tysha Potter, a member of the The Outstanding Faculty Award is pleasing entrance to the dining hall,” faculty in the Department of Psychology presented annually by the PSU Student Stewart said. and Counseling, teaching was a matter Government Association. A student Another project that visiting alumni of “serendipity” although she came from committee selects the winners from a list and returning students will notice a family of teachers with strong ties to of nominees submitted by students. immediately is the replacement of the Pittsburg State University. university’s aging and visually dated “I really didn’t plan on being a exterior lighting. The old lights, which teacher,” Potter recalled. “A position Construction continues were a space-age circular design, had opened up that was temporary.” Potter The changing face of PSU become very expensive to repair and said she loved it from the start. maintain. The new lights are much more For 40 years, thousands of students For Mark Peterson, an assistant efficient and more closely fit in with the have sat in the hard plastic chairs in professor in the Department of Social main-campus architecture, Stewart said. two large lecture halls in Grubbs Hall. Sciences, higher education was the An added bonus was that with the help This summer, the rooms are undergoing family business. of the university’s Physical Plant, the old an amazing transformation. This fall, “Both my parents were university light poles were repainted and reused, students who have classes in Grubbs teachers,” Peterson said, “so I could see significantly reducing the cost of the 107 and 109 will find themselves in how important it was.” project. comfortable, well-lighted One major construction project is and technology rich almost at an end and another is on learning spaces. track for completion in 2008. The Tyler Paul Stewart, director Research Center, which will house the of Facilities Planning, scientists working in the Kansas Polymer said the work in Grubbs Research Center, will be dedicated on Hall is just one of several Sept. 21. projects the university Just a little north of the Tyler is rushing to complete Research Center, work continues on the over the summer months. Student Recreation Center/National Another project that Guard Armory Project, which will students will notice is a be completed in 2008. That $14.5 major renovation of the million project is a joint effort between space around the entrance the university and the Kansas Army to Gibson Dining Hall. OUTSTANDING FACULTY – National Guard. The university’s portion That project includes concrete and brick Tysha Potter, Mark Peterson and of the building will house the three pavers, planting beds, areas for seating Brenda Letendre. gymnasiums, a walking track and a and landscaping. fitness center as well as classrooms and “It will create much more visually

2 PITT STATE FALL 2007 FROM THE OVAL

SPRUCING UP – PSU employees touch up the paint on new lights that were selected to complement the architecture of the main campus, far left. One major campus project is a plaza area and new entrance to Gibson Dining Hall, left.

offices for the Department of Health, Last fall, a new Greek adviser, Travis began to emphasize re-commitment to Human Performance and Recreation and Smith arrived on campus. Smith, a the Greek values and promoting growth the Department of Military Science. member of Sigma Alpha Mu, holds a in the Greek Community. Stewart said that as these projects are bachelor’s degree from the University of The houses continued their strong completed, a whole host of work looms Miami (Fla.) and a master’s degree from philanthropic and community service on the horizon. Much of that will Eastern Illinois. efforts throughout the year and during involve the state’s efforts to address This past year, the Interfraternity Greek Week, the nine chapters raised issues of deferred maintenance on and Panhellenic Councils focused more than $2,300 for KVC Kids and the campuses across Kansas. This year, the on improving communication and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Legislature has earmarked more than connectivity among the Greek Good things are on the horizon for $13 million to be used for deferred organizations on campus and on the Greek community, Smith said, maintenance at PSU over the next improving academic success among their including the return of one long-time five years. Stewart said the university members. Their efforts yielded immediate fraternity. In the spring of 2008, Tau had identified more than $50 million success. The all-Greek GPA rose, the Kappa Epsilon (TKE), will be returning in needs, but the $13 million will be all-fraternity GPA for the spring was the to campus. a good start. At the top of the list highest since 2005 and the all-sorority For more on Greek life at PSU and is McCray Hall, which was built in GPA continues to exceed that of the the individual sororities and fraternities, 1929 and houses the university’s music undergraduate average. go the their Web site at www.pittstate. programs. Another building high on the Smith said that the IFC and PHC also edu/union/greek. list is Porter Hall, built in 1927 as the university’s library. Stewart said that while campus construction and renovation may at PULLING TOGETHER – times be inconvenient, the projects are Whether its having necessary for the university to be able to fun or raising money serve its educational mission. for their favorite

charities, members Sororities, fraternities of the Greek chapters focus on improvement on campus put all their effort into the The Greek community continues to be project at hand. an important part of the campus life at Pittsburg State. This past year has brought a lot of change and a sense of renewal to the sororities and fraternities.

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 3 FROM THE OVAL

Program opens world of nature for youngsters It’s this kind of need Journalism that has Lister pioneer to Spending her days surrounded looking for a solution visit PSU by dozens of animals, birds, in the form of a Nature and insects at the PSU Reach endowment. The 2007 Profiles Nature Reach laboratory, She is working with of Women in Delia Lister is accustomed the Office of University Government to surprises. Still, she couldn’t Development to Lecture Series at help but raise her eyebrows when raise the $500,000 Pittsburg State she was presenting a program at a school needed to University will feature a legendary and learned some of the children had make the journalist whose groundbreaking never seen a frog before. programs self-sustaining coverage of the White House paved “That was shocking to me,” said Lister, through interest on the the way for female reporters. director of Nature Reach. “You would endowment. Helen Thomas, commonly think kids would be spending time in With about $60,000 needed annually referred to as “The First Lady of nature, but instead they’re playing video to feed and care for the animals (a hawk, the Press,” will speak at the lecture games and doing things inside. It’s just a for example, can eat more than $2,000 series at noon on November 13, totally different generation.” worth of mice a year), Nature Reach 2007, at the McCray Recital Hall For all the attention she’s giving to has so far been supported by grants and on the campus of PSU. teaching kids new lessons, she’s focusing donations, as well as funds from the Thomas, a former White House even more on making sure the program Biology Department. Those monies Bureau chief, has covered every of 22 years continues. Lister, who also stretch to help fund the Research president since John F. Kennedy, presents nature programs at area schools, Reserve, a laboratory outside of Pittsburg that houses the raptor program. The when she followed him to the community events, and at the PSU lab, reserve was damaged by a fire in 2000, White House in 1961 as a United has been working to secure funding for and is slowly being rebuilt with the Press International correspondent. the center’s budget. help of construction students from the It was during that assignment that Although Nature Reach used to have a rehabilitation program for injured College of Technology as funds become she became famous for her sign- animals, Lister was forced to close it available. off “Thank you, Mr. President,” down last year. “We didn’t have the For now, Lister is carefully watching when closing presidential press money to correctly do the things that the bottom line while making sure conferences. She served with UPI needed to be done,” she said. “People children are exposed to an education on for 57 years, traveling around the still call me and are kind of appalled we nature as much as possible. “The more world with presidents Nixon, Ford, don’t have it anymore, but I think people education we can do,” said Lister, “the Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and would understand if they George W. Bush. knew we’re not fully Thomas has been named funded by the university.” one of the “25 Most Influential Women in America” by The World EXPLORATION – Almanac. Having recently left Biology literally comes her post at UPI, she has joined alive in young hands Hearst Newspapers as a syndicated in PSU’s Nature Reach columnist. Program. For 22 years, The Women in Government the program has been lecture series is presented by PSU taking natural history and the PSU Foundation through lessons to classrooms and the support of the Helen S. Boylan to visitors to the Nature Foundation. Reach laboratory in Heckert-Wells Hall.

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Samuels to lead Honors College Former students in Julie Samuels’ education classes remember the way she enthusiastically greeted each class with the question, “Who wants to be a teacher?” Now a new group of students will experience Samuels passion for learning. Samuels, a member of the Department SUMMER ACTIVITY – of Curriculum and Instruction, was more excited kids will be and eager to Don’t think that just because its selected as the new director of the preserve what they have.” summer, the campus is a quiet place. PSU Honors College this summer. For more information on the PSU Each summer thousands of high school Samuels, who has been a member of the Nature Reach program, visit their Web students participate in a variety of PSU faculty since 1999, follows Becky site at http://www.pittstate.edu/biol/ camps ranging from flag corps and Brannock, who had directed the Honors nature/index.html cheerleading (above left) and band to College since 2002. For information about donating to volleyball and the immensely popular The PSU Honors College is the Nature Reach Endowment, contact football camps (above). designed to provide a more meaningful Ellen Carter in the Office University educational experience for select superior Development at 620-235-4930. students. To be considered for admission, we sponsored a Lions Club group that applicants must have a minimum ACT came in,” said Connie Malle, director Camps keep score of 28 and meet a number of other of student housing. “We didn’t have the requirements including demonstrated residence halls full Shrine this year, but we’ve picked it up in high school academic achievement, a With many PSU students taking a break other areas like football camp.” written essay, activities and letters of during the summer, classes certainly June also saw the visit of youth campers recommendation. come to a slowdown. But for the Office with Latter Day Saints, as well as the first Samuels holds a bachelor of arts of University Housing, summer has of three rounds of girls volleyball camps. degree in elementary education from once again proved to be anything but a In July, the volleyball camps wrapped up, Ottawa University, a master of science vacation. and well as a camp for UCA cheerleaders. degree in curriculum and instruction This has been one of the busiest The 14th annual Cutting Edge Auxiliary from PSU and a Ph.D. in curriculum and summers yet for the university in terms Camp filled the campus in late July with instruction from Kansas State University. of camps that have brought visitors of all color guards and percussionists from Samuels taught elementary school ages and talents to the PSU campus. 45 high schools across the Midwest. in Osawatomie, Kan., and Mansfield, The summer kicked off with an Summer camps wrapped up after the Mo., and middle school in Westphalia, Investment Casting camp for adults, end of the Cutting Edge camp, which Kan., before joining the faculty at PSU. held May 30-June 7. During the month ran in conjunction once again with the She currently teaches undergraduate of June, the Housing Office oversaw Brass Spectacular performance featuring reading courses as well as classroom the stay of campers visiting for Honors traveling professional drum corps at management. College camps, high school boys and Carnie Smith Stadium. Her awards and honors include girls basketball camps, and the Kauffman “We’ve had thousands of people here Kansas Outstanding Reading Educator, Foundation. This year, the university this year,” said Malle. “We laugh that Osawatomie District Teacher of the broke a record by offering four separate people think we don’t do anything with Year and runner up for the Third high school football camps in June, as the residence halls this time of year, Congressional District Kansas Teacher well. because we do. They’re full of campers. of the Year. “Last year we had the Shrine Bowl and Our halls are busy all the time.”

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 5 FROM THE OVAL

New activities year, and we’re excited about the things planned for PSU families to come,” said Johnna Schremmer, director of alumni and constituent The Office of Alumni and Constituent relations. “We’re trying to bring back Relations is planning some new activities alumni, friends and kids to campus.” that will give PSU families some new The office will continue reaching options for entertainment during Family out to alums during Homecoming Day and Homecoming Weekend. weekend, scheduled for October 27. On Family Day, Sept. This year, the office will 22, Alumni and host a reunion for the Constituent Automotive Technology Relations will Department. host games and Although specific campus tours activities are scheduled for for alumni, that group, Schremmer says parents and kids. everyone is invited to the Crimson and Free carnival games will be available for Gold Dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday night. children and parents on the Oval. Tours Current students and alums can also take of the Nature Reach program, the Kelce part in Casino Night the same evening. Planetarium, and a presentation by the On Homecoming Day, everyone is College of Technology will also be held High school students test invited to the 9 a.m. parade before taking prior to the football game. part in another new event: the alumni science skills at PSU New Family Day activities are just office will offer guided walking tours a hint of events to come. The office It has become an annual right of spring. every half hour at the alumni center, will host several other family-themed Each year hundreds of high school the Tyler Research Center, the Veterans days throughout the year, including a students from Kansas and Missouri Memorial, and the Kansas Technology campout and movie on the Oval held descend on the campus to demonstrate Center. The tours begin at 10:30 a.m. October 19, a fishing derby and baseball their knowledge in chemistry, physics, and run through 12:30 p.m. Beginning game next spring, and a parents/ biology and Earth and space science. at 11:30 a.m. during Gorillafest, the grandparents weekend in the dorms next In addition to traditional tests, office will sponsor a tailgate party summer. students compete in a variety of events complete with a chicken dinner. RSVP is “Our involvement is brand new this that require hands-on science. For required by Oct. 3 for both the Crimson example, students will put physics and Gold Dinner and the principles to work in the Paper Tower, game day tailgate party, Mousetrap Car and other competitions. are RSVP. Tickets can be They demonstrate their knowledge purchased by calling 620- of Earth and space science during 235-4763. the Seismic Shakers competition in Schremmer says she which they are required to construct hopes the addition of the a paper tower that will withstand new activities to Family shaking produced by a machine that Day and Homecoming simulates earthquakes. The Mars Colony make visiting PSU a competition requires teams of students destination for more to build models of a colony on Mars that families and friends this could sustain human life. fall. WE ARE FAMILY – In midst of the organized chaos of “We’re trying to build events everyone One of the big football weekends each the day, students not only show off their can be part of,” she said. “Some alumni fall is Family Day. At half-time, the knowledge, they also have a little fun university celebrates families with the want to come back but wonder what and perhaps learn what Pittsburg State Honorary Family Award. there is for them to do. We’re working has to offer them when the time comes to create something that will truly be a for them to pick a university. homecoming for them.”

6 PITT STATE FALL 2007 FROM THE OVAL

TEST FLIGHT – Campaign University Professors High school advances, students test a adds new Five professors achieved the contraption they distinction “University Professor” built to protect an scholarships this year. The achievement egg in a fall from The $120-million recognizes faculty for demonstrated the third floor of Campaign for excellence in at least two of three Yates Hall. The Pittsburg State areas: teaching; research, scholarship annual Science Day University recently and/or creative endeavors; and activities provide finished its seventh community and/or university service. fun and interesting year and with three Candidates for university competitions more to go, it’s still professor must have been at the rank for hundreds of on track for a of full professor for no less than participants each seven years. University Professor year. successful completion, according to Scott Roberts, director of Development. status is for seven years. Roberts said the university has University Professors for 2007 are: continued to make new scholarships a Judy Berry-Bravo, Modern priority for the campaign. As a result of Languages and Literatures that emphasis, 24 new scholarships were David Hurford, Psychology and Counseling created for PSU students this past year. Student employee of the Richard Lipka, Special Services “These scholarships were created year has ‘great work ethic’ and Leadership Studies by people who have an interest in Michael Muoghalu, Economics, It is hard to helping deserving students achieve their Finance and Banking imagine how the educational goals,” Roberts said. “They Russell Rosmait, Engineering PSU campus would want to make a difference in the lives of Technolog y function without students.” the 900 or so student employees who work in the offices and on the grounds. With that many great student employees, it is hard to pick one as Student Employee of the year. This year’s Student Employee of the Year, Nick Dellasega, was praised for being “professional with great business instincts. He has a great work ethic.” Dellasega, a finance major from Pittsburg, worked in the Career Services Office. Dr. Brad Hodson, PSU vice president We see Gorillas in some of the most amazing places! for University Advancement, said that both the university and the student For construction management major Jeremy Milburn, a summer workers benefit from the relationship, intern with the Atlantic Co. of America, it was at the very top of citing research that shows student the Washington Monument during the monument’s restoration. workers tend to do better academically Today, Jeremy is with J.E. Dunn in Kansas City. than others. Additionally, Hodson said, We love to hear your Gorilla stories. Send stories, photos or story student workers form a deeper bond with ideas to [email protected] the university.

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 7 FROM THE OVAL

FANTASTIC PLASTIC – Kansas City metro area students learn about plastics manufacturing and the recycling potential of plastics through activities at the Kansas Technology Center. The students are participants in the Kauffman Foundation’s Kauffman Scholars Program.

Urban youth hall, going to class and walking the physicians, and parents. It will also experience Pitt State same halls that regular PSU students provide assessments and training for children. They aren’t ready for college yet, but two walk helped the Kauffman Scholars to A pledge by the Helen S. Boylan groups of urban youngsters from Kansas imagine themselves as college students. Foundation last fall helped the center City got a first-hand view this summer The academic activities also open the begin moving from theory to reality. of what a university and particularly students’ eyes to educational and career The foundation has donated $50,000 to Pittsburg State has to offer. The eighth paths that might not have occurred to the project, with the second half of the graders and high school freshmen were them previously. money arriving at the end of this year. participants in the Kauffman Scholars Hurford said that other financial Program, which was developed by Center for autism formed needs still exist. To contact PSU about the Kauffman Foundation to prepare For Psychology and Counseling the project or to make a donation, call promising, yet challenged low-income Chairman Dr. David Hurford, watching Ellen Carter in the Office of University students in Kansas City for college. the “explosion” of children with Development at 620-235-4930. All of the students lived in university autism and spectrum disorder in the residence halls, ate in Gibson Dining Southeast Kansas area has been difficult, Hall and spent time in college considering the lack of local resources for Pittsburg State University classrooms. their parents, teachers, and doctors. The Kauffman Scholars Program is a ‘Best Midwestern’ pick With the formation of the PSU unusual in that it works with students idweste The Princeton Review he M rn R n t eg Center for Autism and Spectrum i io ge n beginning in the seventh grade and e b consistently lists ll y o A T Disorder, he’s hoping to change that. C h

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N City, Mo., school districts and attend Midwestern * developed the idea in 2005 for a a public or charter school in those Colleges.” The center that would focus on autism and districts. Selection for the program is publication praises spectrum disorder (the new, official based on family income and academic PSU for professors term for “autism”). Housed within performance. who “cultivate a ‘classroom environment the Department of Psychology and Manomay Malathip, lead life coach that resembles a family atmosphere.’” Counseling’s Center for Human and scholar engagement specialist, Services, the center will provide said living in a university residence education to local teachers, students,

8 PITT STATE FALL 2007 FROM THE OVAL

New lab makes important role in meeting the health care Nursing Department needs of the region,” Pomotto said. a regional resource For more about programs in the Department of Nursing, visit the A new lab in the Department of department Web site at www.pittstate. Nursing not only gives students a richer edu/nurs/ or call 620-235-4431. educational experience than was ever before possible, but it also establishes PSU as an educational resource for the wider health care community. The PSU Regional Simulation Center/Learning Resources Lab was established this year with a major grant from the Kansas Board of Regents. The money was part of a statewide effort funded by the Kansas Legislature that is designed to address the growing shortage of nurses in Kansas. ALMOST REAL – The hand-crafted simulators, which Pitt State nursing students use some of the most advanced technology available to are computerized mannequins that learn about patient care. The human simulators, purchased with a grant from the look, feel and act like real patients, use Kansas Legislature, are capable of replicating many medical conditions. technology developed for the military to train medics. They can be programmed to experience 90 different health crises. EAST CAMPUS EXPANDS – They can even “bleed” and “die.” Two new buildings are changing the look of the far east side of the PSU campus. The lab contains a family of seven The Tyler Research Center (below), will house the university’s ground-breaking simulators, including an infant, in order polymer research program beginning this fall. The Student Recreation Center/ to provide the widest range of patients National Guard Armory (bottom), is a unique cooperative effort between the possible. Dr. Mary Carol Pomatto, university and the Kansas Army National Guard. When it is completed in 2008, chairperson of the department, said the the building will house the departments of Military Science and Health, Human simulators do not replace the clinical Performance and Recreation. In addition to classrooms and offices, the building training that students receive, but will also include a instead enhances that experience. student fitness Kristi Frisbee, coordinator of the center. The Army department’s Learning Resources National Guard Center, said the clinical experiences meanwhile, will use that students have can’t cover all of the the east portion of real-life possibilities nurses encounter. the building for its “We can’t just call up a hospital and armory. say ‘Can you have someone die at noon today so our students can learn how to save a life?’” Frisbee said. “This is the best way for students to be trained and prepared for anything.” Pomatto said although the lab is new, area health care providers are already excited about the educational opportunities it may provide for working health care professionals. “Pittsburg State is pleased to play an

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 9 FROM THE OVAL

Retirements usher in a Rosenbaum, Printing and Postal Services; Baird served the university from 1947 season of change and Jim Snyder, Military Science. until his retirement in 1987. The retirees Like their counterparts across the country, President Tom Bryant said each of these said they tried to emulate Baird’s quiet PSU’s Baby Boomers are beginning to administrators, in his or her own way, made leadership style as well as his commitment retire and this means some very familiar a dramatic difference at PSU. to students. faces on campus are giving way to a new “This university has been blessed to “The university’s special culture is generation of faculty and staff. This year, have faculty and staff who, over a long passed from one generation of faculty for example, four long-time administrators period of time, have worked tirelessly and staff to the next,” Bryant said. “It is with a combined 140 years of service to to make this the wonderful learning important that as we change and adapt to PSU concluded their careers at Pittsburg community it is today,” Bryant said. the changing needs of students and society, State. “Their faithfulness to the university and to that we honor our past and preserve the Jim AuBuchon, vice president for generations of Pittsburg State students is to values and the culture that make Pittsburg University Advancement, retired at be commended.” State unique.” the end of 2006. Larry Nokes, director At the annual faculty retirement dinner, of the Physical Plant; Teresa Massa, each reflected on decades of service to director of EOAA; and Lee Christensen, Pittsburg State. Each also paid homage In memory registrar and associate vice president for to administrators from decades past who Rolland “Slim” Cummings, Academic Programs, retired at the end of influenced them. One in particular, was Instructional Media (June 11, 2007) the academic year. Other retirees include long-time administrator Ray Baird, who Dr. James Taylor, Student Affairs Steve High, Women’s Basketball; Randy was in the audience that night. (July 8, 2007) “Where in the World is Gus?” My name is Megan Nelson, and I’m a 2005 PSU graduate. I’m also an alumna of the PSU Track & Field and Cross Country teams, so I have acquired my fair share of Gorilla merchandise over the years. For a vacation last year, my husband and I traveled to Cozumel, Mexico during a five-day cruise. I wanted to wear something comfortable for a day of walking around the city, so I decided to wear a favorite PSU Cross Country t-shirt (I’m attaching a photo of me wearing the shirt in front of a fountain in Cozumel). And, as usually happens whenever I wear anything PSU, I was approached by some fellow tourists who said -- “Pittsburg, Kansas? That’s a great school! Both of our kids went there.” Have a great day, We would like to know what interesting places Gus has visited. Megan E-mail your photo and a brief story to [email protected]

10 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Art UNIVERSITY GALLERY Fall 2007 Aug. 16 – Sept. 13 Events Calendar Craig Calnan, Joplin, Mo Prints and Drawings Narrative Surfaces Printmaking Sept. 17 – Oct. 17 Michael Baggarly, March 5 – April 14 Piffaro, the Renaissance Band Homecoming Murfreesboro, Tenn. Robert Quackenbush, Friday, March 28, 2008 Homecoming 2007 will take Sculpture Kansas City, Mo. All performance times are at on a game show theme this Paintings Oct. 24 – Nov. 26 7:30 p.m. in McCray Recital year with “And Your Host KYLE, Maitland, Fla. MA Senior Exhibits Hall. Call for additional is…Gus Gorilla!” Activities information. 620-235-4460 Photography April 16- May 9 run all week, culminating in Nov. 29, 2007 – Jan. 24, 2008 Call for updated lecture the football game with and reception times or visit PALS Ft. Hays. Kim Kauffman, PERFORMING ARTS the PSU Web calendar for the Monday, Oct. 22 Lansing, Mich. AND LECTURE SERIES Digital Image (scanner) most current information. 4 p.m. - Gorilla Games and 620-235-4305, Second City Yard Art, on the Oval [email protected] UNIVERSITY GALLERY Thur. Nov. 7; 7 p.m. Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium Tuesday, Oct. 23 Spring 2008 6 p.m. - King & Queen English Slam Poet - George Watsky Feb. 5 – March 5 Presentations, Robin Hemley Thur., Nov. 14; 7 p.m. Mark Malloy, Boone, NC Thurs., Nov. 8; 8 p.m. Crimson & Gold Ballroom, Photography U-Club, Student Center Overman Student Center reading March 8 – April 8 Governor’s Room, Babes in Toyland Wednesday, Oct. 24 Lydia Thompson, Overman Student Center Fri. Dec. 7; 7 p.m. Noon – Convocation and Richmond, Va. Denise Low Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium crowning of the king and Ceramics Kansas Poet Laureate, For additional information call queen, Carnie Smith Stadium the PSU Ticket Office, Thurs., Sept. 20; 8 p.m. 8 p.m. - Comedian: HARRY KRUG GALLERY 620-235-4796. poetry reading Ronnie Jordan, Fall 2007 Balkans Room, Crimson & Gold Ballroom, Aug. 27 – Sept. 27 Overman Student Center Theatre Overman Student Center Michael Hunnewell, Alice in Wonderland Call for additional information. Thursday, October 25 Miami, Fla. 620-235-4689 Oct. 18 – 20; 8 p.m. 7 p.m. - Yell Like Hell, Paintings Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium Carnie Smith Stadium Oct. 5 – Nov. 9 Music One-Act Plays Friday, October 26 Jed Schlegel, Joplin, Mo. SOLO AND CHAMBER Nov. 30 – Dec 1; 7 p.m. 8 p.m. - Casino Night, Ceramics MUSIC SERIES PSU Studio Theatre Jungle Lounge, Anonymous 4, vocal Nov. 2; 6-8 p.m. Overman Student Center Friday, Sept. 21 Marisol Harry Krug Gallery: March 6 – 8; 8 p.m. Saturday, October 27 Family Art Night Ethos Percussion Group March 9; 2 p.m. 9 a.m. – Parade, Downtown Friday, Oct. 19 PSU Studio Theatre Nov. 14 – Dec. 7 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. - MA (Master of Arts) Exhibits Håkan Rosengren, clarinet Fuddy Meers GorillaFest Tailgate Party, with Chiara String Quartet May 1 – 3; 8 p.m. Gorilla Village, music by HARRY KRUG GALLERY Friday, Nov. 9 May 4; 2 p.m. Winter Circle Spring 2008 Enrico Elisi, piano PSU Studio Theatre 2 p.m. - Football Game Jan. 22 – Feb. 28 Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 vs. Ft. Hays State, Eileen Cohen, St. Paul, Minn. Cihat Askin, violin Carnie Smith Stadium Ceramics Tuesday, March 4, 2008

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 11 Roy Jensen admits that when he graduated from high school in Gardner, Kansas, he, like most his age, “didn’t have much of a clue” about what he wanted to do with his life. Two things were pretty certain, however. He loved playing basketball and he was sure that he didn’t want to become a doctor. PSU experience inspired cancer researcher

Today, Dr. Roy Jensen is leading the KU Cancer Center in an ambitious drive to become a National Cancer Center Institute- designated comprehensive cancer center. The goal is to build it into one of the top research facilities in the U.S. As he reflects on the surprising path his life has taken, Jensen points to Pittsburg State University, some PSU faculty and a very special PSU alumna who guided him into his current leadership role in the battle against cancer. After high school, a scholarship to play basketball took Jensen to Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kan. It was at Neosho County that Jensen met chemistry teacher Norma Steinman, a PSU graduate and a woman who, Jensen says, made all the difference. “I started out with the idea that I might be a lawyer,” Jensen said, “but I always liked science a lot. Norma introduced me to the potential of doing research.” Steinman, who received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from PSU, clearly recognized something special in the young student. She arranged for Jensen to visit Pittsburg State University and encouraged him to think about the university’s well-respected pre-med program. Jensen took Steinman’s advice and arrived at PSU in 1978. He discovered immediately that his mentor had steered him in the right direction. “There were great faculty on campus,” Jensen said, recalling names like Bettie Duncan, Alex Bednekoff, Jim Pauley and Leland Keller, who was, he said, “a force to be reckoned with.” Jensen’s passion for research was nurtured immediately.

CHASING CANCER - Dr. Roy Jensen discusses research results with student research assistant Shane Stecklein in his lab at the KU Med Cancer Center.

12 PITT STATE FALL 2007 He started doing microbiology research with Bettie Duncan and his first project was submitted for presentation at a medical conference in Nebraska. At that conference, Jensen heard a presentation by Dr. Zell McGee, a microbiologist at Vanderbilt University. McGee so inspired Jensen, that he eventually went to Vanderbilt for his medical training after graduating from PSU in 1980. “Those years in Pittsburg,” Jensen recalled, “were an interesting time. My first year, we were in old Carney Hall, but then there was an inspection and the building was closed. They had to move the entire Biology Department to temporary quarters.” Jensen said the sudden move to less-than-ideal settings didn’t seem to affect the quality of the education, however. “Everyone pulled together,” Jensen said. “There was an esprit de corps that made it work.” In a recent visit to Pittsburg, Jensen spoke with students and faculty in the Biology and Chemistry Departments. “I told the students they were lucky to be in a place where teachers are really committed to students,” Jensen said. “The professors at PSU are devoted to teaching. I had a great experience at Pittsburg State and many great teachers had a tremendous affect on my life.” For information about pre-med and other undergraduate programs in the Department of Biology, call 620- 235-4732 or visit the department Web site at www.pittstate.edu/biol/ ungr.html.

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 13 Invention AND

Kansas Polymer ResearchDiscovery Center scientists honored with national award Increasingly, Pittsburg State University (used to make products such is becoming known across the U.S. for as foam and plastic chairs) some groundbreaking research. Scientists reduce the impact on the in the Kansas Polymer Research Center environment. at PSU have a growing number of The award, which patents to their credit and recently, they represents more than 10 were honored with a national award for years worth of work by the their discoveries with environmentally scientists, comes at a time friendly materials. of forward momentum for Four scientists with the KPRC were the KPRC group. This fall, honored in Washington, D.C., this they will move into the new summer by the National Academy of $5.7 million Tyler Research Sciences. Cargill, Inc., the KPRC’s Center on the east end of research partner, was presented with the PSU campus. The center the 2007 Presidential Green Chemistry is scheduled to open in late Challenge Award in the Designing September. A dedication Greener Chemicals category for the ceremony for the center is set research performed by KPRC scientists for September 21. Dr. Zoran Petrovic, Dr. Ivan Javni, Dr. “I am incredibly proud of the world- these scientists and for Pittsburg State Andrew Guo, and Ms. Alisa Zlatanic. class research being performed by University.” The group is the only research institution our scientists at the Kansas Polymer Dr. Petrovic credits each of the in the state of Kansas to win this Research Center and the benefits their scientists at KPRC for their work in prestigious honor. discoveries provide for our industry achieving this award. The award recognizes partners,” said PSU President Tom “This is great recognition for our group the KPRC scientists for the Bryant, who attended the ceremony at PSU and what we’ve been doing here,” invention of the new family with Vice President for University he said. “We were pleasantly surprised. of BiOH Polyols. Derived Advancement Brad Hodson and This was not something that was achieved from natural vegetable KPRC Director Steve Robb. “The overnight.” oils such as soybean work they are doing is making For more on the Kansas Polymer oil, BiOH Polyols our Earth a little greener and Research Center, visit their Web site at help manufacturers our technologies smarter. www.kansaspolymer.com/ of flexible polyurethane It is a wonderful honor for Or call 620-235-4920.

Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award

14 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Kansas Polymer Research Center scientific team, left to right: Xianmei Wan, Dr. Yijin Xu, Ivana Cvetkovic, Dr. Mihail Ionescu, Dr. Ivan Javni, Alisa Zlatanic, DooPyo Hong, Steve Robb, executive director of the Business and Technology Discovery Institute, and Dr. Zoran Petrovic.

Pittsburg State University invites you to the Accepting the award in Washington, D.C., left to right: Dr. Zoran Petrovic (PSU), Jeff Malsam (Cargill), Dr. Catherine Hunt (President, Tyler Research Dedication American Chemical Society), 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 21 Diza Brakesmyer (Cargill), Ron Christensen (Cargill), James B. 1204 Research Road Gulliford (EPA), Dr. Andrew Guo Pittsburg, Kan. (PSU), Dr. Tom W. Bryant (PSU), Tours of the building will be conducted Dr. Brad Hodson (PSU), Dr. Ivan following the ribbon-cutting Javni (PSU), Steve Robb (PSU), Alisa Zlatanic (PSU), Wei Zhang (Cargill).

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 15 WhoLife takes interesting turnsknew? for Outstanding Seniors

When Brenda Steele met Rick and the other said ‘I did, too.’ It was neat Luthi at a Greek party their because we were engaged by then and senior year, the two hit it off. both of us winning the award was kind Both originally from Kansas, they of funny.” made a connection as service- The plaque outside Russ Hall minded young adults involved honoring outstanding seniors isn’t the in everything from student only thing that have kept this couple Rick and government to community together: after graduating, they drove a Brenda volunteering. With plans to graduate truck up the Pacific coast on the way to Luthi in six months, they were both also teaching jobs in Alaska. Now married candidates for degrees through the 29 years, the couple has spent much of College of Education. their careers working in rural Alaska Similarities aside, nothing seemed – flying “bush” planes into the small like more of a coincidence than when the communities (often hundreds of miles couple learned they had been chosen as apart and separated by water) to mentor the two Outstanding Seniors for their teachers in those areas. graduating class of 1976. Today, Rick is a principal for the “It was like lightening striking,” said Napanuska-Susitna Borough, a school Brenda. “One of us said ‘I got this letter,’ district roughly the size of the state of

16 PITT STATE FALL 2007 The 2007 This year marks the 40th anniversary Outstanding Seniors for the Outstanding Senior Award, which was Ginger Niemann, Nortonville, Kan. established by the 1967 senior class. Niemann received her BA in political science in May. She Ohio, and if being named Outstanding past two years studying in Italy, which is currently working in an internship gives him the distinction as one of the Senior Man wasn’t the main cause he for the Kansas Board of Regents. mustered the confidence to move so far few outstanding seniors to have lived away for his career, it has at least changed abroad. After finishing his post graduate Scot Schiefelbein, the course of his life in one way. “If degree in sacred theology, Simone plans Pittsburg, Kan. anything, it helped Brenda Sue Steele to return to Kansas before receiving his Schiefelbein marry me,” Rick said with a laugh. “The next assignment. received his BBA recognition was a nice culmination at that “It was humbling for me to know that in accounting and point. There were people in Pittsburg that others thought I deserved the award, economics in May. had an impact on our lives and it was a but I think what I drew on the most was He is currently recognition of them.” my Newman Center experience and the working at Deloitte This year marks the 40th anniversary leadership qualities I got at PSU,” he & Touche, an for the Outstanding Senior Award, which said. “It’s more about the relationships accounting firm in Kansas City. was established by the 1967 senior class. between faculty and students and the The selection committee met the first year values that are instilled in you at PSU.” Facts about the with the intention of selecting only one Closer to home, 1983 Outstanding Outstanding Senior Award senior, but were unable to choose, instead Senior Kathleen • 2007 is the 40th anniversary of the awarding it to a man and a woman. The Harnish-Doucet Outstanding Senior Award. following year, only an outstanding echoes those • The award was intended to be for senior man was chosen. After that, the sentiments. Now the only one student, but the selection committee returned to awarding one man CEO and owner of committee couldn’t decide and instead gave it to a man and a her own Kansas City- and one woman. woman the first year. based strategic Although the past • Only once has the committee 40 years have produced facilitation business, Kathleen selected a single person to receive the many outstanding she says her Harnish-Doucet award. (Stephen Lee Rhode, ’68) The seniors with careers “incredible” years at following year, they decided both a in law, medicine, and PSU and the capstone award gave her a man and a woman should be awarded each year. business, others, like boost of confidence to take the road less • With the passage of Title IX in 1977, Michael Simone, have traveled. the committee eliminated the “Man” taken less-traveled “To be the one selected was a huge and “Woman” designation and paths. honor for me,” said Harnish-Doucet, renamed the awards “Outstanding Father Michael A 1996 outstanding Simone whose company, Team Tech, Inc., was Seniors.” senior, Simone was recently awarded with the 2006 Council • Two outstanding senior couples have highly involved with the Newman of State Governments Innovations married over the past 40 years. They Center while attending PSU. He says he Award. The company has also been are: Rick E. Luthi and Brenda Sue (Steele) Luthi (both ’76) of Palmer, nominated for the IBM Innovations felt unsettled about his career choice as Alaska and Stephen Portz (’78) and an accountant after graduation. “I had Award in Transforming Government Susie (Peak) Portz (’77) of Las Vegas, attended daily Mass at the Newman for their project, “Kansas Collaborative,” Nev. Center and had this gnawing feeling in which improves communication • Law is the most popular career my heart that I was supposed to pursue between government entities. for outstanding seniors, followed the priesthood,” said Simone, who soon “I do think it gives you a sense of by medicine, business ownership, and education. quit his job and applied at a seminary. affirmation for your leadership ability • In 1972, the committee began Today, the Weir, Kan., native is known and your ability to build relationships,” recognizing finalists with an as Father Michael Simone, and works for she said. “It’s important to receive that, honorable mention designation. the Wichita Diocese. He has spent the especially at that time in your life.”

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 17 (lef COLLEGE CLOSE-UP COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

BROADCASTERS – Broadcasting Shannon students sharpen Phillips their skills in the CAPS 13 broadcast lab in Whitesitt Hall. The hours of work the students Debbie put into their Jurgensmeyer productions paid off this year with a bumper crop of awards.

Broadcasting students win gifts to benefit the programs in these record number of awards academic areas. “There are many good stories to share PSU’s broadcasting students brought from the College of Arts and Sciences home a record 17 awards this year at including program achievements and the the Kansas Association of Broadcasters’ accomplishments of faculty, staff, alumni LINCOLN’S LEGACY – annual banquet in Wichita. and students,” said Carter. “I look PSU students don’t try to conceal their The students were honored for forward to sharing that good news with excitement upon finding another Lincoln programs they produced for CAPS 13 alumni and friends, along with need for document during a summer research (Cable Access Pitt State). Broadcasting internship at the National Archives. private support for scholarships, faculty Director Troy Comeau said PSU development, and various program students have been honored for the initiatives.” the five interns have uncovered more quality of their work before, but this Carter graduated from the University than 50 Lincoln signatures. year’s high number of awards is a special of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s “The look on their faces as they realize achievement. degree in journalism. She received they’re holding a document Lincoln “The most awards we’ve ever won at her master’s degree in education from once held is immeasurable,” said Karen the state level was nine two years ago,” PSU. After accepting the position of Needles, a PSU alumna and founder of Comeau said. “To nearly double that assistant director of public relations the research company Documents on in a couple years is impressive and the at PSU in 1984, she then served as Wheels. students should be very proud of their director from 1986-2007 before moving Needles said her company launched accomplishments.” into her current position in University a “massive” digital project in 2002 that Pittsburg State received six first-place Development. Before coming to would put all federal records relating awards, four second-place awards, and PSU, she worked as a reporter for the to the Abraham Lincoln White House seven honorable mention awards. Pittsburg Morning Sun newspaper years online. Needles says this is the first and as the marketing director of the project to place an entire presidential Carter named major gifts Northpark Mall in Joplin, Mo. administration’s records online. officer for College of Arts Carter and her husband, Greg, live in Needles said she worked with history and Sciences Joplin. She can be contacted at 620-235- professor James Schick, her college 4930 or [email protected]. adviser, to advertise the internship for Ellen Carter has history majors. One reason she offered joined the Office Interns help search the internship for the students was to of University Lincoln papers help students have a better idea of the Development at opportunities available to them. Pittsburg State as Six PSU student interns are spending “If you can share your success, you director of major part of their summer literally touching will encourage future generations from gifts for the College history. The interns are searching files in PSU to think about the possibilities that of Arts and Sciences. the National Archives in Washington, are available,” Needles said. “It can be She will be responsible for cultivating D.C., for executive pardons in cases your biggest gift to the university, and to alumni and friends to make charitable presented to Abraham Lincoln. So far, our future.”

18 PITT STATE FALL 2007 COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES COLLEGE CLOSE-UP

Williams honored for PSU trumpet students ROTC Buddy Challenge technical theater career have a year to remember Just four days Before the lights come on, the curtain Sometimes you just know that the before the rises and the first actor walks on stage, timing is right. That’s the way Todd ROTC Army successful theatrical productions have Hastings, associate professor in the Ranger Buddy already gone through uncounted hours of Department of Music, felt about his Challenge hammering, sawing, painting, adjusting trumpet students at the beginning of competition, lights and a myriad of other tasks that the 2006-2007 academic year. Hastings Cadet Tyson are all part of said he noticed “an extremely high level Patrick “stagecraft.” These of trumpet playing by the current class discovered his are the skills that “buddy” wasn’t of students” and wanted to make it a Tyson Patrick and going to be able Dan Williams special year by forming an ensemble to Katherine Medrano teaches students take advantage of the talent. to make the trip. in his technical The effort paid off and the result In stepped Cadet Katherine Medrano. production was performances at the National That turned out to be fortunate for the two classes. Trumpet Competition at George PSU students, because the pair brought Williams is Mason University in Fairfax, Va., home the first-place trophy from the event. being recognized and the International Trumpet Guild The cadets combined endurance and this year for Convention at the University of skills competition included 79 teams from his years of service to the craft with Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass. 28 colleges and universities from 10 states. induction as a fellow in the U.S. Institute “I knew that I had strong players, Patrick and Medrano said their success at the Buddy Challenge reaffirmed that the of Theater Technology. hard-workers, and serious musicians rigorous preparation they go through on Williams, a PSU assistant professor in the trumpet studio,” Hastings said, a daily basis in ROTC at Pittsburg State of technical theater and design, has “but I still had my doubts if we were is preparing them well for the challenges worked nationally and internationally going to be selected for these incredibly they know are ahead. as a designer and technical director in competitive events.” theater, opera, dance, film and television. The invitations to perform He has received four meritorious at both the National Trumpet achievement awards from the Kennedy Competition and the Center’s American College Theatre International Trumpet Guild Festival for his design work. Williams Convention were like hitting the earned his B.F.A. from Tarkio College jackpot. and his M.F.A. from Southern Illinois The National Trumpet University. Competition “was a great Williams said he has been a member learning event and provided my of the USITT for about 20 years. The students a chance to see how they organization includes not just teachers, are ‘stacking up’ against their but also theater professionals. Left to right: A.J. Metzger, Trey Wadell, Matt Carter, future career competitors.” “The USITT sets standards for Erin Smith Wayne Bergeron (LA studio and At the International Trumpet technical theater in the U.S.,” Williams recording star), William Koehler and Todd Hastings Guild Convention, the students said. performed a prelude for the Williams said PSU students get a Orchestral Audition Roundtable good hands-on experience when it comes Transitions discussion. to stagecraft. He said he likes to find out Hastings said the PSU students FACULTY RETIREMENTS what students are good at and “use their performed “brilliantly!” Hugh T. Campbell, Biology strengths for the good of the production.” “The exposure that Pittsburg Peter Hamlet, Chemistry For more on the PSU Theatre Robert R. Pavlis, Chemistry Company and other programs in the State received from the convention IN MEMORIAM Department of Communication, visit performance is far-reaching and is just William G. Allen. Social Sciences their Web site at http://www.pittstate. the beginning for us here in the Music (Oct. 14, 2006) edu/comm/ or call the Department of Department,” Hastings said. Mary M. Hankammer, Family and Communication at 620-235-4063. Consumer Sciences (Dec. 29, 2006)

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 19 COLLEGE CLOSE-UP COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Business students score Cortes received a of Business Administration from PSU. high on policy test Bachelor of Science At Pittsburg State, Casey teaches in business economics accounting classes and supervises the Several PSU students have demonstrated from the University Kelce Academic Advising Center. She they are pretty savvy about making of the Philippines, is also the adviser for Students in Free business decisions. Four students a Master of Arts Enterprise. in Tom Box’s Business Policy class in economics from Before coming to PSU, Casey, a recently scored among the top 25 Wichita State Certified Public Accountant, held teams worldwide in an online business University, and Ph.D. Cortes accounting and finance positions with simulation test. Box, a professor in in economics from First Federal Savings and Loan of the Department of Management and Oklahoma State Pittsburg; Pitsco, Inc.; Ozark Salad Marketing, said about 2,500 teams from University. Company; and NPC International. around the world participated in the Cortes joined the simulation. PSU Economics Dearth named interim dean The students are Jacob Boan, a Department in 1986. senior accounting major from Overland In 2001-2, he was a Dr. Richard Dearth, Park, Kan.; Pierce Curran, a senior Fulbright scholar at chairman of the management major from Clarksville, Tohoku University Department of Ark.; Steve Erdman, a senior in Sendai, Japan, Casey Management and management major from Pittsburg, Kan.; where he taught regional Marketing, was and Matt Pappas, a senior finance major economics, macroeconomics, and named interim from Lee’s Summit, Mo. U.S. economic policies. He was also a dean of the College The simulation exam, GLO-BUS, visiting professor at Japan’s Hiroshima of Business this is an exercise designed to test students’ University of Economics in 1993-94. summer. Dearth knowledge about a wide variety of He has participated in overseas faculty follows Dr. Russ Hardin, who left aspects of running a company. According seminars focusing on economic growth PSU at the end of the academic year to to the Glo-Bus Web site, the exam helps and international business practices in become chairman of the Accounting students “understand how the functional the European Union, Hong Kong, and Department at the University of South pieces of a business fit together, provides southern China. Alabama in Mobile. valuable practice in crafting profitable In 2005, Cortes conducted and co- Dearth has taught Introduction to growth strategies, (and) sharpens (their) wrote an economic impact study for a Business, Business Law, The Legal and business judgment.” proposed destination casino in southeast Social Environment of Business and Kansas. He teaches international Business, Government and Society at Dean announces leadership economics, introductory economics, and Pittsburg State University since 1992. appointments in Kelce the economics capstone course as well as “Dr. Dearth has demonstrated strong College of Business MBA courses. He is also co-director of and insightful leadership in his tenure the Business and International Education as the chairperson of the Department Two departments in the College of grant project of the Kelce College of of Management and Marketing,” said Business are under new leadership as Business. Dr. Steve Scott, vice president for the new academic year begins. Dr. Cortes is active in university and Academic Affairs. “He is skilled at Bienvenido S. Cortes was named community service and represents PSU finding common ground and honoring chairman of the Department of as a member of the Strategic Academic the processes of higher education, and Economics, Finance and Banking and Resource and Policy Team Committee he applies those skills to encourage and Rebecca Casey was named interim for Kansas, Inc. He is a member and achieve continuous improvement. chairman of the Department of former president of the Sunflower “Dr. Dearth quickly earned the Accounting. Kiwanis of Pittsburg. His wife, Paige, respect of his colleagues in Kelce Cortes, a University Professor is an instructor in the Intensive English as a person who is professional, of economics in the Department of Program at PSU. They have two children, knowledgeable of current business Economics, Finance and Banking, Ben, 12 years old, and Annie, 8. practices, and committed to Pittsburg replaced Dr. Chuck Fischer, who has Rebecca Casey has been a member of State University,” Scott added. “He has led the department since 1980. Fischer the Accounting Department faculty since worked closely with our former dean, has left the department chairmanship to 2002. She received both a Bachelor of in matters related to the accreditation return to the classroom full time. Business Administration and a Master of the business college programs. His

20 PITT STATE FALL 2007 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS COLLEGE CLOSE-UP knowledge in this area and the leadership first national distinction he has already provided will serve him recently when it was and the college well in the coming INFOSEC (Information months. Under Dr. Dearth’s leadership, Systems Security) certified we are looking forward to a successful by the Committee on accreditation visit in the fall of 2008.” National Security Systems. Dearth earned a bachelor of arts The certification was made degree from the University of Kansas and at an awards ceremony a juris doctor from Washburn University at Boston University on of Topeka. June 6. It makes PSU one Dearth practiced law for 35 years of about 100 schools in and although he closed his practice the nation to achieve this and devotes his full time to teaching honor. and administration at Pittsburg State Dr. James Harris, a Dr. James Harris, right, accepts the University, he is currently admitted to professor in PSU’s Computer Science- INFOSEC certification from CNSS. The practice by the Kansas Supreme Court, Information Systems Department, which award was presented by Ms. Joan Ruhl United States District Court, the United offers the program, said the certification with the National Security Agency. States Circuit Court of Appeals, 10th is the first step in the process of Circuit. He continues to be a fellow becoming a Center of Excellence, a of the Kansas Bar Foundation and a distinction the Kelce College of Business securing scholarships, faculty fellowships, fellow of the American College of Trial hopes to earn within the next few years. and gifts that will allow the university to Lawyers. For a period of time, Dearth The Information Assurance and address the college’s needs.” acted as the assistant city manager Computer Security program was Blake graduated from Missouri for Parsons. He advised a number of introduced at PSU in 2005. Harris said Southern State University in Joplin, governmental organizations during his the program goes far beyond technical Mo., with a bachelor’s degree in practice. While in Parsons, Dearth was training and teaches students that they communication. He is a candidate to active in a community service projects. need to manage a process that begins receive his master’s degree in education Dearth was the Sam Walton Fellow with policies and procedures. For from Missouri State University in for PSU Students in Free Enterprise more information on the Information Springfield, Mo., in May 2008. He for 2003-2004 and continues to be Assurance and Computer Security served as an Upward Bound coordinator actively involved as a member of the Program, contact Dr. Harris at for Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., a Board Business advisors for PSU SIFE. [email protected] or visit www. program that assists high school students He was instrumental in chartering pittstate.edu/csis. in preparing to attend college. He has Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor also worked as a sports information/ society and acted as the faculty adviser marketing assistant for MSSU, and as for three years. Dearth is the AACSB Bard works to raise funds a sports writer for The Joplin Globe international coordinator for the College for College of Business newspaper. Blake lives in his hometown of Webb of Business. He served on many college Blake Bard has City, Mo. He has a 2-1/2 year old son, and university committees during his joined the Office Ayden. He can be contacted at 620-235- time at PSU. of University 6127 or [email protected]. Development at New program focuses on Pittsburg State information safety University as director of major As concerns rise about the safety of gifts for the College Transitions information in a world dependent upon of Business. He will FACULTY RETIREMENTS electronic communication, a new degree be responsible for cultivating alumni and J. Russell Hardin, College of Business program at Pittsburg State University friends to make charitable gifts to benefit IN MEMORIAM is teaching students how to manage the programs in this academic area. Galen Rupp, Accounting (Aug. 2, 2007) security issues associated with the “I’m thrilled to represent such a storage and transmission of information. dynamic school as the College of PSU’s Information Assurance and Business,” Bard said. “It’s great to be Computer Security program received its in a position to create opportunities by

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 21 COLLEGE CLOSE-UP COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Tompkins heads College of College of Education Education One of the best examines known educators in poverty’s effects Kansas has assumed Years ago when faculty in the leadership role the College of Education in the College of began discussing the Education. Dr. performance levels of Andy Tompkins, children in local schools, former Kansas they hit on a common Commissioner of denominator that has Education, was chosen dean of PSU’s changed the way they look College of Education this summer. at how children learn – Tompkins is well known across the and how they teach them. state through his service as Kansas In a word: poverty. Not Commissioner of Education from 1996 POVERTY’S EFFECTS – only can it rob a student of the focus until 2005. He is no stranger to PSU, Area teachers learn about ways that necessary to learn at school, but its however, having served as chairman of living in poverty affects children during effects on their home life can drop school a workshop at PSU. the PSU Department of Special Services to the bottom of a child’s priority list. and Leadership Studies from 1994 until Now, PSU’s new Center for the Study reach out to impoverished students. “We 1995 and as interim dean of the PSU of Poverty and Student Achievement is plan to focus on our own area schools College of Education from 1995 until reaching out to teachers throughout the and see what we’re doing close to home,” 1996. area to show them the effects poverty can she said. “And we’re expanding it to look Tompkins received a bachelor of arts have on a child’s experience in school. at our own students here and in area degree in English from East Central This summer, the CSPSA hosted community colleges.” State University in Ada, Okla.; a its first regional educational event, Because Southeast Kansas has such master of science degree in educational “What Works in High-Performing, high levels of poverty, Dishman-Horst administration from Emporia State High-Poverty Schools.” The two-day says the function of the center is more University and an Ed.D. in educational workshop featured William H. Parrett important than ever if students hope to administration from the University and Dr. Robert Barr, co-authors of “The achieve in school – and if future teachers of Kansas. He began his career in Kids Left Behind: Catching Up the like the education majors at PSU hope to education as a high school English Underachieving Children of Poverty.” be able to reach them. teacher and later served as a high school The workshop, held at PSU on “If we at the university change our principal, and superintendent of three June 13-14, brought in more than teaching to meet the needs of students,” Kansas school districts 100 teachers, administrators, special she says, “then our students will better be Tompkins is a frequent presenter on education directors, and university able to meet the needs of theirs.” leadership and education topics and students each day. It was funded in For information call 620-235-4518. has been published in a wide variety of part by a grant from the Abernathy publications. Among his many awards Foundation of Baxter Springs. PSU works to fill growing and honors, Tompkins has received “We feel like we made some headway,” need for teachers the Kansas Master Teacher Award, the said Marilyn Dishman-Horst, project Kansas National Education Association’s Experts predict that as an increasing coordinator of the Center for the Study Friend of Education Award, the Kansas number of Baby Boomer teachers of Poverty and Student Achievement. School Public Relations Association’s retire, the nation’s shortage of teachers, “The participants felt like these were Key Communicator of the Year Award particularly in selected areas, will grow things they could take back to their and the United School Administrators’ dramatically. Each year the PSU College school and use to help with students who Kansas Administrator of the Year of Education has requests that cannot are living in poverty.” Award. In 1991, Tompkins was named be met from school administrators in As the first big event for the center, Kansas Superintendent of the Year Kansas, Missouri and across the U.S. for Dishman-Horst said the workshop and in 2001, he was inducted into the teachers in mathematics, English, special will also help PSU faculty and student Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame. education, physics, chemistry, music, teachers analyze schools in Southeast Spanish, technology education, ESOL Kansas to show what they’re doing to and family and consumer science.

22 PITT STATE FALL 2007 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION COLLEGE CLOSE-UP

IN HIGH DEMAND – Clinical psychology As Baby Boomer teachers master’s program wins retire in ever larger numbers, school districts approval from Kansas, Missouri PSU’s master of science degree in clinical and increasingly other psychology program is recently earned states, come to Teacher re-accreditation from MPAC (Masters Interview Day at PSU. in Psychology Accreditation Council). During the event, which is held in John Lance Arena, Jan Smith, program coordinator, said soon-to-be teachers move the site visit went well. She noted that from table to table to PSU’s was the first program of its kind meet with school district in the U.S. to receive accreditation and, representatives and learn Smith said, its graduates are “very well about opportunities in regarded and in high demand.” their cities.

Already one of the most prolific advanced degree. Currently there are producers of teachers in Kansas, the PSU 58 students enrolled in the master Transitions College of Education has been working of arts in teaching program who are FACULTY RETIREMENTS Kansas City, Kan., Fellows and another hard to develop new and innovative John F. Connelly, Psychology and 24 in southeast Kansas and southwest ways to fill the growing need for well- Counseling qualified classroom teachers. Recruiting Missouri. Brenda LeTendre, Special Services and good students into the teacher education For more on the teacher education Leadership Studies programs is one part of the equation programs in the College of Education, and those efforts have helped the visit our Web site at www.pittstate.edu/ Department of Mathematics to grow to curin/ the point that PSU is leading the state in the number of mathematics teachers graduated. PSU honors Another major endeavor for the educators for College of Education is the alternative service teacher licensure program that makes it possible for persons with bachelor’s The College of degrees in areas other than education to Education honored obtain a restricted teaching license. That a group of local allows them to teach while they earn a educators for master’s degree through Pittsburg State. their service, their To date, the PSU alternative licensure achievements and program has produced 167 teachers their potential through the Kansas City, Kan., Fellows with the Clyde U. Program and an additional 9 southeast Phillips awards Kansas teachers. The program has helped in May. The meet a critical need for teachers in a Clyde U. Phillips historically under served urban area. Distinguished Service Awards are The 2007 Clyde U. Phillips This year, in fact, the Kansas City, Kan., given to a teacher and an administrator Honorees: Dwayne Taylor, school district was able to meet its need who have distinguished themselves Outstanding Educator - for science teachers. over a lifelong career. The Outstanding Elementary; Morgan Croan, New in 2007 is a master of arts in Educator Awards are given to an Outstanding Educator - alternative teaching degree. Previously, elementary and a secondary teacher Secondary; Donna Gibson, students either earned a master of who have distinguished themselves Distinguished Service Teacher; science degree or completed pedagogy during the first seven years of their and Linda Proehl, Distinguished requirements without earning an teaching careers. Service-Administrator.

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 23 COLLEGE CLOSE-UP COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

The wheels keep on rolling Engineering technology students in the College of Technology are rolling along – literally. Three teams participated in competitions this past year that required the design and construction of vastly different vehicles and all met with success. A team of PSU students used a second-place finish last year in the Mini-Baja competition at Yeungnam National University in Daeug, South Korea, as inspiration to bring home the first-place trophy this summer. The three-man team spent a month in South Korea making ZOOM, ZOOM! – Students check their major modifications to the car they car during the Formula SAE competition entered in the race last year. The (above). The Moonbuggy team makes final event in the competition was final adjustments before competition (left). a 3-1/2 hour mountain endurance The Mini-Baja team (right) makes a victory lap. race in the mud, in which the PSU entry pulled ahead of all competitors. have. Working in teams, solving complex a PSU alumna who is teaching special For the 11th year, PSU was problems, working within budgets and needs students in an Olathe elementary represented in NASA’s Great technical constraints and putting theory school called Herring for help. Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville, Ala. to practice are all benefits of these major Kerstin Womble, a life skills teacher PSU took two teams of seven students capstone projects. at Clearwater Creek Elementary School, to the competition and came home with One student, reflecting on the months asked Herring whether his students third place overall. The PSU team also of hard work and their success in the would be interested in helping her won the Best Design Award for best competition said simply, “This has been acquire a tool, sometimes called a slant solving the engineering problem of a priceless life experience. I couldn’t be board, that is used to help special needs navigating the lunar surface. PSU is well more pleased.” students improve their writing skills. known in the competition, having taken “The project fit our needs perfectly,” first place three times, second place two Plastics project Herring said. “It was simple enough to times and third place two times during accomplish in the time we had. It also the 11 years the Gorillas have competed. Paul Herring, an assistant professor in had the element of public service that we Another team took on a new challenge PSU’s Plastics Engineering Program liked.” this year, entering the Formula SAE believes it’s not enough that students Herring said he had four goals for his competition in Fontana, Calif. While know their subject matter. He wants students with this project. PSU may be considered a veteran in the to see them put what they’ve learned Moonbuggy competition, Formula SAE to work in real-world is a much different animal and this year situations. was a learning experience. The students This year, the students spent months designing and building in Herring’s Senior Class the car. Although the PSU team Project class had an finished in the middle of the pack, they additional opportunity were recognized as a “Top 5 Rookie” to use their skills in a team, setting the stage for even better team design project. The performances in the future. opportunity arose when Although the vehicles and the Paul Herring competition venues may be different, the discusses a plastics common theme in all of these projects project with students is the learning experience that students in Senior Design.

24 PITT STATE FALL 2007 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE CLOSE-UP

they were challenged by constraints New DVD promotes of time and cost – factors that every College of Technology business must consider, according to A new, comprehensive DVD featuring Herring. They said that as they worked the College of Technology is making as a team, not everyone agreed, but they its way to PSU technology learned to compromise and depend on supporters each other. throughout The result was a hit. Womble said the region. other special education teachers were The impressed with the Pitt State students’ 35-minute project. DVD was “Pitt State is well known in the developed over Kansas City area,” Womble said, “but the past not everyone up here knows about all the several months by great programs we have at PSU. It was Pittsburg State Marketing Director Kim good to show off just a little.” Carlson and Marketing Intern Kimberly Schultz. SkillsUSA national officer The DVD features testimonials from faculty members, technology majors, “I wanted to introduce design tools and This summer at the graduates, and industry professionals. procedures, to complete the project in a national SkillsUSA It also provides information about each timely fashion, to promote teamwork and Conference, Jack department and major, as well as footage to provide community service,” Herring Frederick (sophomore, from the different areas of technology. said. automotive technology) “We’re hoping to gain more awareness The students accepted the challenge was elected as one for the unique programs within the and each volunteered for one task. of the five college/ College of Technology,” Carlson The project began with a telephone postsecondary said. “Our hope is that everyone interview with the teacher in which she officers of SkillsUSA. Frederick will distribute at least one DVD to described how the slant board would be According to the prospective students, their parents, high used and aspects of the design that were SkillsUSA Fact Sheet (www.skillsusa. school counselors, or technical teachers.” important. The process that followed org/about/factsheet.shtml) more than Copies of the free DVD, which are included competitive product analysis, 285,000 students and instructors being used primarily as a recruitment definition of product requirements, search join SkillsUSA annually. The annual tool, are available by e-mailing the and selection of hardware, selection of the conference is the single largest College of Technology at tech@pittstate. materials and the processes to be used, conference event hosted by Kansas City edu or calling 620-235-4365. computer design, tool fabrication and, each year. finally, the actual manufacture of the Frederick is the president of PSU Wood Technology students product. SkillsUSA. The adviser is Ron Downing. benefit from high-tech gift The students actually created four More than 4,500 outstanding career The Michael Weinig Group of prototypes using different materials and technical education students–all Mooresville, N.C., has installed a major that they delivered to Clearwater Creek state contest winners–competed in 87 piece of new equipment at PSU that will Elementary School in March. From those trade, technical and leadership fields. allow students to train on equipment that four, the teachers who would be using is both literally and figurative “cutting- the slant boards selected one design from edge.” which Herring’s class manufactured a Transitions The company loaned the Wood number of units to donate to the class. FACULTY RETIREMENTS Technology program a new Raimann “It was a perfect project for the class,” Raymond A. Bachura, Graphics and ProfiRip KM 310 M Optimizing Rip Herring said. “The students were able Imaging Technologies Saw valued at more than $116,000. to take the product from concept to Tom Baldwin, College of Technology The new saw will give students hands- production in a very short time. It is a Clinton E. Carter, Automotive Technology on experience with equipment that is the condensed version of what takes place in T. “John” Chen, Technology Management future of the woodworking industry. the plastics industry on a daily basis.” John E. Leland, Engineering Technology The students in Herring’s class said

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 25 PSU ATHLETICS UPDATE

NCAA applauds Gorillas return to PSU-community Arrowhead bond The Gorillas return to Arrowhead To the thousands of fans who Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, tailgate in Gorilla Village Oct. 6, for the Fall Classic at Arrowhead before each home football VI. This annual showdown between game, the atmosphere that Pittsburg State and the Northwest permeates the community Missouri Bearcats is one of the is just something that highlights of the football seasons. happens on each home- Activities begin on Friday, Oct. 5, game Saturday. But visitors, with a PSU Gathering at Tanners Bar & Grill at 143rd and Old Metcalf in including the NCAA, GO GORILLAS– Overland Park, Kan. The Gathering recognize something special. Fans pack Gorilla Village before every starts at 2 p.m. and runs until closing. It is so special, according to the home football game. NCAA, that they are urging other On Saturday, GorillaFest, the pre- communities that are home to Division game tailgate party, begins at 11 a.m. death was followed within weeks with in the Pavilion adjacent to Arrowhead II football programs to emulate what the death of defensive lineman Sean happens in Pittsburg whenever the Stadium. Admission to GorillaFest is Kyle in a construction accident and by free. Live music will be provided and Gorillas play at home. the sudden death of Associate Athletics Last fall, the NCAA sent Dr. Rich food vendors will offer a wide variety of Director Tommy Riggs. tailgate food and drink. Luker, a nationally recognized sports Johnson, 80, was men’s basketball and leisure researcher, and a film crew to Kickoff for the Fall Classic will coach for 14 years. He was a member of be at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for Club PSU to document game-day activities. the PSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the The result is a video now posted on an Level, $20 for adults, $10 for PSU and National Association of Intercollegiate Northwest students and also for students NCAA Web site. In the film, which Athletics Hall of Fame. begins with breakfast at Bob’s Grill on high school age and under. Tickets are Kyle, a member of the 2006 football available at the PSU Ticket Office, 620- Broadway and ends with players tossing recruiting class, redshirted last year and footballs with youngsters on the field 235-4796, www.pittstate.edu/tickets was expected to compete for starting Stadium gates open at 11 a.m. Parking after the game, Luker offers insights to time this year. He was a standout other Division II universities on ways is $12. football player and wrestler at Edmond For more information, call the PSU they, too, can engage their communities. (Okla.) Memorial High School before In the video, Luker, surrounded by Office of Public Relations at 620-235- coming to PSU. Kyle reportedly fell 4122. area children, PSU football players, about 35 feet off some scaffolding while students and families, said the helping build a movie theater. environment has a lasting impact. Riggs, 32, died from an apparent Meredith the latest “It’s not just a one-time experience. heart attack, which he suffered on a PSU athlete to shine When it comes times for them to think family outing near Kansas City. Riggs, academically about school, when they think about BBA ’98, served PSU Athletics for 10 community, this is what they remember,” years, the past four as associate athletics The accolades just Luker said. director for marketing and promotions. keep piling up for Check out the video at http://www. He helped bring the Kansas Shrine Bowl PSU defensive end diicommunity.org/ to PSU in 2002 and 2006 and he played Ryan Meredith. a key role in recent expansion projects. A 2006 national Athletics loses three He recently had been appointed to serve finalist for the Draddy Trophy (the loyal friends as a member of the NCAA Division II National Football Committee. He also academic version of Pitt State Athletics suffered a lot of served on the executive committee of the Heisman), Meredith was named the losses over the summer. Longtime coach the National Association of Athletic MIAA’s male student-athlete of the year. Bob Johnson died in early June. His Development Directors. Meredith, from Bartlesville, Okla.,

26 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Positive trends In recent years, trends in enrollment, fund-raising and scholarship awards at Pittsburg State University earned all-conference recognition have all been positive. at defensive end for four years and As the accompanying graphs illustrate, enrollment has grown graduated Summa Cum Laude in steadily over the past decade. At the same time, cash and in- December with a 3.915 cumulative grade kind gifts to the university have increased each of the past five point average as a management major. years. These gifts have allowed the PSU Foundation to increase In July, Meredith finished sixth scholarship awards to deserving students. In fiscal year 2006, the in balloting by the College Sports PSU Foundation was able to provide more than $1.9 million in Information Directors of America scholarship aid to deserving students. (CoSIDA) for the 2006-07 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Americas of the Year. Additionally, he is a National Football Foundation Scholar- Athlete, which is good for an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. Meredith is the fifth Pittsburg State student-athlete to win the award and he follows in a long line of PSU athletes who have been recognized for their academic success. In fact, Pitt State ranks second among all Division II schools in the production of CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.

2007 Gorilla Football Schedule AUGUST 25...... vs. Texas A&M-Commerce, 1:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 1...... vs. East Central Okla. 7 p.m. (Hall of Fame) .

15...... at Mo. Southern, Joplin, Mo., 6 p.m. (Miner’s Bowl X) . 22...... vs. Mo. Western, 2 p.m. (Family Day) . 29 ... at Central Mo., Warrensburg, 1:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 6...... vs. Northwest Mo. at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, 2 p.m. (The Fall Classic at Arrowhead VI) . 13 .....at Truman State, Kirksville, Mo. 2 p.m. .

20...... at SW Baptist, Bolivar, Mo.,1:30 p.m. . 27.... vs. Fort Hays State, 2 p.m. (Homecoming)

NOVEMBER 3...... at Washburn, Topeka, Kan., 1 p.m. .

10...... vs. Emporia State, 2 p.m.

Dates in bold are home games

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 27 28 PITT STATE FALL 2007 PSU ALUMNI NEWS

December 2006 Honorees Alumni honored for lifetime achievement Pittsburg State honored six alumni for their lifetime achievements at commencement ceremonies held last December and May. The PSU Alumni Association established the Meritorious Achievement Award in 1958. It is the highest award based on career achievement presented by the Alumni Association. Candidates for the award David Pierce Samuel Steele, Jr. Richard Stilwell must have demonstrated substantial professional growth and advancement May 2007 Honorees over an extended period of time. The candidate’s activities, including participation and leadership in civic and professional organizations at the local, state, and national levels, are also considered by the awards committee in selecting the recipients. The honorees in December 2006 were David Pierce (BA ’74), a professor of law at the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka; Samuel Steele, Jr. (BS ’61, MS ’62), a physician practicing urology in western North Bob Gaddy Collis Geren Kenny Kunstel Carolina; and Richard Stilwell (BSBA ’70), the president and founding PSU grad shareholder of Insight Management is full of characters, a plot, and a theme. Consultants in Prairie Village, Kan. is Kansas That is what I try to do – bring my The honorees in May 2007 were History stories to life whether by role playing in Bob Gaddy (BSBA ’63), chairman and Teacher of the classroom or through literacy books that I read to my students.” CEO of Gaddy Investment Co.; Collis the Year Shaffer’s efforts to integrate history Geren (MS ’72), a professor, dean of Deborah Shaffer into other curriculum areas she teaches Graduate Studies and vice provost for is a storyteller. helped win her distinction, according to research at the University Arkansas; She is also Glenn Wiebe, social studies curriculum and Kenny Kunstel (BA ’65, MS ’67), the Kansas consultant at the Educational Services the business development manager for History Teacher of the Year. Shaffer, and Staff Development Association of all Boeing Army programs and related who teaches fifth grade at Guthridge Central Kansas. activities in the Virginia Tidewater Elementary School in Parsons, received Shaffer earned her elementary area. the distinction recently from the Gilder education certification and master’s Lehrman Institute of American History degree in history from Pittsburg State and Preserve America. University. She was a participant “I do believe that history is a story, and in eHIKES (Enhancing History that I, as the teacher, am the storyteller,” Instruction for Kansas Educators and Shaffer said. “As with any good story, it Students).

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 29 PSU ALUMNI NEWS

Your alumni connections PSU honors alumni Center construction project in Salt Lake Two alumnae at Homecoming City, Utah; Donna L. Dutcher, a Pro Se with close ties to Pitt state recognized five alumni during Law Clerk, working with the magistrate Pittsburg State are PSU Homecoming activities last fall for judges of the United States District Court now leading Alumni their professional and civic achievements. in the Central District of California; and Constituent The Outstanding Alumni for 2006 are: Michael Paul Zafuta, an orthopedic Relations. Robert Dale Gardner, a senior engineer surgeon working in private practice in Johnna Pesavento at Raytheon Aircraft Corporation in Pittsburg; and Jeffrey J. Quirin, an Schremmer, BSBA Wichita; Fredrick Lewis Strasser, associate professor for the School of Schremmer 02, MBA ’03; director for the Intermountain Medical Accountancy at Wichita State University. became director last December and Whitney Plowman, BS ’05, MA ’07; was named assistant director this spring. “We have a lot of great new things planned for this year Plowman and I look forward to meeting and getting to know alumni and their families as the year goes on,” Schremmer said. If you are interested in alumni events on campus or in your area, contact the Office of Alumni and Constituent PSU Alumni Association President Jody Billiard and 2006 Outstanding Alumni: Relations at 620-235-4758 or visit their Robert Dale Gardner, Fredrick Lewis Strasser, Donna L. Dutcher, Michael Paul Web site at http://www.pittstate.edu/ Zafuta, and Jeffrey J. Quirin. a lum /.

Distinguished service honorees Three alumni were also honored at the traditional Apple Day Convocation in March with the Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service Award. The honorees were C. Ray Baird, Richard L. Chitty and Mattye Shaw Foxx. Baird is a retired PSU vice president who served the university from 1947 until 1986. Chitty (BST ’67) is a retired executive from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Foxx (BS ’69) is a retired social worker.

TO LEARN HOW TO NOMINATE A PSU ALUMNUS for the Meritorious Achievement, Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumnus or Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service awards, visit the PSU Alumni Web site at http://www.pittstate.edu/alum/ and 2007 Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service Award recipients: click on the “Awards and Recognition” link or call Richard L. Chitty, Mattye Shaw Foxx and C. Ray Baird. 620-235-4758.

30 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Submit class notes information online: [email protected] CLASS NOTES

County. In addition to his medical assistant superintendent for Royal Valley 1950s practice, Evans has been traveling USD 337. Carl Otto, BS ’50, MS ’57, has to Jamaica on an annual basis to do published six books since he retired in missionary work. Navy Reserve Senior Chief Petty 1989, after a long career in Missouri Officer Clifford D. McQuillen Jr., and Kansas as a teacher, coach and Maybelle Circle, BME ’66, MM ’71, BS ’72, MS ’74, has been decorated superintendent. Otto, now of Pittsburg, was inducted into the Kansas Teachers with the Army Commendation has written about his childhood and his Hall of Fame in Dodge City this Medal for participating in Operation experience serving in World War II. summer. Circle is a music teacher in Iraqi Freedom. McQuillen is an the Marysville Elementary School. She administrative officer with 23 years of was named a Master Teacher by the military service. 1960s Marysville Education Association in Frank Elliott, BS ’62, retired from the 2005 in additional to many other honors Glenda Holmes, BS ’73, received the Osawatomie school district after serving during her career. “Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare for 42 years in a variety of roles including Award” presented by the University of teacher and counselor. He also had a Bob Jones, BS ’69, is the administrator Kansas School of Nursing. Holmes, tremendous impact in raising money for at Riverview Estates Nursing Home in of Riley, Kan., was nominated for the scholarships. In his most recent role with Marquette, Kan. Jones had 38 years of award by a former lung cancer patient the district, he spearheaded fund-raising experience in healthcare in Kansas prior from Manhattan, Kan., who described efforts that resulted in the scholarship to joining Riverview this year. her as “a truly remarkable nurse.” endowment increasing to more than $1 million. Chuck Seilnacht, BS ’73, is the director 1970s of Furniture Galleries Excellence, Robert “Steve” Locke, BS ’65, chairman Steve O’Hair, BS ’71, is the coordinator a system to drive consistency and and CEO of First State Bank in Junction of Student Success at Cowley County operational excellence for the La-Z- City, Kan., served as the chairman of the Community College. He was a teacher, Boy Galleries furniture store network. of the Kansas Bankers Association for counselor and coach at the high school Prior to joining La-Z-Boy, Seilnacht, of 2006-2007. level for 35 years before assuming his Dearborn, Mich., was with Ford Motor current position with Cowley. Company for 20 years focusing on retail Dr. Larry Evans, BS ’65, an oral performance improvement. surgeon for 35 years, closed his Jim Karleskint, BS ’72, MS ’73, is the Wyandotte County office last fall. He superintendent of schools for Holton David Alan Shinn, MS ’73, still maintains a practice in Leavenworth USD 336. He previously served as was recognized by Allen County s F ction n, OOTBA attra Fu LL, Free When was the last time you had an affordable weekend getaway?

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FALL 2007 PITT STATE 31 CLASS NOTES Submit class notes information online: [email protected]

Former student becomes president of Crowder College After having served Crowder College for more that 20 years, PSU alumnus Alan Marble has been named president of the growing school. Marble attended Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., in 1973. Marble went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern in Joplin, Mo., in 1979, a master’s degree in psychology from PSU in 1988, and recently earned his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Marble returned to Crowder, where over the next 20 years, he held a variety of positions including dean of business and support services. He was appointed Crowder’s interim president in 2006. In 2007, following a national search, the college’s board of trustee removed the interim from his title and named him president stating in news release that Marble was “a product of the very culture he is now called upon to honor and promote.” In recent years, the college has experienced significant enrollment growth. Last spring’s enrollment stood at 2,410 full-time and part- time students. Marble is charged with preserving the culture of the institution, “one of serving and caring for people,’ while at the same time keeping pace with the enrollment growth.

Community College as the 2007 Thomas V. Murry, BS ’74, MS ’75, Distinguished Alumnus. Shinn is a has been in the insurance business 30 teacher of mathematics at Uniontown years. He is president of ICI Insurance High School. As the distinguished Center serving south central Kansas. alumnus, Shinn presented the Murry served as president of the Kansas commencement address at the spring Association of Insurance Agents in 2001. 2007 ACCC commencement exercises. Wendy Scheidt, BS ’74, is director of John Farris, BS ’74, is the president the Leavenworth Main Street Program. of Boss Tank, Oswego, Kan., a Scheidt has experience in small business manufacturer of field-erected tanks administration and historic preservation, and silos for both dry bulk and liquid as well as grant writing and grant industrial storage. Farris has more coordination. than 30 years experience in the storage industry. Most recently he was president Jeffery L. Martin,M.D., BS ’75, is of All State Tank Manufacturing in the director of primary care services Grove, Okla. for Providence Medical Center, Kansas

32 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Submit class notes information online: [email protected] CLASS NOTES

City, Kan., and St. John Hospital, Sonoco headquarters are in Hartsville, Worldwide, L&H has 2,900 employees Leavenworth. He is responsible for South Carolina. and sales in excess of $450 million. Prior managing the hospitals’ current primary to joining L&R, Hall worked for Smith care practices and developing new Mark A. Ward, BA ’78, is a Sixth Orthopedics and Payless ShoeSource. practices. He is board certified in family District Court Judge serving the Kansas practice. counties of Miami, Linn and Bourbon. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Ward 1980s John Purvis, MS ’76, is the principal of who has 25 years of legal experience, James Presley, BS ’80, MS ’81, was Rose Hill, Kan., High School. Purvis having been in private practice and named 2007 Teacher of the Year by his has been in education for 35 years, having served as general counsel to the USD 286 colleagues. Presley teaches with 26 years in administration. He Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. high school English and serves as has served students in Altamont, Belle assistant softball coach in Sedan, Kan. Plaine, Clay Center and Augusta prior to Mike Good, BS ’79, received an his position at Rose Hill. Excellence in Education Award from Steve Hull, BS ’80, has been named vice Labette County USD 506 this spring. president and manager of commercial Roger P. Schrum, BS ’77, is the vice He serves as the technology coordinator banking for Bank of the West in president for investor relations and for USD 506. Wichita. He is responsible for the bank’s corporate affairs for Sonoco. He joined commercial lending business in Wichita Sonoco in 2005 with more than 20 years Michael Hall, BS ’79, is president and western Kansas. Prior to his new in business communications and investor of the U.S. subsidiary of Lohman position, Hull was a franchisee in Las relations experience. Sonoco is a $3.5 and Rauscher International, a world Vegas for Dealer Specialties, a data million global manufacturer of industrial leader in medical products, which has collection service for car dealers. and consumer packaging products. its North American base in Topeka.

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FALL 2007 PITT STATE 33 34 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Submit class notes information online: [email protected] CLASS NOTES

the school district with 19 years of PSU alumnus first teaching experience, having taught in American on Toyota’s Axtell and Holcomb. He and his family Board of Directors live in Osawatomie, Kan. This year, automaker Toyota, for the Mark Braun, BA ’83, was appointed first time in its 72-year history, named by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as judge of the 3rd Judicial District, which serves an American to its board of directors. Shawnee County. Braun had most That American, James Press, is a 1968 recently been the associate general graduate of Pittsburg State with a counsel for the Kansas Securities bachelor’s degree in management and Commissioner. marketing. Kim Benedict, BS ’83, is the publisher As president of Toyota Motor of The Daily Ardmoreite in Ardmore, North America, Inc., Press, 60, has Okla. Benedict had served as publisher been overseeing the automaker’s rapid of the Hillsdale (Mich.) Daily News. growth in this country. Press joined She has more than two decades of Toyota in 1970 after two years at Ford Motor Co. The year Press joined experience in the newspaper industry. Toyota, the Japanese automaker sold just over 200,000 cars in the U.S. Melinda Owens, BS ’84, was presented Last year, Toyota moved into the top three in U.S. car sales. a 20-year-service pin by the Stafford In national news reports, Press has been described as “one of the most District Hospital. Owens, of Stafford, influential car guys in the U.S.” Kan., is a registered nurse. A June 2005 Los Angeles Times article credited Press with helping Randy Sloan, BS ’84, is the chief Toyota become the leading import brand in the U.S. He is credited with information officer for PepsiCo Europe. Toyota’s successful introduction of the Prius, a hybrid vehicle, into the Previously he served as the vice president American market. of enterprise systems development for Press was born in Pasadena, Calif., but moved to Prairie Village, Kan., Pepsi Business Solutions Groups. Sloan with his family when he was 7. A USA Today news article described his has been with PepsiCo for more than 20 years. Sloan is based in Geneva, many hobbies, including competing in triathlons, competitive swimming, Switzerland. motorcycling, boating, and flying – he has a commercial pilot’s license. Press was awarded PSU’s Alumni Meritorious Achievement Award in Janet A. Graham, BS ’86, is the owner 1995. of Janet A. Graham Public Accountant, Inc. in Columbus, Kan. She opened the business in 1990.

Marcia McIntire, BS ’80, was named and a foster parent. The magazine is Kris Kehl, BS ’86, MS ’06, is the Winfield USD 465’s Master Teacher. sent to more than 1.2 million Rotarians activities director for Wellsville, Kan., She is a Success for All facilitator, worldwide each month. schools. He previously was the principal head teacher and testing coordinator at and football coach at Jayhawk-Linn Winfield Intermediate School. Brian Vaughn, Cert. ’81, opened MC High School in Mound City and Auto just outside Mound City, Kan. has previously taught and coached in Mark Ogle, BA ’81, was featured in He has 26 years of experience in auto Missouri and Louisburg, Kan. the January 2007 issue of The Rotarian mechanics. He is ASC master certified. Magazine in the segment “10 questions Dennis Blochlinger, BA, BS ’87, with a Rotarian.” Ogle, a member of Clint Bailey, BS ’83, teaches science is teaching the Liberty (Mo.) High the Claremore, Okla. Rotary Club, is a and is the head football coach at School’s first ever introduction to manager for the American Red Cross Osawatomie High School. He joined engineering design class using the

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 35 CLASS NOTES Submit class notes information online: [email protected]

Jill Soper, BS ’88, received the PSU alumnus assumes FSCC presidency Excellence In Nursing Award in Community/Home Care Nursing at the Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Community Freeman Excellence in Nursing Gala College have a number of collaborative held in Joplin, Mo. Soper is the clinical efforts in place including a Qualified supervisor of Freeman Home Care Services. Admissions program, the John Deere program and the Harley Davidson program. Even though FSCC faculty and 1990s staff welcomed a new president to their Kimberly Clark, BS ’90, is the campus this summer, they won’t have to executive director of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas with spend a lot of time educating their new headquarters in Pittsburg. Clark leader about their higher education partner previously served the foundation to the south. as director of development and Dr. Clayton Tatro, FSCC’s new programming. Clark is a graduate of president, earned two degrees in the National Planned Giving Institute at the College of William and Mary in psychology at Pittsburg State: a bachelor’s degree in 1994, and a master’s Williamsburg, Virginia. degree in 1995. He also earned a doctorate in community college leadership at Colorado State University. Tatro was involved in numerous Roger Denton, MS ’90, is the city campus activities during his time at Pitt State. planner for Leavenworth, Kan. He Tatro is taking over the reigns of FSCC at a time when the college previously was the director of public works for the city of Atchison. is offering more programs than ever and is experiencing growth. He is taking over the presidency from Jim Miesner who retired in July after John Scoggins, BS ’90, has been leading the college for four years. named the Wamego USD 320 head A Glasco, Kan., native, Tatro most recently served as dean of learning football coach and mathematics teacher. services and chief academic officer at Garden City Community College. Scoggins has previously taught or coached in McAlester, Okla.; Seaman In announcing his appointment, the college’s trustees described (Topeka), Emporia, and Effingham. Tatro as enthusiastic and “very well educated,” and as “bringing lot’s of experience to FSCC.” Timothy Lednicky, BS ’90, was named the 2006 state Teacher of the Year from the Kansas Association of Career and Autodesk Inventor software program. Cynthia Isaac Harris, BSN ’88, Technical Education. Lednicky is an Blochlinger, who has been a teacher received the Honor for Excellence associate professor of railroad welding at for 18 years, says he has never seen his Award from St. Francis Health System Johnson County Community College in students so excited about learning since in Tulsa, Okla. Harris, a native of Overland Park, Kan. he began using the Autodesk software Iola, is a registered nurse and clinical program. instructor in labor and delivery. John Curran, BA ’97, is the internal auditor for the city of Olathe, Kan. He James Rubow, BBA ’88, is advertising previously served as senior performance Submit your class notes director for The Chanute Tribune. auditor with the Kansas Legislative information online: Rubow, a Chanute native, has extensive Post Audit in Topeka and as an auditor background in sales support, annuity project manager with Sprint Nextel. [email protected] administration and management. He is a certified internal auditor (CIA) as well as government auditing professional.

36 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Submit class notes information online: [email protected] CLASS NOTES

Lindell Franz, MS ’91, is the principal worked for Sprint Corporation and Koch for A. Zahner Company, an architectural at the Andale, Kan., Grade School. Pipeline Company. metals company in Kansas City, Mo. Franz has spent the last 25 years in education, most recently serving in Michelle Traxson, BS ’94, received the Kyle Littrell, BS ’97, is the defensive Oxford. Excellence In Education Award for an football coach for Osawatomie High elementary teacher from Labette County School. He previously taught in Shawnee Kyra Reichardt, BSN ’93, MS ’01, USD 506. She teaches first grade at Mission and Drexel. received the Excellence in Nursing Edna Grade School and serves as Gen- Award for Advanced Practice RN/ Y coordinator, Pathways coordinator, Wade Gerstner, BA ’98, is the general CRNA at the Excellence in Nursing and assistant track coach. Also for the manager of KDNS and KSDY radio Gala held in Joplin, Mo. last spring. district, she serves on the professional stations in Glen Elder, Kan. He Reichardt is a nurse practitioner for Dr. development council and the science previously was the sports director for David Zuehlke and Dr. Robert Stauffer, curriculum committee. KMZA in Seneca, Mo. cardiologists for the Freeman Heart Institute. Justin Burchett, BS ’98, BS ’00, teaches Dawna Huhman, BS ’98, is an mathematics and is an assistant football Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Army Spec. Jason Jambrosic, BFA ’94, coach at Osawatomie High School, in at the South Hutchinson Kansas Medical graduated from basic combat training at USD 367. He lives in Osawatomie, Kan. Center. Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Jambrosic, of Kansas City, Kan., earned distinction as Brian Comstock, BBA ’96, is the chief Megan Reid, BS ’99, teaches eighth an honor graduate. financial officer at Citizens Bank of Fort grade at Royster Middle School in the Scott. Previously, Comstock, a CPA, was Chanute school district. She previously Steve E. Pegram, Ed.S. ’94, is serving vice president and chief financial officer taught in USD 232 in DeSoto. as the interim superintendent of Sante Fe Trail USD 434 schools. He was previously superintendent of Silver Lake USD 372. Pegram has also served as elementary school principal, high school principal and superintendent for the Cherryvale school district.

Matt Smith, BS ’94, is the wildlife • Pittsburg, KS 66762 biologist at Wilson State Park which • www.pittstate.edu • 302 E. Cleveland St. serves the Kansas counties of Lincoln, the official Pittsburg State 620-231-1930 University Bookstore Ellsworth, Russell and Saline .He also Overman Student Center serves as the area biologist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service in Hays, Kan. He previously served as a biologist technician for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in Dodge City.

Joseph D. Harris, BS ’95, MBA ’96, was appointed director of business development - residential furnishings for Leggett and Platt with corporate headquarters in Carthage, Mo. Since 1999, Harris has evaluated more 150 acquisitions with combined revenues in excess of $4.5 billion for Leggett and Platt. Prior to joining Leggett, Joe

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 37 CLASS NOTES Submit class notes information online: [email protected]

emphasizes staff collaboration to increase Jones and Kelly as an associate attorney. 2000s student learning, Burke will practice principally in the Brenda Berry, MS ’00, is the family areas of domestic and civil litigation. and consumer sciences teacher in the Wes Streeter, BS ’03, MS ’06, teaches Anthony, Kan., school district. Berry, technology at Royster Middle School in Elizabeth Crooks, BS ’04, is teaching of Norwich, Kan., has taught for more the Chanute school district. basic and advanced automotive classes than 20 years, having previously taught at Junction City High School. Crooks in Cheney and Norwich. Maggie Wolken, BS ’03, is a worked as a Firestone technician for kindergarten teacher at Lincoln eight years before being moving into the Sarah McCoy, BS ’01, MS ’03, is Kindergarten Center in the Chanute, classroom. Crooks is currently working a biological sciences instructor at Kan., school district. She previously on a master’s degree in technology Neosho County Community College taught fourth grade in Humboldt. education. in Chanute, Kan. While working on her master’s degree at Pitt State, Christopher Woods, BS ’03, was named Jason DeLong, BS ’04, is the 2007 McCoy served as the Nature Reach the 2006 Officer of the Year for the Outstanding New Teacher for the program director and served as a biology Pittsburg Police Department. Independence, Kan., school district. instructor. DeLong is in his second year of teaching Allison Bauer, BS ’04, is the managing fifth graders at Washington School. Mark Schremmer, BA ’01, MS ’01, editor of the Humboldt Union has joined the Topeka Capital Journal newspaper in Humboldt, Kan. She Taylor Ferraro, BBA ’04, is the assistant as copy editor and page designer. previously worked at The Iola Register. to the president of Heartland Bank in Schremmer was formerly with the Kansas City. Her work will focus on Morning Sun in Pittsburg for seven Brendan Burke, BS ’04, has joined the marketing and event planning. years. Salina law firm of Norton, Wasserman,

Amber Wheeler, BS ’01, MS ’05, is the principal of Anthony Elementary School in Anthony, Kan. She previously Family Day Fiesta 2007 taught in the Chanute school district. Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007 Grant Allison, BS ’02, has opened a computer repair business, M & Enjoy a day of fun for alumni, Computing Solutions, in Parsons. He friends, and kids (ages 4-13) taught at Labette County High School 9:00-9:30...... Registration for three years prior to opening his northeast corner of the Oval business. 9:00-noon... Free games on the Oval Kayleen French, BS ’02, MBA ’03, is 9:30-11:30...... Technology for Kids, cashier at the American Bank in Baxter Nature Reach & Planetarium Springs, Kan. 11:30-1:00...... Tailgate lunch and GorillaFest Hayley Marchant, BBA ’02, is the treasurer and controller for First 2:00...... PSU vs. Missouri Western Independence Corporation. She has been employed by First Federal since Registration deadline: 2002 as a staff accountant. Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 For more information and/or Rhonda Trimble, MS ’02, is the a listing of future family events: principal of Valley Heights elementary www.pittstate.edu/alum schools where she has implemented a Call 620-235-4763 or 877-PSU-ALUM professional learning system, which

38 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Submit class notes information online: [email protected] CLASS NOTES

Jeff Jordan, BS ’04, is the technical Nick Crooks, BS ’05, is an elementary teacher at Alcott Elementary School in director at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center physical education instructor in the Chanute school district. in Iola. He had been the assistant Pleasanton, Kan. technical director of Pittsburg’s Memorial Kimberly Speaks, BS ’00, MS ’06, is a Auditorium since 2001. Ashely Ausemus, BS ’06, is a first-grade member of the Galichia Medical Group’s teacher at Alcott Elementary School in the Fredonia office. Speaks, a family nurse Jennifer Kramer, MS ’04, is the principal Chanute school district. practitioner, will focus on family medicine of Earl M. Lawson Elementary School in and women’s health issues. She has Leavenworth, Kan. Debbie Baird, BS ’06, is a fourth-grade achieved certification in advanced cardiac teacher at Alcott Elementary School in life support, pediatric advanced life Max Bradbury, BS ’05, was honored as the Chanute, Kan., school district. Baird support, and trauma nursing core course. the Quality Teacher of the Month by previously taught at Buhler High School. Independence, Kan., USD 446. Bradbury Kristen Stotts, BS ’06, is the tourism joined the Independence school district in Theresa Barr, BS ’06, is the Family director for the Coffeyville Area Chamber the fall 2005 as a chemistry and physics and Consumer Sciences instructor of Commerce. teacher. In addition, he coaches the high at Pleasanton High School. Barr is a school Scholars Bowl Team, is the IHS longtime Mound City, Kan., resident. April Allen, BS ’06, is the Central Science Club sponsor, is the sophomore Heights junior high math teacher in class sponsor and coaches freshmen boys’ Leslie Jenkins, BS ’06, is a third-grade Franklin County, Kan. This is Allen’s first basketball. teacher at Trojan Elementary School teaching assignment. in Osawatomie USD 367. She lives in Toby Conrad, BS ’05, teaches sixth-grade Louisburg. Lu Ann Hargrove, BS ’06, is the Central science at Osawatomie, Kan., Middle Heights family and consumer sciences School. He lives in Mound City, Kan. Lisa Ruark, BS ’06, is a fourth-grade teacher.

FOND MEMORIES– Fifty years ago, the people in this photo were students climbing these marble stairs on their way to classes in Russ Hall. This past spring they gathered on these same stairs for a class snapshot during the Spring Reunion. For alumni, the regular reunions give them a chance to reconnect with old friends, visit some of their old haunts and see all of the changes that have occurred on campus. For information about planned reunions or an informal visit to campus, contact Alumni and Constituent Relations at 620-235-4758 or visit their Web site at http://www.pittstate. edu/alum/

FALL 2007 PITT STATE 39 THE LAST PAGE

Share your memories... Some of our favorite memories of our college days are associated with food and the restaurants and cafes where we would often hang out. What made it special? Maybe it was that perfect burger, the best fries in town or the cute waitress. We want to hear your favorite restaurant stories from your days at Pittsburg State. Send them to Ron Womble, Public Relations, 213 Russ Hall, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS 66762 or by e- mail to [email protected]. We’ll put together some of the best remembrances for the April issue. – Editor

Many alumni remember banquets in Chandler Hall.

From the archives... MASCOT ENCOUNTER – When LeRoy Simpson was going through some mementos of his college days recently, he came upon this photo, taken sometime in 1954. Simpson recalled Coach Carnie Smith getting a few of the guys together and making a quick trip to a site north of Pittsburg where a traveling circus was set up. Coach and players posed for a photo with a diminutive gorilla, which, Simpson recalled, was not part of the circus act, but was a pet belonging to one of the trainers. Those pictured, left to right: Frank Crispino, Simpson, Dale Bergsten, Carnie Smith, Burl Fowler and Bob Hill.

40 PITT STATE FALL 2007 Roger, wife Deana PSU Foundation Spotlight– and their daughter Roger Seuferling Emma Grace

When Roger Seuferling graduated from Louisburg, Kan. high school, he thought he would be heading west to be a KU Jayhawk. A better scholarship offer lured him south to Pittsburg State where he had a “phenomenal college experience.” The 1993 PSU Outstanding Senior Man says now he couldn’t imagine having gone anywhere else. distance from campus, Seuferling has remained supportive of As an undergraduate involved in the PSU Student the university. He makes annual gifts to the PSU Foundation, Foundation board, Seuferling learned what a difference private because he knows that every gift, no matter what size, makes a support made at the university. He is proud of the fact that he difference for today’s students. was personally involved in helping resurrect the PSU Senior Seuferling said he cherishes his ties to Pitt State and plans Class gift program. Just one example of the program’s impact to continue to support the university with annual gifts. And, – four senior class gifts helped fund construction of the PSU he’s ready to resume his volunteer efforts for PSU. His family’s Centennial Bell Tower. game room is decorated in Pitt State’s red and gold, ready for As a young professional right out of college living in a Gorilla Gathering for fellow PSU alumni living in the great Wichita, Seuferling remained involved with Pitt State, serving northwest. as a phonathon volunteer and an officer of the area alumni chapter. A career advancement as a controller for Enterprise- Rent-A-Car required that he relocate to northwest Oregon. PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY That distance from campus has limited his volunteer activities for PSU. But even with a growing family and significant FOUNDATION 401 East Ford Avenue • Pittsburg, KS 66762 • 620/235-4768 NONPROFIT Pittsburg State University U.S. Postage 1701 S. Broadway PAID Pittsburg State Pittsburg, KS 66762-7500 University

“The Jungle”…your online alumni community and directory “The Jungle” is a free, secure, password-protected community that allows Gorillas to keep in touch and stay connected. Visit “The Jungle” at www.pittstatealumni.com. Contact the office for log-in instructions and ID. • Create your own profile page • Post class notes and pictures www.pittstate.edu/alum • Get a free email account • Register and pay for alumni events Get • Find out about upcoming campus and alumni events involved • Find classmates and friends across the nation • Create group pages • Chat live online

Gorilla Gatherings across the nation with PSU!The BEST Join other alumni and friends in your area to hear plate in the updates about the University, visit and network with classmates, enjoy a sporting event, see a theatre show, state picnic with your family, or to enjoy other fun events Did you know that get Gorillas together! anyone with a Kansas tag can get a Gorilla License Plate and that you can switch your Serving your needs through programming and services such as... plates at any time Gorilla Gatherings, Reunions, Homecoming, Family Events, Student Programming, of the year? With Gorilla License Plates, Legacy Student Scholarships, The Jungle, Alumni Awards, Travel, only a low $30 and SO MUCH MORE! annual royalty fee, you can add the For more information, contact: official PSU plate PSU Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations to your vehicle and Wilkinson Alumni Center 401 East Ford Avenue Pittsburg, KS 66762 support student Phone: 620-235-4758 or 877-PSU-ALUM scholarships. Email: [email protected] You’re in good company! good in You’re